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I can’t believe this is the last real month of Summer. As a kid I thought Summer was the shortest season and always felt a disappointment when it came to an end. Yes I wasn’t one to look forward to school but it was more than that. It was the carefree days, warm weather, swimming, a change in what we had for dinner, vacations long or short, camping and I can’t forget the wonderful fun of going off to Summer Camp. I think I can still hear the shouts of happiness from my parents as the bus drove me away. To me the whole world seemed to come to a slower pace, maybe a more casual atmosphere.

Now, unfortunately I think that Summer is one of the longer seasons and can’t wait for the hot days to end but around February I start to wonder if maybe I was to hard on Summer and perhaps it gets a bum rap. I also start to long for a change in my recipes and look forward to BBQ.

So before Summer is gone for a time, I wanted to share a BBQ recipe.

Jackfruit is one of my favorite meat alternatives I have found for a BBQ Sandwich. It gives it a pulled pork flare and picks up the BBQ taste well. The internet is full of Jackfruit recipes so this might be like others you have seen and if so let me know so I can check them out and give them credit.

I was being lazy when I did this so go ahead and feel free to change it up or do it my lazy way and buy the sauce as well as the coleslaw.

Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich:

Hamburger Buns

Coleslaw

1 20 ounce can of Jackfruit (jackfruit in a bag can be used)

BBQ sauce

Diced onion and garlic per your taste

Olive Oil

Start by draining, washing and trimming the jackfruit. Think of a pineapple and how you cut out the center. With jackfruit you might wish to do the same, just trim the center of the jackfruit keeping the more shredded pieces but if you don’t mind it then go-ahead leave it in place and just make sure that it is drained, cleaned and patted dry. If using bag jackfruit skip this step.

Next in skillet add small amount of olive oil, diced onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent then add jackfruit and BBQ sauce covering the jackfruit. Turn down heat. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes.

Serve on a bun and if you prefer top with coleslaw and then enjoy!

I’m not really a Star Wars fan, and I know I probably lost some followers by saying that but it never has been my kind of movie. I watched the original first three and yes even the new ones. I can see a lot of lessons to be learned from them as well but I am not one of those that watch them over and over. I have waited in a very long line for the movie but that is the price a mom pays when her children/teens love the movie and they actually want to see it with their mom.

That being said I was in the kitchen cooking away, I usually like to cook with music but this time the TV was on and in the background was non other than Star Wars, Return of the Jedi.

As I cooked I over heard the familiar dialog and knew what was going to happen just by listening but as I listened to the familiar sound of Darth Vader I couldn’t help but enjoy listening to the very famous voice of James Earl Jones. I think he has the most recognizable voices in Hollywood.

I got to thinking of the interview I saw with him in, talking about how when he was a little boy he wouldn’t even talk because he had such a bad stutter problem. Barely speaking for eight long years must have been so hard for him but could you imagine if he decided to stay quiet, we would never have such a striking, recognizable voice that brings each character he portrays to life.

I find it so interesting that our biggest challenges if we choose to overcome them become our biggest asset.

I love the fact that the Bible is full of these people. God tends to take what we see as our biggest weakness and turns it into something so beautiful. When we are feeling like we can’t overcome the big challenges, that’s when God can step in and help us turn the challenge to an asset.

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he God said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

The Admiral that commanded the raid that took down Bin Laden gave such a compelling speech at the College of Charleston in November. This one part “Make your bed if you want to change the world” just stuck out as such pearls of wisdom for me.

You see I have always been one of those people who took the make your bed before anything else to heart. That is the first thing I do after I get out of it, before anything else. My coffee, devotions, getting dressed always come after my bed.  As I fixed my sheets and comforter I took pleasure in making sure not a wrinkle stayed behind, my pillows fluffed perfectly, my mind thinking on the day and listening to my morning noises. I would have such a peace and satisfied feeling when the bed was done because I knew that when the day was done I would get to come home after all the chaos that might happen and it would be my happy place.

It might seem a little over the top my love of a nicely made bed and the calm it gives but when I heard the Admiral saw “Make your bed if you want to change the world” I thought I’m not the only nut alive and he’s a very smart man, He has such a point.

Some times I can get over whelmed if I think about all that I need to do. The list can go on and on but if I think about starting small, one step at a time. I don’t get so over whelmed by my the list. I have heard it’s the little things that add up but for me the light bulb went of when I heard that one part of his speech, and I think it when I wake up. It helps to keep me mindful and in the moment, to take each small task finish it then move on.

Keeping this mind-set makes all I do feel so much more joyful. I don’t mind the small things so much, it keeps me humble and gives me that spring in my step because the weight of worry isn’t on my shoulders, its given to God and I am blessed just doing a little at a time.

I will always have my list but with one small thing at a time I really can change my world and am so much happier for it.

Psalm 90:17 17

“May the favor of the LORD our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us yes, establish the work of our hands.”

My enjoyment of the pancake started early on. I love them in every form with all sorts of toppings. This said I also like trying to make every kind out there. So the other week when I wanted a pancake but didn’t want to use an egg I thought I would try a substitute in them and this was the result. They were tasty and if you don’t go by looks they are a great pancake.

There are so many ways you can substitute an egg:

Applesauce

Mashed Banana

Ground Flax or Chia seeds ( one of my favorites)

Tofu

The list can go on but the one that I have never tried until now was,

1 1/2 Tablespoon vegetable oil mixed with 1 1/2 Tablespoon water and 1 Teaspoon baking powder.

If you don’t have an egg or maybe you don’t eat them you may want to try this basic easy pancake recipe.

Pancake:

1 1/2 Cup Flour

1 1/2 Teaspoon of baking powder ( when substituting for an egg use 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder)

Pinch of Sea Salt

1 Tablespoon of Sugar

1 1/14 Cup of Almond or Soy Milk

1/4 Cup of oil (when substituting for the egg add 1 1/2 Tablespoon)

1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract

1 egg or a substitute

1 1/2 Tablespoon of water  but only when using the egg substitute

In a bowl mix dry ingredients then add most ingredients stir together. I have found the better pancakes are the ones that are not over mixed. Pour desired amount onto hot pan or griddle. When pancake starts to bubble flip, finish cooking on other side. Place cooked pancake on plate top with your favorite toppings.

For the tail end of last week and part of this week I have been feeling grumpy and wanting to hold onto a grudge towards someone. They acted in a way that in the past led to such hurt that it brought back a lot of painful feelings. I then got mad at myself for even talking to them or being around them, I should have known but choose to throw caution to the wind and then wound up hurt and mad at them because of their actions then started to think bad about myself.

I held on to this exchange with someone who is just who they are. I expect that perhaps things with them could be different and when they are not I get mad at myself more than them because I should know better than to put my own expectations onto someone else, right?

That is the problem with expectations instead of just letting things be as they are.

I realize that I am only hurting myself holding on to a grudge but for these past few days I also had a who cares attitude that isn’t like myself, so this morning I had enough of my bad attitude. I prayed then on a piece of paper I wrote current at the top of one side and then release on the top of the other.  Below I wrote a current positive feeling then on the other underneath of release I attached a negative part of my past and its feelings. I then prayed on it, released it. I then went out side and burnt the paper.

I feel like a weight has been lifted!

But there’s more I came back in to do some of my Bible reading. It was on Genesis 19, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed. I thought I knew this story front and back. There’s even jokes about Lots wife being turned into salt but as I got done reading it I saw a correlation between my grudge of the past and releasing so I can have a great future. I must have had too much coffee with my devotions because I even went further to seeing more than just not looking at your past or you get nowhere.

I found that everyplace in the Bible a name means everything… Abram became Abraham Sarai had her name changed too I could go on. They believed in Gods promises they looked forward not back. I noticed that when someone in the Bile went forward God changed their name He stated who they are now and moving forward not who they were.

In Lots case Lot’s wife’s name is not mentioned but only her actions of what not to do.

Defining who we are keeps up looking ahead and able to let painful past go.

Todays find is a wonderful flour that is healthy for you and is so versatile. I found it when I was looking awhile back at all the products Younliving has. They are more than just a place for essential oils.

I found the following article that goes into great detail about this very old flour that perhaps you may want to make a comeback and use.

“You have heard of almond and rye flour, but did you know that the oldest form of wheat is called Einkorn and you can easily cook with it? Einkorn is a healthier, more natural choice that hasn’t been processed or modified. There is a lot of versatility when it comes to Einkorn Flour.
Einkorn’s natural genetic code and low gluten levels make it compatible for more sensitive stomachs compared to current versions of hybridized wheat. Because it is easier to digest, your body can absorb the nutrients in einkorn at higher levels.”

You may use this in all your favorite recipes for cooking or baking, from cookies, crepes to smoothies or on yogurt. You can find the flour or products made from this flour on my Youngliving website that I have provided below or please email me if you have questions.

https://www.myyl.com/gwynsch

For todays great find I decided to choose a song that I heard this week.

I enjoy all types of music but at times when I want a little more uplifting I listen to a national station called Air 1. As I was getting ready for work I turned on that station and heard a great song “Bleed the Same” by Mandisa.

I never heard of this artist so of course the researcher in me went to work. I found out she is a contemporary American gospel artist. Not only is she a great singer but she also has an amazing story. Just one quick fact is she talks openly about how depression almost led her to take her own life.

“Bleed the Same” is a great look on how we are all the same so why are we so divided?

Both her story and music are up lifting and worth checking out.

A great way to listen is by clicking the link I provided for you below.

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This weeks great finds are a vegan friendly capsule that helps with digestion. This capsule has digestive enzymes with prebiotic  and probiotic.

I know this seems like an odd thing to share but this was brought up to me. A lot of people have problems with their digestive track. I went on a hunt and found these at Amazon for $19.95, to me this is a great deal and have found they help those that need the aid of these biological molecule, protein, these guys go to work to help break it down which in turn helps you feel better.

If you would like to check them out I have the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071F436PV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gwynsday1-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B071F436PV&linkId=406d4be1ec64176482d778d9937d7150

Before I let you know about this weeks great find Let explain just how good it feels good to get back to my blog. I have been having technical problems but I have them worked out!

Now for this weeks great find is a book that I did a women’s study last year but from time to time I pick it back up again, it’s that good.

The book is “Uninvited” by Lysa Terkeurst it is a self-help and it is anything but boring as you read along it lifts up your spirit when you may be feeling less than or just need a positive pick me up. Lysa shares her experiences of rejection but how not to stay in that rejected state. It’s for all of us that can feel left out and need some reminders of how to overcome fear and understand the secret of belonging.

At the end of the book she even includes great little positive sayings you can cut out or right down, like ” Today’s disappointment is making room for tomorrow’s appointment”.

Lysa Terkeurst is a New Your Times bestselling author, you may find this book at amazon by using the link I have provided below.