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