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!

The kale is coming along nicely in this fall garden spot and new recipes are coming with it. I know many people don’t like kale, but you really can’t taste it much in these three breakfast/brunch style dishes. Besides, just check out the benefits God provides in this superfood!

Kale Benefits

Kale is high in potassium. A 3rd of a cup provides 385mg, and new research says it is safe for people with chronic kidney disease. According to the USDA, kale provides a wonderful supply of the recommended daily amounts of vitamin C (130%), vitamin A (25%), and Calcium (20%).

God also placed amazing antioxidants in this beautiful plant! Studies show kaempferol, present in kale, has anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, cardio and neuroprotective properties. (1). He also provides quercetin, a flavonoid that provides oxidation protection for low density lipoproteins, decreases platelet aggregation, and relaxes vascular smooth muscles. All of which, is good news for those of us looking for heart protection.

The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

Psalm 145:8-10 ESV – The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow – Bible Gateway

Incorporating Kale in Easy Meal Preparation

The best part of this super food is it can be incorporated in our weekly meal prep. Plus, it grows easily in backyard gardens to be enjoyed most of the year.

One way I love to use kale is in a kale salad, with apples and beets. I then top it with apple cider vinegar and olive oil dressing. Other ways I like to use it, is in an omelet, muffins, or quiche.

I hope you enjoy these dishes as much as I do.

Kale Omelet

1-2 Cups Chopped Fresh Kale

1/4 Cup Fresh Onion

4 Large Cage Free Eggs

1 Tbs Olive Oil

2 Adelle’s Chicken Apple Sausage (No nitrates!)

1 Tsp Shredded Romano Cheese

1 Tsp Fresh Lemon balm

Sauté the onion in the olive oil, add the chicken apple sausage chopped into small squares. Add the chopped kale until just wilted. Beat the eggs in a cup add some milk or almond milk. Move the meat/vegetable mixture to the side of the skillet. Add the eggs to the skillet and cover with a lid. When the egg looks cooked through, scatter the meat/vegetable mixture over it and fold into two omelets. Top with fresh chopped lemon balm or herb of your choice and a little shaved Romano. So delicious!

Kale and Apple Sausage Muffins

Sauté 1 tablespoon of onion, 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, and 1 chopped Adel’s Chicken Apple sausage link in a skillet and cook until mushrooms are tender. Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen chopped kale. Divide the mixture into 6 muffin tins. Place 6 eggs into a blender and blend with 2 ounces of almond milk, salt, pepper, a sprig of fresh rosemary and 3 chopped basil leaves. Pour mixture over vegetables and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Separate the meat/vegetable mixture into 6 muffin tins, cover with egg mixture and bake at 350 until eggs are done, about 15-20 minutes. Top with fresh herbs and shaved Romano.

Gluten free, Paleo approved (depending on your milk and cheese choices) and low carb.

Kale & Apple Sausage Quiche

Sauté 1/2 cup onion, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 6 button mushrooms until tender. Add 1 chopped, nitrate and nitrite free apple sausage link, and 2 cups of fresh chopped or frozen kale in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of ghee or olive oil, until tender. Add 2 cups of cooked Quinoa. Set aside. Mix 6-8 eggs in a blender with 2 ounces almond milk, fresh herbs, a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over vegetable and quinoa mixture and cook 1-2 minutes.

Making sure your skillet is oven safe, transfer it to the oven to bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes or until eggs are done.

References:

Crocetto F, di Zazzo E, Buonerba C, Aveta A, Pandolfo SD, Barone B, Trama F, Caputo VF, Scafuri L, Ferro M, Cosimato V, Fusco F, Imbimbo C, Di Lorenzo G. Kaempferol, Myricetin and Fisetin in Prostate and Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Nutrients. 2021 Oct 23;13(11):3750. doi: 10.3390/nu13113750. PMID: 34836005; PMCID: PMC8621729.

Turkey Pecan Salad

Don’t you love a special day of the year dedicated to focusing on just being Thankful!

Although, every day is an opportunity to share gratitude individually, as a nation our hearts and minds are focused on that one special day to give thanks. How do we teach the little ones in our lives thankfulness?

We can offer to load a sack of groceries into the car for someone with small children in the grocery store parking lot. We can smile at a lonely elderly person. Maybe even share some leftover turkey with our widowed neighbor.

Not only do small acts of kindness instill a sense of gratitude in our little ones, but also those we serve. The love of Jesus is sewn into the hearts at the end of every act of kindness. It is a beautiful thing to behold. Look at the following scripture on thankfulness:

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples! (Psalm 105:1)

So share a little love and thankfulness with some friends today with that leftover turkey. Here’s what you’ll need for a twist on turkey salad.

Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad
3. CUPS Leftover Turkey
3. Finely diced stalks celery
1. Tbsp. finely chopped onion
1/2. Cup finely chopped pecans
1/2. Cup. Cranberry sauce
2 Tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise

Combine all ingredients, store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Enjoy!

It’s a wonderful day for warm houses, hot ovens, and fresh bread. Giving thanks for God’s goodness and saying a prayer for those without today.

Psalm 107:1-9

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Lemon Blueberry Scones

The recipe:

2 Cups unbleached organic flour

3 Tsp aluminum free baking powder

1/2 Tsp salt

1/2 Tsp Cream of Tartar

Zest of One whole lemon

1 Tablespoon Honey

1 ounce plus 2 tsp extra virgin organic olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 Cup sliced blueberries

Whisk the first 5 ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. (Save blueberries to fold in last.)Set aside. Then combine the following wet ingredients in a large measuring cup. Add the olive oil work into flour until incorporated well. Combine the Honey lemon juice, milk, and egg. Add this to the dry ingredients. Mix until if forms a soft dough.

Gently fold in blueberries (I used a handful of fresh blueberries, sliced 4 ways (after slicing I folded gently in a paper towel to remove as much liquid as possible).Place the dough onto a flour surface and gently knead about 10 times.

Shape into a log, and cut into triangles.

Place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425 for 10-12 minutes.

Brush with honey butter when they come out! (I melt 1 tbsp butter, add 1 tbsp honey with lemon zest)I developed this basic scone recipe with olive oil when reading the bible. You’ll notice in the readingtheir sweet breads had olive oil in them. So, what’s good in the bible and what’s good in the garden, is always good for me.

Chicken Tortilla Soup.….AIP style….minus peppers, tomatoes, corn and tortillas. I could not tell the difference! 🙂

Here is what I did on my preparation day.

I washed and peeled 3 carrots and one beet. I put them in a saucepan with 1 clove of garlic and 1/2 onion 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add three cups of water, bring to a boil and simmer until vegetables are tender. Let them cool, then puree in a Nutribullet store in the fridge until ready to use. (This is my substitute for tomato sauce)

Soup:

2. Chicken breast cubed

1/2 onion (optional)

1 small zucchini chopped

1 yellow squash chopped

1 clove garlic minced.

1 carrot chopped

3-4 radishes sliced

1 stalk of celery chopped

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp margoram

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 box 32 oz. chicken broth plus two cups water.

2 Cups Pureed Beat/Carrot Sauce

Sauté chicken and seasoning with heated olive oil, salt and pepper. (Or use leftover rotisserie chicken) Add onions, garlic, and chopped vegetables. Add your pureed beat mixture and the broth.

Granted, at this point the pot looks like something from a horror movie. Don’t be alarmed! 🙂 The colors and flavors meld together nicely as it simmers.

Bring to a boil and simmer until vegetables are tender. About 30-40 min.

I wanted to add a cup of jicama to this, but there was none at the grocery store. It would be nice in this soup though.

What’s in the garden is good!

Psalm 19:9-11 New International Version (NIV)

The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the honeycomb.

By them your servant is warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

Yes, the word of the Lord is sweeter than honey!

Soothing a burdened spirit, His word lifts our eyes towards Him. And just as a tickling cough is coated well with a spoonful of honey, our hearts are coated daily with His truth!
Enjoy this apple honey coated Scone recipe for a lift of the taste buds and a reminder of God’s sweet truth. Because what’s in the garden is good!

Cinnamon Apple Scones

2 cups flour

3tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Add 2 tsp cinnamon

pinch of salt

whisk together and set aside

Stir in one ounce plus 2 tsp organic olive oil. (It will look like coarse crumbles)

Finely Chop 1 small apple

1/2 cup walnuts

Add to dry ingredients.

In a cup add:

3/4 cup milk

1 egg

1 tbsp. honey

Add to dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Turn out onto floured surface to knead, about ten times. Shape into a log shape and cut into small triangles. Bake in 425 degree preheated oven for 10- 12 minutes. Melt 2 tbsp. butter, add 1 tbsp. honey and brush on each scone when it comes out of the oven.