Does it matter whether we pray or not? Does prayer really do any good?
If God is in control, why can't we just trust that He will take care of everything in our lives and everything will turn out ok in the end? After all, doesn't He always want the best for us? We could just pray, "Thy will be done," and that should take care of it, right?
Have any of these thoughts ever entered your mind, as they have mine?
So what does the Bible teach us about prayer?
The scripture that first comes to my mind is in Luke 18, the parable of the persistent widow who kept going to the judge to ask for justice. Because of her continual asking, the judge granted her request. If she had asked only one time, she would have gotten nothing from the judge.
The first verse of that chapter says that Jesus told the parable to the disciples to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Then verse eight indicates that persistent prayer is counted as faith. Wait a minute--we have heard it said continual prayer about something indicates a lack of faith. Can we pray a prayer of faith, believing that he has heard and will answer our prayer, and yet still pray about it? I believe we can. If we know that we are praying according to his will, we can continually bring it up to the Lord, thanking him that he has heard and that he will answer. We can remind him of the promises in his word and tell him that we believe those promises are true. Speak out our faith to him, don't give up our faith, no matter what we see in the natural.
Another scripture indicating a need to persevere in prayer is Matthew Chapter 7. Jesus tells us to "Ask, seek, and knock." Asking indicates that we believe God is our good Father and that he cares about our need. He tells us elsewhere in the Bible (James 4) that we do not have because we do not ask, or we ask with wrong motives. Seeking implies earnest petitioning to the Lord for our need. Knocking implies perseverance in coming to the Lord even when we don't see the answer quickly.
Jesus says, "Everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." If we know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our heavenly Father give good gifts to his children who ask him.
Many times throughout the Bible, we see examples of how prayer is necessary in order for God's will to be carried out. The Israelites were successful in their battle against the Amalekites only as long as Moses persisted in prayer with his hands lifted toward God. After Elijah received the prophetic word that rain was coming, he still persisted in prayer until the rain came. And many more examples can be seen even in the New Testament. The early church prayed in the upper room until the Holy Spirit came. What if they had not stayed there and prayed? How different the outcome for the church would have been.
In Mark 11:24, Jesus states "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." IN PRAYER, ask for it. BELIEVE that you HAVE received it, it shall be yours. We have to ask in faith.
In John 14, he says "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Again, we see that we have to ASK. There is authority in the name of Jesus.
Prayer is effective when it is in harmony with the will and word of God. "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (I John 5:14)
In many instances we know God's will because he reveals it to us in his word. We don't have to pray, "If it be thy will," when the Bible clearly shows that it is God's will. Maybe we need to study the Bible more to be sure we know what the will of God is.
At other times God's will becomes clear only as we earnestly seek to determine what it is. In these times, we may have to humble ourselves through fasting and continue in prayer until we hear from the Lord. This is the hard part. How do we know when God speaks to us? We have to learn to know the Lord's voice when he speaks, but we can be assured that he does speak to his children, "My sheep hear my voice" (John 10:27). Once we know his will about any given issue, we can pray with confidence and faith that God will answer.
It is a principle of God's word that his people pray persistently in faith, in the authority of Jesus' name, and in accordance with his will in order for his plan to be accomplished on this earth and in our lives.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Acts Today
Before Jesus left the earth, he gave the command to his disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:15-18) Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied. (v. 20)
When did that command end? When did the signs stop?
The book of Acts in the Bible documents the first 33 years of church history. The entire church, not just the apostles, "preached the word wherever they went." (Acts 8:4) The early church prayed fervently, saw angels, had visions, witnessed mighty signs and wonders, drove out demons, and healed the sick. If the Bible were still being written, what would it say about the church today? Would we still be able to document signs and wonders?
In the first chapter of Acts, the promised Holy Spirit came upon the assembled believers to give them power. That power allowed the followers of Christ to continue the work that had started with the ministry of Jesus and he left to the disciples. Time and again, we read that the Holy Spirit spoke, they were led by the spirit, the spirit gave them utterance.
We are the same church and we still have the same Holy Spirit. Since Scripture never suggests that the supernatural signs were restricted to 33 years, surely Jesus intended that they were to continue in the church until He returns.
Acts is not just a history book of the early church, but should be a handbook for the Christian life and the Spirit-filled church. We should desire and expect as the norm all the elements that were present in the first century church.
That's why I am expecting a miracle. I believe that we can still operate in the same power and authority to see the same kinds of works that were seen by the early disciples. If we can't--why not?
When did that command end? When did the signs stop?
The book of Acts in the Bible documents the first 33 years of church history. The entire church, not just the apostles, "preached the word wherever they went." (Acts 8:4) The early church prayed fervently, saw angels, had visions, witnessed mighty signs and wonders, drove out demons, and healed the sick. If the Bible were still being written, what would it say about the church today? Would we still be able to document signs and wonders?
In the first chapter of Acts, the promised Holy Spirit came upon the assembled believers to give them power. That power allowed the followers of Christ to continue the work that had started with the ministry of Jesus and he left to the disciples. Time and again, we read that the Holy Spirit spoke, they were led by the spirit, the spirit gave them utterance.
We are the same church and we still have the same Holy Spirit. Since Scripture never suggests that the supernatural signs were restricted to 33 years, surely Jesus intended that they were to continue in the church until He returns.
Acts is not just a history book of the early church, but should be a handbook for the Christian life and the Spirit-filled church. We should desire and expect as the norm all the elements that were present in the first century church.
That's why I am expecting a miracle. I believe that we can still operate in the same power and authority to see the same kinds of works that were seen by the early disciples. If we can't--why not?
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
GREAT Faith
What is this great faith that will move mountains, cause miracles and healings, and accomplish great things for God? It is my desire to find this kind of faith.
At least twice in the Bible, Jesus complimented someone for having great faith. In Mathew Chapter 8 a centurion was lauded as having "great faith" when he said to Jesus that he didn't have to come to his house to heal his servant but to speak the word only and the servant would be healed.
Again, he spoke of the great faith of the Canaanite woman in Matthew Chapter 15 when she requested that he cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus tried to send her away saying, " I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." She was persistent and said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the masters' table." Jesus replied, "Woman, you have great faith, your request is granted."
What did these two people have that we do not have?
Jesus also commented about the lack of faith on several occasions, including when he told the disciples the reason they could not cast the spirit out of a boy was because of their unbelief. What? The disciples had unbelief? They had been going about healing the sick and casting out devils--now suddenly they have unbelief? What happened to their faith?
Evidently we can have faith for some things, but not for others. I mean, didn't we have faith for our salvation? That was a really big miracle, but in most cases, I would say it was not hard to believe for it. (Unless you were really, really bad.) We believed in our heart and confessed with our mouth, and - boom - we were saved. Now, I know that Satan came along and tried to talk us out of it, but we stuck to our guns and believed it anyway. Why can't believing for a miracle be that easy? Maybe because we can't see our soul and it's dirty condition, so we don't have the evidence staring us in the face. When we are trying to believe for healing, for example, we have the symptoms to deal with. It's hard to believe that you are healed when you are still hurting.
Jesus told the man who came to him with his son that "nothing is impossible to him who believes." We know that he does not mean anything our heart desires--it must be based on God's will. So, obviously, first of all, we have to be confident that we know what God's will is.
My Life in the Spirit Study Bible says that true faith is a work of God within our hearts. It involves an awareness divinely imparted to our hearts that our prayers are answered. The Holy Spirit creates it within us; we cannot produce it in our own minds. Since true faith is a gift imparted to us by Christ, it is important to draw near to Christ and his Word and to deepen our commitment to, and confidence in, him. (note for Matthew 17:20)
When God speaks to our hearts and makes his will known to us in a certain situation (revelation), we can have faith for that particular thing. Like Peter did when he walked on water. Jesus spoke to him and said, "Come." When Jesus tells you to do something, he will give you the ability to do it. If Peter had tried to walk on water without that word from Jesus, he wouldn't have gotten as far as he did.
What I need is that God-given faith that would enable me to face a mountain of impossibility and see it move by God's power. In order to receive that God-given faith, I have to hear God speak. In order to hear God speak, I have to maintain a life of prayer and intimacy with God along with obedience to his word. That will lead to great faith and spiritual authority to see mountains moved and miracles take place.
I am confident that God's revelation will activate God's faith in me in order for a miracle to occur.
At least twice in the Bible, Jesus complimented someone for having great faith. In Mathew Chapter 8 a centurion was lauded as having "great faith" when he said to Jesus that he didn't have to come to his house to heal his servant but to speak the word only and the servant would be healed.
Again, he spoke of the great faith of the Canaanite woman in Matthew Chapter 15 when she requested that he cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus tried to send her away saying, " I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." She was persistent and said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the masters' table." Jesus replied, "Woman, you have great faith, your request is granted."
What did these two people have that we do not have?
Jesus also commented about the lack of faith on several occasions, including when he told the disciples the reason they could not cast the spirit out of a boy was because of their unbelief. What? The disciples had unbelief? They had been going about healing the sick and casting out devils--now suddenly they have unbelief? What happened to their faith?
Evidently we can have faith for some things, but not for others. I mean, didn't we have faith for our salvation? That was a really big miracle, but in most cases, I would say it was not hard to believe for it. (Unless you were really, really bad.) We believed in our heart and confessed with our mouth, and - boom - we were saved. Now, I know that Satan came along and tried to talk us out of it, but we stuck to our guns and believed it anyway. Why can't believing for a miracle be that easy? Maybe because we can't see our soul and it's dirty condition, so we don't have the evidence staring us in the face. When we are trying to believe for healing, for example, we have the symptoms to deal with. It's hard to believe that you are healed when you are still hurting.
Jesus told the man who came to him with his son that "nothing is impossible to him who believes." We know that he does not mean anything our heart desires--it must be based on God's will. So, obviously, first of all, we have to be confident that we know what God's will is.
My Life in the Spirit Study Bible says that true faith is a work of God within our hearts. It involves an awareness divinely imparted to our hearts that our prayers are answered. The Holy Spirit creates it within us; we cannot produce it in our own minds. Since true faith is a gift imparted to us by Christ, it is important to draw near to Christ and his Word and to deepen our commitment to, and confidence in, him. (note for Matthew 17:20)
When God speaks to our hearts and makes his will known to us in a certain situation (revelation), we can have faith for that particular thing. Like Peter did when he walked on water. Jesus spoke to him and said, "Come." When Jesus tells you to do something, he will give you the ability to do it. If Peter had tried to walk on water without that word from Jesus, he wouldn't have gotten as far as he did.
What I need is that God-given faith that would enable me to face a mountain of impossibility and see it move by God's power. In order to receive that God-given faith, I have to hear God speak. In order to hear God speak, I have to maintain a life of prayer and intimacy with God along with obedience to his word. That will lead to great faith and spiritual authority to see mountains moved and miracles take place.
I am confident that God's revelation will activate God's faith in me in order for a miracle to occur.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Can I get a miracle?
I'm praying for a miracle.
And I believe that I will see that miracle take place.
I believe in miracles.
The Bible is full of miracles performed by Jesus. Jesus was a man--a human just like us while he was on this earth. But he performed miracles. And when he left this earth to go to heaven, he told his disciples that they would do the same things he had done, and greater. I believe that is still true today--so why are we not seeing miracles take place?
In the Bible in Luke, Chapter 9, when the man with the epileptic son came to the disciples and asked them to cast an evil spirit out of his son, they could not do it. Jesus came down from the mountain and the man said to him, "If you can do anything, please help us." Jesus said, "If you can? All things are possible to him who believes." The man said, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief." The man was honestly confessing that he was having trouble fully believing. I, too, believe but have to admit that I need help overcoming my doubts. It is encouraging to read that, even though the man had some doubts to overcome, he still received a miracle because of his faith.
In Matthew, Chapter 17, the disciples later asked Jesus why they could not cast the demon out. Jesus said, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, move from here and it will be moved. Nothing will be impossible for you." Back in Luke he continues by saying, "This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting."
Oh, to have faith that would move mountains. How can a person get faith like that? Is it even possible? Lord, I believe, but please help me overcome my doubts.
Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon? They had been casting demons out, healing the sick and seeing mighty miracles. Why suddenly could they not do what they had already been doing. What happened to their faith?
Later Jesus asked the disciples, "What were you arguing about on the road?" They had been arguing about who would be greatest in the kingdom. Sounds like they had gotten away from being spiritual and had become pretty carnal. Maybe that's what affected their faith. When we get into the flesh, surely we cannot also be in the spirit. One is going to win out over the other--the one that we dwell on the most. So how do we overcome that fallacy of ours to get too carnal?
I confess -- I'm certainly guilty of carnality. I get caught up in busy-ness and my mind is always on the next thing to do. So many times, I neglect to spend time in Bible-study and prayer. Before long, I am more carnal-minded than spiritual-minded. God might speak to me if he could get my attention.
When Jesus said, "This kind comes out by prayer and fasting," maybe he was talking about that carnality. I don't believe he was talking about casting the demon out, because he did not say, "Let's fast for 3 days, then see if we can cast him out" or "Let's all pray" then we'll cast him out. He didn't fast and he didn't pray, he cast him out.
Fasting certainly will help to humble the flesh. When the flesh gets too big for its britches, just deny it for awhile and you will see it line up. Fasting doesn't make God do anything, but what it does do is get us to a place where we can be more spiritual-minded. That, along with praying, will help us get rid of our unbelief and have faith.
Have faith for what? Can we have faith for just anything that we desire? We can't desire something enough to make it happen.
I believe the answer to that question lies in the story of the first miracle Jesus did. When he was at the marriage feast with his mother and she asked him to turn the water into wine, she told the servants, "Whatever he tells you to do, do it." He told them to go fill the water pots and when they did the water turned into wine. There is our answer - whatever he tells us to do, do it. And we can have our miracle. Jesus himself said he only did what his father told him to do.
I have concluded that there are three steps to receiving a miracle.
1. Fast and pray until you hear from God concerning your request.
2. Whatever he tells you to do, do it. Be obedient.
3. Watch what God does. This step is not ours to take - it is his.
Faith begins where the will of God is known, as I have heard one of our Bible teachers say. Once we are convinced that what we are asking is in God's will, then we can have faith in him and his word to bring it to pass.
I believe I will see my miracle come to pass. Sooner or later, I'm going to hear from God and I'm going to be obedient to what he tells me to do, and he is going to work a miracle. Just wait and see.
And I believe that I will see that miracle take place.
I believe in miracles.
The Bible is full of miracles performed by Jesus. Jesus was a man--a human just like us while he was on this earth. But he performed miracles. And when he left this earth to go to heaven, he told his disciples that they would do the same things he had done, and greater. I believe that is still true today--so why are we not seeing miracles take place?
In the Bible in Luke, Chapter 9, when the man with the epileptic son came to the disciples and asked them to cast an evil spirit out of his son, they could not do it. Jesus came down from the mountain and the man said to him, "If you can do anything, please help us." Jesus said, "If you can? All things are possible to him who believes." The man said, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief." The man was honestly confessing that he was having trouble fully believing. I, too, believe but have to admit that I need help overcoming my doubts. It is encouraging to read that, even though the man had some doubts to overcome, he still received a miracle because of his faith.
In Matthew, Chapter 17, the disciples later asked Jesus why they could not cast the demon out. Jesus said, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, move from here and it will be moved. Nothing will be impossible for you." Back in Luke he continues by saying, "This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting."
Oh, to have faith that would move mountains. How can a person get faith like that? Is it even possible? Lord, I believe, but please help me overcome my doubts.
Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon? They had been casting demons out, healing the sick and seeing mighty miracles. Why suddenly could they not do what they had already been doing. What happened to their faith?
Later Jesus asked the disciples, "What were you arguing about on the road?" They had been arguing about who would be greatest in the kingdom. Sounds like they had gotten away from being spiritual and had become pretty carnal. Maybe that's what affected their faith. When we get into the flesh, surely we cannot also be in the spirit. One is going to win out over the other--the one that we dwell on the most. So how do we overcome that fallacy of ours to get too carnal?
I confess -- I'm certainly guilty of carnality. I get caught up in busy-ness and my mind is always on the next thing to do. So many times, I neglect to spend time in Bible-study and prayer. Before long, I am more carnal-minded than spiritual-minded. God might speak to me if he could get my attention.
When Jesus said, "This kind comes out by prayer and fasting," maybe he was talking about that carnality. I don't believe he was talking about casting the demon out, because he did not say, "Let's fast for 3 days, then see if we can cast him out" or "Let's all pray" then we'll cast him out. He didn't fast and he didn't pray, he cast him out.
Fasting certainly will help to humble the flesh. When the flesh gets too big for its britches, just deny it for awhile and you will see it line up. Fasting doesn't make God do anything, but what it does do is get us to a place where we can be more spiritual-minded. That, along with praying, will help us get rid of our unbelief and have faith.
Have faith for what? Can we have faith for just anything that we desire? We can't desire something enough to make it happen.
I believe the answer to that question lies in the story of the first miracle Jesus did. When he was at the marriage feast with his mother and she asked him to turn the water into wine, she told the servants, "Whatever he tells you to do, do it." He told them to go fill the water pots and when they did the water turned into wine. There is our answer - whatever he tells us to do, do it. And we can have our miracle. Jesus himself said he only did what his father told him to do.
I have concluded that there are three steps to receiving a miracle.
1. Fast and pray until you hear from God concerning your request.
2. Whatever he tells you to do, do it. Be obedient.
3. Watch what God does. This step is not ours to take - it is his.
Faith begins where the will of God is known, as I have heard one of our Bible teachers say. Once we are convinced that what we are asking is in God's will, then we can have faith in him and his word to bring it to pass.
I believe I will see my miracle come to pass. Sooner or later, I'm going to hear from God and I'm going to be obedient to what he tells me to do, and he is going to work a miracle. Just wait and see.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Thanksgiving - It's not just another holiday!
I was just browsing my previous blog posts and ran across one from 2012 at Thanksgiving time. (http://dayspringlane.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-at-our-house.html) Wow! As I revisit the emotional memories, I realize that time has a way of helping us to forget so much - both a blessing and a curse. Let us not ever take for granted the blessings of good health, a loving family, and a personal Savior and God who answers prayer.
As we enter another Thanksgiving season, I am once again feeling blessed. Another new life has entered our family, for which we are so very thankful to God. She comes to us after much prayer and intercession for her well-being after a very stressful pregnancy for our daughter and son-in-law. A pregnancy which started out with such joy and expectation soon turned into one of dread and apprehension for the future. Doctor's reports after sonograms and MRIs got scarier each month.
The big day came on July 16. Taylor Elizabeth Burns came to us at 7:26 p.m. looking and acting perfectly healthy. Needless to say, there was much rejoicing in the hospital room! Shortly after taking her to the nursery, however, the doctor came back to tell us that there was one unforeseen problem that would require some immediate surgery. It was called imperforate anus. Never heard of that one - but apparently it is not uncommon to the medical professionals. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), this abnormality is present in about one of every 5,000 births, occurring more often in boys than girls. According to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (CCH), about half of all babies born with imperforate anus have additional abnormalities.
It sounds weird but actually - as bad as this condition sounds and as serious a problem as it is - it was somewhat of a relief in light of what was expected. BUT GOD and Taylor showed off big time and all those expected issues became non-issues! We had to take a little time to recognize the miracle amidst the chaos. Praise God, He does answer prayer!
Two days after birth, Taylor had surgery to create a temporary colostomy. She stayed in NICU for nine long days, but progressed well. Naturally, the inability to keep Taylor with them and take Taylor home with them from the hospital was very hard on mommy and daddy (especially mommy because of what she had just done!) The next day after surgery, Taylor was finally able to eat for the first time! The breastfeeding went well even with the challenge of baby and mommy being separated.
Taylor is now four months old, and has just undergone her second procedure called a perineal anoplasty and pull-through operation, creating the anus and pulling down the rectum to connect it to the new anus. In two or three months, the final operation will take place to reverse the colostomy. The outlook is for Taylor's little body to be back to normal by her first birthday and be right on track for potty training.
Praise the Lord, additional testing after birth has ruled out all other abnormalities that are usually associated with the imperforate anus.
So we are here at the Thanksgiving season once again with much to be thankful for. God has been so good to us.
Look at this little face - aren't we so blessed??
P.S. The biblical meaning of Taylor is "clothed in salvation" and Elizabeth is "oath of God". How appropriate for such a miraculous little girl!
As we enter another Thanksgiving season, I am once again feeling blessed. Another new life has entered our family, for which we are so very thankful to God. She comes to us after much prayer and intercession for her well-being after a very stressful pregnancy for our daughter and son-in-law. A pregnancy which started out with such joy and expectation soon turned into one of dread and apprehension for the future. Doctor's reports after sonograms and MRIs got scarier each month.
The big day came on July 16. Taylor Elizabeth Burns came to us at 7:26 p.m. looking and acting perfectly healthy. Needless to say, there was much rejoicing in the hospital room! Shortly after taking her to the nursery, however, the doctor came back to tell us that there was one unforeseen problem that would require some immediate surgery. It was called imperforate anus. Never heard of that one - but apparently it is not uncommon to the medical professionals. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), this abnormality is present in about one of every 5,000 births, occurring more often in boys than girls. According to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (CCH), about half of all babies born with imperforate anus have additional abnormalities.
It sounds weird but actually - as bad as this condition sounds and as serious a problem as it is - it was somewhat of a relief in light of what was expected. BUT GOD and Taylor showed off big time and all those expected issues became non-issues! We had to take a little time to recognize the miracle amidst the chaos. Praise God, He does answer prayer!
Two days after birth, Taylor had surgery to create a temporary colostomy. She stayed in NICU for nine long days, but progressed well. Naturally, the inability to keep Taylor with them and take Taylor home with them from the hospital was very hard on mommy and daddy (especially mommy because of what she had just done!) The next day after surgery, Taylor was finally able to eat for the first time! The breastfeeding went well even with the challenge of baby and mommy being separated.
Taylor is now four months old, and has just undergone her second procedure called a perineal anoplasty and pull-through operation, creating the anus and pulling down the rectum to connect it to the new anus. In two or three months, the final operation will take place to reverse the colostomy. The outlook is for Taylor's little body to be back to normal by her first birthday and be right on track for potty training.
Praise the Lord, additional testing after birth has ruled out all other abnormalities that are usually associated with the imperforate anus.
So we are here at the Thanksgiving season once again with much to be thankful for. God has been so good to us.
Look at this little face - aren't we so blessed??
 |
| Taylor Elizabeth Burns 4 months old |
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
What's With All These Seeds????
I'm learning to eat real, healthy food. It's been a progressive lesson in finding out what is what and where to find it. The first trip to the grocery store to stock up on this "new" food was two hours long for two of us. It's getting shorter each time, but I still sometimes have to go to two or three stores to find what I need.
I've noticed that the recipes I am now using call for seeds of all kinds. I've never used seeds in my country cooking so I went on a search to find out "what is it with all these seeds?" What do they add to your diet? Are they nutritious or are they just for looks, texture, taste, or filler? Here's what I found out:
Chia Seeds - (I reviewed Chia Seeds in my last blog, but it also fits here with seeds.)
Flax Seeds - Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Flaxseed is found in all kinds of today's foods from crackers to frozen waffles to oatmeal. Flaxseed is what's used to feed all those chickens that are laying eggs with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. One popular way to use in cooking is to incorporate ground flaxseeds into your muffin, cookie, or bread recipes.
Sunflower Seeds - Besides being my favorite flower, sunflowers produce seeds that are good to eat and good for you.
Pumpkin Seeds -
So now you know. Next time you see a recipe calling for seeds, pile them on. They are good for you, providing maximum vitamins, nutrients and other benefits in a small little seed.
I've noticed that the recipes I am now using call for seeds of all kinds. I've never used seeds in my country cooking so I went on a search to find out "what is it with all these seeds?" What do they add to your diet? Are they nutritious or are they just for looks, texture, taste, or filler? Here's what I found out:
Chia Seeds - (I reviewed Chia Seeds in my last blog, but it also fits here with seeds.)
- Help weight loss. Chia seeds are popular for weight loss. They reduce food cravings by preventing some of the food that you eat from getting absorbed into your system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper.
- Feel fuller faster: They can also help your diet by making you feel full. This is because they absorb 10 times their weight in water, forming a bulky gel.
- Hydration for athletes: They are also great for athletes because the "chia gel" can hydrate the body.
- Reduce your blood pressure: There's evidence to suggest they can reduce blood pressure.
- Omega-3: They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 (the vital fats that protect against inflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease). In fact, they contain more Omega-3 than salmon!
- Benefits for diabetes: Because chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, studies indicate they can control blood sugar. This leads scientists to believe chia seeds may have great benefits for diabetics.
- They are easier to digest than flax seeds, and don't need to be ground up.
Flax Seeds - Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Flaxseed is found in all kinds of today's foods from crackers to frozen waffles to oatmeal. Flaxseed is what's used to feed all those chickens that are laying eggs with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. One popular way to use in cooking is to incorporate ground flaxseeds into your muffin, cookie, or bread recipes.
- Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s. The plant omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, called ALA, inhibited tumor incidence and growth. Flaxseeds comes out number one as a source of omega-3s!
- Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods. The lignans in flaxseed may provide some protection against cancers that are sensitive to hormones without interfering with the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Some studies have suggested that exposure to lignans during adolescence helps reduce the risk of breast cancer and may also increase the survival of breast cancer patients. Lignans may help protect against cancer by blocking enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism and interfering with the growth and spread of tumor cells.
- Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types. A unique feature of flaxseeds is their mucilage (gum) content. "Mucilage" refers to water-soluble, gel-forming fiber that can provide special support to the intestinal tract. It can help prevent the too rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine, thereby improving absorption of certain nutrients in the small intestine.
Sunflower Seeds - Besides being my favorite flower, sunflowers produce seeds that are good to eat and good for you.
- Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E has significant anti-inflammatory effects that result in the reduction of symptoms in asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin E has also been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer, help decrease the severity and frequency of hot flashes in women going through menopause, and help reduce the development of diabetic complications. In addition, vitamin E plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Getting plenty of vitamin E can significantly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. In fact, studies show that people who get a good amount of vitamin E are at a much lower risk of dying of a heart attack than people whose dietary intake of vitamin E is marginal or inadequate.
- They control cell damage, thus playing a role in preventing cancer. This is because sunflower seeds are a good source of selenium, which is a proven enemy of cancer.
- They contain bone-healthy minerals. Besides calcium, your bones need magnesium and copper to stay strong. Sunflower seeds have both these minerals.
- They keep you calm. Yes! The magnesium in sunflower seeds is reputed for soothing the nerves, thus easing away stress, migraines and helping you relax.
- They bring a glow to your skin. The star in this role: Vitamin E again, which combats UV rays and keeps skin youthful.
- They ease every condition that’s inflammatory in nature, such as joint pain, gastric ulcers, skin eruptions, asthma and such. That’s because sunflower seeds are loaded with antioxidants.
- Hemp seed may be one of nature's most perfect foods.
- Considered a complete protein, hemp seed delivers 5 grams of protein in a 2 Tbsp serving.
- Provide a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in each serving. These fatty acids promote heart health, lower triglycerides, work to reduce inflammation, promote brain health, and support the immune system.
- Low in carbohydrates.
Pumpkin Seeds -
- Are filled with lots of minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron and copper.
- Are a good source of vitamin K.
- Contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
- Contain L-tryptophan, which helps with good sleep and lowering depression.
- Are high in zinc, making them a natural protector against osteoporosis.
- Are a good source vitamin E; pumpkin seeds' vitamin E content may bring us more health benefits that we would ordinarily expect due to the diverse forms of vitamin E found in this food.
- Are an excellent source of vitamin B group (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and folates).
- Contain good quality protein.
- According to studies, pumpkin seeds prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.
- Reduce inflammation for arthritis without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Are good for prostate health! The oil in pumpkin seeds alleviates difficult urination that happens with an enlarged prostate
So now you know. Next time you see a recipe calling for seeds, pile them on. They are good for you, providing maximum vitamins, nutrients and other benefits in a small little seed.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Country Girl's Guide to Healthy Food
Happy 2014! New Year's Resolutions are three weeks old by now and, in many cases, probably history. But for me - I'm hanging in there and am still having fun with the commitment I made to healthy eating.
I purchased the book, The Daniel Plan, and started trying to incorporate the principles of faith, food, fitness, focus and friends. A group of friends join me each Wednesday morning to watch the video of the week and discuss the material. In addition, I have more folks in an online Facebook support group. We have found that it really is easier to stay on track with friends supporting you.
Delving into the world of "real" food has been an adventure for this country girl. The book says, "If your great-grandmother didn't know what it was, don't eat it." Well - not only did my great- grandmother not know what some of this stuff is-- I don't either! I found myself searching the grocery store aisles for hours looking for articles listed on the shopping list. Not only did I not know what they were, I had no idea where to find them! I bought some things for the first time in my life - and that's a long time :-) Some things I had no idea how to pronounce and I used herbs and spices that I previously had no idea how to use. At least it made for some humorous conversations with grocery store employees.
I pride myself on being a good cook. In fact, I am well known for my recipes for yeast rolls, apples and cheese, and chicken spaghetti among other things. But those things would not be on the list for "real food" would they?
So here is the Country Girl's guide to this stuff. Maybe it will help if there are any others out there like me (I can bet no one is as bad as me.)
Quinoa - first you have to learn how to say it - KEEN-wah. See it's not at all as hard as it looks.
A 12-oz. box of traditional white sells for $4.39 at Walmart (in the rice section). Or they have a red variety for $6.48. I don't know why, but I didn't see the white kind so I purchased the red. I cooked it in my rice cooker and it came out just right, I guess. How would I know? I should have added a little salt, even though the cooking directions did not tell me to. It was pretty bland. We had it plain one night with grilled salmon. The next morning I used a recipe for breakfast bake, adding eggs, cinnamon and milk hoping it would change the flavor. It didn't do much to it.
Anyway - I DO like jicama. It is one of my favorite finds in this new venture. It is sometimes called Mexican yam or Mexican turnip. It is a root vegetable grown in the warm climates of Central America, the Caribbean, the Andes Mountain regions, and Southern Asia. It is very similar in texture to a turnip with a taste closer to an apple, and has a crisp, white, solid flesh. Jicama skin is thick and tough--that's how I knew I should peel it. They can be stored up to four weeks in a cool dark place and in the refrigerator after being cut. Chopped, cubed, sliced into fine sticks, raw or cooked, jicama is versatile and great in stir-fries, salads, slaw, soup, and with other veggies and fruits like oranges, apples, carrots, and onions, as well as meats and seafood. A favorite Mexican recipe is chilled jicama slices sprinkled with chili powder, salt, and lime juice. The benefits for jicama are:
Edamame - Eda-whaty? I found out this is just a fancy name for boiled green soybeans. Apparently these are commonly served in Japanese restaurants. I found a steamable package in the frozen foods section (10 oz. for $1.98), took them home and steamed them in the microwave and found out they are actually pretty yummy. They can be used as a snack, a vegetable dish, used in soups. As a snack, the pods are lightly boiled in salted water, and the seeds are squeezed directly from the pods into the mouth with the fingers. (Don't try to eat them like snow peas.)
Benefits:
Kalamata olives - The Kalamata olive is a almond-shaped, plump, dark purple olive with a smooth, meaty texture named after the city of Kalamata in southern Peloponnese, Greece near where they are grown. Often used as a table olive, they are usually preserved in wine vinegar or olive oil. They have a rich and fruity taste. My use of these olives was in a delightful raw kale salad. I thought I was on a sun-drenched Greek isle. 7 oz. for $3.21 at Walmart.
Tahini paste - a paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds. Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major component of hummus or baba ghanoush (huh?). Evidently these items are favorites in Middle Eastern restaurants. This would be a good item to split with a friend since it is a little on the expensive side in my opinion and you don't use much in each recipe. Publix has a pint jar of this for about $6.99. Tahini is a good source of fiber, iron and protein.
Baba ghanoush - is a Levantine dish of eggplant mashed and mixed with olive oil and various seasonings. The Arabic term means "father of pestle" ("baba" means father and "ghanuj" derives from "ghan", stone for pressing cheese or grain). Got that? Can't wait to make me some.
Tamari - would that be the day after today? No, it is a wheat-free soy sauce. So when on the Daniel Plan Detox you would use Tamari instead of soy sauce, okay?
Chia seeds - I found chia seeds in a 6.7 oz. container at Publix, for $6.49 (in the nut/seed department). I had recipes for chia coconut brown rice bake, chia coconut oatmeal and oatmeal/peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies with chia seeds, but I didn't know what the chia was for. This is what I found out.
So you see folks, this country girl had a lot to learn about foods that I have never heard of, never purchased and never prepared. Goes to show you are never too old to learn and you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
I purchased the book, The Daniel Plan, and started trying to incorporate the principles of faith, food, fitness, focus and friends. A group of friends join me each Wednesday morning to watch the video of the week and discuss the material. In addition, I have more folks in an online Facebook support group. We have found that it really is easier to stay on track with friends supporting you.
Delving into the world of "real" food has been an adventure for this country girl. The book says, "If your great-grandmother didn't know what it was, don't eat it." Well - not only did my great- grandmother not know what some of this stuff is-- I don't either! I found myself searching the grocery store aisles for hours looking for articles listed on the shopping list. Not only did I not know what they were, I had no idea where to find them! I bought some things for the first time in my life - and that's a long time :-) Some things I had no idea how to pronounce and I used herbs and spices that I previously had no idea how to use. At least it made for some humorous conversations with grocery store employees.
I pride myself on being a good cook. In fact, I am well known for my recipes for yeast rolls, apples and cheese, and chicken spaghetti among other things. But those things would not be on the list for "real food" would they?
So here is the Country Girl's guide to this stuff. Maybe it will help if there are any others out there like me (I can bet no one is as bad as me.)
Quinoa - first you have to learn how to say it - KEEN-wah. See it's not at all as hard as it looks.
 |
| Guinoa |
A 12-oz. box of traditional white sells for $4.39 at Walmart (in the rice section). Or they have a red variety for $6.48. I don't know why, but I didn't see the white kind so I purchased the red. I cooked it in my rice cooker and it came out just right, I guess. How would I know? I should have added a little salt, even though the cooking directions did not tell me to. It was pretty bland. We had it plain one night with grilled salmon. The next morning I used a recipe for breakfast bake, adding eggs, cinnamon and milk hoping it would change the flavor. It didn't do much to it.
The history of quinoa is rooted in South America, in the Andes region that is currently divided up between the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations has singled out quinoa as a food with "high nutritive value," impressive biodiversity, and an important role to play in the achievement of food security worldwide. Some of the beneficial properties are:
- certain antioxidant phytonutrients
- two flavonoid—quercetin and kaempferol—are now known to be provided by quinoa in especially concentrated amounts (more than cranberries).
- anti-inflammatory phytonutrients
- small amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
- complete protein source.
- gluten-free
 |
| Jicama |
Anyway - I DO like jicama. It is one of my favorite finds in this new venture. It is sometimes called Mexican yam or Mexican turnip. It is a root vegetable grown in the warm climates of Central America, the Caribbean, the Andes Mountain regions, and Southern Asia. It is very similar in texture to a turnip with a taste closer to an apple, and has a crisp, white, solid flesh. Jicama skin is thick and tough--that's how I knew I should peel it. They can be stored up to four weeks in a cool dark place and in the refrigerator after being cut. Chopped, cubed, sliced into fine sticks, raw or cooked, jicama is versatile and great in stir-fries, salads, slaw, soup, and with other veggies and fruits like oranges, apples, carrots, and onions, as well as meats and seafood. A favorite Mexican recipe is chilled jicama slices sprinkled with chili powder, salt, and lime juice. The benefits for jicama are:
- low in calories
- provides one-quarter of what's needed daily in fiber per serving
- promotes bone health by enhancing absorption of calcium from other foods, protecting against osteoporosis
- promotes “good” bacteria growth that maintains both a healthy colon and balanced immunity
- because it has a very low glycemic index, jicama is a great food for diabetics
- excellent source of fiber and vitamin C - 44% of the daily value per serving
- powerful antioxidant that zaps free radicals to protect against cancer, inflammation, viral cough, cold, and infections
- healthy amounts of potassium - linked to lower risks of heart disease.
- contains important vitamins like folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and thiamin, and the minerals magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.
- like potatoes, they should be used sparingly due to the high carbohydrates content.
 |
| Edamame |
Benefits:
- rich in fiber
- has as much protein as it does carbohydrate
- it contains around 10% of the Daily Value for two key antioxidants; vitamins C and A
- high in iron; it has about as much as a 4-ounce roasted chicken breast
Kalamata olives - The Kalamata olive is a almond-shaped, plump, dark purple olive with a smooth, meaty texture named after the city of Kalamata in southern Peloponnese, Greece near where they are grown. Often used as a table olive, they are usually preserved in wine vinegar or olive oil. They have a rich and fruity taste. My use of these olives was in a delightful raw kale salad. I thought I was on a sun-drenched Greek isle. 7 oz. for $3.21 at Walmart.
Tahini paste - a paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds. Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major component of hummus or baba ghanoush (huh?). Evidently these items are favorites in Middle Eastern restaurants. This would be a good item to split with a friend since it is a little on the expensive side in my opinion and you don't use much in each recipe. Publix has a pint jar of this for about $6.99. Tahini is a good source of fiber, iron and protein.
Baba ghanoush - is a Levantine dish of eggplant mashed and mixed with olive oil and various seasonings. The Arabic term means "father of pestle" ("baba" means father and "ghanuj" derives from "ghan", stone for pressing cheese or grain). Got that? Can't wait to make me some.
 |
| Chia Seeds |
Chia seeds - I found chia seeds in a 6.7 oz. container at Publix, for $6.49 (in the nut/seed department). I had recipes for chia coconut brown rice bake, chia coconut oatmeal and oatmeal/peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies with chia seeds, but I didn't know what the chia was for. This is what I found out.
- Help weight loss. Chia seeds are popular for weight loss. They reduce food cravings by preventing some of the food that you eat from getting absorbed into your system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper.
- Feel fuller faster: They can also help your diet by making you feel full. This is because they absorb 10 times their weight in water, forming a bulky gel.
- Hydration for athletes: They are also great for athletes because the "chia gel" can hydrate the body.
- Reduce your blood pressure: There's evidence to suggest they can reduce blood pressure.
- Omega-3: They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 (the vital fats that protect against inflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease). In fact, they contain more Omega-3 than salmon!
- Benefits for diabetes: Because chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, studies indicate they can control blood sugar. This leads scientists to believe chia seeds may have great benefits for diabetics.
- They are easier to digest than flax seeds, and don't need to be ground up.
So you see folks, this country girl had a lot to learn about foods that I have never heard of, never purchased and never prepared. Goes to show you are never too old to learn and you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
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