Everybody Has Problems

 Stop minimizing the problems of others!  Many people, erroneously, believe that as long as a person has electricity, food and shelter that he/she has no problems.  More times than not, that is NOT the case.  As a matter of fact, it is often a trick of the enemy to isolate people.  What do you mean?  I’m glad you asked.  The enemy likes to isolate people and to make them feel that they are all alone.  When a person looks as if he/she is okay, others think that the person has it altogether.  As a result, no one would even consider that the person who looks “altogether” is really a mess.  Sometimes, many aspects of that person’s life is in complete shambles.  And, because others believe that the person has it “altogether”, they never check on that person (leaving the person to be isolated).  And, if someone does happen to check on that person, they minimize their problems because the problem is not what they think a problem really is.  You know what I’m talking about - we’ve all minimized someone else’s problems at one point or another.  We often reason that if the person IS NOT sick, IS NOT broke, IS NOT homeless, IS NOT hungry - then they really don’t have any problems.  Just because their problem is miniscule to you, it is still a mountain to them.  So, the next time you make a judgment about someone’s problems (even if you have no point of reference), you can always go to God in prayer.  

Father God,

I thank you for placing _____ in my life.  I don’t know what he/she is really experiencing.  But, God, you know.  I don’t understand the disappointment, the despair, nor the pain.  But, God, you know.  So, I ask that you will cover ______ and provide supernatural favor so that ______ will experience peace.  Meet _____ needs and allow _____ to experience the joy that comes in the morning.  I thank you, in advance.  In the name of Jesus, AMEN.

 

Covenant Grace Ministries

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?