Mysty Pfeffer
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!
