Learning to make tortillas was the best time investment I ever made. When I’m really hungry and don’t have the patience to wait on a meal, I can grab a tortilla, fill it with spring greens, add a splash of onion powder, and drizzle some plain yogurt over it for a filling snack!

This good deal of yumminess is all I need to tide me over until supper is ready!

When I make these as part of my weekly routine, life just flows better.

There is also something about making my own bread that gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Although, this simple item provides consistent fulfillment, I know in my heart, it is temporary. Just as the appetite it fills is temporary.

True peace comes with knowing eternal contentment, something that is beyond a piece of bread, but not beyond Jesus.

After all, he is the bread of life.

It’s just as soothing to my soul as a tortilla is to my hungry belly.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

Easy Tortillas –3 Ways

My favorite three recipes for tortillas are gluten free, spinach, and quinoa!

It’s fun to play and experiment with the different ways to bring more fiber, protein, and taste to the average tortilla. Here are three ways I like to try:

SPINACH TORTILLAS

• 3 Cups Org. Unbleached Flour
• 6 Ounces Fresh Spinach
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 3/4 Cup Hot Water
• 1/4 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil

Place the 3/4 cup water in a measuring cup with the fresh spinach. Microwave 1 minute. Puree in a blender and set aside.

Mix dry ingredients then add oil and pureed spinach and knead until

well blended. Separate into 12 balls.

Heat an ungreased skillet, roll flat each ball and heat each side 30-40 seconds. each side. Don’t overcook.

Place on a plate to cool then store in large freezer bag for 1 week. When ready to use, place a tortilla in the microwave 10-12 seconds to soften.

CHIA/QUINOA TORTILLAS

• 2 Cups Organic Flour
• 3/4 Cup Precooked Quinoa
• 2 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
• 1 Tsp. Salt
• 3/4 Cup Hot Water
• 1/3 Cup Organic Olive Oil

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. (Flour, quinoa, salt) whisk together. Add chia seeds to water and heat in the microwave 45 seconds.

Incorporate olive oil into flour mixture until it looks like course cornmeal. Add the warm water and blend well. (If you need to add a couple of tablespoons flour, go ahead. This depends on the moistness of the quinoa. Knead and form into balls. Roll out very thin on a floured surface. Cook in heated, ungreased skillet. 30-40 seconds each side. Set aside on a plate to cool. Store in a zip lock bag in the fridge until ready to use.

Substitutes you can use:

You can substitute flax seed meal for the chia seeds above/ 1 cup of buckwheat in place of one of the cups of regular flour—both provide more protein and fiber.

I hope you enjoy making theses tortillas!

Check out these 10 Easy Tortilla Meal Ideas, too!

Let me know how you make your favorite variety.

Don’t you appreciate wonderful facts about roots like parsnip? Look at what Jeremiah says below:

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:8

The root vegetables, withstands cold, takes cover underground, and fill our bellies with rich fiber. We can draw comfort from the nourishment they provide just as they draw and produce the nutrients from the ground. Providing a wealth of vitamin C to nourish our cells, this tasty root is the star of our dish today!

Saute’ in heated Skillet with 2 Tbsp Olive Oil The following washed and chopped veggies:

1 Parsnip, 3 radishes, 1/2 onion, 1cup red cabbage

Saute until tender and carmalized

Meanwhile:

Prepare 1 can of rinsed and drained chickpeas in a saucepan with the following:

2 Tbsp Sunflower seeds, 2 tsp worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon no salt seasoning, and 1 Tbsp olive oil.

Saute’ until browned.

Prepare quinoa according to package directions.

Fluff with fork, add 1/2 juice of lemon. 2 tsp fresh chopped lemonbalm and 1/4 tsp salt.

Roots never fail to bear fruit! I hope you enjoy!

“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life” (Prov 4:23, HCSB)

As an adult I understand guarding the heart is pivotal to walking victoriously. However, the ears of my young heart failed to understand this life source. Stubbornly unaware of protecting it fiercely above all else, I left it unguarded. Saying farewell to the ways taught through childhood, I sauntered headlong into living my way.

I soon began to feel the effects of an unguarded heart, physically and spiritually. Just as I see it now, among my friends and acquaintances. Its impact infiltrates my church family, too. We are all subject to its slowly eroding repercussions if we don’t fully submit to the saving grace of Jesus and protect our hearts by doing what He says.

We are vibrant people, loving life and others, yet continually trying to overcome lingering bitterness of the soul without Him at the helm of our lives. It’s easy to succumb to the pressure of our culture and live as though we are in control. We are taught that in the school room. Frequent messages of, “You can do anything you set your mind to in life” are often motivators to equip children toward achieving goals.

What if we equipped them to understand instead, life is hard, unfair, and sometimes cruel? But we have a Savior who is ready and willing to join us in our journey. He understands cruelty and hatred because experienced it first hand. What if parents used every cruelty and unkindness experienced by their children as an opportunity to teach them about Jesus? Furthermore, how do we as parents and grandparents do this on a daily basis instead of depending on the church to do this one or two hours a week?

Like many others, my early years were in church, learning of God’s goodness and mercy. I became very aware of my need for him at age 9. I decided to follow Him, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and be baptized. Although the foundation was laid and my parents set a good example in the way they lived, they lacked good communication skills.

The firm foundation waivered, as my family drifted from the church of my childhood and began to steer their own way. I easily fell to peer pressure and desire to be accepted by others just four short years after accepting Christ. The pull of culture can happen so effortlessly at such a tender age. I hope my story can help another mother set up the necessary reinforcement in her daughter’s life to combat the danger of waywardness.

I remember, at 13 sobbing and begging God to ease the confusion of my warring spirit. A darkness was consuming my mind, my will, and emotions. I truly felt, I just could not measure up, or be the person He wanted me to be. So, I gave up. I lived for myself and for the world from that point on, and although I knew Him, I did not follow Him or His truth.

The place of waywardness is where my heart took the brunt of attacks from the enemy.

The next 17 years were ups and downs, highs and lows. I was an easy target. Yet, in spite of my stubborn resistance, God was faithful.

He continued wooing me back to Himself and allowing things to happen that simply destroyed my biggest enemy……my pride. When I refused to fully humble myself, He humbled me.

I do not recommend it. I want others to be wiser than I, closely examine their lives and hearts and see where they are living at the whim of their unreliable mind, will, and emotions. Because they will never fix it on their own. Nor will relying on short-term interventions like self-help books, yoga, mantras, or meditation.

Furthermore, the entire concept of guarding is to protect something of great value. God values our hearts. There is nothing more valuable than the place that houses our eternal souls. Although our efforts to guard it are noble, they are inefficient. The sly enemy is deceptively convincing us we are in control, when we are not. Look at the following proverbs to understand this dire situation:

• Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over my lips!
• Proverbs 2:8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
• Proverbs 2:11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,
• Proverbs 4:6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
• Proverbs 4:13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.
• Proverbs 5:2 that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.
• Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
• Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.
• Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
• Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

God is reliable and you and I can trust Him with our most vulnerable and prized possession. Listening to His warning to fiercely protect our hearts preserves our lives. (Prov. 3:13)

His standard, set forth in His word, teaches me how he wants me and my child to live. How do we know what that standard is, in this temporal world, if we don’t read the Bible daily together? If we fail to attend a place of worship and fellowship, how do we remain respectful to God’s word and teach our children to do the same? By making the mistake of comparing ourselves to others and the way they live, we miss the way God wants us to live! 

Furthermore, we miss the way He wants me to talk, to behave, to love and to disciple our children. In His word is the place where heart change happens. Putting others above ourselves is a term of endearment to God, not a sacrifice. It shows how much we return His great love and sets an example for our children to do the same.

The deep and abiding relationships springing from this reflection of our Savior, persuades others to want the freedom Jesus offers. A freedom from bitter, hardened and unguarded hearts. Well meaning lessons in childhood may still not be enough, no matter how attentive and intentional our parents are in raising us to know the Lord. Although, having a keen eye to her child’s mannerisms and changes in behavior is helpful in deflecting rebellion; figuring out who she really is on her own is essential.

During these years of uncertainty all momma can do is pray and offer gentle reminders of who she is in Christ. Guarding her heart starts with guarding her body, it’s an honor and a privilege. The callous, thoughtless exposure of it among her peers and culture sway her easily to believe otherwise. However, the deep rooted connection of body and soul can’t be denied. There is a reason God covered our first parents in the garden after their sin. He shows them mercy in alleviating their shame.

Moreover, is the fact that Jesus did the very same thing. He covered our sin and shame and made us whole in Him. And Jesus wants us to live life beyond the remorse of an unguarded heart and into fullness. His righteousness covers us from eternal damnation, but our daily choices impact our living victoriously.

More importantly, He is the answer our unguarded hearts have been yearning for all along.

“And next to him…..”

Week 1

Day 4

Yesterday, we saw Nehemiah’s confidence in God on display as he faithfully delegated repairs to his countrymen.  Refusing to be hindered by rumors, stage attacks, or gossip, he confronts his opposition head on. A direct controller.  My kind of guy! Perfectly suited to God’s assigned task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Perhaps, God is calling us to follow in his footsteps of faith.

Just as Jerusalem is surrounded by a crumbling wall, we too are interacting with people in the same situation. Their tumbling walls of social ease are gone. They are facing hard times in an uncertain world, without faith or hope. Coping with shreds of anxious emotions, they are unsure where to turn. Our opportunity to repair walls like Nehemiah is at hand.

The good news for our struggling countrymen is Jesus. He takes upon himself deteriorating walls of false security, selfishness, anger and bitterness. He restores a bleeding heart of anxious emotions to a mighty fortress of forgiveness, love, kindness, grace and hope!

I for one, can sure feel that grace and kindness through my local body of believers!

I’m sure you can too! We are stronger together.

As we read Nehemiah chapter 3 again today; take note all of the areas of the crumbling wall and gates to be restored; we will see specific names and families involved.

May Nehemiah’s confidence in the Lord be a beacon of light for our faith too! We can take our time and pray about that task (or person) he has laid upon our hearts. Or maybe, investigate areas where our hearts are drawn to serve. The slowed pace of life gives us more opportunity to learn more about situations and needs of others. The role does not have to be a big one. We can each participate in the area God has personally trained us for. 

That is exactly what happens in Nehemiah chapter 3. Each person does his (and her) part to rebuild or repair gates and parts of the wall. Read through that chapter and note how many times the phrase “and beside him’ is noted____________.

Yes! Just as each person or family is assigned to do a part of the work, we are assigned to do our work. Note how the Body of Christ works together, in different aspects to fulfill the work of the church in the following verses:

Romans 12:3-8

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Praise God, all members of one body! We rejoice together, we build together, learn from one another, support and encourage one another. Person by person, we build that mighty fortress of faith. Unlike the rebuilt wall of Nehemiah’s day that is built in 52 days and will be torn down again, ours is a fortress that lasts for eternity! The gates of hell cannot not prevail!

Prayers for all of us as we meet the call to serve, and fill the world with our hope in Jesus! Thank you for studying with me!

Week 1

Day 3

“The God of Heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start building, but you have no share, right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”            

Nehemiah 2:20

Do you find yourself busting at the seems to share with everyone what God has laid upon your heart to do? You are not alone, many people do. God gives them a dream and they barrel through at full steam. People like me, want to assess the situation thoroughly first and understand going in what I’m up against. You know, so I can set my expectations low… or talk myself out of it!

All joking aside, if God has called us to do a specific task, He will equip us for that task. He actually has been doing that for years. Every relationship, job experience, or connection with others play a role in what God wants to do through us today. Nehemiah’s proximity to the king and his role as cupbearer is a perfect example of God’s equipping him for his task.

Like some of us, he approaches the situation very carefully. Please read Nehemiah 2:11-20 to begin our lesson today.

1. What does verse eleven clarify about Nehemiah’s approach to this situation?
2. What areas are inspected and how were they destroyed? (vs 13)
3. We discussed “exile” in a previous lesson, look up the word in a dictionary and think about how it applies here as the Israelites ‘returning’ from exile.
4. Once the wall and the gates are inspected at night, who does Nehemiah approach to discuss building the wall? (vs 16, 17) How do they respond? (vs 18)
5. We see two familiar names from a previous lesson mentioned and another name is added to a small group of opposition, list the names below: (vs. 19) What accusation do they charge Nehemiah with?
6. Write out Nehemiah’s response below: (It is also our headline verse above, vs 20)

Names are important in lineage and Jewish history, so the nationalities are noted behind the names. Names also are important later when the Jews return to Jerusalem to give evidence of their affiliated tribe due to God’s laws about avoiding intermarriage. There are some really good studies that dive deeper into those topics, however today we will focus on the attitude behind the opposition.

Opposition does not come from the priests or the nobles, it comes from three of the officials. Thankfully, Nehemiah’s proximity to the king, as cupbearer has given him plenty of experience in understanding the motives and intentions of these officials. He sees right through the opposition and replies with confidence. His faith in God, cannot be shaken. 

Look ahead at some of this opposition and note the tactics used by these officials.

Please read Nehemiah Chapter 6

1. It’s the same three people: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. They are persistent in their attempts to intimidate Nehemiah. Note Nehemiah’s response in verse 3. How many times did they attempt to lure him away? (vs 5)
2. What are their threats? (vs 6)
3. Nehemiah’s challenge to him in verse 8 is a priceless example to us for handling gossips.  Please write his response below: (vs 8,9)

We see how Nehemiah’s training has prepared him for these false accusations. He’s been in front of the king for years, determining trustworthiness of the individuals around the king. Ponder with me a moment, how intuitive he has become with his experience serving the king. Every twitch of the eye, shady expression, change in tone of voice, alert him to danger! His life depended upon it! Poisoned wine, equals dead cupbearer.

The man knew how to read people! And so, do we! We can spot trouble a mile away and know the minute the oncoming mouth is open we need to find another source. Look beyond the words and read between the lines. The frequent gossiper, or negative Nancy will attack every single endeavor we partake in to serve the Lord.

Be attuned—Is this wise counsel or something else? (Consider the words carefully)

Pray fervently—Nehemiah says in 6;9 in the middle of these attacks—“But now, my God, strengthen me.”

Above all, practice being as kind to the person as our tender hearts will allow. But do not fall for the ploy to distract. Maybe hold on to those dreams God has placed on our hearts and continue learning more about Him in His word before we burst forth. Take courage! He will assure us when the time is right. If the task is from Him, He will continue to open doors and lead the way!

Thank you for studying with me!

Week 1

Day 2

Do we realize, the way we handle problems is a silent megaphone to others of our faith in God?

I’ve never heard a silent megaphone, of course. But picture a man in front of a king, his face is downcast. His trusted position of cupbearer signifies prominence. Yet, in that prominence there is hesitancy and despair. Sadness in the presence of a king is punishable by death. Although, he knows this, Nehemiah cannot cast it aside.

He must push through and ask the unthinkable: Dear king, will you overturn your own law and let me return to Jerusalem to build a wall? No, he does not word it that way, but in essence that is what he is strumming up the courage to ask the King.

Please Read: Nehemiah Chapter 2.

We read about the countenance of Nehemiah in verse 1 and the King’s observation of Nehemiah’s “depression” HCSB (some other versions state: sadness of heart/sorrow of the heart).

Note Nehemiah’s emotion in 2 b and response in 3 below:

2. The king asks Nehemiah in verse 4 “What is your request?”: Before Nehemiah answers in his “overwhelmed fear” what does he do? (vs 4b)

Courage is facing our fear and moving forward in spite of that fear, with the help of our Almighty God. We can see this powerful, and silent plea to God in the midst of very dangerous circumstances for Nehemiah. And God is showing us in His word, we too can have the same faith. We just have to call upon Him.

3. God gives Nehemiah more courage and imparts wisdom as he continues to step out in faith to return to Jerusalem and rebuild a wall. What does he ask the king for next? (vs 7-8)

4. Nehemiah has the wisdom to know that whatever task God calls him to do, will not be easy! There will be opposition and that opposition is why many are defeated before they begin. He, however started with a contrite heart and pure spirit. Look up the scriptures below and note what they say about a contrite heart:

a. Psalm 51:17

b. Isaiah 57:15.

God honors our heart’s desire to be in His will, doesn’t He?

5. Praise God. And he shows up in a powerful way to make sure we have the ability, tools, and back up for the task he has chosen us to do. Please note below what the king provides Nehemiah in verse 9

6. Who are the people mentioned in verse 10 and what is their reaction to “someone seeking the well-being” of the Israelites?

Yes! We will meet opposition in the face of stepping out in our faith. Our reaction to the displeasure of others is that silent megaphone. We may find ourselves among unhappy, dependent people. There may be continual criticism about every task we undertake. We can try to go out of our way to please someone and it is never enough.

God’s word says respond (with love) anyway!

7. Look over the scriptures below and pray God helps us in our silent daily battles with our unseen enemy.

Mathew 5:43-45

Luke 6:35

John 13:34-35

Galatians 5:13

Ephesians 4:2

It is a pleasure studying this overview with you! I am learning so much about God’s call on my life! May we pray and ask God what he is showing us more clearly in his word.

I must align my mind to His and off of the things that hurt my feelings. Maybe we can learn to do that together! While we’re together, perhaps our silent megaphone will make beautiful music in the heavenlies!

Week 1

Day 1

In the twentieth year, in the city of Susa, we meet Nehemiah. The people are returning to Jerusalem from exile. I don’t want to miss a repeated theme in the book of scripture, here:

God is faithful to Israel, in spite of their unfaithfulness.

As a nation seeking her own power, recognition, and pleasure is left to the consequences of those decisions; so it is with us as individuals. For instance, we can’t’ figure out why our bodies are falling apart after eating garbage for years. Or, we may be separated from someone we love because of a lifestyle that is self-destructive. We may be holding onto unforgiveness in relationships that hinder our growth, or peace. Whatever the reasons for our current suffering, we must know from scripture:

1. God always gives us a chance to return to Him.
2. God remains with us during our exile (suffering).

Take a moment to read the news of Hanani in Nehemiah Chapter 1 verses 1-3

1. What is Nehemiah’s response to hearing the disgrace and great trouble of his people? (vs 4)

Although, our return to faith after many years departed may be genuine; we are sometimes confronted with shattered reality of self- neglect or fractured relationships all around us. So, it’s not going to be easy. There will be much weeping, questioning, and temptation to turn back to our comfortable coping mechanisms.

Yet, God will still pursue and slowly convince us; His way is the better way.

We will finish today enjoying, savoring, and relishing Nehemiah’s action in the presence of his grief!  May we learn and respond in the same way.

Please read Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-11

2. Nehemiah teaches us some important principles in his prayer. Who is first and foremost in His prayer? (vs 5)

3. What is confessed in verses 6-7?

4. Nehemiah’s gentle reminder to the God of heaven reveals a promise of God, what is it? (vs 8-9)

5. Once he acknowledges the greatness of God, confesses his sin, he is THEN ready to make his request. Please note it below: (10-11)

Sometimes, we are so overwhelmed with the ache of our circumstances, we can’t help but lay our hearts out there quickly and fervently. However, approaching God in this way sets our expectations on our surroundings and not Him. Think about this example for a moment:

A lady I know has an obnoxious, arrogant, boss. She prays and prays, he’ll move on. Go away, find another place to play his mind games. The prayers are answered and he moves on……for a while. Now, he’s back and up to his same old antagonistic ways. Did God open his eyes and ears to the prayer?

Yes.

Maybe, the guy’s new office, prayed for God to send him back where he came from……and God answered their prayers, too!

Again, the focus is on the circumstances and not on what God truly wants to accomplish through every person involved.

A heart change.

This man does not know the Lord. What if both offices prayed for heart change of this lost soul, who is seeking advancement and pleasure in hurting others? What impact would someone of his position have for the good of God’s kingdom, if he knew Jesus? How is God showing the office people what a small dose of tyranny looks like? How can we pray for each other and our brothers and sisters all over the world who truly face abominable oppressive rule?

Nehemiah’s example of prayer is keeping God high and lifted up (in his place) and confessing the sins of himself, his people, and his leaders (in our place). He doesn’t place His need above His God. Oh, that we would follow in his stead!

Would you consider praying this scripture over your own situation, family, grumpy bosses, estranged loved ones today?

God Bless you and Keep you as you develop an unwavering faith!

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Nehemiah 1:11

Introduction

Are you ready to transition your faith from its current status to a mighty force of fearless devotion to God?  I am! We can do that together. God’s transforming word and talking to Him daily are powerful tools to build our faith. Studying the people of the bible helps us understand and appreciate the ups and downs of life. We share many of the same struggles our bible characters do. However, none of us are alone.

In this three week, on the go, study of scripture, we’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at faith. Through three, very different prophets, we’ll see our circumstances do not have to define us. Moreover, it is here, we will see the unwavering faithfulness of God.

Our faith, I believe, starts with a clear understanding of who He is and how he persistently pursues his wayward people.

I’m excited to start this journey of faith. Please understand, even though we are working through large passages of scripture, we are not breaking down every theme of the book. We are taking an overview of the books and looking at one specific element; faith. Although, we’ll be skimming the surface of several themes throughout these three books, our focus is the unwavering faith of God.

A deeper look is certainly worthy of future study!

So, if you are interested in a thorough study of all elements in these books, I highly recommend studies through these publications:

First 5 — Opposition and Opportunity: the books of Ezra and Nehemiah https://first5.org/

Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah and Jennifer Rothschild‘s Hosea

Look at it this way: We’ll read it through with the lenses of comprehension and have a stronger understanding of where we’re going when we tackle it in the future.

Let’s begin today’s study with prayer. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and clear our minds of preconceived notions as we study God’s Word. May He open our hearts to His wisdom and prepare us to be good disciples in understanding His character. Therefore, learning to apply His character to our daily lives. We will begin with a short synopsis of Israel’s history as a nation.

Following the period of the Judges and Gideon hiding in the winepress; Israel’s faith is just like our own, highs and lows. They struggle through the Judicious period seeking to do what is right in their own eyes. Post Judges, a king is chosen. After the first disaster of leadership passes, David, a man after God’s heart is crowned king. Following his leadership, a long line of weak and strong kings rule. Israel is led to great power, wealth, and prosperity; to division and ultimate demise as a nation.  They are eventually taken captive to Babylon.

I’m excited to start day one with you! Let’s start today by reading Nehemiah 1-6 for an overview and comprehension of the scriptures in it’s context.

Roots are vital to life aren’t they? The root is where the majority of the nutrients are absorbed.

Similarities in plant life work their way into soul life. For instance in Proverbs 12 we see it compared to evil.

Proverbs 12:12 The wicked desire what evil men have, but the root of the righteous produces fruit.

We see it also in 1 Timothy 6: 10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

Unlike the vegetable, that restores and heals, these roots are buried, deep in the soul, causing dissatisfaction and unrest.

If something is off balance in your soul look at the root cause, dig it up, bring it into the light.

In the same way getting to the root of a problem balances the soul, many root vegetables can center a plate. Try them for a richer, more satisfying meal.

The tomato substitute with beets and carrots combines the earthy goodness of red and orange root vegetables with garlic and onions.

It’s makes a sweet, thick, and delicious sauce that can be paired with any meat, pasta, or soup!

All you have to do is gather:

If nightshades really hurt your belly and cause acid reflux, this is the sauce for you!

• 3 CARROTS
• 1 SMALL BEET
• 1/4 ONION
• 1 CLOVE OF GARLIC

Place chopped vegetables in a saucepan and cover with 2 and 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer until vegetables are tender, approximately 20- 30min. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside to cool. Once cool puree into a sauce with a high powered blender. I like my Nutribullet.

Use for: Soups, Pasta

Psalm 63:5

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

Don’t you just love the confidence of this psalmist? My soul will be satisfied. No could be’s here…

He’s all in. I’m all in too! I want my soul rich with the word of God and my belly full of what He puts in the garden.

It sure does help praise Him with joyful lips. Because I know He is in control.

Let your lips enjoy this fresh from the garden dish today!

Black Bean and Squash Medley

1 Cup Fresh zucchini

1 Cup Yellow Squash

1 Cup Butternut Squash

1/2 Small Onion

1 Clove Minced Garlic

2 Cups Rinsed Black Beans

1 Tsp Oregano

1 Tsp Coriander

1 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley

2 Tbsp. Organic Olive Oil (If doing fasting mimicking omit the oil and sauté in vegetable broth)

Preheat a large skillet on the stove. Chop all of the above vegetables. Add the olive oil to the skillet then the chopped onion, zucchini, garlic, and squash. Sauté’ about 7-10 minutes or until tender. Add the black beans and spices. Heat beans through and Top with fresh parsley.

This dish is good for your taste buds and good for your skin, with 40% of your RDI of Vitamin A! Your cells may also like the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal benefits of oregano! Coriander is good for digestion and lowering LDLP cholesterol!.

This dish also has potassium, magnesium, folate.

What God put in the garden is good!

Enjoy!