May 6, 2026

Captivating: Chapter 10 Reading Assignment – “Mothers, Daughters and Sisters”

March 10, 2013 by

Blessed Sabbath, Ladies!  This week we are going to be talking about our relationships with the women in our lives.  How do they affect our perspective on being captivating?  I am looking forward to finding out.  Here are the reading assignments for the week:

Monday:  Jackie – Mothers, Daughters, Sisters through The Long Road Home

Tuesday:  Tonya – Our Last Year Together through The Cost

Wednesday:  Carissa – To Mother through My Sister, My Friend

Thursday:  Michelle – Awkward Love through An Open Hand

Friday:  Edwina – Weekly Review

LET’S PRAY:

Father, we stand in expectation for what You have for us as we begin week 10. If we are struggling, help us to let our fears go.  We know that the enemy is trying to steal our joy.  We strive to live completely in You and for You.  Show us the lessons we can learn through the women in our lives, and grow us in ways we can’t even imagine.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

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GWS

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!!

Click on the picture above to sign up for this study!  

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details.

We hope you will join us!!

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 If you would like to send Michelle a private email in regards to this blog post, you may email her at:  Michelle@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Seeking Him – Thankfulness

March 9, 2013 by

We are continuing to look at one of the joys of a relationship with our heavenly Father—our ‘quiet time’ with Him.  Each Saturday in our current series, Seeking Him, we have been considering some of the more important aspects of a dedicated, purposeful, intentional, devoted quiet time.  Over the past few weeks we have thought about a few of these aspects, such as:

  • reading the Scriptures
  • singing our praises
  • being intentional—seeking Him
  • physically expressing ourselves: cry, kneel, raise hands, etc.
  • speaking out our ‘love’
  • praying
  • quietness
  • having a quiet heart

This week we are remembering the importance of being thankful and expressing our gratitude to our Father.  Truly, can you think of anything else that can so change your heart’s attitude more than being thankful?  Websters 1828 Dictionary (one of my favorite references) defines thankful as ‘grateful; impressed with a sense of kindness received, and ready to acknowledge it.’  Hmmm, sounds vaguely familiar…similar to a praise the Psalmist wrote:

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
Who can put into words and tell the mighty deeds of the Lord?
Or who can show forth all the praise [that is due Him]?
Psalms 106:1 and 2

I think  Mr. Webster’s definition clearly shows that thankfulness is both thought and action—you ‘sense’ being blessed AND you ‘acknowledge’ it.  Here’s a great example:

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come before His presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]!
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving
and a thank offering and into His courts with praise!
Be thankful and say so to Him,
bless and affectionately praise His name!
For the Lord is good;
His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting,
His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.
Psalm 100

The Psalmist was confessing—remembering—just a few things he was grateful for, AND voicing his gratitude.   To remember is ‘…to bear in mind; to keep, consider, meditate.’ We can—we should—do the same!  We have oh-so-very-much to be thankful for, amen?  We have so very many memories of God’s abundant goodness to us, true?  We can sing…

I will thank Yahweh with all my heart;
I will declare all Your wonderful works.
Psalm 9:1

Listen to the some of the things that David remembers the Lord did for him and the beautiful way he voices his thankfulness here in Psalm 30:

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to You and You have healed me.
O Lord, You have brought my life up from Sheol (the place of the dead)
Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and
give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
By Your favor, O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.
I cried to You, O Lord, and to the Lord I made supplication.
Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!
You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;
To the end that my tongue and my heart
and everything glorious within me
may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

In your quiet time (but not ONLY in your quiet time!), tell Your Father how very grateful you are for His goodness, for His protection, for His healing, for His deliverance, for His provision, for His admonition, for His guidance, for His love, grace and mercy!  And give Him much thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIIyteDj9Wc&feature=share&list=AL94UKMTqg-9C-EDJmkbADvooPEeYisXsC

Keep seeking Him and enjoy your quiet time with your Lord!  As you seek Him, He will be found…He promises!

Jeremiah 29:12,13
Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me,
and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity]
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Praying for each of you!  I know that the Lord will answer your heart’s cry as you are seeking Him with all your heart!

♥  coleen

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Love Letters from God by Diane Meyers

March 9, 2013 by

My story is made up of many love letters written from my heart to God’s heart and from His to mine.  I open up to Him with a pen in my hand and a journal in my lap.  The Lord speaks to me through my writings and I am beyond excited to share with you bits and pieces of different letters I have from God.  I share parts of my story so that God’s love, power, grace, forgiveness, and perfectness may be showcased.  As you read, I pray the Lord grabs a hold of your heart and fills you with hope!

GOD,

Why is it that I still have no one to hold my hand through this life?  I don’t have any idea how I am going to have that family I have always desired so strongly to have with no husband in sight.  I know the truth that You are all I need…that You hold me by Your right hand.  I know that You will give me the desires of my heart.  I do not mean to sound ungrateful for these promises because I most certainly am NOT.  In fact, these promises have dried my tears on several occasions.  But there are several more occasions, God.  More occasions where I may know the truth but my dateless nights and single looking future have me believing otherwise.  How do I do it, Lord?  How do I constantly find hope and comfort and satisfaction in You alone and not in my desire to have a husband one day?  Please, Lord; open my heart to the truth You have prepared for me.  I so desperately need to hear from You.

Love,

Your discouraged single daughter, Diane

 

Dear One,

Your honesty is what I have been waiting for.  I was waiting for you to admit to yourself, and to Me that you put your ideals over My plans for you.  Until you give up control of your non-existent love life, I simply cannot work in your life to bring you My love.  I will bring you another love, the love of the man I have hand-picked just for you to hold your hand one day.  BUT, first you must accept My love in your life.  I know you have accepted me into your heart.  I know you have written down those truths and promises that I have given you in the past all over your bedroom and bathroom mirror.  I know you have stored them up in your house, but what does your heart look like?  Are they there, too, when you need them the most?  On a snowy night when all you want to do is cuddle up with a man and watch a movie, do you reach into your heart for My promise to be the one to comfort you when you are all alone on that snowy night; or do you reach to your phone to contact that not-so-good-for-you guy that you are willing to settle for if these lonely nights continue much longer.  The thing you are learning is when you choose Me over everything that tempts you so much as a single woman in this world, that is when I will make those promises shine through your life.  Surely then, you will feel them!  I will bring you comfort and you will grow even closer to Me!  There is nothing wrong with you because you are single.  You are single because I am still molding you into the princess I have created you to be.  There will be a man one day, someone who spots you out of a crowd because he sees that you are living a life reflective of what is in your heart.  Don’t waste these moments and miss out on a chance to fill your heart with My blessings from above—the very thing your husband desires to see.  There will never be a man who will replace what I am for you.  There will only be a man who will add to the beauty and love I have given you.  When you become discouraged, reach out your hand to Me; I promise I will always grab on and comfort you no matter what the pain is you may feel.

Love Always,

Your Knight in Shining Armor

 

Heavenly Lord,

Thank you for this time I have to grow closer to You.  You have opened my eyes to something huge!  I do not want a man to want me; I want a man to want what He sees through my heart: YOU.  I pray that I make the most of this single time to seek You.  Show me Your ways, guide me in Your truth.  Lord, I completely trust that when I get to my ‘aha!’ moment with You; the moment where I know and feel Your truth running through my soul, that is where I will be found in You-nothing else will matter.  This single life is all about teaching me to get to that moment.  No one else can bring me to that moment, not even a man.  I know You are my only Hope in this lesson of learning to feel You more.  I am sorry for sulking in this singleness.  I choose from this moment forward to embrace the time I have to grow closer to You.  Give me Your perfect strength to help me get through!  Thank you , I love you!

Love, Your Princess in training

©Diane Meyers 2013

 

Questions for Reflection:

  1.  Meditate on Psalm 25:4 and 5.  Shift your focus onto God and off of the desire to have a husband one day, even if just for a minute.  Journal this experience.
  2. Are you ready to be boldly honest with God?  He knows your heart more than you do, get out the honesty He has been waiting to hear from you.
  3. Let your heart’s desire to be living for and with God.  Get rid of all other hopes and dreams.  Let God fill your heart, for then you will find what His hopes and dreams are for you.
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Captivating: Chapter 9 Weekly Review – “Arousing Adam”

March 8, 2013 by

Wow, wow, wow!!!  Has this been an awesome chapter or what? Every week we learn so much from the Eldredge’s!

On Monday, Jackie wrote that although we love the men in our lives with all we have, we cannot answer the question that boggles their minds. This validation of a man’s soul only comes from knowing who he is in Christ. In the same way, a man cannot fill the void that is inside our hearts no matter how much he declares his love for us. Only God Can!

On Tuesday, Tonya confirmed once again that the strength of God is what makes us BEAUTIFUL. The hand of God in our lives is what prepares us for life, it’s what teaches us how to be beautiful, it’s what teaches us how to be good women. God completes us, not men. God needs to be our Number One man, always!

On Wednesday, Carissa asked if we identify with the Emasculating, Desolate or Arousing Woman. What we do need to remember as a woman, is that the men in our lives need us to be their “ezer,” their support, and their strength.  Which woman did you identify with?

On Thursday, Michelle told us that we deserve to be valued, and not every man deserves all of us. We must guard our treasures—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to share with the man that only the Lord provides.

Reading this chapter made me long to be the Arousing Woman. I want to be the woman my husband hates to leave in the morning and can’t wait to return to in the evening. Yes, things happened in our lives that made us feel insecure, hurt, and ugly but, by the grace of God, all that can change. Let us put God first, let Him be our Number One Man, and our relationship with the man in our lives will be what God intended it to be.

Let’s Pray:

Father, thank You for another chance to learn about being Captivating. I pray that we will put You first in our lives, that we will work on our relationship with You first. Amen.

**********

GWS

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!

Click on the picture to sign up TODAY!!

 

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Crazy Love: Chapter 9 Weekly Review – “Who Really Lives that Way?”

March 8, 2013 by

WOW!!!! Week 9 of this study has come to a close, and it was a good one.

On Monday, you and I met Nathan Barlow, Simpson Rebbavarapu and Jamie Lang. I also asked you to be a little introspective on Monday and begin to write your story as we learned about these incredible lives for Christ! Then, on Tuesday, Martha introduced us to Marva J. Dawn, Rich Mullins, Rings, and Rachael Saint…as well as a few souls who have impacted her life personally. Jennifer talked about transformer toys on Wednesday and asked us to look at the lives that God has so divinely placed around us and see how we can best impact them for His glory. On Thursday, Donna introduced us to a few more of Chan’s friends and his church as we looked at more lives who are living out God’s will in this earth.

Please take a few minutes to watch this brief video from Francis Chan about this chapter. We only have one more chapter left after this week…let’s finish strong!

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Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, we thank You for all of the wonderful examples of lives furthering Your Kingdom on our earth. Use them to stir a deep passion within us to follow in their footsteps in our own unique way as only we can. Bind up any fear or insecurity that might be holding us back and give us Your supernatural strength to be our best for Your glory! We thank You for Your mighty provision, Father! Help us strengthen each other and propel each other forward as me take this bold step for Your Kingdom!  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. <3

 

Your Assignment:

Who do you look up to? Name some people you look up to as Christians. Then, think about your own life; what type of legacy will you leave behind?  What will you be known for? What do you believe God created you to do on this earth?

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GWS

Our Next Women’s Online Bible Study

Begins March 24th!

CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO SIGN UP TODAY!

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If you would like to email a private message to Megan in regards to this blog, please email her at: megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.

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At Home with GCH: Vegetable Pancakes

March 8, 2013 by

Vegetable Pancakes

My Jewish friends call them “latkes” and my Korean friends call them “jeon.”  I call them veggie pancakes, and I wonder why I don’t make them more often!  Kind of like hash browns, these crispy little guys are a great way to get more vegetables in your diet.  I also like them for cleaning out my fridge and getting rid of my “singleton” vegetables – you know, that ONE zucchini in a plastic bag, or the last carrot in the sack.  Frugal, I say!

If you have a food processor with a shredder attachment, you can have this recipe mastered in minutes.  If not, you’ll have to get out the box grater and put some muscle into it.  You can experiment with a large variety of firm vegetables—roots are best—like potatoes, carrots, yams, parsnips, or turnips.  You can also mix in some softer veggies, like zucchini, and any kind of minced herbs you like.  I usually just use green onions, because I always have those on hand, but feel free to try thyme, tarragon, or very finely minced rosemary.  Top with sour cream or plain yogurt and you have a nutritious, unusual side dish that’s at home next to a salad or a steak.  These make a great breakfast, too—add eggs, bacon, and fruit, and you’re in business!

Vegetable Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 2 small potatoes (Russet or white), peeled
  • 1 large carrot, peeled
  • 1 smallish zucchini
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons flour, optional
  • vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

  1. In the food processor with shredder attachment, shred the potatoes, carrot and zucchini.  If you are using a box grater, use the largest holes and coarsely shred all the vegetables.  Season with salt and pepper and set aside, in a large bowl, for ten minutes.  
  2. After ten minutes, squeeze out the water accumulating in the bottom of the bowl.  This will keep your pancakes from getting soggy!  Then mix in the beaten egg – I just use my hand.  If it’s still really watery, you can add a teaspoon or two of flour.
  3. In a large non-stick pan over medium heat, add about 3 tablespoons of the vegetable oil.  You aren’t deep-frying the pancakes, but you do want to make sure there’s plenty of oil, so they don’t stick to the pan.  Drop quarter-cup sized dollops of pancake mixture into the pan, and make sure they don’t touch each othe… they are hard to separate, and won’t cook evenly.  Fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side, so they are crispy and firm.  Repeat with the rest of the pancake mixture, adding more oil to the pan if necessary.  Drain on a paper bag or paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt.  Serve with sour cream.

Explore, experiment, enjoy! — Dana

To view even more of Dana’s unique recipes, you can visit her at Frugal Girlmet!

If you would like to contact Dana in regards to this blog, please email her at Dana@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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Captivating: Chapter 9 – “Loving Fallen Men” – “Good Men That Do Not Belong To You” (pp 161-167)

March 7, 2013 by

Wow, ladies…I have to say, this section of the chapter really hit close to home in many ways.  And to be honest, part of me started to balk as I was reading this.  “I can’t write about that!  I can’t talk about that!”  or  “I don’t know what to say!”  Of course, I know this is a ploy of the enemy to try to get me to shy away from a difficult topic, so here I humbly sit writing this post for me, as much as every reader out there.  I pray you are blessed.

You Will Find Me

Seek me with all your heart.  How many of us long to have a man who is willing to do just that?  Exactly what does that look like?  And how do we cultivate that in our relationships? This is no easy question.  I believe that we have to walk a delicate line when we are attracted to a man.  In the book John and Stasi state, “Don’t offer everything, but don’t offer nothing.”  How do we know what is too much…not enough?  This is something we cannot do on our own.  This is when we must lean into the arms of Jesus and seek His guidance. Fervently pray for discernment and wisdom when entering into any relationship.

We also need to remember that “don’t offer everything” not only includes the physical, but also the emotional.  I have had some trials in my life, like most of us, and in the past I have found myself spewing forth every detail of my past to someone who, in reality, I barely knew. We have to realize that this isn’t necessary; as with anything else, the reveal should be slow and based on increased intimacy with a man.  When we find ourselves sharing so much so soon, we also have to look at our motivations for doing it.  Are we longing for intimacy so much that we are forcing the issue?  Are we sharing every skeleton in our closet to scare any potential mate away?  Or are we just not using good judgement?

We deserve to be valued, and not every man deserves all of us ladies.  Guard your treasures—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to share with the man the Lord provides.  We cannot avoid this challenge in our journey but, when we trust in our Lord and seek His guidance completely and fully,  the results will all be worth it.  Remember the words in Matthew 6:33 (NLT) – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

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LET’S PRAY:

Father, I ask You to guide us.  You know this journey isn’t an easy one.  It can be so hard to know how much is too much when we delve into the world of dating.  We pray that we always keep You first, because then all that follows will be pure.  Guard our hearts, mind our tongues, and keep us close as we learn to discern Your voice in the chaos.  Thank You for loving us with a love like no other.  In Your Heavenly Name we pray.  Amen.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

In which aspect do you find it hardest to find the balance between “not enough” and “too much?”  Is it spiritual?  Physical?  Emotional?  In what ways do you turn to God for guidance?

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GWS

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!

Click on the picture to sign up TODAY!! 

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 If you would like to send Michelle a private email in regards to this blog post, you may email her at:  Michelle@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

Filed Under: Singles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives That Way” (pp 161-164)

March 7, 2013 by

The people Francis Chan highlighted in this part of our chapter are such an inspiration to me!

The Robynson Family: Giving their Christmas morning to the homeless with a cup of hot coffee and pancakes, teaching their children while they are young to offer  themselves the way Christ did for us.

 

Susan Diego: Telling God she would do anything He asked her to, then putting  into practice that promise. Helping students, teaching young mothers, starting a school, and opening her home to people of all walks of life. Even doing the one thing she hoped He wouldn’t ask her to do: speaking in public.

 

Lucy: Leaving a life of prostitution and drugs when she met Christ and gave her life to Him. Now she is opening her home (on the same streets she was on) to other young women caught in drugs and prostitution. She shares Christ with anyone in need.

 

Cornerstone Community Church: Giving away 50% of their budget, “loving their neighbors as themselves.”  Also building an outdoor amphitheater to hold services and reach people for Christ.

These examples encourage me, and I hope they do you as well. They are average people like us, who use the talents God has given them to spread the Gospel. I want to do that! Even in my own little world I hope I do that. I pray I can be half the woman of Christ that these examples are! It’s something to strive for, and I can achieve, with the help of my Father.

In Christ,

Donna

 

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Let’s Pray:

Father, thank You for the inspiration that these examples of Your love give us. I pray You will give each woman who reads this blog opportunities to be like the examples here and spread Your truth to the world around us. Helps us to also recognize those opportunities when they come and give us Your words to speak.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

Can you think of some opportunities in your life that you could share the love of Christ in your part of the world and encourage someone else? Let’s name them and pray that we take advantage of those times.

 

 **********

GWS

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!

Click on the picture to sign up TODAY!!  

 

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Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives That Way?” (pp 157-161)

March 6, 2013 by

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 
2 Corinthians 5:17

Do you all remember those Transformer toys? Now, my memory is not what it used to be, but I think they would change from figures into vehicles or into different creatures and such. Am I close?  As I was reading through the three profiles in this section, the Lord kept whispering to me. Over and over again.  The same word.

Transform.

Transformed.

A life transformed.

All of the profiles we are reading in this chapter illustrate lives of regular, everyday people. People like you and me. Some went through struggles with gambling, addictions, even prostitution. But then they met Jesus Christ. And, similar to those transformer toys, once they met Jesus, their lives were transformed. Jesus washed away the ugliness of their past. He took their shame, their hurt, their despair, and transformed it into something beautiful for His glory. Their lives were forever changed by His love and grace at work in their lives.

George Mueller and his wife started an orphanage and did not seek out donations. When they had a need, they went to God in prayer. Every need they had was met. By prayer alone. Brother Yun was persecuted for his faith before escaping to Germany with his family. He is now involved in a movement to preach the gospel in all countries, cities, towns, and ethnic groups between China and Jerusalem. Shane Claiborne serves the very poor and broken in one of the worst neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

I am sure we can all recall a moment when we felt the transforming power of Christ at work in our lives. Maybe it was when you first accepted Him into your heart. Perhaps it was during a struggle when you leaned on Him more than you ever had before. What if you could take the gift Christ has given you—a transformed life—and partner with Him to transform lives of those around you?

Love-to-Extremes-crazy-love-francis-chan-F

We are only limited by what we think we cannot do. God does not call us to do something that is impossible. He equips us to do the work He has prepared for us in advance to do.

So, let’s put on our armor and step out in faith. Let’s begin this revival, shall we?

*****

Let’s Pray:

Father, You are all about transforming lives. You bring us out of the depths of despair and give us hope and peace that surpasses all understanding. Stepping out in faith is difficult, Lord, but we KNOW that You would not call us to do something that is impossible or that You will not equip us to do. And we KNOW Lord, that YOU will be with us every step of the journey. Stir a revival in our hearts, in our lives, and in each of our communities. Bring forth a renewed passion in us for serving You. Give us courage, Father, to take that first step. We can do ALL things through YOU who gives us strength. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!

Your Assignment:

What is one thing you can do today to help someone in your path? It can be a stranger, a friend, or a family member. Pray and ask God to show you how you can meet a need today and then tell us about it!

*****

Girls with Swords by Lisa Bevere

Girls with Swords
by Lisa Bevere

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!

Click on the picture to sign up TODAY!! 

________________________

If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may e-mail her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.

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At Home with GCH: “All Things Green” Month!! — Green Smoothies

March 6, 2013 by

Just for the month of March, every Wednesday here on At Home with GCH, I will be blogging about “All Things Green.”  I hope you enjoy it!

Today, I want to share my all-time favorite Green Smoothie recipe.  If you’ve never had a Green Smoothie before, don’t let the color scare you off!  Green Smoothies are not only healthy for you, they taste delicious, and are a GREAT way to get your fruits and veggies in for the day!  God gave us these awesome fruits and vegetables, so why not put them to good use!

Let’s start by talking about Green Smoothies and why they are so good for you!  My dear friend Sandra Castillo turned me onto these deliciously healthy smoothies.  She is the Green Smoothie guru that I go to if I have any questions about them!  She has been drinking Green Smoothies for nearly 4 years and has not been sick one time during this time.  When everyone else is suffering from the flu, colds, sinus infections, and more…Sandra is like the Energizer battery and just keeps going, and going, and going!  She has taught me so much about these delicious drinks, and I can’t wait to share some of what I have learned from her!

ToYourHealth

The benefits of Green Smoothies:

  • Promotes blood purification
  • Cancer prevention
  • Improves circulation
  • Strengthens immune system
  • Promotes healthy intestinal flora
  • Promotes extra energy
  • Lifts spirits and reduces/eliminates depression
  • Improves liver, gall bladder and kidney functions
  • Clears congestion, especially in lungs by reducing mucus

This is what you will find in each Green Smoothie:

  • protein
  • calcium
  • folate
  • iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper
  • vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A
  • vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6
  • vitamin E
  • omega 3 fatty acids
  • potassium
  • tryptophan
  • dietary fiber
  • and much more!

My favorite Green Smoothie recipe:

  • 1 large frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 tbsp ground flax seed
  • 16 oz of purified water
  • 2 handfuls of fresh kale
  • 6 ice cubes

Blend until smooth and enjoy.

I always use kale in my smoothies.  I’m not much of a fan of spinach, but I can tolerate it if I have to.  But my favorite for my Green Smoothies is kale.  Kale has a ton of health benefits, too! 

Here are just a few of the health benefits of kale:

  • very versatile and nutritious green leafy vegetable
  • low calories
  • high in fiber
  • zero fat
  • high in iron
  • high in vitamins A, C, and K
  • filled with powerful antioxidants
  • anti-inflammatory
  • great for cardiovascular support
  • high in calcium
  • great detox food
  • strengthens immune system
  • binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease
  • can reduce the overall risk of developing or dying from cancer, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
  • notably good in many B-complex groups of vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B-6(pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc., that are essential for substrate metabolism in the body
  • believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases, and colon and prostate cancers

One warning that I have found on kale:

  • Because of its high vitamin K content, patients taking anti-coagulants such as Warfarin are encouraged to avoid kale since it increases the vitamin K concentration in the blood, which is what the drugs are attempting to lower. This effectively raises the dose of the drug and causes toxicity.

For more information on the benefits of Green Smoothies, check out GreenSmoothieGirl.com.  You can also read more information from my friend Sandra on her Facebook page.  Pinterest also has a ton of great Green Smoothie recipes!  I have gotten many of the ones I use today from Pinterest!

I hope this blog will entice you to give Green Smoothies a try!  They truly are delicious, and oh so healthy for you!!

Come back next week, when I cover another topic that includes “All Things Green“!!  🙂

 

Go Green!!

Christi

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If you would like to email Christi in regards to this blog, you may send it to:

Christi@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

 

 

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