Looking Ahead

I truly pray that this time of prayer and fasting has been enriching to your spirit. Many churches go through a time of consecration in the new year. For some it's a ritual they would rather skip over, some a way to kick start their healthy year resolution that they will soon forsake. But I believe that for many it is truly a time to present themselves to God as an offering to be sacrificed for His glory and purpose.

Though this year's fast was only 14 days, I believe the corporate prayer added weight in truly bring a local assembly together to seek God collectively that we may also reap individually. While the numbers may have been disappointing at times, the realization is that everyone will not go after God. Even in scriptures we see where there was often a person or a group of people who were content in the status quo or refused to follow the simple plan of God in order to enjoy the corporate blessing. But the season of waiting on others to join in the "work" so that we can enjoy the harvest is over. In this season, those who wait will miss out, but those who yield to God will reap a great harvest.

I'm waiting to see what shall unfold for us...the foundation has been laid. As we continue, we can't stop and expect to see the completion, I believe that the end result will blow our minds and overwhelm our hearts. So let's keep the harvest in sight, our hands to the plow and our ears to the lips of God. What He has for us is out of this world.

WHAT SHALL WE EAT

Healthy Pasta

• 12 ounces (4 cups) multigrain penne
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cook the pasta.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, zucchini, red pepper, and vinegar and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Divide among individual bowls.

MEAL IDEAS:

1. Grilled veggie (your favorite) soft tacos. Add black beans for protein, avocados or guacamole for healthy fat, and lettuce for added crunchiness.

2. Sweet potato fries. Julian a couple sweet potatoes, spray with olive oil pam or brush with olive oil and cook them in the oven until tender but slightly crisp.

3. Taco salad - make chips with corn tortillas. Top with green leave lettuce corn (grilled for more flavor), grilled portabella mushrooms, black beans, tomatoes, avocados, cilantro, and oil and lime juice for dressing. Season if needed.

Even though the fast has come to an end, let's try to maintain healthy eating. After Daniel and his 3 companions prove that eating natural, as God had instructed them, was better for the body. Junk food may be fun, but let it not become our norm.

Until next year...

Blessings!!!

Mel