When I first got married, there was a recipe in the local church cookbooks called, “Poor Man’s Meal”. Since I was a new bride and we were poor, this dish was right up my alley.

After all, Poor Man’s meal only called for ground beef, onions, potatoes and cream of mushroom soup. New cooks need easy too, ya know!

Well fast forward 34 years and I realize, I have not cooked that in years! Why? I guess I outgrew it as my cooking skills advanced beyond casseroles. However, I am revisiting the dish today and vamping it up a bit. Instead of potatoes and cream of mushroom soup, I’m using fresh shitake mushrooms and cabbage.

Remember, when we make our own soups (casseroles), we control the amount of salt, fat, carbs they contain.

Benefits:

Cooked cabbage is high in fiber, vitamin K and polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help fight cancer and inflammation. Eaten raw or in salad it retains a good dose of Vitamin C, the powerful immune boosting vitamin we all need. Cabbage combined with the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in this Poor Man’s Meal are sure to provide enough sulfur compounds to help you and your family to fight any infection that comes along.

Devotion:

 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9 Bible Gateway

Jesus gave up the glory of heaven so we might have a taste of real richness. Wealth that has nothing to do with material things, money, or food. He gives us an opportunity to know Him through his Word and His life. In Him, our fullness dwells. I hope you take a moment to rest in His provision today.

Meditate and taste His Word alongside a dish of nutrient packed vegetable stew like this Poor Man’s Meal today! You’ll find a sense of gratefulness as you remember the days of truly being poor. With Jesus at your side, those days are a thing of the past.

Super simple and delicious Kale and Butternut Squash Quesadilla’s will be just the right side to your chicken chili! I know, I’m wearing out that butternut squash, but when a girl can’t eat tomatoes but loves Mexican food…something has to give! So, I ‘m giving it all the chances I can for making a healthier meal. All you’ll need is a slice of Havarti cheese and the recipes for Quinoa Chia Tortilla Shells and Butternut Squash/soup below.

All you have to do is heat your skillet, spread your butternut squash over half of the tortilla, place your fresh cut kale over that, sprinkle with some onion salt. Split one slice of Havarti cheese evenly over the kale; then fold your tortilla shell over and brown in the buttered skillet about 3-5 minutes each side! Yum! You never know, Kale and Butternut Squash Quesadilla’s may just be your new favorite too!

Remember, what’s in the garden is so good!

The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:12

Genesis 1:12 HCSB – The earth produced vegetation: – Bible Gateway

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.

When I see this quinoa & chia breakfast bowl in the morning and think about how many times I settled for cereal in the past, I just cringe. Really? Where was this energy packed breakfast when I was chasing my little girls around the yard? I did a class for my church a few years ago on Eating from God’s Garden and showed them this recipe alongside a glazed doughnut…

Needless to say, they were impressed with amount of goodness in this bowl compared to the doughnut.

There is no comparison with breakfast as far as macronutrients, or taste for that matter. Not only that, this doughnut does not fill us up! God’s wisdom in the garden in unparalleled.

“Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

” Proverbs 14:33

Although man’s pride continues to steer him away from God’s wisdom towards man made pleasures, God continues to let himself be known. The good news is we can start our day building wisdom in God’s word and from His garden. This simple quinoa & chia breakfast bowl is loaded with protein, fiber, whole grains, natural sweetness, omega 3 fat. As well as vitamins and minerals. All necessary for brain health and building wisdom!

On top of being nutrient packed, do you see all the seeds in this fruit? They are ready and waiting to propagate into the next generation. With just a little backyard space we can save the seeds from our next Kiwi and strawberries and grow them. All we have to do is rinse them well, place on a paper towel and dry them out at room temperature for about two weeks. Then plant them in some fertile soil and see if they grow. (The non-GMO seeds anyway ).

More importantly, as we age and face chronic disease, feeding our cells becomes necessary to function. The choices containing macronutrients to increase function begin to outweigh desire for sugar saturated “non-food” items. Also with just a little preparation we can enjoy new habits and convenience that provide cell building energy, without losing flavor.

Furthermore, our desire to use our hands without pain, open jars, and do crafts with our children and grandchildren doesn’t wan. It is something we need to thrive. We can continue to do these things with a little help from God’s garden.

Because we know… What God puts in the garden is good!

Have a blessed week!

Check out this yummy vegetable soup too!

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.”
Psalm 75:1

We have so much to be thankful for! How many countries have fully loaded produce sections with everything we need for our harvest feasts? None like our country. In light of that reality, I love having a special day dedicated to giving credit where credit is due!

Credit to our mighty God, who provides everything we need in addition to more, for helping other countries. Although, “In God we trust”, may be our nation’s motto, it’s not just a motto. Scripture is clear:

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon Him?
Deuteronomy 4:7

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psalm 33:12

With all these blessings and our God ever present to hear our call to Him, we can express our thanks every day. I am especially thankful to Him for friends, family and patients I’ve met over the years. It is a privilege and joy to revamp favorite recipes to help them stay on a healthier eating plan. Moreover,  without losing the flavors they love!

With that in mind, I’d like to introduce to you an enchilada dish removed of all it’s highly processed cheese and cream! Although it does have some cheese, it’s not the 2 cups you find in most enchilada recipes.

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You might ask, “Why is cheese a problem?”

Cheese is one of those preservative  and salt laden items that cause the blood to be more acidic. The more acidic our blood, the more inflammation we have in our joints, our blood vessels, and our gastrointestinal tract. Not good. Since, that means more pain, artery clogging, and mental fogginess.

Moreover, using your own fresh tortillas bring added flavor and nutrients to this dish! Recipes for making your own tortilla shells are HERE.

Also, I’m also using leftover butternut squash soup to use as my “sauce” on these enchiladas, that recipe can be found HERE

So, I hope you enjoy this belly filling chicken enchilada remake with butternut squash and jalapeños! It’s loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and best of all…flavor!

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

1 Chronicles 16:8

I give thanks to the Lord for another day to enjoy His goodness! The goodness from this winter squash harvest will last several months stored properly in a cool dry place. We’ll begin with using some left over butternut squash soup to begin making delicious wraps.

Butternut squash wraps can replace any tomato based salsa for people who have chronic reflux disease. Or if they are avoiding nightshade plants.

However, anyone can enjoy these easy squash wraps! Especially if they are having a craving for Mexican food.

Click HERE for Butternut Squash Soup recipe

You’ll also need some Tortilla Shells–Click HERE for recipes!

Enjoy these wraps today! And don’t hesitate to call upon the name of our Lord, He loves you so much!

Why are Nightshades a Problem for some people? Nightshades are thought to contribute to inflammation and chronic gastrointestinal permeability. This can result in reflux disease (GERD) in some people. The enzyme solanine is a natural pesticide found in these plants to protect them from disease. This substance may cause inflammation when consumed and contribute to arthritis pain, inflamed blood vessels, and irritates the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. There are no clinical studies on people to support this claim, however some medical personnel are advising patients to try removing them from the diet for a period of time to determine if there is relief of symptoms.

Follow this fibromyalgia link for more information: Fibromyalgia Resources

Amazing butternut squash has so many benefits to build and sustain our bodies!

Did you know that butternut squash when picked after its peak ripeness is able to protect itself from disease? Who knows the interpretation of a thing? The adaptability of a every species in the garden continually amazes me. What does not surprise me are the benefits! I love how it helps build the immune system and contributes to maintaining muscle and bone mass alongside a well balanced eating plan.

Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1

Here in Ohio, this year’s volunteer crop of butternut squash sprouted spontaneously from our compost pile as my husband tilled its richness through the rows of potatoes.

God not only placed in the seed its genetic code to multiply, but also the protective ability to harden it’s skin as it lies in the sun ripening for winter. The clue to picking this at the height of it’s protection is after the fruit reaches its peachy tan color.

Once the peak color is present the fruit is ready for use in my soup.

Since I don’t want to damage the vine or the remaining fruit I carefully cut it leaving a one inch stem. I pick the first for a taste test and leave the rest.

The remaining squash lye on the vines several more weeks as hardening of the outer skin begins and the cooler temperatures at night cause the vines to wither and fade. I can’t help but picture the elements of life for this plant with our own task of self-preservation. We too develop a hard exterior at times when repeated exposure to invaders occur. Mentally and physically.

Butternut squash’s amazing benefits begin as its minerals and vitamins are extracted. These macronutrients help our immune system counteract free radicals. Therefore, counteracting the over processed and highly preserved items we tend to consume. At the same time, our minds are bombarded with fear of pandemics, deadlines, relationship woes, or a health crisis.

Moreover, how do we cope? How do we grasp onto sanity and bring forth preservation? The key of course is wisdom. The same wisdom that changes the face of the man in our verse above. We have the pleasure of applying the wisdom of God’s word to our daily lives so we can experience a change in our own faces.

Just as our butternut squash is filled with lush nutrient flesh to build and sustain our bodies, God’s word is filled with soothing Psalms to nourish our souls. 

Learn more about Butternut Squash Benefits Here:

Preparing the squash for this mineral and vitamin packed soup is easy:
1. Wash thoroughly with water.
2. Bake the whole squash on a oven safe dish for one hour at 350 degrees.
3. 40 minutes into baking add a bulb of garlic to roast alongside the squash, it will roast 20 minutes and 3 cloves will be added to the soup.

Butternut Squash Soup

You’ll need the following:

• One Large Roasted Butternut Squash
• Three Cloves Roasted garlic
• 4       Tablespoons of Butter or Olive Oil
• 1       Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 2       Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Rosemary
• 1/4    Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1       32 Ounce Box of Organic Vegetable or Chicken Broth
• 1/2    Teaspoon Salt

Take the cooled roasted butternut squash and peel the outer skin. Slice down the middle and remove the seeds and strings. Dice the remaining flesh into cubes. You can proceed one of two ways: Place the squash in a blender with the 32 ounces of broth to puree or place in a soup pot with the broth and use an immersion blender to puree’. Your choice. I like to use my blender. So, I add the spices, roasted garlic, hers, salt, and broth to my blender and puree’. I then add it to my soup pot with the almond milk. Heat until warm and serve.

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!

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