Spiritual

Annie’s Journal

by Annie Warner Donnelly, International Correspondent

April 22, 2024 – Living in Tanzania is different from living in Canada, and yet, it is the same.

When we look at the details of the creation of the earth, we find a symmetry, a sense of order that comes from the Divine vision that was implemented by the time God rested on the seventh day. Nothing was left to chance. The intricacies of all that has been created was methodically put in place cell by cell: human, plant, animal, bird, fish – each designed to make a unique contribution to the world being created.

From my limited experience with world travel, it’s clear that God created with love and loves variety in shape and colour and function; the earth is a beautiful place, indeed! This helps us and our children understand that:

• God is love.
• God loves us and we have the capacity to love Him.
• The qualities of His character are imbedded in the Fruit of the Spirit. This enables us, in every situation, to exhibit any or all of the following: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• God’s grace and mercy enable us to forgive others and to receive their forgiveness; to be forgiven by God and to receive His forgiveness.
• Love for God helps us care for those who are precious and irreplaceable to us.
• Love can turn the commandments into actions of beauty and grace, mercy and forgiveness, simplicity, honour, and kindness.

Love turns the words written on tablets of stone into the Spirit of the Living God; into a way of living that puts others before ourselves; that fill our hearts with the joy of being a friend to the Saviour; that calls us apart from the world to exist in relationship with the our Creator, our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth.

Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Jesus said that. We live in a time of scholarly interpretation. Jesus is calling us to live with child-like faith.

Everything that Jesus said and did, demonstrated the character of our Heavenly Father. We do as Jesus taught us because His commandments for caring for all He has created are perfect and following them enable us to be ready to meet Him at His second coming.

Canada or Tanzania? We can trust God’s love wherever we are in the world and in every situation! I know this is true because every day, this is what I do. Every day, I see people here doing the same thing. We trust God for all the things we pray for.

Sometimes, life mingles the difficult with the joyous. No matter what, life is precious and worth living.

God’s love never fails us.

May your home be a safe place to live and grow because God is in it. May God comfort and encourage you as He helps you be who you were created to be, wherever you are in the world. Amen

Photo above: The Gambarage Family Cemetery. Mr Gambarage and his parents are buried here.

Jo Knows Nutrition by Joanne Nijhuis

EMBRACE THE FRESHNESS OF SPRING WITH VIBRANT BEET BORSCHT!

As we bid farewell to heavy winter fare, now is the perfect time to infuse your meals with fresh, seasonal flavours. Laden with the nutrient-rich beets, carrots and cabbage, this soup not only awakens the taste buds, but also nourishes the body. Served hot or cold and with a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, this spring- inspired recipe is delish, flavourful and nutritious.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons (23 ml) olive oil
• 6 medium sized beets, peeled and grated
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) shredded cabbage
• 4 cups (1000ml) vegetable broth
• 3 cups (750 ml) water
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) tomato paste
• 2 ½ tablespoons (38 ml) apple cider or rice vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Sour Cream, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, sliced green onions

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic or garlic powder and sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
2. Add the beets, carrots and cabbage to the pot and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the vegetable broth, water, tomato paste, vinegar, bay leaves and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and puree the soup, if a smooth soup is preferred.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot or cold, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh dill or sliced green onions.

Enjoy!

Joanne Nijhuis MSc, RD is a consulting, media and culinary dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne offers nutrition talks and cooking demos/classes in-person and online via Zoom. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com  www.joknowsnutrition.com             Instagram: jo_knows_nutrition

Did You Know?

Beets are a rich source of Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium, and antioxidants. Beets also contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, important for heart health regulating blood sugars, and maintaining a healthy digestive tract.