God's Cultural Diversity

Isn't God amazing?

Today I'm in awe of His excellent work in creating all the different cultures in the world. I live in a very diverse area. We enjoy food and native medicinal wisdom from all over the globe right here in our own neighborhood.

In years past, we would never have had access the different styles of medicine around the world. But today, with our shrinking world due to technology, we can discover wisdom from any country on the planet. When I was growing up, the best we could do was order the National Geographic (which was great, by the way).

This morning I read an article about the benefits of Orange Peel and Orange Oil. You can read it for yourself here. I never realized that the peel of an orange can aid digestion, help fight cholesterol and many other things. This article also gives insight into the misleading advertising about Grapefruit Seed Extract. It just goes to show a little research can save a whole lot of money and help your health.

Today I thank our magnificent Father who created all cultures and from whom is all wisdom!

Speaking Truth

Speak truth in humility to all people. Only then can you be a true man. (Sioux)

Isn't is amazing how the same truth is found in many places. I find this Sioux principle is a principle in the Bible as well. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak the truth in love. 

"O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend." Psalm 15:1-3

May I always check my heart before I speak. Even if I must speak correction or disagreement or establish a personal boundary, can I honestly say it is in love? If I can then God is pleased.  Now to work on word choice . . . but that's for another day. ;-)

Fall Apples

I love the Fall. I love apples, pumpkin and anything you can make with cinnamon. I love driving out to the country just to look at the trees dressed in autumn color. And I love visiting local orchards to pick my own apples. I've canned Apple Butter and Cranberry Apple Sauce. But this year I'd like to can Stewed Apples. I'm originally from Alabama and I remember my Nana cooking a large pot of apples on the stove. The result was heaven on a plate. Nana used a lot of sugar and I'm sure there's a way to do it with Maple Syrup or maybe just less sugar. If any of you have a recipe, I'd love to see it. Here's one I found online and below I'll put my Apple Butter recipe because it's wonderful.

Cinnamon Stewed Apples (www.myrecipes.com)
6 Cups chopped peeled tart apples
1/2 Cup packed brown sugar
1/4 Cup apple juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt
Combine all ingredients in a large, heavy saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 45 minutes or until apple is tender, stirring occasionally. Let stand 5 minutes

Apple Butter
8 Cups apples, chopped & peeled
1/2 lemon, zest
3/4 tsp cardamom, ground
3-4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 Cup maple syrup
1 Cup apple juice
Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, remove cover and simmer 20-25 minutes until excess liquid has evaporated. Cool slightly. Place apple chunks in a food processor and process until smooth. Mix back into the pot. Heat again if you are canning.