Recipes for Sweet Treats

I don't know about you, but I have a sweet tooth, and chocolate is especially tantalizing to my taste buds. 

So here are some delicious recipes to satisfy that sweet tooth 

of ours, without loading our systems with processed sugars. 

Of course we remember that these are treats and 

should be eaten in moderation!

No-Bake Healthy Brownies 

2 1/2 cups loosely packed pitted dates

1 1/2 cups raw walnuts

6 TBS. cocoa

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. water

1/4 tsp. + pinch of salt

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

Press into 8" pan. Refrigerate or freeze.

Since finding out that my cholesterol levels are not healthy 

(which unfortunately runs strongly in my family),  

I have taken note of different things that help heart health. 

Medjool dates, walnuts & cocoa are known to benefit the heart!

Manuka Honey Peanut Butter Cups

250 grams chocolate 

(I use 100 grams unsweetened and 150 grams dark)

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

2 TBS. Manuka honey

Melt chocolate in a double-boiler.

In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter and honey.

Lightly grease or line molds and pour a layer of melted 

chocolate into each one. Add a layer of peanut butter

mixture and top with another layer of chocolate. Freeze 30 

minutes or until hardened.

These are amazing! Especially if you haven't indulged in a

Reese's cup in awhile. 

Manuka honey is native to New Zealand, from the bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. It is known to be a superior honey, boasting higher amounts of antioxidants and 

anti-inflammatory properties.

Triple Berry Avocado Mousse 

1/2 avocado

3/4 cup mixed berries, frozen

1 Tbs. collagen

2 pinches salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

a few drops Monk fruit or Stevia, to sweeten

Put all in food processor or blender and whip until 

creamy. Eat right away of freeze for awhile first. 

Garnish with a dollop of lightly sweetened 

whip cream, if desired.

My seriously amazing sister introduced me to this scrumptious recipe a few years ago when I was

visiting her.  I believe it's from the Trim Healthy 

Mama Cookbook. I would make this one a daily 

staple without guilt :)

No-dairy Low-sugar Ice-Cream

3 cups almond milk

3/4 cup peanut butter 

2 TBS. raw honey

1/4 cup granulated monk sweetener

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

Whip together in blender and freeze in ice-cream maker.

If you don't have an ice-cream maker you can pour into a deep 8" pan and put in freezer for around 5 hours, whisking it every 1/2 hour. Or freeze mixture in ice-cube tray and then blend in  blender until smooth. 

Since I've been avoiding dairy I came up with this recipe by 

mixing and changing some that I found online. 

I have been replacing part of the peanut butter with 

sunflower butter lately. 

We've added cocoa & strawberry pieces, dark chocolate 

chunks, homemade cookie dough balls, chocolate 

protein powder. & banana split toppings. 

They've all been good!

Lime Green Popsicle 

Juice from 2 limes, or more

2 cups packed fresh spinach

2 bananas

2 green apples

2 cups apple cider, or water

Blend in blender and fill desired Popsicle mold, Freeze.

Makes 6-8 pops

This fun recipe came about for a co-op cooking class where we focused on sneaking more veggies into kids' diets. 

I had ordered Popsicle sleeves similar to these ones, 

which made them taste better, of course!

Chocolate Black Bean Muffins

2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed & drained

10 eggs

2 TBS. vanilla

2/3 cup pure maple syrup, or more 

3/4 cup melted butter, or coconut oil

3/4 cup cocoa

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

Dark chocolate chunks, if desired

Blend wet ingredients in blender til smooth. Mix together 

dry ingredients and then pour in wet mixture; Mix well. Drop a few dark chocolate chunks on tops of each one if desired.

Bake in paper-lined muffin tins at 350* for about 25 minutes.

These taste even better the next day. Store in refrigerator or freezer. 

High in protein and fiber, how can you go wrong with this treat?

Carob - Mocha Cake

2 cups whole spelt flour or whole wheat

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 cup carob powder, or cocoa

3/4 cup pure maple syrup, or more

1/2 cup apple sauce

1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil

1 cup hot strong coffee

1 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix dry ingredients and set aside. Beat eggs and add

rest of wet ingredients. Mix both together and beat 

for 2 minutes. Bake @ 350* for around 35 minutes.

Frosting: Mix enough maple syrup into a cup or so

of natural peanut butter and spread over cooled cake.

This recipe has been around my house for a long time!

It came from my sister-in-law and we recently pulled

it out and were reminded just how good it is. 

I prefer cocoa powder, but carob is good too and contains

higher amounts of fiber, calcium and other minerals. 

For future reference it is also caffeine-free.

I hope you enjoy some of these recipes! 

We have lots more, but

for now this will do!

Personal Challenge #2 ~ April 26 ~ May 10th

Spiritual Discipline #2

Put to memory a passage of Scripture

~ Choose several verses that are especially 

meaningful to you.

Here are some suggestions.

Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 6:10-17

Psalm chapter 139

1 Corinthians 1-8

Psalm chapter 23

Psalm chapter 91

~ During your quiet time, 

read the first verse or two aloud 

and then try saying it without looking. 

Work on memorizing 1-2 of the verses 

each day and then finish reading through 

the rest of the passage out loud.

~ Think about what these verse mean to you

and how they apply to your life.

~ Write out the passage if that helps you.

~ Put it to music and sing it!

~ Find someone to memorize it with you. 

The kids and I do this together.

 When they can say it without help

they get a chocolate :)

~ Do this as a challenge with your friends. 

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.." 

Psalm 119:11 KJV

"The law of his God is in his heart;

His steps do not slip." ~ Psalm 37:31 ESV

Health Discipline #2

Reduce your sugar intake

~ Start by cutting you sugar consumption in 1/2,

and continue cutting until you 

reach a healthy goal. 

~ Replace refined sugars and artificial sweeteners 

with these healthier alternatives.

               Raw honey (best not cooked)             

 Fruit

  Date sugar

   Coconut sugar

   Pure Stevia

   Monk Fruit

                     Monk and Erythritol sugar 

                  * As with all things in life, 

                   everything in moderation. 

       We don't want to eat a 1/2 cup of raw honey 

           just because it has good nutrients in it.  

~ Check your ingredient labels for hidden sugars!

* If you eat a source of protein along with 

your sweet treat you'll feel better as it keeps

your blood sugar more stable.

* 100% fruit juice can deceptive. While it is a natural sugar, it is lacking the fiber of the fruit that helps

slow down the process of the sugar entering your blood stream. So if you want fruit juice, make it a very small glass or mix with sparkling water.  

Physical Discipline #2

Stretch 

~ Start with 5 minutes each day 

Notice tight or sore spots in your body; 

stretch and massage those areas.

~ Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds.

~ Work on the muscles you've used after

exercising. 

(example: reach for toes, and hold, after

your kettle bell swings)

* Use 1 Peter 4:8, holding each stretch 

for 30 seconds

Above all...Reach up high as you can

Love one another...Hug yourself tight

Deeply...fingers to your toes

For love...arms wide and stretched back

Covers...arms stretched up and touching over head

A multitude...alternate arms reaching up and over

Of sin...hands clasped behind neck, pulling forward

Beginner stretching video 

Want to see what Challenge #1 was? Click here

Remember, this is not a competition! It is your own challenge to push yourself in each of these areas. 

I would love to hear your ideas! 

Please comment below!

Love to you all! ♡

Staying Well Tip:  

Oil Pulling (or swishing)

You can do this any time, but after 

brushing your teeth and cleaning tongue 

in the morning, and before drinking 

anything is an excellent choice.  

I have also heard that if you are 

doing this on a regular basis, 

3 days a week is good.

Swish 1-3 Tbs. of sesame or coconut oil 

in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. 

Spit into garbage or outside, not your sink.

Rinse out mouth well with salt water.

This really helps drain my sinuses, 

thus helping my headaches!

Good for keeping teeth and gums healthy. 

Why Water Matters

Moulton Falls in Southwestern Washington

Did you know that the average adult body is 60% water?

Heart and Brain = 73% water
 Lungs = about 83% water
Skin = 64% water
Muscles and kidneys = 79% water
Bones = 31% water

What does water do for us?

Increases energy
Clearer brain function
Helps with constipation
Promotes weight loss
Improves skin
Reduces Fatigue & headaches
Flushes waste though urine and sweat
Improves immune system
Forms saliva
Lubricates joints
Regulates our internal body temperature
And much more!

Just reading through this list should make us all want to
add more water into our diets! But, think of all the money
you'll be saving and calories you will be reducing when you choose water over soda, juice, coffee, and energy drinks. 

Now picture some of the side effects of not staying hydrated.

Lethargic
Brain fog
Bound up
Weight gain
Dry, blemished, saggy skin
Fatigue
Headaches
Toxic buildup
More colds & sickness
Dry mouth
Achy joints and muscles
Heat exhaustion

Hmm... not too hard for me to choose which list I like better.


If you've been adding more water and still aren't feeling any benefits, it could be that you are needing more electrolytes (magnesium, calcium, potassium & sodium). 
These are needed to stay hydrated and balanced.

The good thing is is that fruits and vegetables are packed with electrolytes! So make sure you are adding color to you plate!

Another way to get electrolytes is through all-natural salt 
(not the table salt in the grocery store). 
Himalayan, Celtic, or Real Salt are good ones. 

And finally, you gotta keep your circulation up by moving,
which helps you stay hydrated as well.
Keep doing quick bursts of exercise or go out
for a nice walk.

I hope this little review helps you, like it has me, to 
remember how important water really is!


Here's a recipe that my daughter created for a healthy and delicious breakfast drink. 
Makes a super-sized serving.

Big handful spinach
small handful walnuts
1/4 avocado
1/2 orange
1 small frozen banana
1 Tbs. hemp seeds
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
Raw honey (1-3 tsp.)
1 TBS. lemon juice
water, if needed

Blend well in blender & enjoy!






If you don't have all these ingredients try this simple one.

Big handful of any greens

1/2 cup water

1/4 lemon, peeled & seeded

1/2 banana

1 cup berries or other fruit

raw honey, if desired

pinch of salt, if desired

I want to end with this reminder. Our greatest need 

is for the "Living Water". 

"Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you Living Water.'... 

'but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.' The woman said to Him, 'Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.' " From John chapter 4 ESV

Listen to Fill my cup Lord song

Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy.
And then I heard my Savior speaking—
"Draw from My well that never shall run dry."
Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

There are millions in this world who are seeking
For pleasures earthly goods afford.
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

How's everyone doing?

   

  Hello to you all! I hope this post finds all of you joyful and feeling strengthened in the Lord and body. 

     So, how are you doing with the challenge? If you feel like you are failing, don't fret just jump back on, and keep striving for your personal goals in each of these areas. 

     We all have different personalities so our targets will be different. Some of us will push ourselves so hard to accomplish our objective that we burn ourselves out, while the opposite personality will set our goals at... well, just about what we are doing already! :) 

     I encourage us all to NOT do either of the above. One of us may need to "Be Still", step back, and examine whether we are getting our worth, or filling some void, by what we accomplish, and remember that our Father loves us just where we are at, even in the biggest failures and messes we've found ourselves in. The other one of us needs to practice self-discipline, pushing ourselves beyond what is easy or comfortable. We understands that God loves us, today, right where we are, but our Heavenly Father loves us too much to let us stay where we are. He sees all the things in our lives that will hurt us or damage others. He sees the attitudes and habits we have that do not glorify Him, and He longs to weed these things out of our lives. We are a work in progress until He comes to take us home. 

     The question is, are we surrendering to Him as Lord of our lives so that He is changing us? Or are we meaninglessly drifting through life living for ourselves? 

"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 3:12-14 NASB

Paul encourages us to quit living in our past and to eagerly press towards Christ. Every day is a new day to run with Him!

"Put to death, therefore, what belongs to your earthly nature... " ~ Colossians 3:5 NIV

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16 KJV 

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." ~ 2 Peter 3:18 KJV

     Maybe we are working tirelessly to gain God's acceptance and others' praise. Are we just checking off all the required boxes needed to be good, yet feeling like we're trudging along just going through the motions? 

     Oh! That the Lord would show us more and more how much He loves us and that His love has always been there and always will be there. And that when we surrender to Him and follow His ways it is not burdensome or restraining, but rather freeing! It is living our lives in abundance! It is restful...peaceful...joyful. Jesus implores us-

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
~ Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

     Let us soak in these words and ponder what they mean to us! Aw... what a good God we serve! 

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—
that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." ~ Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV

Found a pastor singing a little sermon of encouragement

#1 Challenge Refresher