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.

“Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:11

I like the key word in this verse…aim. Aiming for restoration and comforting one another. The act of living in peace is what we, as Christians wake up with every intention of doing each day. Meeting God in His word and beginning with prayer helps us hit the mark. Well, aim better anyway.

We may be tempted in situations to respond in haste. We may forego the extra time to stop and listen to the answer of our own question, “How are you?” to our neighbors. While each hour of our day passes we have the opportunity to take extra time or go the extra mile. When we do, a small spark of confidence grows and the peace of God is present in our small victories.

We can feel Him smiling as our aim is closer to that of his Son.

While we think about our aim to be more like Christ, I’ll share the aim of this cherry tart. It offers a balance of delicious tart and sweet flavor for our enjoyment. A crunchy oat and walnut cluster of top is slightly sweet and filling. Also, the use of a very small amount of sugar and stevia allow this pleasure to remain a healthier option for a rounded snack or breakfast substitute.

Cherries dark red juice and skin is loaded with anthocyanins to help fight inflammation. They also contain a decent amount of vitamin C. There is no guilt indulging in this beneficial treat.

Cherry Tarts

Filling

• 3 Cups Cherries (Fresh or Frozen)
• 1/4 Cup of Sugar mixed with 1 scoop of PURE stevia or monk fruit
• 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon or nutmeg
• 1 Tablespoon Tapioca Starch or Arrowroot Powder

Crust

• 2 Cups Organic Gluten Free Oats
• 1/3 Cup Organic Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar (Optional)
• 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts Chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine your filling ingredients in a bowl and toss well with the sugar, arrowroot powder, and spices. Place in a 8 pre-made tart shells and set aside. Combine oats, olive oil, sugar, cinnamon and walnuts in a bowl and place over the cherries. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Take a couple of theses along with you as you visit shut ins or drop them off on the door step with a card of encouragement! Aiming high is our goal in our efforts to comfort and agree with on another.

Enjoy!

“….so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
Colossians 1:10-11

Paul and his run on sentences! Breaking it down for me today for a short devotion….bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power….(NOT according to my might but HIS might) and not just His might but His glorious might.

Now that is a promise worth holding onto for the rest of my days!

I have no strength apart from Jesus and I have no knowledge without the Word of truth shared in the bible. May the hope of these verses lift your spirit to a new level today just as a hearty meal from the garden will lift your stamina.

This sounds complicated because of three step process, but I assure you….it is easy. I chose to use Kale in this pesto only because I did not have basil on hand, and there is a LOT of it in the garden.

I’ve also used spinach in the past (LOVE THAT) it’s a little sweeter, but I like to keep things versatile so you can substitute and use what works for you. This is also one of those really good preparation day meals to cook ahead and eat later in the week.

There are so many benefits of kale with good amount of protein, rich in vitamins A, C, & K see this Healthline article for all the benefits!

Kale Pesto & Spaghetti Squash

Pesto

• 1 Cup Fresh Kale (Spinach or Basil)
• 1 Roasted clove of garlic (this gives a milder garlic flavor you can use fresh, but it will be strong!)
• 2 Tablespoons of Romano Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon of Sliced Almonds
• 1/3 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 1 Dash of Pepper

Puree in a food processor until smooth.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare Spaghetti Squash by washing well, cutting in half, scoop out seeds, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, Bake one hour until tender. Meanwhile, prepare meatballs.

Meatballs

• 1 Pound of lean ground beef (Turkey or Chicken)
• 1/4 Cup finely chopped onions
• 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Parsley
• 1 Tablespoon Grated Romano Cheese
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper ( I don’t measure this, it is to your own taste)

Roll into 1 inch balls and bake alongside squash for about 35-40 minutes.

When the squash is done, remove from oven and let cool until it can be safely handled. Carefully fluff with a fork to remove the flesh of the squash, add a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder as needed for flavor. Place in a container and add one tablespoon of the pesto. Mix well and top with meatballs. I added roasted asparagus. Delicious!

You’ll be more than ready to bear fruit in all your good work!

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20

I save myself a lot of anguish and regret when I am slow to speak….not that I always do, but WHEN I do, the outcome is better than when I don’t. There is so much noise and anger right now in our nation, it’s hard to discern what is righteous anger and what is just anger. My spirit aches for those angry hearts, because I know what it feels like to be trapped by it’s ugly snare.

Therefore, wise counsel from James is nice to hear among the clamor of voices. The reality of God’s word is summed up here…..he says, “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” The context of this verse is tucked away in ongoing warnings of being lured by our own desires and staying away from filthiness and wickedness. He goes on to say that religion is worthless if we can’t hold our tongue (vs 26). Ouch.

Statements that check the genuineness of my heart and remind me to live free of anger! Thanks James, because I need to cling to God’s wisdom in an age of extreme chaos. It feeds my soul, just like the sweet potatoes coming on feed my cells.

Yes! My cells love this hormone balancing starchy vegetable from the garden prepared in a variety of ways. I love the nutrients of beta carotene, vitamins A &C, B1 & B6. As well as the good amount of minerals–magnesium, potassium, manganese and copper. Don’t forget they are also full of soluble fiber. All of which increase energy, balance hormones, provide fiber and sustenance. I like the added benefits of pumpkin and sunflower seeds for extra vitamin E and selenium too!

Hey, I”m packing as many nutrient’s as I can into one meal for busy people, ya know!

These wraps are inspired by watching a beautiful Indian woman making a flatbread with a sweet potato several weeks ago. Since I love to make a variety of wraps; why not use this idea to make my own version?

Here is all you need:

• 1 1/4 Cup Organic Unbleached Flour
• 1 Preboiled and Still warm sweet potato ( this makes about 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Cup toasted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (1 Tbsp. each)
• 1 Tablespoon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Place a skillet on the stove with the heat setting on low. Place the pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in the pan to toast. Just a couple of minutes. Meanwhile combine the flour and salt. Place toasted seeds into food processor and gently pulse until finely chopped. Add them to the flour mixture and mix well.

In a separate cup combine the sweet potato and oil. Using a fork, incorporate the sweet potato mixture into the flour until a nice dough forms. Knead several times on a lightly floured surface until no longer sticky. You may need to add a little more flour. Divide the dough into eight small balls. Roll out one ball at a time, on a lightly floured surface until very thin. Place in the hot DRY skillet to cook, about 30 seconds each side. They will look dry and no longer wet when they are ready.

Place on a dish to cool. Use them for your wraps right away or store them in the refrigerator in a large zip lock bag. They are usually best when used within 7-10 days.

Enjoy the wraps, soak up God’s precious cleansing Word, and gather in the garden!

I pray wise cousel from God’s Word to feed your soul today, as you escape the craziness of our world for the peace of our sweet Jesus. I pray His precious Word brings you comfort as you balance your mind with the bible’s solid reassurance and your body with sustenance from the garden.

Because what’s in the garden is good!

“At daybreak, LORD, you hear my voice,
at daybreak I plead my case to you and wait expectantly.”
Psalm 5:3

Daybreak is my favorite time to meet with the Lord in His Word and draw near to Him. There is no better time of the day. Soon after daybreak, I check on the garden…..the kale is looking quite nice! Ready for a lunch date and wellness consult!

Here is the very simple recipe for salad to increase magnesium, manganese, calcium, and vital antioxidants for building your strength. I hope you enjoy this and your lovely day!

Kale and Beet Salad

• 4 Cups Fresh Kale chopped
• 1/4 Fresh Beet, shaved over salad
• 1 Small Apple finely sliced
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Almonds
• 1 Dash of Salt

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

• 1 Ounce Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 Ounces Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Honey
• 1 Dash Pepper

Combine your kale, topped with apples, nuts and shaved beets, cover with dressing and toss.

What’s in the garden is good!

On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.
1 Corinthians 12:22

A clear picture of my need for others is in this verse. How many times have you held a baby and just could not resist hugging or kissing them……..especially if they’re part of you! They are weak and seemingly offer us nothing, however the sheer innocence of their presence offers indispensable hope! We need them and we need each other.

We have many needs in our spiritual body that require the gifts and talents of others. They are at our fingertips, a text or phone call away. I’m comforted I don’t have to hesitate, I can reach out for them today. Just as I can reach to the garden to meet my needs physically. Here is how you and I can do that today, using leftovers from the night before.

1. Asparagus On An English Muffin with Fresh Herbs

• 1 Egg
• 1 Tbsp. Leftover Steamed Asparagus
• 1 Tsp. Grated Romano Cheese
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Herbs ( I used my favorite lemon balm, fennel, parsley)
• 1/2 Tsp Organic Olive Oil

Super easy preparation….In a mug, place your olive oil. Add one beaten egg, the asparagus, and cheese, microwave on High 1 minute. Place over English muffin and top with fresh herbs.

2. Gluten Free?….No problem, prepare items and place over leftover Wild Grain Rice

3. Low Carb for You?…….Easy fix, place egg mixture over a bed of greens with fresh herbs.

Eggs not your thing?
Adjust accordingly by combining 1/2 cup wild grain rice, a teaspoon of Romano cheese, Leftover steamed asparagus, a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds, and a tablespoon of walnuts. Heat in microwave 1 minute.

Why Fresh Herbs?
As we learned in our verse today, every part of our body is indispensable. That includes our gut health.
Fresh herbs aid in the digestion of our food, provide vital polyphenols and flavonoids to help us fight inflammation, disease and cell damage. All antioxidants and nutrients help us sustain and nourish our bodies. So, it is a good idea to add a few items from the garden to each meal.

I pray you have peace and nourishment in your body and soul today! What’s in the garden is good!

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Romans 11:33

I’m glad I don’t have to try and search the wisdom and knowledge of God, it is at my fingertips in His Word. Moreover, it’s comforting to know someone is aware and can handle all the chaos, heartache and pain taking place in our country today. His depth and riches are beyond my comprehension. Yet, I want to be more like Him in his capacity to love, encourage, and empower His people.

We may think He is too big or too busy to think of us little nobodies, but scripture tells us He numbers the hairs on our head. He accounts for and names the stars in the sky. Furthermore, He knows where the birds will lay their head. Evidence He does care about the simple things too!

A starting point for all of us……..simple things.

Simply Delicious Summer Squash

• 1 Summer Squash
• 1 Zucchini
• 2 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breast
• 1 Small Onion Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano
• 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Organic Olive Oil
• 1 Cup precooked Quinoa

Heat skillet to low med setting. Combine all spies in a bowl or small dish. Prepare chicken on a cutting board, sprinkle half of the spices on the chicken, cut into strips. Place oil in heated skillet, then add seasoned chicken, cook until done, about 5-6 minutes. Push to the side of the skillet. Meanwhile thin slice the vegetables on a different cutting board and sprinkle with remaining spices, Sauté’ until just tender, about 5-6 minutes. Serve over precooked quinoa.

I can take comfort in the Devine design of yellow, orange, and green displayed in my squash and carrots. I need stamina, endurance, and strength to be productive. The essential antioxidants in this dish meet those needs, while they also fight inflammation and cancer. Knowing the taste buds won’t be disappointed make this dish an easy choice.

People like me prefer the simple things in life! Simple recipes, preparation, and ingredients that cook quickly and provide satiety. So, I can do the work He has called me to do. This meal will assist in providing the necessary nutritional requirements to keep you going in your work too!

So feed your body and feed you soul because what’s in the garden is good!

Leave me a comment, let me know how you like it!

“So, they said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us’?
Luke 24:32

I love the story in Luke, where the unknown disciples are walking and talking along the road after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. On their way to Emmaus, the unidentified Jesus moseys right in among them and joins the conversation. They have no idea who He is or why He doesn’t know what just took place in Jerusalem three days ago. He continues to walk with them as He explains the appearance of Himself throughout the Scriptures.

It is not until evening and Jesus breaks the bread that their eyes are opened to who He really is. They were amazed and exclaimed excitedly, weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He talked with us on the road, explaining the scriptures? I hope we have that same zeal for God’s word and our hearts are ablaze as He walks with us today!

While your heart is ablaze let your belly be satisfied with all of the polyphenols, antioxidants, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, and nutrients these easy Quinoa Breakfast Treats Provide!

Enjoy! What’s in the garden is good

• 3/4 CUP QUIONA
• 4 OZ APPLESAUCE
• 1/2 TSP CINNAMON
• 1-2 TSP CHIA SEEDS
• 1 TBSP PUMPKIN SEEDS
• 1 TBSP WALNUTS OR PECANS

PLACE QUINOA, APPLESAUCE, CINNAMON, CHIA SEEDS IN A SMALL BOWL, MIX WELL, PLACE IN THE REFRIGERATOR OVERNIGHT.

THE NEXT MORNING LIGHTLY TOAST IN A SKILLET CHOPPED PECANS AND PUMPKIN SEEDS.

MEANWHILE REMOVE QUINOA MIXTURE FROM THE FRIGE STIR IN 2 TBSPS ALMOND MILK. THEN HEAT QUINOA MIXTURE IN THE MICROWAVE 1 MINUTE ADD THE TOASTED NUTS AND SEEDS.

A 4TH WAY…..MASH A BANANA INTO 3/4 CUP QUINOA, ADD 2 TBSP ALMOND MILK, 1 TBSP WALNUTS….HEAT 1 MIN. ADD 1/2 CUP FRESH

Enjoy your Quinoa Breakfast Treats!

Quinoa & Chia Breakfast Bowl – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Benefits of Quinoa

11 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa (healthline.com)

Biblical Use of Salt Free Spice Blends

 The Lord spoke to Moses:  “Take for yourself the finest spices: 12½ pounds of liquid myrrh, half as much (6¼ pounds) of fragrant cinnamon, 6¼ pounds of fragrant cane, 12½ pounds of cassia (by the sanctuary shekel), and one gallon^[of olive oil.

Exodus 30:22-24

In ancient times, spices were not only used to flavor food but in anointing oils for the priests and burning incense to God. Many sources and books are written on the health benefits of spices. Spice benefits range from vexing tumor necrosis, decreasing inflammatory markers, to reducing oxidative stress in the body. Check out this NIH article on Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer more information

We can not only take joy in savory food, but also in knowing God has a special plan for the body when we consume them.

NOTE: THESE ARE TRIAL SIZES FOR STARTING A BLEND……IF YOU LIKE THE BLEND YOU USE 1 TABLESPOON IN PLACE OF THE TEASPOON THE NEXT TIME YOU MAKE THEM AND USE 1 TEASPOON FOR THE 1/4 TO 1/2 MEASUREMENTS. ADJUST AND OMIT AS YOU LIKE

Mexican Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika, 1/2 Teaspoon each—Black Pepper, Cumin 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Cajun Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Oregano1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional or more if you like it hot)

Curry Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Cumin powder, Coriander, Turmeric1/2 Teaspoon each—Cardamom, cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper (opt)

Greek Blend

1 Teaspoon Each—–Garlic Powder, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg

No Salt Flavoring

1 Teaspoon each: Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

I’m not a big fan of white chocolate, but many of my friends are!

So, here is a healthier version of White Chocolate Granola Bars. Let’s face it, we are not going to deny ourselves a small pleasure after a hard day of work or an exhausting day with little ones. However, we can make that gratifying choice a better one. One consists of good fiber, protein, omega rich walnuts and infection quelling cinnamon.

Take heart in your hard work, God is setting an example for your little ones through you! It is your care, your love, your daily sacrifice that shows them God’s love. The bible says, “From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each of us.” (Acts 17:26-27 HCSB)

Whether you’re influencing your own little ones, or someone else’s we can be the light they may need to reach out and find Him. So, power up, and keep your physical strength for this task, too! I hope you enjoy these bars. They contain those rich beta glucan coated oats I love to use. As well as those pressed olives, in the most famous garden of my favorite book!

These are super easy and not too sweet.

3 Cups organic oats

1/4 Cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 Tsp cinnamon

1/4 Cup organic unbleached flour (or any gluten free flour of your choice)

3/4 Cup cranberries

3/4 Cup chopped walnuts

1/2 Cup Mini white chocolate chips

Combine in a large mixing bowl all of the above dry ingredients.

Next Add

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Organic Olive Oil

1/3 Cup honey or maple syrup

Add the eggs until all of the dry are coated well. Then add the olive oil, coat ingredients well. Lastly, add the maple syrup or honey, also coating well.

Stir well and add to dry ingredients. Once combined add 1/4 cup raw honey until all the oats are wet and sticky. 😉 Place onto baking sheet and roll out until flat and even.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15-18 minutes–they should be golden brown.

Enjoy!