Envision

  If you are like me, the past twelve months have revealed so much - about people, about ideologies and about systems. Needless to say, it has been an eye opening experience - revealing many disheartening things that have wreaked havoc on our intellect and on our spirit man. As a result, many of us have over-indulged in comforting foods that have caused unwelcomed weight gain and created imbalances in our physical bodies. It is time for us all to do some end of the year self-care. Why? Self-care is a form of self-edification. When we are edified, we can edify others in return. So, I challenge you to set aside some time to assess the state of your wellness. How are you mentally? How are you physically? How are you spiritually?

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your

whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the

coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

As you begin to focus on self-care, begin to ENVISION. Envision as it relates to your wellness. According to Google, to envision is to imagine as a future possibility. As it relates to your wellness, what do you desire - by the end of the first quarter in 2021? By the end of the second quarter in 2021? By the end of the third quarter in 2021? By the end of the year in 2021? BE REALISTIC. Setting goals today prepares you for success in the future. That is why it is so important to envision.

Do you want to be emotionally better than you are right now - minus overwhelming anxiety and debilitating depression?

Do you want to peacefully distance yourself from draining people and relationships that leave you depleted as opposed to uplifted?

Do you want to shed the excess pounds that you’ve gained since the pandemic?

Do you want to learn more about God’s way of doing things?

Do you want a closer relationship with the Most High God?

Do you want to change your diet in order to reduce inflammation and to be able to manage pain without being dependent upon prescription medication?

The list could go on and on, but I think you get the point. What do you desire? ENVISION it! I invite you to envision with me. I am setting goals for myself that I will re-evaluate at the end of the first quarter in 2021. An expected end starts with a plan. Write the vision. Make it plain!

The Lord gave me this answer: “Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance. Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in
coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not
be delayed. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (Good News Translation)

                                Covenant Grace Ministries

The Choice is Yours!

      You've been keeping company and in the presence of snakes for years. You were once comfortable in their presence because you were totally unaware of their existence. Why? Because they were covered. Now that the lights are on - that which was once hidden is now revealed!

    The snakes have NOT changed. They are the same vibrant color that they have always been. They have the same poisonous venom that they have always had. But, because they have been exposed - you, NOW, have to respond to them differently.

• What will you do?
• Will you allow them to remain in your presence, or will you exterminate them?
• Will you continue to keep company with them, or will you separate yourself from them?
• Will you wait on them to attack, or will you protect yourself from their potentially lethal assault with their poisonous venom? The choice is yours!

Covenant Grace Ministries

♱

 

 

Meatless Monday: Vegan Breakfast

    I have discovered a real breakfast winner!  Seasoned black beans and meatless grounds with toast and fresh strawberries make a very satiating protein-packed meal.  And, it was quite easy to prepare. 

1. Drain and rinse a can of black beans.  Season them in a bowl and set to the side.
2. Add about a tablespoon of oil to a pan and heat on medium high.  (I used avocado oil.)
3. Add meatless grounds to the pan.  Season and brown the meatless grounds.  
4. Then, add the black beans to the grounds.  Mix together and allow to cook to your liking!  As it cooks, cover with a lid to maintain moisture.
5. To complete this meal, I made toast and sliced a few strawberries.

Enjoy!

These are the meatless grounds that I used.

Meatless Monday (UN-Chicken Salad Sandwich)

   To make this delicious UN-Chicken Salad,

1. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas.  
2. Using a food processor, a potato masher or a fork, slightly break the chickpeas into smaller pieces - leaving some whole.  If you are using a food processor, do NOT process until smooth.  Processing until smooth will give you the consistency for hummus.
3. Add the same seasonings that you would add to chicken salad.  Season to taste.  
4. Add mayo and/or mustard, chopped celery and bell pepper.  
5. Remember, season according to your liking!

   I have used toasted and (UN)toasted wheat bread to make sandwiches.  This can also be eaten with crackers.

When your heart is brimming with heaviness, 

and there is no one to talk to - 

what do you do?

The Raging Storms Of Life

     At this very moment, many of us are facing stormy, turbulent situations in our lives. The raging storms of life seem to be getting the best of us.  You, like many of us, may even (at times) feel as if you are a lonely, lost boat drifting in turbulent waters.

• Are the ferocious waves of life pounding, without mercy, against you?
• Are the forces of pain and despair forcing you further away from the shores of safety?
• Does it appear that you have no obvious guidance - you're just going with the flow?
• Do the clashes of thunder grip you with the fear of loss and defeat even though you have been told to "fear NOT". (Isaiah 41:10)
• Does the darkness of the prevailing clouds seem to overshadow the light of God's everlasting WORD?

      As bleak as the situation may seem, there is safety and there is sunshine behind the dark cloud. We may not see it.  As a matter of fact, sunshine may be no where in sight.  Although this storm is difficult and it appears to have no end,

• The God whom we serve will speak peace at the appointed time. (Isaiah 60:22)
•  He will navigate us to safety.
• And, HE will anchor us in still waters!

       Until HE does, we must keep our faith in the WORD and understand that this, too, shall pass. How do we know this?

Romans 8:28 reminds us that,

For we know that all things (this is all encompassing) work together for the

good of those who love God and to those who are the called according to His purpose.

What Will Happen If I Don't Help My Brother?

It is our Christian duty to help our brothers and sisters in need.  Pretending that racism does not exist will NOT make it go away.  

"Faith WITHOUT works is dead."

James 2:26

Remembering Ahmaud Arbery

Jehovah-Shaphat

(the God who Judges),

We know you have not

forgotten us,

nor have you forsaken us. 

Your WORD says that you are with us always.  We ask you, HOLY ONE, in the name of Jesus,

to forgive us of our sins, 

to have mercy upon us,

to protect our children from evil,

and

to cover us with your shield of protection.

We thank you for granting us peace during this time of anger, frustration, and turmoil.

-In the name of Jesus, AMEN.

Integrity

Do the businesses that you patronize walk in integrity?  I value good customer service which is one of the reasons that I prefer online shopping over in-store shopping (I realize that some online businesses are rip-offs.  You must do your homework.)  As a whole, online shopping allows the consumer the opportunity to avoid the pitiful customer service that is often associated with some businesses.  Three brick and mortar businesses that consistently provide excellent customer service are Chik-Fil-A, Publix and Starbucks.  (I am talking about my own personal experiences with these businesses.)

Tips to Consider Prior to Making a Purchase

1. Before purchasing goods and services, check out the company’s exchange/return policies.  Unfortunately, I have purchased items that I was unhappy with (for one reason or another) that I could not return.  If I had carefully read the exchange/return policy, this could have been avoided.  
2. Read reviews.  (Have an open-mind when reading reviews.  Read the pros and the cons.  Then choose wisely!)
3. Check out the customer service.  Do they respond to calls, emails, texts?  Do they do their best to please the customer? OR, Do they refuse to acknowledge calls, emails, texts once they’ve gotten your money? (Reviewers often point out bad customer service.)

How To Avoid Doing Business with a Company that does NOT walk in Integrity

1. Try not to buy on impulse.
2. Try not to be pressured into making a purchase.  This is especially important when passing by a kiosk in the mall during the holidays.  Remember that the sales rep at the kiosk has been well-trained to make a sale.  And, there is usually something at the kiosk that grabs your attention.  Before making the purchase, ask questions:

• How long will you be here?
• Will you be here tomorrow?
• How long does this deal last? (The sales rep will more than likely try to convince you that it's now or never.)
• What if I'm unhappy with the product/service?
• Can I purchase online?  If the sales representative is unsure or you are still hesitant about the purchase after asking questions, keep your money in your pocket!

    Finally, integrity goes a long way.  Certain brands are known for their integrity.  They stand behind their product or service.  We often make repeat purchases because of a brand’s quality.  On the other hand, if you’ve been burned by a brand, it is very difficult for anyone to convince you to repurchase that good or that service ever again.

Food for Thought

Every cheap deal is not a bad deal and every expensive deal is not a good deal!

Meatless Monday

     It's been quite a while since I posted a Meatless Monday Meal.  So, today, I'm posting a yummy black bean/pinto bean burger and fresh strawberries.  I cooked these beans a couple of days ago.  After deciding that I had eaten enough of the beans, I decided to transform the beans into a breakfast burger.

Recipe

1. I mashed the beans in a bowl until they were a mushy consistency.  NOTE: Some like a firmer  
   consistency.
2. Then, I added smoked paprika, onion powder, poultry seasoning and celery salt.
3. So that they would stick together, I added about a tablespoon full of cooked rice and a tablespoon full of bread crumbs.
4. Afterwards, I formed them into patties and pan fried them in garlic spread.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

This is a new day that God has given us - one that we've never seen before and

 one that we will never see again. Find something to rejoice about!

8 Covid-19 Myths

Wisdom is the principal

thing; Therefore get

wisdom. And in all your

getting, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

Covenant Grace Ministries

To read details concerning

The following myths, please 

go to Covid 19 Myths.

Myth #1 Covid-19 is no worse  than the seasonal flu.

Myth #2 Seniors and the elderly  are the only ones that  should take extra  precautions.

Myth #3 You’re contagious only  if you have symptoms.

Myth #4 The virus will disappear  when it gets warmer.

Myth #5 Staying at home is  necessary only if  you’re sick.

Myth #6 Everyone’s symptoms  of Covid-19 are similar.

Myth #7 Covid-19 only lives  in the air minutes  after a sneeze or cough.

Myth #8 Once you’ve had Covid-19, you are safe and will  not get it again.

GOD wants us WELL!

Beloved, I wish above all

things that thou mayest

prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 2

Check this video out by Dr. Bill Winston. Be blessed!

Happy New Year - 2020!!

So, I learned a new nugget 

that I will add to my life lessons. 

 I want to share it with you.

Everything is “figure outable.”

There are solutions.  

Whatever it is - it CAN be figured out!

Enjoy your day!