Fennel pesto and cucumber wraps make refreshing snacks or delicious tea party side dishes. Today, however I am enjoying these wraps as a quick lunch. The abundance of fennel fronds in the herb garden will help me out on this tasty tidbit. Since I also keep walnuts and a block of Romano cheese on hand, I’m all set to blend this yumminess together.

Here is what you’ll need for these Fennel Pesto & Cucumber Wraps

• One Seedless Organic Cucumber Sliced
• 1 Cup of Organic Greens
• 1 Tablespoon of Fresh Fennel Pesto
• 2 Fresh made Tortilla Wraps (See recipe in the link below)

Fennel Pesto

• 2 Cups Fennel Fronds removed from the stems
• 2 Tablespoons of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/3 Cup of Walnuts
• 1/3 Cup Shredded Romano Cheese
• 1 Lemon, juiced
• 1/4 Tsp. of Salt
• 1/4 Tsp. Pepper

  Blend all the ingredients in a bullet and serve with either Tortilla Recipe pictured below!

The Lens of The World

Friend, is there an area of your life where you want to see some changes? It could be in a relationship, a habit, or a pattern of behavior you’d like to see with a fresh set of eyes.

I sure do!

In a bible study, I recently learned the lens I look through varies with each situation I’m experiencing. Can you relate?

For example, when Elijah was on Mt Carmel, God empowered him with confidence as fire fell from heaven and consumed the burnt offering. Yet, this proof of God’s power was not enough to keep him from running scared from his enemy, Jezebel. When she threatened to kill him, he fearfully fled to the wilderness (1 Kings 18:38, 1 Kings 19:1-3). Elijah is looking through the lens of a temporary situation instead of eternity or God’s purpose for him here on earth.

I wonder how many people respond to threats to their lives in a similar fashion. When I hear propaganda regarding medical issues, I look at the data through the lens of four years of nursing school. A solid background of disease processes and God’s design for immunity helps me make an informed decision. Although, I still must respond with gentle conviction to those who are convinced otherwise and live in fear.

The Lens of Relationship

However, in relationships I want to see grow, hold tightly to, and pray for solidarity, I sense distance. What is happening here?  Why do I make it about me and not see how the other person feels?  If I am looking through the lens of a mother, I still want to fix things that hurt my children. And if I’m looking through a wifely lens, I want to feel loved and listened to by my husband.

When they are no longer children, conflict arises because they don’t want their mom to fix their problems. They want her to listen without judgment.

I know, the first response is: “I don’t’ do that!” Let me assure you; I don’t feel like I judge mine either! Although a wise aunt I cried out to in a moment of despair reminded me, “Your whole life is before them as an example. When you live according to God’s word and not according to the flesh, your very actions and way of life make them feel judged.”

Not only that, my husband wants peace to think through his day when he walks in the door, not my onslaught of emotions.

A Change in Perspective

So, a change in perspective is imperative to strengthening these relationships. May the fruit of God’s Spirit override years of insecurity and allow me to respond with grace, love, peace, gentleness, and kindness amid these emotions.

I must be honest with you in these moments; it takes the power of the Holy Spirit to respond this way.

I will stuff my hurt feelings down for years to keep the peace in my family. Yet, it will always simmer below the surface in callous remarks or self-pity. My past brokenness is more likely to burst forth and rear its ugly head when I’m feeling unloved. The thought of people I’ve poured my whole life into not returning my devotion shatters me emotionally. I’ll either respond with anger or withdraw contact.

Even Elijah’s faith was challenged as he poured his whole life into reminding Israel who God is.  He didn’t just remind them of His goodness, mercy, and love but to be aware of God’s judgment. The prophet also urged them to turn from false idols and Baal worship. He didn’t just say what he believed; he lived it. The price is their eternal souls. Yet, exhaustion, lack of nourishment, and remorse for not successfully restoring the relationship of their leader with God left him feeling defeated. 

I am encouraged to hold fast to God and trust Him to bring my relationships through this refining process just as He did with Elijah. When Elijah sat down under the broom tree and begged God to take his life, “for I’m no better than my fathers,” I sense the enemy’s presence to discourage him and cut his mission short. In the same way, he often pains me in my response to my husband and children.

But God! Look what God does in response!

“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, “Get up and eat.” Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord returned for a second time and touched him. He said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.”

Biblegateway.com

The Lens of Scripture

The gentle care of Elijah at his lowest moment is so empowering today because I know God cares for you and me the same way. He sees the hearts of the people we long to reach in a much more profound manner than we do. God understands their pain, heartache, fears, anger, and uncertainty much more clearly. Not only that, he allows trials to take place in our relationships so both of us can draw closer to Him.

Please reach out to Jesus today in the area of change you’d like to see in your life. Here are the five steps I took this week to turn the tide of my despair into a change in perspective:

1. Pray and Confess to God my out-of-control emotions
2. Message and Ask 3 Trusted Sisters to Pray for Me
3. Message the person feeling hurt by me and apologize.
4. Let go and trust God to heal, in His timing, what I cannot.
5. Love people gently, unconditionally, and faithfully, despite how I perceive them treating me.

I admit this week has been rough, and I can’t say I handled it well. But I can say it was authentic. For a person who cries once or twice a year, it was a blessing to see a fresh area of faith in Jesus give me the power to change. By identifying the lens, I look through (past experience, past hurt, stuffing emotions, anger, and rejection), I can see where the enemy tries to threaten me and my relationships.

His ulterior motive is to drive a wedge between God and me, in addition to the people I love.

Sister, if I did not reach out to others and stay rooted in God’s word daily, Satan would have won!

However, the Spirit of the Lord was upon me; he quieted my longing for death and isolation and gave me life and the warmth of his presence. Flashes of His promises came to me in the form of scriptures I’d memorized. The words of my trusted sisters’ encouragement also gave me a calm resolve. I can trust God and His timing and I felt their prayers begin to break apart the ominous cloud over my soul as it began to dwindle.

Moreover, stepping out to make things right with the one feeling wronged the next day helped me appreciate their view of our relationship. It is far from perfect, but loving people well is a start to lasting change in perspective.

Thank you for joining me today, I hope to encourage you body and soul, so click the posts below for nourishing recipes or posts!

Our entire family loves broccoli! The bigger, the better. Since the dark cherries are slightly tart and sweet, I wanted to combine them with the broccoli for a broccoli and cherry salad. This crop of broccoli is much more impressive than the last two year’s crop.

I decided at the end of February to dig some fresh compost to fill our boxed bed before planting the broccoli. Since the tree line to the right of our property has been the dumping ground of all grass clippings, old trees, leaves, and vegetables rinds for the past twenty-five years, it seemed like a good place to find multiple nutrients.

Leave it to God to use time and His creation to decompose one source of vegetation to nourish and help another grow! He never ceases to amaze me. The broccoli seedlings were planted in late March and survived temperatures as low as 21 degrees! We covered them with a sheet and hoped for the best! You can see below, with a little tender loving care and resilience these plants thrived!

Much like the covering of theses plants in the frigid air, my heart needs God’s covering to protect it too. Especially when there are some tough moments when I feel some coldness from others. I admit my part in this, ask forgiveness, and cry out to God to heal the relationship. It is all I can do.

Do you know what happens? He holds me through the cold. I feel the warmth of his love envelop me and protect my heart just like that sheet protected my plants that freezing April morning.

My heart recoils within me my compassion grows warm and tender.

Hosea 11:8b

We can enjoy what He puts in the garden and savor the nourishment for our souls in His Word.

God Bless you as you partake of both today!

It is always fun to use fresh herbs to make an old favorite more appealing and flavorful. So, I picked a few oregano leaves to create a fresh oregano chicken and zucchini dish. As with any herb, applying them at the end or after cooking allows them to retain their nutritional benefits. For instance, adding fresh oregano to this dish adds antioxidants like thymol, carvacrol, limonene, terpinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. It’s loaded!

Oregano Benefits

Why are these antioxidants so important? They help reduce cancer cell growth, are used to combat diabetes, they have anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as antibacterial properties. God knew long before he created mankind the diseases he would face and how well his plant creations will help with healing.

This boatful perennial herb is easy to grow, too! All we have to do is plant it and watch it come back year after year.

If that’s not exciting enough, just imagine the flavor. It is peppery an pungent right off the stem, but mellows to a superbly tasty enhancement just wilted in this chicken dish. So, get ready for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal!

Fresh Oregano Chicken & Zucchini

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Cups Precooked Chicken (Baked and sliced or Rotisserie Shredded)
• 1 Medium Organic Zucchini Chopped
• 1 Thinly sliced Carrot
• 1/2 Thin Sliced Onion
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Chopped Oregano (No stems)
• 2 Tbsp. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/2 Tsp. pepper

Heat your skillet to medium heat, add the oil then the onions, carrots, and zucchini. Add the onion powder and pepper to the vegetables sauté until just tender, about 10 min. I do not add salt to this dish because the rotisserie chicken I used for this was well seasoned and all I had to do was add it to the skillet to warm when the vegetables were cooked. The last minute I added the fresh cut oregano. It is Yummy!

I hope you enjoy what God puts in the garden near you, whether it is in your local grocery store or farmer’s market. While His garden is pleasing your belly, let HIs word freshen your soul:

He put a new song in my mouth,   a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,  and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

Psalm 40:2-4 ESV – He drew me up from the pit of – Bible Gateway

We all have seasons of spiritual depression. They are swift, painful, and sometimes debilitating. There are times when my focus is on the “what if” rather than the “who can”. I feel it, I see it, and I know it can take over my thoughts if I don’t tune in to God’s voice.

As we finish week six of our Elijah study, we see how he also felt the impact of spiritual depression. Although he has the privilege of being God’s chosen instrument to prove God Almighty reigns over the entire earth and all inhabitants, he felt alone.

Take a moment to read 1 Kings 18:42-46 and 1 Kings 19 today and relish the highs and lows of obeying God the Father. May the deepness of God’s grace and compassion fill you and me in our season of spiritual depression as we tune in to God’s voice and realize we are not alone.

No sooner than the fire of God descended to consume the drenched offering on the altar, and the people said, Yahweh, He is God, did Elijah move into his next act of ministry. He did not rest, rejoice, or take nourishment. Instead, he bowed down to the ground and put his face between his knees to beg God to bring the long-awaited rain. Again, God delivers.

Elijah’s Example of Resting in God

Filled with the power of the LORD, Elijah tucks in his mantle and runs ahead of Ahab to Jezreel. Although physically filled with the power of God, one threat from his enemy zaps the energy out of him spiritually. Upon his arrival, Jezebel sends him the message; she wants him dead. He is overcome with fear and is on the run again. However, he leaves his servant to go into the wilderness alone. He says, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

Finally, after expressing his pain, fear, and fatigue to the Lord, Elijah lays down to sleep.

My friend, let the beauty of God’s warm arms wrap around you at this moment as you experience the angel touching Elijah and encouraging him to get up and eat. Can you hear the softness of his voice or feel the gentleness of his approach?

There at his head was a loaf of baked bread and a jug of water. Elijah eats and drinks, then rests some more. Again, the angel of the Lord returns to awaken Elijah and fill him with nourishment.

With renewed strength, Elijah heads to Mt Horeb, the mountain of God. It is here the word of the Lord comes to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (vs. 9b)

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Hosts, but the Israelites have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.” 1 Kings 19:10

Biblegateway.com

The Truth of God’s Word Drowns Out the Enemy’s Lies

As I see God’s presence in the whisper and go on to read his reply to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-18, I am struck by His frankness. He does not placate Elijah’s fear. God gives him the facts; Elijah will anoint two new kings and a new prophet. There will also be a remnant of 7,000 in Israel that do not bow to Baal.

In other words, Jezebel’s threats are empty and useless in the presence, provision, and protection of God. Moreover, those dedicated to God will turn to God. It is not on Elijah’s shoulders to bring a nation to repentance but to be faithful in witnessing to those within his influence.

Sister, this is encouraging to me as well. When I feel a burden for someone, I can rest knowing God sees and hears their pain. I am also available to listen. Although the distress of my family, friends, coworkers, and people within my influence is important; it is not in my power to fix.

Spiritual Depression Becomes a Distant Memory

I know they are facing illness, complicated relationships, or spiritual depression. Even though I feel at a loss as to how I can help, I can pray for them faithfully.

Studying God’s word to the best of my ability is also helpful in equipping us both to understand Him better. Together we can watch the Holy Spirit work through our obedience.

Meanwhile, all the “what if” fears like illness, death, depraved cultures and my nation’s future lie before God the Father. I see Him at work in my unknown. I feel Him moving through circumstances outside of my control. My friend, Elijah helps me understand how to lift prayers for rest in the comfort of God’s presence. We too can eat and drink of his compassion and provision in our lives as we trust him in our seasons of lost hope. I hope God’s voice tunes the volume of spiritual depression to a faint and distant memory.   

Bold Faith God’s Garden

I have to admit right off the bat, I never look for salad recipes. Therefore, I don’t expect anyone else to do that either. So, when a lady requested some salad recipes, I realized what I take for granted in my daily regimen is not the same for everyone. Therefore, if you are looking for a fresh take and full impact for staying full, you’re in the right place. Sustaining and easy salad ideas are here for your enjoyment!

Breakfast Salad and Eggs

Now, don’t be put off by the thought of salad first thing in the morning. It is delicious! The firs thing to do is get that image of iceberg lettuce out of your head and think about lucious spinach, arugula, and beet greens found in an organic 50/50 blend of greens.

The benefit is a good start to your day of magnesium, manganese, potassium, vitamin E, protein, and antioxidants to get you through your morning without feeling hungry or deprived. Here is how simple it is:

1. Gather 2 cups of salad greens on a plate or shallow bowl, sprinkle with some onion powder, drizzle a capful of organic extra virgin olive oil over it plus a capful of apple cider vinegar, and set aside.
2. Prepare two free range eggs according to your preference: soft, medium, hard cooked over 1 tsp of organic extra virgin olive oil. In the same skillet add 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds, until just toasted.
3. Place the eggs and seeds over your greens and enjoy!

Prebiotic and Probiotic Loaded Salad Fix

Another sustaining and easy salad idea comes from the same salad mix of 50/50 blend or this salad. It is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition: Here’s what you add:

1. 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
2. 1 cup finely chopped carrots
3. 1/2 cup cucumbers
4. 1/4 cup finely sliced beets
5. 1/4 cup each blueberries and blackberries
6. If you prefer you can add 3 ounces of your favorite meat (chicken breast, fish, steak) or 1/2 cup garbanzo beans.

For your dressing Mix 1/4 cup full fat plain Greek Yogurt with 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and a tablespoon of fresh parsley and lemon balm. It’s better with minced, juicy tablespoon of onion (but if you’re in a hurry use the onion powder).

God’s Word Sustains Us Too!

The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.

Psalm 41 ESV – O LORD, Be Gracious to Me – To the – Bible Gateway

The Lord does sustain us in our times of sickness and restores us to full health. Moreover, this is not just physical, but also spiritual and mental. I need Him to sustain me every day, His word provides the encouragement I need to overcome mental attacks and his garden provides all the nutrients to fight against environmental attacks.

Take advantage of these sustaining and easy salad ideas today, my friend, because what’s in God’s garden is so good!

Life’s Stress is Like a Wrecking Ball

I have the experience of witnessing the long-term results of anxiety and stress on precious sisters in Christ every week. The repeated activation of the stress response causes physical damage over time. Similarly, a picture of a wrecking ball swinging against a concrete building comes to mind in these strong women I love. Just as sharp, fast hits repeatedly strike to weaken the structure of a building, the natural stress response attacks their hearts.

The response to stress is a stimulation of hormones like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, preparing her to respond to a perceived threat. As a result her heart rate increases, her blood vessels constrict, blood pressure elevates, there is a release of insulin from the cells, and escalating lipids. A response of God-given hormones designed to help fight or fly away from the perceived threat.

In a genuine emergency, she needs this natural response. However, during everyday life, such as meeting deadlines or keeping pace with a demanding work schedule, the threat is more personal and frequent. It may come in the form of a micromanaging supervisor or tense moments of sustaining peak performance. My friend in the corporate world also adjusts hourly to the lack of resources available to accomplish outcomes in her 40–60-hour week.

Search Me God and Know My Anxious Thoughts

Not only does she face continual anxiety at work, but she also has the pressure of providing for her family. A burden to be alert financially, physically, and emotionally is persistent. Moreover, stressors that stimulate the same emergency response meant for prolonging life in the short term become fast, frequent hits multiple times a day, attacking and damaging her heart.

Her lifestyle is fast-paced, and her heart is pumping with all its ability to keep up with the continual demand. I can empathize with her anxious thoughts. However, I want her to know, God’s word has power over life’s wrecking ball. I imagine reading the Psalms; a lonely shepherd boy who became a King felt sharp, fast hits too. He wrote the most life-giving words of hope during his suffering as he turned his despair towards God.

David says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” There is no doubt David knew some stress. He, too, had an angry, demanding boss, multiple enemies, brothers who were jealous of him, and children who disrespected him.

David served King Saul faithfully despite his ridicule, and he trusted God to conquer Goliath. He was on the run and hiding in caves as his angry boss chased him with an army. The king’s son, Absalom, incited half of Israel against him and took over his palace. Yet, God’s presence and protection assured David, the multiple attempts to kill him would fail.  

God’s Word Has Power of Life’s Stressors

At the peak of his stress, he pours out his heart to God and remembers the Almighty’s promise in his distress. David says, “Lord, how my foes increase, there are many who attack me! But You, Lord, are a shield around me. His eyes are swollen from grief as he pleads for evildoers to depart. The assurance of being heard by the Lord is present in his plea for help. You see, he understands the value of examining his thoughts and emotions before God. Therefore, he sings how magnificent God’s name is (Psalm 3:1-3, 6:7-9, 7:9, 17, 8:1).

Although he fell into sin, repentance brought him freedom. Even though he turned a blind eye to his sons’ evil and hard feelings escalated into full-blown nationwide rebellion, he trusted God’s word to see him through.

Through his Psalms, David teaches us to hope in Him who sees all things and works them to our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).  Although Psalm 23 is a frequent chapter written for those who have passed, many who have walked in the shadow of a cardiac event can bear witness; its evil is real and the shadow of death foreboding.

Proof of Power Over the Enemy

The enemy is a life-threatening, chronic condition that requires vigilant attention while managing everyday stressors. My friend, take comfort in David’s words. He trusted God with all his heart on his road to recovery. May you also give Jesus your fears and anxiety as the power of God’s word deflects the wrecking ball of the stress response to your own heart.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. (Holman Christian Standard Bible, 2003)

Psalm 23 ESV – The LORD Is My Shepherd – A Psalm of – Bible Gateway

My thoughts on Pricilla Shirer’s Elijah Study for Week 4

As we enter week four of our Elijah study, we finally get to the climax of Elijah’s life, the battle of Mt Carmel. There is no battle when a false deity is up against God, but in their tiny minds, they think there is. He has survived the trickle of water in Cherith and the humbleness of being fed by ravens. Listening further to the command of God, he goes to the pagan widow of Zarephath for an extended stay. A place where the oil jug does not run dry and the flour jar is never empty.

There is a pattern of provision that cannot be missed in these scenarios. It is an overflow of God’s presence for those who place their trust in Him. At the beginning of chapter 17, Elijah is speaking to Ahab and promises, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, I stand before Him, and there will be no dew or rain during these years except by my command!”

At the beginning of Elijah chapter 18, we see the Lord come to Elijah in the third year of this drought. He says, “Go and present yourself to Ahab. I will send rain on the surface of the land.” So, Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. (Elijah 18:1-2) Along the way, he meets Obadiah, Ahab’s man in charge of the palace, which greatly fears the Lord. Obadiah recognizes Elijah and warns him of the search party sent out to find the prophet Ahab despises and blames the famine in the land.

Elijah assures Obadiah he will not be carried off by the Lord’s Spirit and put him in danger. So, Obadiah tells Ahab to meet Elijah. Ahab says, “Is that you, you destroyer of Israel?”  Elijah replies, “I have not destroyed Israel, but you and your father’s house have because you have abandoned the LORD’S commands and followed the Baals. (vs. 18). Elijah instructs Ahab to summon all 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah and ALL of Israel to meet at Mount Carmel.

Please take a moment to reread 1 Kings Chapter 18 to experience this moment in history fully.

As all the people gather, Elijah confronts them about hesitating (wavering, bouncing back and forth) between following God and worshipping Baal (who is Satan and all he stands for).  The people of Israel are silent. They know the depth of their depravity, and they have no answer. Like many Christians in the world today, they are ruled by governmental authorities who will kill them in an instant for daring to worship the One true God.

It’s a powerful tug of war on their hearts, fear of God or fear of those who can harm the body. Jesus says, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mathew 10:28).

What Happens When We Sacrifice Our Scant Supply?

A picture of Israel’s gaunt faces and emaciated bodies comes to mind as they listen and watch this showdown with anticipation. I hear bellies grumbling as the battle extends beyond the morning and into the evening. The failure of Baal to appear is no surprise to them; he has failed to bring rain upon the land for the last three years. They watch as Elijah takes his turn and orders four gallons of their scarce water supply to be poured upon what could have been a source of food for many.

In this scene, another theme emerges as God’s plan to end the drought comes to fruition– you give your scant supply, and God will return it in abundance. Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Mathew 6:38).

Sacrificing her scant supply is something the widow had to do also. Do you ever wonder why it is something Christians are afraid to do today?  Unlike starving people, distracted by dry, parched tongues and empty bellies, we have plenty to give from our opulence. It is not food and water we lack; it is something far more devastating. Christians today are starving spiritually.

Jesus Offers More

Jesus has the answer for that spiritual starvation. He offered himself as a living sacrifice to bear the full wrath of God for our sin and salvation. He tells the Samaritan woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again, ever! In fact, the water I give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life (John 4:13-14).

Israel witnesses the fire of God fall upon the sacrifice Elijah offers. As it licks up all the dripping water and the full trench, as well as the bull offered, they fall facedown and say, “Yahweh, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). In a little while, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour (vs. 45). All of Israel sees the abundant return of rain after proof of who the One true God is. Cemented into the minds of the people is the cost of turning away from God.

True Contentment and Satisfaction

It is the same with us. Undo spiritual suffering permeates our thinking year after year because our focus is in the wrong place. We put career, family, entertainment, and food above God in the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Yet, none of these things offer the contentment, peace, or satisfaction placing God first in our lives does.

My friend, we can remedy that today! Jesus says, “If you, then who are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? (Luke 11:13). When we humble ourselves before Him, turn away from the distractions of this world and follow Him, Jesus offers more than what we ask.

References:

 The Holman Christian Standard Bible. Biblegateway.com

Two Easy Meals for One or Two People

Hello, my heart friend. I find myself in need of a few quick meals that are easy to prepare and store for my lunch the next day. How about you? Thinking ahead and preparing the meals on my preparation day, helps me eat a little healthier too. I know I want my vegetables to be crisp and flavorful, so stir-fry is my go to. Shrimp is on sale this week and it will compliment the veggies well for my first meal.

The second meal, incorporates broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with Adele’s Chicken Apple Sausage. So, here is your shopping list for both:

• 1 lb. organic carrots
• 1 bunch organic broccoli
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 ounce of coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh snap peas
• 1 onion
• 1 lb organic button mushrooms
• 1 package Adele’s Chicken apple sausage
• 1 12 oz bag shrimp
• 1 red pepper
• Onion powder
• 1 bulb of garlic
• If you are in a pinch and do not have time (or the energy) to cut up all theses vegetables don’t hesitate to make your life a little easier and substitute a 12 ounce bag of frozen, already chopped stir-fry vegetables and a 12 ounce bag of California Style vegetables. They both contain all of the vegetables listed above.

15 Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry

First, sauté 1 cup of precooked shrimp in 1 minced clove of garlic and heated olive oil, heat for about a minute then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Second, place the stir-fry vegetables into the skillet ( this can be your 12 ounce bag of stir-fry vegetables) or sauté 1/2 cup mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the onions, then the carrots, stir until just tender, add 1/4 cup diced red pepper and snap peas. Add the 1 cup chopped broccoli last. Mix 1 ounce of coconut aminos with 2 ounces of water and add this to the pan, stir well then add incorporate the shrimp.

It only takes about 15 minutes.
****I do not add salt to this dish because the coconut aminos is high in sodium, it is spread throughout the dish, but if you are on a low sodium diet you may want to use less, maybe a teaspoon instead of an ounce***

15 Minute California Blend with Chicken Apple Sausage

First, heat a medium skillet with very lightly coated olive oil.

Next, thinly slice the sausage and sauté until browned. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside. Add 1 ounce of olive oil mixed with two ounces of water to the skillet. Follow that with 1 tsp onion powder, 1 teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Lastly, stir until just tender and return the sausage to the pan, mix well and serve or store for lunch the next day!

I hope these easy 15 minute meals help you have an easier week! Maybe it will offer you less time to stress over what to eat and more time to spend enjoying life. Here is a beautiful message from Paul in chapter 5 of Romans to spend some time on today as you check off one more thing on your to do list:

 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith^[ into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5 HCSB – Faith Triumphs – Therefore, since we – Bible Gateway

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You have a blessed day and remember, what God puts in the garden is good!

My friend, does it surprise you, the perfect listener is not the guy who owns my heart? Can you relate to what I’m saying? Only he and a couple of other people have the power to come in and trash my good mood instantly. It makes me think long and hard about how and why this person can dash hopes so quickly.

For instance, my husband asks, “How was your day?” As I begin to talk, he distractedly looks through the mail and starts walking out of the room as if I am not speaking at all. Mumbling, “What?” on his way out, causes me to raise my voice in answer, but it also changes the tone.

The pleasant exchange is fading as the slight annoyance of disregard is rising.

Who is Listening?

In a matter of seconds, he grabs the change in tone and hurls a sharp rebuke in response. In effect, he is setting off an emotional upheaval.

 The dart swiftly and accurately pierces a place of vulnerability. My husband does not see or hear me,  and he does not care.

Ok, emotions, back up just a bit.

Let’s have this conversation with the Lord before involving the love of my life. The apostle, Peter, speaks to this very well.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

1 Peter 5 HCSB – About the Elders – Therefore, as a – Bible Gateway

Peter is talking about younger men being subject to their elders. It is right to show the elders respect and courtesy. The same courtesy he advises wives to show their husbands in chapter 3 of 1 Peter:

In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian message, they may be won over without a message by the way their wives live when they observe your pure, everent lives.

1 Peter 3:1-2

Jesus Sees Me, He Hears Me

A key phrase for me here is “the way their wives live.” Including the way she speaks, responds to harsh words, or even distraction. Why is this so important? Because the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking to see who he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). He wants my marriage to end, he wants my hopes dashed, and he wants my life destroyed. All because I place my hope and trust in Christ. I choose today to hang onto Him.

Jesus does see me; He does hear me, and He does care. I’d say chances are, so does the man who owns my heart forever. However, mentally he is not in a place to deal with me right now. Ok, then, why ask how my day is?

He’s trying. Although he thinks he’s ready for the onslaught of words and the speed at which they flow…he is not a perfect listener. Honestly, neither am I. The communication failure is as potent as my hand grazing the oven rack when cooking his dinner. So, I must face the facts; my husband is not equipped to listen well.

Timing Is Everything

Therefore, I must be an investigator. What’s his body language today? Is it receptive and open or aloof and distracted? Should I say something like, “My day was perfect, when you’ve showered and rested, we’ll talk about it.” Or maybe, “It was crappy actually, so when you’re ready to hear it, I’ll talk.”

Offering a set of options seems to work better with my guy than spontaneously divulging my subtle details as soon as he walks in the door, regardless if he asks!

But I must tell you thirty-two years of marriage does not take the sting away when I miscalculate my opportunity to speak. The most tender area of sensitivity is in my life-long love for this man. Any sign of discontent or distractedness threatens that in small ways to this day.

God’s word says bring my words to Him first. He’ll deal with the husband, just as He’s already dealt with the devil! Although good moods come and go, I hope to sustain the relationship I have with my spouse. In the meantime, I can boldly place my mundane or tumultuous thoughts before Jesus because He is the perfect listener.