The first time I saw Soft Fish Taco’s on a cooking show, I thought, “WHAT!?” So, of course I wanted to try it. I don’t remember what fish or spices they used to make it either. A general rule of thumb for basic items like fish tacos is use what you know tastes good with fish and if it doesn’t turn out go back and look at the recipe. Now, the exception of course is baking; I follow the recipe to the T the first time, then change as I prefer. My guess is, you may too.

The standout for me on the first recipe I saw years ago was the garlic cucumber yogurt sauce, Tzatziki. Delicious! I love to make a red cabbage vinegar slaw to go on the side as well. Yum. If you can find Ice Atlantic cod, that is wild caught in Iceland, that is best. The Pacific cod in my local grocer is from China, and I’m not sure how trustworthy anything processed from there is anymore.

Cod Fish Benefits

The benefits of cod fish are: It’s low in calories and provides B12, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Included in this impressive nutrient load is approximately 90mcg of iodine; which is important for people with low thyroid function. Cod is also a good source of protein (20 grams for approximately 3 ounces). It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids as well, which are touted for their heart health benefits. The funny thing is, studies show the fish oil capsules help with inflammatory pain like arthritis but are not conclusive with improving heart health. However, eating the actual fish is! There is always a lead in Science revealing a link back to food in its natural form, isn’t there? Kind of like what God puts in the garden (and the waterways) to nourish and sustain us!

Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish.

John 21 HCSB – Jesus’ Third Appearance to the – Bible Gateway

Jesus knew exactly what Peter, James and John needed after a long night of fishing. They not only need the nourishment of fish and bread, but of encouragement to do the necessary work of fishing for men. Men and women looking for something to fill the emptiness in their souls. An emptiness only Jesus, himself, can fulfill. Fortunately, for the disciples and us, he provides both. Take heart today, be strengthened by knowing the gospel of Jesus and His provision. Who knows? We may have the privilege of eating breakfast with Him too some day!

In the meantime enjoy these soft Cod Fish Tacos!

The Soft Fish Tacos are really good on these homemade tortilla shells or Over a Quinoa Bowl!:

Tortillas 3 Ways – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

A Cottage pie is one of my favorite meals on a cold winter day. Well actually, any day of the year works, but when it’s cold outside and the oven is on…I just get that toasty, comfortable cottage feeling. Now, since I’m reading a book about excess carbohydrates and Alzheimer’s Disease, I want this one to be low carb. As you probably see throughout the internet, cauliflower in place of potatoes is one way to accomplish that task. So, I’d like share my version of a simple Low Carb Cottage Pie, using cauliflower.

Wellness Tip: Reducing carbohydrates is beneficial for all of us since the prevalence of prediabetes and insulin resistance is approaching 80 million people in the United States. Research studies reveal a strong relationship between insulin resistance and dementia. Since, we all know loved ones with one or the other, it is wise to know how to combat this escalating chronic disease. Insulin resistance in synonymous with high cholesterol and elevated triglycerides both of which contribute to oxidative stress on our cells. Especially, the cognitive area of the brain. {1} Therefore, taking measures to reduce oxidative stress is wise for all of us. We can do that by eating a primarily plant based diet (80%) reducing daily sugar consumption, and lowering starchy vegetables and grains. This Low-Carb Cottage Pie is a start!

The difference between a Shepherds’ Pie and a Cottage Pie is the meat. I’m using lean ground beef for this instead of lamb. To make it even easier, I’m adding a bag of frozen chopped vegetables. Making things easier to prepare helps me stay on track with healthier eating throughout the week. I want preparing meals to be easier for you, too.

The other area that I want to be easier for you, is trusting God. His word declares an account of His provision and love. I am encouraged today, knowing He loves me and provides for me and my family. I’m sure the two of us can look back during times of distress and see where He walked beside us. We can take comfort today as He continues to shepherd us through trying times:

The Lord is the strength of His people; He is a stronghold of salvation for His anointed. Save Your people, bless Your possession, shepherd them, and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:8-9

Biblegateway.com

If you are wanting to know more about God’s provision and care join me in studying the bible click Here!

Have a wonderful day and remember, what’s in the garden is good!

References:

Maciejczyk M, Żebrowska E, Chabowski A. Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in the Brain: What’s New? International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019; 20(4):874. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20040874

Rest assured, you and I don’t have to panic when emotional eating creates cravings. Especially with this low sugar, orange creamsicle cake roll around. I’ve seen the images of sugar hitting the pleasure region of the brain on CT scans. So, I know how enjoyable and addictive it is.

However, when I had an emotional day last week, coming off a sugar fast, I didn’t want to completely blow my good behavior… Strange thoughts like Twinkies started intruding on my weak feelings. Really?! I haven’t had a Twinkie in probably twenty years. Close to the shelf-life of those deplorable things. Nope, I can’t do that.

With the temptation of Twinkies off the palate, I began to think about orange cupcakes. You know those ones with the thick orange icing on top? So, even though I dodged a Twinkie, I couldn’t stop thinking about orange cupcakes. No, that is not going to work either. Rehashing good sweets and really bad sweets is the kind of battle I face in my weak moments. My friend, it is also how food lovers create new things and try to make them better. Well, better for us anyway.

What is it about sugar that just reaches that pleasure spot in the brain? I’ve enjoyed my time in God’s word every single morning. Enjoyed it well, I promise you. I sat happily immersed in the comfort, peace, and strength only He can bring. At the same time, I still wanted that orange cake. Jesus reminded me in His word….

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

No, He doesn’t give like the world gives. My heart “must not be troubled”. I know he wasn’t talking to me. He was telling the disciples He was going to die. Something He had to do, so all of us can live. They weren’t taking it well. In fact, they were handling it as poorly as me losing a loved ones respect.

So, the one thing I can tell you is, this low sugar, orange cream sickle cake roll did NOT soothe the ache in my heart. Only good humbling sorrow in the arms of Jesus can do that. However, it sure did taste good. Now, the first time I made it, I zested my orange, and began to place half of the orange into a bowl. As I thought about my pumpkin roll and the amount of pumpkin in it, I realized there was not enough substance to this orange pulp. Spying the butternut squash on the stove, I liked the color and thought it might be like other squash and take on the flavors of the things combined with it.

So, I thought, “Why not?” Maybe the butternut flavor will be mild to minimal with a lot of orange zest. It was actually pretty good, I used 2/3 cup just like I do with the pumpkin roll, and it made the cake a pretty light orange color. However, it was too dense and heavy. So I made it again, with just 1/3 cup of butternut squash and ….bingo! It’s so good.

Now, no low sugar creamsicle cake roll is as comforting as Jesus, of course…but it’s still hits a sweet spot to soothe to my sore emotions. Best of all, when taken in small slices, there is no guilt.

I hope you like it as much as the hubby and I do! Remember, what God put in the garden is good! And if we give Him half the chance, He soothes the soul too!

I wonder sometimes why they call these beans peas. Although, they are in the legume family, they have no relation to the peas. However, don’t let that stop you from soaking, rinsing, and stewing them with some garden veggies. This savory garden veggie and Black Eyed Pea stew is well worth the time and effort of soaking and simmering. Not only is it low calorie, it is loaded with nutrients.

So, if you’re looking for a substantial amount of folate, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, you’ve picked the right legume. Pair this with carrots, onion, garlic, and spinach and you have a strong start to strengthening your heart! In the meantime, you’ll also be meeting your daily energy needs. Check out additional benefits of this hearty legume Here.

And don’t forget, strengthen your heart with God’s word each day too!

Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their hearts.
You will listen carefully,
 doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed
so that men of the earth may terrify them no more.
Psalm 10:17-18

Staying on track with a focused plan to heal the heart physically and spiritually will bless those around you for years to come! Hang in there because you and your family are worth it! You can start with meals like this Garden Veggie and Black-eyed Pea stew.

Check out the Bold Faith Page for more encouragement.

Any time of year is good for chili spaghetti squash. In places that savor their chili over pasta but don’t like the carbs, spaghetti squash makes a nice substitute. Not only is it filling, it provides small amounts of vitamin A & C. As well as minerals, potassium and calcium. Topped with your favorite chili recipe or this Quinoa Black Bean Chili, you’ll be set to enjoy a warm comfortable evening.

While chili spaghetti fills our bodies with food, let’s fill our souls with God’s word. The Psalmist says:

Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven.Your faithfulness is for all generations; You established the earth, and it stands firm.They stand today in accordance with your judgements, for all things are your servants. If Your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for You have given me life through them.I am Yours, save me for I have sought Your precepts.

Psalm 119:89-94 HCSB – ל Lamed LORD, Your word is forever; it – Bible Gateway

Don’t you love that God’s word is firmly fixed in heaven? Something we can count on it throughout every generation. Just as the earth stands firm, we can stand firm in God’s faithfulness. Moreover, It is life to us and something we won’t forget. I don’t know about you, but I will delight in that firm foundation, my friends!

Top this chili spaghetti squash with your favorite cheese and enjoy! Remember too, what’s in the garden is good!

I’ve never been the kind of person who bows to peer pressure. In fact, when the pressure heats up to behave a certain way or do a certain thing, this stubborn introvert digs her heels in deeper to stay right where she is. After all, one good friend is worth more to me than a dozen who roll with the times. I say all of this because of the mounting pressure to conform in today’s culture. Are you feeling it too?

Do you find yourself turning off the news because you hear the same repeated message delivered? Although different phrases and pictures are used the message is the same. I feel like I’m under the voice of a hypnotist sometimes. He’s warning me of the doom and gloom fast approaching and consuming me and the ones I love. His fear tactics are only superseded by his strategy of divisiveness.

Fortunately, followers of Christ can see the driving force behind these fear and divisive-based attacks and hang onto hope! Primarily because this enemy has already been defeated. Since, he knows his time is short, he is in a frenzy to accuse, discourage, and persuade every follower of Christ to doubt who is really in control.  The entire situation in our culture today reminds me of the old testament story of the twelve spies.

Feeling the pressure to Conform

For instance, the overwhelming pressure to conform appeals to my emotions. Also, my sense of responsibility, and accountability are piqued. Just as it is for Joshua. The intensity of pressure laid upon he and Caleb was intense. All because they were not afraid to enter Canaan under the direction of the Lord. One leader from each tribe was instructed by Moses to report what the land was like. They were to find out if the land was fertile or unproductive. As well as if the people were few or many, strong or weak. Do they live in fortified cities or encampments? (Numbers 13:18-20).

Although, twelve men were sent to scout out the promised land, only two came back with a hopeful report. Ten of them were fearful because of the very large people they saw. Canaan’s fortified cities, and their ability to devour its inhabitants terrified them (Numbers 13:31-32).

The intensity of this report incited the people to fear. They wanted to stone the two spies who gave a good report.  Much like an easily swayed population turns against those who place their trust in God instead of those in power. Money holders’ rule behind the scenes over policies, guidelines, and messages that affect the way people think. I take hope in Joshua’s response to the people.

Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite community: “The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. (Numbers 14:6-8).

Numbers 14 HCSB – Israel’s Refusal to Enter Canaan – Bible Gateway

Looking beyond the size of the people, Joshua and Caleb looked at the size of their God. They knew deep down the promises of God are real despite the circumstances. Not only was the fear uncalled for, it also showed a lack of trust in God. Moreover, the distrust sparked complete rebellion and disregard of His good-natured promises.

God is Bigger

Friends, He is with us and His promises are true for us too. He implores us to trust Him. Although the giants we face are present and actively changing values of the people around us, we can stand firm. Yes, the reports of death are real. However, the number of people dying today is no different than those who died this time last year. There is just a sensational amount of attention placed on one specific cause over another.

Even though the enemy of disease has a huge presence in our lives, we cannot forget God is bigger. He determined before we were born, when, how, and the day we will die. If it happens to be the current predominant disease, then that is His will. No matter what measures we take to prevent it, we will not escape His predetermined route of our leaving this earth.

However, we can rejoice because our souls are promised to be with Him in glory! He gave his son to die on the cross to save us from our own distrust and rebellion against Him. He urges us to not conform to the pattern of this world.

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

(Romans 12:1-2)

I can’t describe the comfort this verse has brought me over the years. As I struggled to figure out who to follow, what to do, and who to believe. One traumatic year can change my self-perception and that is just wrong. I can bow to the pressure or use God-given discernment.

Bold faith says, “I am who God says I am. So, I only bow to Him in decisions that change my genetic code forever.” In doing so, I respect my friends’ decision to do what they feel is right. I also cast aside the crushing weight of this world and embrace a different perspective. I feel the tender presence of Jesus reminding me not to get too comfortable here . Mostly because this world and all its pressure is temporary and will pass away.

Knowing Jesus like you do, are you starting to feel it too?

Read more articles on Bold Faith Here.

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it.”

Philippians 4:10

I hear the undertones of sadness in my sweet friend’s voice. I would love to see her in person and give her a hug. She is holding on to what she knows to be true amid overwhelming doubt and uncertainty.

Although I’m not sure of the deep questions in her heart, I can tell the damaging thoughts are taking their toll on her self-perception. Recalling her days of cheer and laughter, I’m tempted to bring her out of her sadness with memories of good times.

This might work temporarily, but if I continue to speak truth into her pain and pray God uses it to nurture His perception of her that would be better.

Several years ago, I too struggled with self-image, depressive thoughts, and uncertainty about who I am. The world tells me I must be pretty, smart, and a certain size in order to have value.

The thing is, I don’t have extraordinary characteristics of any of those things. My sense of self needs a greater hope. Thankfully, for me, and hopefully my friend too, Jesus fills our painful, never-ending strive for approval.

He says, “Let go of the shame, let go of the past and live for me”.  He heals all my twisted thoughts with his loving word. It is an anchor for my soul. He tells me a different story of value, redemption, and love than the world does.

He is sufficient is sweeping confidence in the flesh away, too. The talent, passion, and ability he provides are to glorify him.

Therefore, all the achievements, status, and education the world esteems are of no use if I don’t use them to show my sweet friend Christ. No matter how far away, she is. She may be out of sight, but she is never far from my heart.

How many times was I concerned about her and lacked the opportunity to show it due to distance? Like Paul and the Philippian church, the care they showed him resounded in rejoicing in the Lord.

As a result, he learned to be content in all circumstances. Although his circumstances referred to physical shortage and my friend’s is mental, the application is the same.

He knew they cared! The gift I send my friend is not a solution to her problems, but my love. I also give her the encouragement of the God’s healing and powerful word.

 He is not distant either, He is holding her close during her uncertainty. The secret for Paul being content in all circumstances can be a reality for the two of us as well.

Who knows when the round of discouragement will come my way again, as it did for Paul and my friend? Comfort and ease in life is fleeting, as doubt and uncertainty come and go.

However, my hope is in the One who cares, he too may be out of sight, but he is never far from my heart.

More about bold faith here:

Although it’s late January, I’m already thinking about planting cabbage. The seeds can be planted now and ready for the ground by St. Patrick’s day. Our usual cold hearty planting time. I’m picturing how nice this cabbage will be paired with other vegetables. I like the idea of artichoke stuffed cabbage rolls. So, in preparation for the planting season, I’ll get to work on that recipe.

In addition to this recipe’s tastiness will be it’s nutritional value. Artichokes are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytosterols. All amazing wonders in building cells, fighting cancer and sustaining the human body. Paired with cabbage, carrots, mushrooms and onions, this meal is sufficient to make the cells happy!

Since it just would be a shame to only feed my cells, I want to feed my soul too. In a broader sense, we can know the sufficiency of Christ for fulfilling all of our spiritual needs. Paul says to the Philippians, everything he’d gained in life-education, status, good religious family, and zeal for God are all considered a loss because of Christ:

More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. “
Philippians 3:8-9

Philippians 3 HCSB – Knowing Christ – Finally, my brothers, – Bible Gateway

There you have it! Sufficient food from the garden and surpassing value of Christ as Lord over our souls. What a sweet combination to traverse the rigorous journey of life. I hope you enjoy a little of both today, my friend!

Look for more ways to cabbage Here. I hope you and your family enjoy these sufficiently sound artichoke stuffed cabbage rolls as much as my family does!

God Bless You! What’s in the garden is good!

Do you ever watch a little boy swagger and say something grown up like his dad? They can’t help it, it’s all they see! Since, I watch six little boys do that frequently, I get a big kick out of their attempts to follow their dads’ characteristics. Intermixed in their own personalities, is a splash of an adult. Although, we too have taken on some characteristics of our parents, when we willingly choose to follow Christ, we are called to leave our parent’s example and follow his.

And boy, did he leave an example to follow!

When he was a boy of twelve and drawn to his Father’s house, he sat among the teachers, listening and asking questions. All those who heard him were astounded at his understanding. When his parents came looking for him, he went with them and was obedient to them (Luke 2:41-51). Something many of us, myself included, have to learn the hard way.

In addition to respecting his parents, Jesus took on the traits of His Father in heaven by showing compassion for people. Traveling to Capernaum, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to him. As He laid his hands on each one of them, he would heal them.

Also, demons were coming out of many, his example brought crowds to press in on him as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God (Luke 4:20-44). Although, we may not be able to command demons or heal the sick, we sure can pray in Jesus’ name for the person tormented by them. More importantly, as we show compassion, we can also share the news of eternal salvation through Jesus, just as he did.

Leaving a Willing Example to Follow

Jesus’ example of compassion continued throughout his ministry. The poor man with a serious skin disease falls facedown before him and begs him: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” and immediately the disease left him. Large crowds then followed him to be healed of their sicknesses. The text then says, “he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed” (Luke 5:12-15).

While reading these examples, we can picture the large crowds of people desperate for healing, poor and oppressed, and looking for a savior. The good news of Christ’s message here is: He is willing for all who come to him, to be healed of pain and brokenness.

In essence, redeemed of despair. When we read that he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed, we are reminded of Isaiah’s words, “He bore our sickness and carried our pain”. Can you just picture for a moment, this great crowd of people coming to him every day to restore them? How draining that would be! We can’t handle one person doing it, let alone a whole crowd…every day. Yet, he willingly takes it all upon himself. Drawing on the power of our Father in heaven to renew his own strength. Leaving quite an example to follow!

Healing the sick, while comforting the oppressed and afflicted is such a large part of Jesus’ ministry. We continue to see it throughout the gospels. The people travel from far places, to hear him, be healed of their diseases, and made well of unclean spirits (Luke 6: 17-23). But we must pay close attention to what Jesus suddenly says as the people sense his authority over illness and crowd around him to touch the power coming from him….(yes emanating power, read it, that’s what the scripture says!)

Then, looking up at His disciples, He said:

You who are poor are blessed because the kingdom of God is yours.

You who are hungry are blessed because you will be filled.

You who now weep are blessed because you will laugh.

You are blessed when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man.

Luke 6;20-22

Luke 6 HCSB - Lord of the Sabbath - On a Sabbath, He - Bible Gateway

The more he healed and helped people the more the religious leaders despised and rejected him. Jealous of his power and authority over sickness, death, and disease, they hated him. Not only did they hate him, they rejected his message of salvation, reviled his ministry, accused him of evil, and plotted to kill him. Lingering among the crowds who longed for him, were the haters.

Seeing this in their hearts and reading their thoughts, Jesus suddenly looks straight at his disciples and quotes Isaiah. Reminding the disciples that following his example will lead to slander, insults, and hatred. Blessed friends, it will look the same for us too.

However, Jesus says “rejoice in that day and leap for joy! Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:23-27). Jesus then leaves the examples to follow for his disciples, us and our even our own little ones. In verses 27-36 we are called to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who mistreat us.

Even more, his example shows us he did not condemn or judge them in their hatred. No wonder he went off to pray by himself. Loving people is hard. The pain of their insults and hatred is hard to bear for his huge, loving heart. We can be comforted that he too, called upon the Father for continuing to love despite all the hate.

Lastly, my prayer for us today is to display a bold faith like Christ. Emulating his behavior will show our little ones the shadow of our dad in heaven. Leaving them a higher example to follow.

Sometimes, I think I should just call this, “My Simple Life” Blog. I don’t think I ever make anything difficult. This red quinoa & garam masala cod fish takes 30 minutes, max. And if you prepare your Quinoa ahead of time like I do, it’s even less time than that, maybe 15 min.

Aren’t you glad there are so many delicious and easy to prepare meals available that only take a few minutes?

I love that!

I also love, that cod fish provides a good source of vitamins C, E, and B 12. As well as minerals magnesium and potassium. But best of all, cod fish has the heart healthy, joint lubricating, anti-inflammatory benefit of Omega 3. You can check out more facts about Cod all over the web, but I’m a little partial to Organic Facts.

The creamy sauce that goes well with this healthy fish is pretty tasty too!

A combination of 2 tablespoons Full Fat Greek Yogurt and 1 Teaspoon Sabal Oelek chili sauce… it’s delicious!

I hope you like this Quinoa & Garam Masala Cod fish as much as we do!

Remember, What God put in the garden…and the ocean… is good!

While you’re here, check out these Tortilla Recipes!