“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:21

Do you ever wonder what shapes God’s call upon your life? Do you feel the same self-doubt and trepidation answering a “potential” call like I do, or does it fade with each step of faith? A motley life course often matures with natural ability, love of God, and hope for a fulfilling career. Nonetheless, a clear-cut calling may remain elusive us until that breathless moment of trust says “yes” to a persistent tug on our hearts.

Trust built with momentous highs of professional advancement, marriage, and children alongside valleys of suffering, loss, disappointment and fear. The peace from gospel truth may even come at a young age, shaping hints of a purpose towards the eternal realm. Yet, growing in confident assurance the gospel provides progresses slowly.

As time moves on, settling occurs and the opportunity to contemplate the elusive purpose arrives. It is here that the word of God speaks to a soft spot of discontent in my own heart. Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purpose of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”  Although, age should not be a factor, it is often present in the self-doubting fear of reaching deeper water.

Did Moses, at eighty years old, question leaving his settled life for a call to take the Israelites out of Egypt? He certainly did. Perhaps, he was content with being a shepherd. The details are not clear, however God’s plan for him shepherding people became very clear.

God saw the suffering of His people Israel. Exodus 7:3 says, “God heard them crying out because of their slave drivers and is concerned about their suffering.” So, now go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:10 NIV).

Although Moses protests, God insists. Exodus 3:12a says, “And God said, “I will be with you.”

In spite of fears and inadequacy; God is calling average people like Moses.  He may also be calling you and I to use our professional experience and natural ability to relieve suffering for his people. In our own unique way, we can join the women we admire.

If God has placed on our hearts a concern for suffering people, He will continually woo us to join the battle of encouraging them. No matter what our age. He is equipping us with life experiences in the workplace. He’s placed people in our path to mentor and love. God’s word fills our hearts and strains daily to burst forth answering the call to help hurting people. 

The burning bush of revealed purpose may occur in the trepid steps of obedience. A passage or bible study continually getting us through each day may inspire others. The heart of our plans consistently aligning with God’s word is a true sign, He is calling us. There is no room for self-doubt, fear, or indecision. A deeper purpose and satisfaction await when, “it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:20b).

“At daybreak, LORD, you hear my voice,
at daybreak I plead my case to you and wait expectantly.”
Psalm 5:3

Daybreak is my favorite time to meet with the Lord in His Word and draw near to Him. There is no better time of the day. Soon after daybreak, I check on the garden…..the kale is looking quite nice! Ready for a lunch date and wellness consult!

Here is the very simple recipe for salad to increase magnesium, manganese, calcium, and vital antioxidants for building your strength. I hope you enjoy this and your lovely day!

Kale and Beet Salad

• 4 Cups Fresh Kale chopped
• 1/4 Fresh Beet, shaved over salad
• 1 Small Apple finely sliced
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Almonds
• 1 Dash of Salt

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

• 1 Ounce Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 Ounces Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Honey
• 1 Dash Pepper

Combine your kale, topped with apples, nuts and shaved beets, cover with dressing and toss.

What’s in the garden is good!

On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.
1 Corinthians 12:22

A clear picture of my need for others is in this verse. How many times have you held a baby and just could not resist hugging or kissing them……..especially if they’re part of you! They are weak and seemingly offer us nothing, however the sheer innocence of their presence offers indispensable hope! We need them and we need each other.

We have many needs in our spiritual body that require the gifts and talents of others. They are at our fingertips, a text or phone call away. I’m comforted I don’t have to hesitate, I can reach out for them today. Just as I can reach to the garden to meet my needs physically. Here is how you and I can do that today, using leftovers from the night before.

1. Asparagus On An English Muffin with Fresh Herbs

• 1 Egg
• 1 Tbsp. Leftover Steamed Asparagus
• 1 Tsp. Grated Romano Cheese
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Herbs ( I used my favorite lemon balm, fennel, parsley)
• 1/2 Tsp Organic Olive Oil

Super easy preparation….In a mug, place your olive oil. Add one beaten egg, the asparagus, and cheese, microwave on High 1 minute. Place over English muffin and top with fresh herbs.

2. Gluten Free?….No problem, prepare items and place over leftover Wild Grain Rice

3. Low Carb for You?…….Easy fix, place egg mixture over a bed of greens with fresh herbs.

Eggs not your thing?
Adjust accordingly by combining 1/2 cup wild grain rice, a teaspoon of Romano cheese, Leftover steamed asparagus, a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds, and a tablespoon of walnuts. Heat in microwave 1 minute.

Why Fresh Herbs?
As we learned in our verse today, every part of our body is indispensable. That includes our gut health.
Fresh herbs aid in the digestion of our food, provide vital polyphenols and flavonoids to help us fight inflammation, disease and cell damage. All antioxidants and nutrients help us sustain and nourish our bodies. So, it is a good idea to add a few items from the garden to each meal.

I pray you have peace and nourishment in your body and soul today! What’s in the garden is good!

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Romans 11:33

I’m glad I don’t have to try and search the wisdom and knowledge of God, it is at my fingertips in His Word. Moreover, it’s comforting to know someone is aware and can handle all the chaos, heartache and pain taking place in our country today. His depth and riches are beyond my comprehension. Yet, I want to be more like Him in his capacity to love, encourage, and empower His people.

We may think He is too big or too busy to think of us little nobodies, but scripture tells us He numbers the hairs on our head. He accounts for and names the stars in the sky. Furthermore, He knows where the birds will lay their head. Evidence He does care about the simple things too!

A starting point for all of us……..simple things.

Simply Delicious Summer Squash

• 1 Summer Squash
• 1 Zucchini
• 2 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breast
• 1 Small Onion Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano
• 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Organic Olive Oil
• 1 Cup precooked Quinoa

Heat skillet to low med setting. Combine all spies in a bowl or small dish. Prepare chicken on a cutting board, sprinkle half of the spices on the chicken, cut into strips. Place oil in heated skillet, then add seasoned chicken, cook until done, about 5-6 minutes. Push to the side of the skillet. Meanwhile thin slice the vegetables on a different cutting board and sprinkle with remaining spices, Sauté’ until just tender, about 5-6 minutes. Serve over precooked quinoa.

I can take comfort in the Devine design of yellow, orange, and green displayed in my squash and carrots. I need stamina, endurance, and strength to be productive. The essential antioxidants in this dish meet those needs, while they also fight inflammation and cancer. Knowing the taste buds won’t be disappointed make this dish an easy choice.

People like me prefer the simple things in life! Simple recipes, preparation, and ingredients that cook quickly and provide satiety. So, I can do the work He has called me to do. This meal will assist in providing the necessary nutritional requirements to keep you going in your work too!

So feed your body and feed you soul because what’s in the garden is good!

Leave me a comment, let me know how you like it!

“So, they said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us’?
Luke 24:32

I love the story in Luke, where the unknown disciples are walking and talking along the road after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. On their way to Emmaus, the unidentified Jesus moseys right in among them and joins the conversation. They have no idea who He is or why He doesn’t know what just took place in Jerusalem three days ago. He continues to walk with them as He explains the appearance of Himself throughout the Scriptures.

It is not until evening and Jesus breaks the bread that their eyes are opened to who He really is. They were amazed and exclaimed excitedly, weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He talked with us on the road, explaining the scriptures? I hope we have that same zeal for God’s word and our hearts are ablaze as He walks with us today!

While your heart is ablaze let your belly be satisfied with all of the polyphenols, antioxidants, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, and nutrients these easy Quinoa Breakfast Treats Provide!

Enjoy! What’s in the garden is good

• 3/4 CUP QUIONA
• 4 OZ APPLESAUCE
• 1/2 TSP CINNAMON
• 1-2 TSP CHIA SEEDS
• 1 TBSP PUMPKIN SEEDS
• 1 TBSP WALNUTS OR PECANS

PLACE QUINOA, APPLESAUCE, CINNAMON, CHIA SEEDS IN A SMALL BOWL, MIX WELL, PLACE IN THE REFRIGERATOR OVERNIGHT.

THE NEXT MORNING LIGHTLY TOAST IN A SKILLET CHOPPED PECANS AND PUMPKIN SEEDS.

MEANWHILE REMOVE QUINOA MIXTURE FROM THE FRIGE STIR IN 2 TBSPS ALMOND MILK. THEN HEAT QUINOA MIXTURE IN THE MICROWAVE 1 MINUTE ADD THE TOASTED NUTS AND SEEDS.

A 4TH WAY…..MASH A BANANA INTO 3/4 CUP QUINOA, ADD 2 TBSP ALMOND MILK, 1 TBSP WALNUTS….HEAT 1 MIN. ADD 1/2 CUP FRESH

Enjoy your Quinoa Breakfast Treats!

Quinoa & Chia Breakfast Bowl – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Benefits of Quinoa

11 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa (healthline.com)

Biblical Use of Salt Free Spice Blends

 The Lord spoke to Moses:  “Take for yourself the finest spices: 12½ pounds of liquid myrrh, half as much (6¼ pounds) of fragrant cinnamon, 6¼ pounds of fragrant cane, 12½ pounds of cassia (by the sanctuary shekel), and one gallon^[of olive oil.

Exodus 30:22-24

In ancient times, spices were not only used to flavor food but in anointing oils for the priests and burning incense to God. Many sources and books are written on the health benefits of spices. Spice benefits range from vexing tumor necrosis, decreasing inflammatory markers, to reducing oxidative stress in the body. Check out this NIH article on Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer more information

We can not only take joy in savory food, but also in knowing God has a special plan for the body when we consume them.

NOTE: THESE ARE TRIAL SIZES FOR STARTING A BLEND……IF YOU LIKE THE BLEND YOU USE 1 TABLESPOON IN PLACE OF THE TEASPOON THE NEXT TIME YOU MAKE THEM AND USE 1 TEASPOON FOR THE 1/4 TO 1/2 MEASUREMENTS. ADJUST AND OMIT AS YOU LIKE

Mexican Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika, 1/2 Teaspoon each—Black Pepper, Cumin 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Cajun Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Oregano1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional or more if you like it hot)

Curry Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Cumin powder, Coriander, Turmeric1/2 Teaspoon each—Cardamom, cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper (opt)

Greek Blend

1 Teaspoon Each—–Garlic Powder, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg

No Salt Flavoring

1 Teaspoon each: Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

I’m not a big fan of white chocolate, but many of my friends are!

So, here is a healthier version of White Chocolate Granola Bars. Let’s face it, we are not going to deny ourselves a small pleasure after a hard day of work or an exhausting day with little ones. However, we can make that gratifying choice a better one. One consists of good fiber, protein, omega rich walnuts and infection quelling cinnamon.

Take heart in your hard work, God is setting an example for your little ones through you! It is your care, your love, your daily sacrifice that shows them God’s love. The bible says, “From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each of us.” (Acts 17:26-27 HCSB)

Whether you’re influencing your own little ones, or someone else’s we can be the light they may need to reach out and find Him. So, power up, and keep your physical strength for this task, too! I hope you enjoy these bars. They contain those rich beta glucan coated oats I love to use. As well as those pressed olives, in the most famous garden of my favorite book!

These are super easy and not too sweet.

3 Cups organic oats

1/4 Cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 Tsp cinnamon

1/4 Cup organic unbleached flour (or any gluten free flour of your choice)

3/4 Cup cranberries

3/4 Cup chopped walnuts

1/2 Cup Mini white chocolate chips

Combine in a large mixing bowl all of the above dry ingredients.

Next Add

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Organic Olive Oil

1/3 Cup honey or maple syrup

Add the eggs until all of the dry are coated well. Then add the olive oil, coat ingredients well. Lastly, add the maple syrup or honey, also coating well.

Stir well and add to dry ingredients. Once combined add 1/4 cup raw honey until all the oats are wet and sticky. 😉 Place onto baking sheet and roll out until flat and even.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15-18 minutes–they should be golden brown.

Enjoy!

The Spirit gives life and breath and all things. I can’t help but think of Him hovering over the water ready to breathe life into humanity on that first day of creation. The third part of our triune God is ready to provide ALL the things we need. It’s easy to meet partial needs here and there, however, we often overlook …. ALL that we need.

In our rush to meet demands and take care of others, we sometimes neglect to nourish ourselves. We may take the time to fill our soul with a good Word, yet rely on a man made item to fill our belly. Not really considering how little value the item provides in sustaining our much needed energy levels.

I wish to share with you today a little fix for nourishing the body in your day to day and remind you of the depth of love infused into every gift from above. When the complexity of simple things we take for granted every day are brought into our focus, we see their true value. Although your value may seem small at times in our heavenly Father’s eyes, I assure you, it is greatly treasured. When it’s unveiled under the scope of His well planned creation, you’ll see your worth.

Provision for our worth started in the garden. So, the plan for our garden this fall is to prepare the soil by planting oats. In addition to their magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, B1, and some B5, they provide protein, and fiber for our bodies.

With that said; they provide excellent organic matter to the soil as a fall cover crop. Especially for my neighbors across the river who have clay soil. God’s plan for creation is revealed throughout the bible in a macroscopic way, yet with these little tidbits of scientific information we can follow His plan microscopically!

Benefits of planting oats according to Mother Earth News, Modern Farmer, and Gardening Channel are as follows:

1. “Bulk up soil with organic matter, cover crops prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and create and cycle soilborne nutrients using the power of the sun. Recent advances in soil biology have revealed two more ways cover crops can improve soil.”

2. “Rhizodeposition is a special advantage to working with cover crops. Many plants actually release sugars and other substances through their roots. They are like little solar engines, pumping energy down into the soil.” (https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/cover-crops-improve-soil-zmaz09onzraw)

3. “Many cover crops are legumes that convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into a soluble form that other plants can absorb. Some cover crops accumulate other essential nutrients like phosphorus, but all cover crops add organic matter to the soil. Rather than being harvested for food, cover crops are tilled back into the soil at the end of their growing cycle where the nutrients are released as the plants decompose. In a way, cover cropping is like composting in situ – no need for hauling in manure or building a pile – and they’re sometimes called ‘green manure’ for this reason.” (https://modernfarmer.com/2015/08/how-to-grow-a-cover-crop-this-fall/)

4. Oats improve overall soil quality by preventing erosion, adding organic matter, and improving soil aggregation. For best results, sow oats six to 10 weeks before your local average date of first frost. Oats are less frost tolerant than most winter cover crops and are killed by temperatures below five degrees Fahrenheit

5. Dead oats form their own mulch, which is typically well rotted by spring. If oats do not die during winter, mow and till them before seed heads appear in late spring. (https://www.gardeningchannel.com/winter-cover-crops-guide/)

So, while you enjoy these websites to implement ideas and strategies for improving your home gardens; Think about these tasty granola bars to enjoy for snacking that provide you with essential fiber and minerals to get you through your day! Build the strength of your body, so you can carry out the good work of your mind; as you sew the seed of God’s Word in the soil of your prepared heart.

Enjoy the beauty of God’s garden around you in even the smallest things. Give thanks that his provision and plan for you is good!

Dark Chocolate Granola Bars

3 Cups Organic Quick Cooking Oats

¼ Cup Honey or Maple Syrup

2 Teaspoons Ceylon Cinnamon

1/3 Cup plus Organic Olive Oil

½ Cup 72% Cacao Chips (Simple Truth Brand has no soy)

½ Cup Chopped Walnuts

1 Large Egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil and set aside. In a large mixing bowl add your oats, stevia (or sugar) and cinnamon. I whisk these together very well to distribute the spice and sweetener. Then I add the walnuts and chocolate chips. Next, incorporate the two large eggs making sure to coat each oat. Then add the oil, again coating and mixing the batch to cover it well; I use a fork to do this. Then, last add the maple syrup to further moisten and coat your oats. Then they are ready to spread into your baking dish. Use the fork to flattened the grains into the pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown then cut into bars. This makes 21 bars. I let them cool then store in snack bags, placing half in the cabinet and the other half in the fridge to avoid spoilage.

My prayer for you today is that God fill ALL that you need physically and spiritually, for He makes you worthy!

Potato and Tomato Salad is a delicious summer salad combination using what’s on hand in the garden. Since this combination provides quality C and A vitamins, potassium, as well as lycopene, its quite nutritious. Making it a good portion of God’s goodness to strengthen our hearts.

My Flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

I was reading in my study time this morning about grace. I’m thinking about how it has strengthened my heart over the years. I hope His Word is a source of strength for you too. I also hope you enjoy what is available in the garden to strengthen your body today, even if that garden is the produce section of your grocery store!

My prayer for you:
God in heaven, your love astounds me daily and your presence is vital to my being. I am humbled by your grace and thank you intensely for your forgiveness. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever—not bound by time in a fragile human frame like mine. Please be with those seeking more out of life than their current experience. You are more satisfying than material things and guide them to the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I used to love tomatoes, and even though I cannot eat them very often, we still love to grow them. Are they not just spectacular to look at in this basket? For many, they will make a delicious potato and tomato salad.

I hope you enjoy this summer salad as much as my family does.

Use what you have on hand. What’s in the garden is good! 🙂

You can also use your potatoes to make this really nice potato soup!

You can also find more benefits of tomatoes Here.

“And here is my advice in this matter: Last year you were the first to not only to give but also have the desire to do so.”

2 Corinthians 8: 10

Paul has to continually remind the believers in Corinth to remember the grace of God. He recounts the Macedonian churches who overcame ‘severe trial and extreme poverty but still welled up in rich generosity.’ (2 Cor. 8:12) In comparison to Jesus who left the vast wealth of the Heavenly realm to become the poorest of poor for us (vs.9).

The apostle says the sincerity of our love is tested with the earnestness towards others. I believe that is true. It’s tempting to hold on to our resources and forsake giving, but these people were impoverished and still giving all they had. He doesn’t want us giving out of guilt, but gratitude!

It’s a heart check for all of us!

Here’s my heart for you today: I desire for you to know Jesus, enjoy life, enjoy food, and live gratefully.

I eagerly offer you this delicious Quinoa Black Bean Chili to start your day living in the full grace and love of others; the essence of strengthening our hearts. I know, everyone has there own recipe and this one is not very original, but I used what I had in the cupboard and from the garden at the time to make this, and it turned out pretty good. I hope you enjoy it too!

Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 LB of Lean Ground Beef (Substitutes: chicken/turkey or 1 cup lentils)
• 1 Cup Rinsed, Red Quinoa
• 2 Fresh Ears of Corn, Shucked (sub: 12 ounce bag of frozen)
• 2 Cans Rinsed Black Beans
• 6 Large Fresh Diced Tomatoes (this is how you control the salt/if no concern/ substitute 3 cans diced stewed tomatoes)
• 1 Large Onion Chopped
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Small green pepper Chopped
• 2 Teaspoons Oregano
• 1 Teaspoon Organic Chili Powder
• 1 Teaspoon No Salt Seasoning
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Paprika (sounds like a lot, but I don’t add salt, I’m a heart nurse, remember?)
• 2 Teaspoons Cumin
• 4 Cups Low Sodium Beef Broth (Sub. Vegetable or Chicken)
• 4 Cups Water

In a large soup pot, sauté’ the beef with onions, garlic, and peppers until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain fat if necessary (mine is lean and this is not necessary). Add the corn, tomatoes, and spices. Add the broth and the water. Bring to a boil, turn it on low and add the quinoa, let simmer a couple of hours until thick and all the flavors meld together.

I hope you enjoy this satisfying Chili with your group today as you excel in all you do for the Lord!