Greetings, friends! Today, I’m going to share with you the recipe for my homemade gluten-free, yeast-free cinnamon rolls. Before we get started, let me tell you a little secret: I’m not a professional baker, but I do enjoy making a mess in the kitchen. So, if I can make these cinnamon rolls, you can too!
What You’ll Need
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.Read my full disclosure here.
Ingredients
First things first, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
4 oz of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup of confectioner’s sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp almond milk (or regular milk)
Now that you have your ingredients together, let’s get rolling (pun intended)!
Instructions Part One
For the rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round baking dish. (Tip: I like to use butter to grease the pan instead of oil for this recipe. It adds to the delectability!)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add egg, yogurt/buttermilk, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly until dough forms (Tip: use a spatula or wooden spoon if mixing by hand).
On a lightly floured surface/large cutting board, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Form the dough into a rectangle, roughly 10 inches by 14 inches.
Using a basting brush, spread the melted butter evenly over the dough.
While butter is still warm and wet, evenly spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Once the mixture has been evenly spread, pack it into the dough slightly pressing with a rubber spatula (this helps to keep the cinnamon sugar from falling out when you cut into the dough!)
Starting from the long end, roll the dough into a tight spiral. (NOTE:This is step is where things can fall apart. Choosing a good quality GF flour, like I listed above, will help set you up for success. If you find the dough is a bit too crumbly or wet to roll, you can try freezing it for about 20 minutes and coming back to it. You could also spread the dough on parchment paper after shaping it and use the parchment to assist with the rolling process.)
Cut the spiral into 1 inch slices with a sharp knife, careful not to smash the dough.
Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Instructions Part Two
For the icing:
Add butter, milk, powdered sugar, and cream cheese to stand mixer.
Let mix for 6-8 minutes (or until no clumps remain).
Add more milk to reach desired consistency.
Layer on top of your cinnamon rolls and prepare to be crowned queen (or king) of the kitchen!
Once you pull these freshly baked, homemade, gluten-free, yeast-free cinnamon rolls out of the oven, your house will be smelling better than a Yankee Candle!
Hey, Look Ma, I made it!
Impress your friends and family by plating up these beautiful baked goods with some scrambled eggs and a hot cup of coffee. Be sure to snap a picture for the ‘gram and tag me (@mollyfinneganblog)!
In summary, making these homemade gluten-free, yeast-free cinnamon rolls is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little bit of patience (and a lot of cinnamon sugar) you can create a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and have some fun in the kitchen.
Homemade Gluten-Free Yeast-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Yield: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Looking for a delicious gluten-free and yeast-free cinnamon roll recipe? Look no further! Our homemade recipe is not only easy to follow, but also yields soft, fluffy, and mouth-watering cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress. Made with a combination of gluten-free flour, baking powder, and other simple ingredients, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or a yeast allergy. So why not indulge in a warm and comforting treat today? Check out our blog post for the full recipe!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 & 3/4 cups of gluten-free flour (King Arthur GF & Cup4Cup are my favorites!)
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
2 tablespoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup of greek yogurt or buttermilk
5 tbsp butter, softened
For the Filling:
3tbsp of butter, melted
1/3 cup of brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
4 oz of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup of confectioner's sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp almond milk (or regular milk)
Instructions
For the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round baking dish. (Tip: I like to use butter to grease the pan instead of oil for this recipe. It adds to the delectability!)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add egg, yogurt/buttermilk, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly until dough forms (Tip: use a spatula or wooden spoon if mixing by hand).
On a lightly floured surface/large cutting board, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Form the dough into a rectangle, roughly 10 inches by 14 inches.
Using a basting brush, spread the melted butter evenly over the dough.
While butter is still warm and wet, evenly spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Once the mixture has been evenly spread, pack it into the dough slightly pressing with a rubber spatula (this helps to keep the cinnamon sugar from falling out when you cut into the dough!)
Starting from the long end, roll the dough into a tight spiral. (NOTE:This is step is where things can fall apart. Choosing a good quality GF flour, like I listed above, will help set you up for success. If you find the dough is a bit too crumbly or wet to roll, you can try freezing it for about 20 minutes and coming back to it. You could also spread the dough on parchment paper after shaping it and use the parchment to assist with the rolling process.)
Cut the spiral into 1 inch slices with a sharp knife, careful not to smash the dough.
Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the Icing:
Add butter, milk, powdered sugar, and cream cheese to stand mixer.
Let mix for 6-8 minutes (or until no clumps remain).
Add more milk to reach desired consistency.
Layer on top of your cinnamon rolls and prepare to be crowned queen (or king) of the kitchen!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 rollsServing Size: 1 roll Amount Per Serving:Calories: 000
Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready for a dish that’s easy as pie? (Actually, it’s easier than pie. Have you ever tried to make a pie from scratch? That’s a whole other blog post.) Introducing my Easy Creamy Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey recipe!
This recipe has got all the good stuff: protein, fiber, carbs, and loads of flavor. If you’re looking to fill out those macros, this recipe will be a hit! Plus, it’s simple to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
2 (10.5 oz) boxes protein pasta (We like Banza and Barilla brands. The chickpea rotini and penne)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 lb lean ground turkey
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
2 cups pureed tomatos
2.5 cups chicken broth
1.5 cup heavy cream
10oz. low-fat cheddar, grated
Fresh parsley to garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
Now, let’s get cookin’!
Prepare pasta according to cooking instructions on box. Strain, and set aside. (Note: I like to rinse my protein pasta once it is al dente. I leave it in the strainer and rinse with cool water. It helps to make the chickpea pasta texture more like traditional pasta.)
Add olive oil to a large sauce pot (or instant pot), sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground turkey to garlic and onions, browning for 5-7 minutes (or until thoroughly cooked), breaking into small pieces as you go. This meat masher is probably my favorite (and most used) kitchen gadget. I love mine so much, I have two!
Add thyme & paprika, combine and cook for another minute.
Add tomato sauce and chicken broth, stir to combine. Cook until it starts to bubble.
Remove from heat (for Instant Pot, turn to “keep warm”) heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Stir until cheese is melted. Salt & pepper to taste.
Serve garnished with parsley, basil, or italian seasoning and freshly shredded parmesan.
And there it is! You’ve got yourself a delicious and easy meal that’s sure to impress. Not to mention, it’s packed with protein & fiber, so you can feel good about indulging (in moderation, of course).
I like to serve this easy creamy protein pasta with ground turkey garnished with fresh parmesan. Serve with garlic bread and a caesar chopped salad and you’ll have a feast fit for a king.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal twist to this recipe. Who knows, maybe you’ll come up with something even better than my version. But if all else fails, just add more cream. Trust me, you can never go wrong with more cream.
Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
Easy Creamy Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey
Yield: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
* (2) 8oz boxes chickpea protein pasta (like Banza or Barilla)
Prepare pasta according to cooking instructions on box. Strain, and set aside. (Note: I like to rinse my protein pasta once it is al dente. I leave it in the strainer and rinse with cool water. It helps to make the chickpea pasta texture more like traditional pasta.)
Add olive oil to a large sauce pot (or instant pot), sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground turkey to garlic and onions, browning for 5-7 minutes (or until thoroughly cooked), breaking into small pieces as you go.
Add thyme & paprika, combine and cook for another minute.
Add tomato sauce and chicken broth, stir to combine. Cook until it starts to bubble.
Remove from heat (for Instant Pot, turn to "keep warm") heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Stir until cheese is melted.
Salt & pepper to taste.
Serve garnished with parsley, basil, or italian seasoning and freshly shredded parmesan.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground beef for the ground turkey, mozzarella for the cheddar, or beef/vegetable broth for the chicken broth!
For a richer, creamier pasta, add a half cup more of heavy cream and 4 oz. cream cheese.
Hey there friend! Are you looking for a way to use up all those pickles from your garden WITHOUT pressure canning them? Look no further than these quick, easy, & delicious refrigerator dill pickles! No water baths, no jar sterilization, just chop, dump, brine, and seal!
Not only are they a great way to preserve your harvest, but they’re also a delicious and refreshing snack that you can enjoy all summer long.
Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You
Pickle-Makers Beware: These pickles are magic and will change your life. And your expectations- a store bought pickle will never be able to compare. You may also notice that your children, (even your teenagers), will choose to be around you and talk to you when these pickles are accessible.
Two years ago I had a jar of these open on the counter for the kids to snack on. In a matter of minutes, I had three high-school aged boys sitting in my kitchen telling me about their lives. Crazy, right?
Let’s Get To It
To make refrigerator pickles, you will need a few things:
Ingredients (Jump to Recipe below for Specific Measurements)
This year, our nephew, joined us as we made our first batch of the season (along with some pickled jalapeños and banana peppers!) He enjoys cooking with me when he comes over, so I knew this would be a really fun activity to do together.
We started planning our “pickle party” (as he preciously dubbed this gathering) a few weeks ago. He exclaimed “We can have a pickle party! That will be so fun. Can we get green balloons? And green sleeping bags?!”
So yes, my friends. That is exactly what we did. Life is short. Celebrate the little things! (Note: if you are looking for some nice and CHEAP sleeping bags, Academy Sports has this one for $9.99… and that isn’t even a sale price! Grab yours here. Ps, this is not sponsored by Academy. I just had to share that steal of a deal with y’all!)
Our pickle party started by picking our cucumbers off of our vines. We harvested two large cucumbers and five cute little gherkins! The perfect amount for two quarts of pickles. One quart of spears and one quart of crinkle cut rounds!
Ingredients Explained
Cucumbers
Truthfully, you can use any kind of cucumber you want. We love to use a pickling variety because they are smaller (typically), wider in diameter, and have a thinner skin. Perfect for delectable pickles! You can read more about the differences between traditional cucumbers and pickling varieties here.
We LOVE to grow our own, too. We planted our first crop (from seedlings) during Spring 2020 when everyone was stuck quarantined inside thanks to the *you-know-what*. It was a great excuse to get outside with our kiddos and focus on something new and exciting. We had no idea what to expect, but they were surprisingly simple and produced a huge yield during the first season!
Vinegar
I prefer to use white vinegar as I usually have a large amount on hand since we use it for a variety of purposes around the house. Apple cider vinegar or any sort of wine vinegar may be used if you prefer. I have not tried this recipe with either of those, so I can’t personally attest to the results.
Water
I prefer to use filtered water for anything and everything we consume. That is my family’s preference. We have a Royal Berkey Water Filter (and love it!) so we just use that water. I can only assume that using filtered water leads to a bit of a longer shelf life, but I haven’t done the research.
Salt
Kosher, coarse grain, non-iodized salt is what you want. Iodized varieties can cause your veggies to become discolored. Be sure to check the ingredients in your salt before you purchase. The one I have linked is perfect.
If you opt for a store bought kosher salt, it should be fine, too. Just be aware that most store bought kosher salt will be made with a non-caking additive added. This will not hurt your precious pickles, but it may cause your brine to become cloudy.
Sugar
Nothing fancy here, just plain old granulated sugar!
Fresh Dill Weed
Fresh dill is one of those herbs that, as soon as I catch a whiff, I have a smile on my face. Obviously, for a dill pickle recipe, we need dill! If you grow your own herbs, why not put those babies to use? If you don’t have any on hand, you can find fresh dill in the produce section of most grocery stores! Dried dill weed will work in a pinch, but if you’re going with a shelf-stable variety, freeze dried is best. Freeze dried varieties will have a stronger flavor and aroma than traditionally dried dill.
Garlic Cloves
Last, but certainly not least, fresh garlic cloves. Pungent and packed with flavor, adding fresh garlic cloves will elevate your pickle game for sure. Chop finely and disperse through the jar evenly so your pickles absorb even flavor!
Instructions For Making Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Assembling the Jars
Simply start by slicing your cucumbers into rounds or spears. I remove the ends (especially on the spears), so they fit nice and snug in the jar. Place slices into jars, leaving roughly an inch, to an inch and a half of space between the top of your pickles and the top of the opening of the jar.
Finely chop your freshly peeled garlic and disperse evenly throughout the jars. Next, stuff the dill sprigs between the spears and disperse between the rounds, using both the stems and the dill leaves. Don’t worry about going overboard on the dill. These are quick, easy, & delicious refrigerator DILL pickles, after all. Add your salt and pickling spices, and your pickles are ready to brine!
Making the Brine
On medium-high heat, mix together vinegar, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil, allow to boil for one minute, then reduce heat and simmer for fifteen minutes. After simmering, transfer brine to your heat resistant liquid measuring cup and allow it to come to room temperature. (Note: You can pour the brine into your jars immediately if you’d like, but it will make for a a mushier texture.
Once the brine has cooled, carefully pour into jars over pickles covering entirely. It is important that no pickles are left sticking out of the brine. Tightly close the lids on your jars and give each jar a shake to mix the salt and spices with the brine. Transfer jars to the refrigerator and let settle. (Note: Pickles can be consumed after settling for 24 hours. For best results, allow pickles to settle for one week!)
Voila! You now have quick, easy, & delicious refrigerator dill pickles!
Spice Up Your Life, Dill Pickle Style
But wait, there’s more! Not only are refrigerator pickles easy to make, but they’re also a great canvas for your creativity. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the mix. Feeling adventurous? Try this technique (sans dill) with some fresh-from-your-garden peppers!
Actually, we harvested a few jalapeños and banana peppers from our garden today. So, I pickled a small jar of each to have on hand. We love jalapeños on taco/nacho nights and banana peppers on pizza are my absolute fave. Plus, both are such easy (and yummy) snacks!
The next time you find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers from your garden, don’t let them go to waste! Whip up a batch of quick and easy refrigerator pickles and enjoy a tasty snack all summer long. Happy pickling!
Looking for a simple, tasty snack? Try these refrigerator dill pickles – they're quick to make and perfect for any occasion! Here's how to create them:
Ingredients
cucumbers, pickling variety (2 quarts, chopped)
1.5 cups vinegar
6 cups water
4 tbsp kosher, non-iodized salt (coarse)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
8 sprigs fresh dill
6-8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 tbsp pickling spice
Instructions
1. Simply start by slicing your cucumbers into rounds or spears. I remove the ends (especially on the spears), so they fit nice and snug in the jar. Place slices into jars, leaving roughly an inch, to an inch and a half of space between the top of your pickles and the top of the opening of the jar.
2. Finely chop your freshly peeled garlic and disperse evenly throughout the jars. Next, stuff the dill sprigs between the spears and disperse between the rounds, using both the stems and the dill leaves.
3. Add your salt and pickling spices, and your pickles are ready to brine!
4. On medium-high heat, mix together vinegar, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil, allow to boil for one minute, then reduce heat and simmer for fifteen minutes.
5. After simmering, transfer brine to your heat resistant liquid measuring cup and allow it to come to room temperature.
6. Once the brine has cooled, carefully pour into jars over pickles covering entirely. It is important that no pickles are left sticking out of the brine.
7. Tightly close the lids on your jars and give each jar a shake to mix the salt and spices with the brine.
8. Transfer jars to the refrigerator and let settle.
Notes
1. You can pour the brine into your jars immediately if you'd like, but it will make for a a mushier texture.
2. Pickles can be consumed after settling for 24 hours. For best results, allow pickles to settle for one week!
My prayer is that you will find hope and comfort in this deep dive- How To Connect With God: A Biblical and Psychological Perspective. May the Lord reveal Himself to you, granting you wisdom through revelation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
A Divine Connection
For centuries, people have sought to understand and connect with God, the Divine.
In the Old Testament, we read stories of people crying out to God as they seek to overcome the insurmountable. We read accounts of Him showing up in burning bushes and parting seas. Sending warnings and ushering in judgment.
In the New Testament, we read several different accounts of the same gospel. Stories about those who traveled miles and miles to see Jesus- some just to touch the hem of his garment. We read of His humanness, how he hungered and wept. Unexpectedly arriving in complete humility, ushering in grace and tearing the veil.
We can see all over the pages of Scripture His desire to connect with His creation, and more specifically, with His people. Considering all of this, it is safe to say that humanity hungers for connection with God and He desires to commune with us. If we believe this to be true, why is it so difficult sometimes?
Connection Vs. Correction
As human beings, our brains associate everything with something else. Do you remember playing that old “association” game in elementary school? Your teacher would say a word and ask you to respond with the first thing that comes to mind? There it is- association!
In fact, our hippocampus does this as a full-time job. Nerve cells in the hippocampus are constantly creating new associations in our brains, like a new friend and her name. (It is all really quite fascinating. Read more here!) With this in mind, doesn’t it make sense, then, that we would make associations about God?
Lets revisit that elementary game mentioned above. I am going to say a word, and I want you to truly just stop and think of the first thing that comes to mind. Ready?
Jesus
Holy Spirit
God
Now be honest, did you associate any of those with “Father”? I am going to assume many of you reading this did. I promise there is a method to my madness here, so even if you didn’t make this particular association, just follow along.
Let’s play the game one more time. This time, the word is “Father“.
What did you think of?
This is where things are going to start to get really eye-opening, friends.
The Role of Father
For many in today’s world, the word “father” may be negatively associated. Working full-time with kids who have grown up in our home (a residential group home), I have seen this play out firsthand. Even for those who have had a wonderful example of of a Father, there can still be associations made with this term that are not synonymously true about Abba Father, God.
To truly connect with God according to His perfect design, we must get outside of our associations. Once more, we see the importance on what is written in Romans 12:2.
2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Maintaining a constant awareness of our thoughts is vital. We must be self-aware, disciplined, and emotionally intelligent enough to remind ourselves that our thoughts, on their own, are influenced by feeling and emotion. Emotion from the heart. The heart, influenced by the flesh. (More about that here if you want more info!) We must take every thought captive, as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. We must be in control.
Thoughts taken captive = Disciplined, Holy Spirit-powered, aligned to the mind of Christ (2 Co. 10:4-5, 1 Co. 2:16, Phil. 4:8, Isaiah 55:8-9)
Defeating the Flesh
Going against our flesh is one of the hardest things to do. Especially in a world that preaches “live your truth” and “do what feels right”. But, if we keep going in this direction, we could very well become another Sodom and Gomorrah! Big yikes, friends. BIGyikes. Read Genesis 19 for more insight into that mess. You’ll find that much of it feels all too familiar.
Additionally, in living enslaved to the appetites of our flesh, we miss out on God’s best for us.
Romans 8:6-8 says:
Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
There is so much hope in three verses that come next:
You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:9-11
There is life in abundance to be found in Jesus. Pressing in, doing the hard work, and remaining steadfast will undoubtedly pay off. He is faithful and has promised to provide a way out of temptations (1 Co. 10:13). He will sustain us (Psalm 55:22). He will protect us from the schemes of the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3). He will fight on our behalf, we need only to be still (Exodus 14:14) and meditate regularly on His Word (Josh. 1:8)
Rewiring Thought Patterns
I’ve heard it said “neurons that fire together, wire together.” For the children I work with, we focus a lot of our time, energy, and resources on helping them to heal. One of the many interventions we utilize for that purpose is therapy. Specifically CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), and Neurofeedback.
Each of these interventions help the individual to rewire those neural pathways in varying capacities. It is completely understandable why someone who has experienced trauma would benefit from these techniques. In fact, I would say outside of immediate physical medical treatment, therapies (like those listed above) are the first line of defense for many when seeking a path to healing from trauma.
Trauma Explained
What is a trauma, anyway? Our brains tell us (by association) that trauma is snonymous with “bad things” that happen. to us. That is definitely true, but the definition can be simplified.
Per the Oxford Dictionary, trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.
Natural disasters, losing loved ones, experiencing a car accident- these are all definable traumas. For a small child, though, trauma can look as innocent as taking a wrong step and falling on a familiar playground unexpectedly.
We must take into account that everyone’s experience of what is “deeply distressing or disturbing”will be different. We all have thresholds of what we can tolerate. For some, that threshold is much lower than others.
Let’s look at these facts from a slightly different perspective.
The Power of Biblical Transformation
This might seem like a stretch at first, but I would consider the experience of suffering the consequences of sin, spiritually traumatic. The idea of spending an eternity in Hell is certainly “deeply disturbing and distressing”, even though I know it is what I deserve.
Think about it. We would never tell someone who has just experienced a major trauma that they deserve it, right? Who would do that?
But the reality of our sin is that we do deserve death (Romans 6:23).
Sin separates us from God. Listen to me, y’all. Lean in real close for this one:
OUR DESPERATE NEED FOR THE SAVING GRACE OF A SAVIOR IS JUST AS DIRE AS SOMEONES NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL INTERVENTIONS AFTER EXPERIENCING TRAUMA.
Arguably, our need for a perfect and sinless Savior is far more dire than the need for finite, human-offered healing.
This might not “hit you in the feels” the same way that discussing more traditional ideas of trauma & healing does. (Thanks to our associations and our desensitization.) But if you think about it logically, it makes sense.
The Connection Point: Mind, Body & Spirit
When someone experiences a trauma mentally/emotionally, their neurons misfire. Healing comes when therapeutic interventions allow for the individual to essentially relive the trauma, process it appropriately, and replace the negative associations. This can result in reconstructed or rewired neural pathways, and more tangible benefits, like reduced anxiety/depression.
Similarly, when someone experiences a trauma physically, they may break a bone or require stitches. In these instances, they will seek medical treatment or First-Aid, right?
From this same perspective, sin is the spiritual trauma we suffer. Jesus, The Word made flesh, is the only possible path to healing. To heal spiritually, we have to cauterize the gaping wound of sin by coming to salvation in Christ. From there, we rehab the injury by reading The Word and by (you guessed it), being transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Communing with God and staying connected to biblical community could be considered the post-injury lifestyle modifications (for purposes of this analogy.)
Once we’ve experienced such trauma (sin) we will develop a natural vigilance, watching cautiously for the flaming arrows of the enemy and the snares of sin in the future. When we are aware of the trauma (sin), we have a new perspective and cultivated awareness of what the initial experience of sin felt like. We will make it our subconscious mission, then, to warn others who are about to fall victim to the same traumatic injury, helping them avoid the pain of what we suffered through.
It would seem foolish for us to say “physical health is the only aspect that matters” when we know we also have minds that need tending to. Why, then, are we so desensitized to our need for soul care when we know we are all three: mind, body, and soul (1 Thess. 5:23)?
Attending church weekly or asking for prayer when times are hard are simply not enough. Just reading a one page daily devotions is not enough. We need so much more than some eloquent words of encouragement peppered with Bible verses. (Please don’t be offended by that.. I am not knocking these things– I love a good daily devo and am a blogger for goodness sake! I love encouraging words!)
It would be like living on fruit alone; delicious, full of nutrients, and imperative. But, not enough to sustain us alone. We need protein to strengthen us and healthy fats to satiate us. I am simply saying that we need a feast. The only place to get all three macronutrients in a spiritual sense, is the Word of God. We could survive on the fruit between meals, but for optimal health, balance is key, right?
Reactive vs. Proactive Approaches to Healing
That brings me to this idea of reactive vs. proactive approaches to healing. Over the last several years, I have learned more and more about the differences between traditional medicine and functional medicine. My family started seeing functional medicine providers years ago when we realized that the goal of this approach is finding the root cause of ailments and disease.
Reactive healing is more about addressing the immediate symptoms and remedying those to bring relief.
Please hear me when I say, neither approach is “better” than the other. Both are necessary and have a place. I believe both are a byproduct of the mercy of God.
Reactive Healing
Regarding trauma, a reactive approach is always going to be required first. Whether physical, mental, or spiritual, we have to essentially “make the pain stop” before we can dig in and find the root issue.
Physical
For example, someone unaware they are suffering with cancer may not know the stage or the cause. They do know, however, that something is painful or off in their physical body. Enough that is cause for concern. They visit a doctor to receive medication or fluids. The doctor may then order some sort of scans or imaging. From there results, the patient may then receive a referal to a specialist if necessary.
The first line of defense- treat the pain. Manage the symptoms. A temporary “bandage” of sorts, until a cause is identified.
Mental
Mentally, the same idea applies.
For example: A child is severely neglected and abused. Authorities are aware. The first step? Removing the child from danger, meeting the immediate needs (clothing, food, shelter, safety). Later, therapies and other resources can be utilized.
The first line of defense- Meet the immediate needs. Manage the symptoms.
Spiritual
So what does a reactive approach to healing spiritual trauma (sin) look like? Well, it can look like a lot of things.
An old professor of mine from college, Dr. Tom Bergler, used to passionately shout “Getting you fire insurance card isn’t enough!”
Asking Jesus into your heart is the first step, but there has to be more that follows, right?
Let me VERY clear here: I firmly believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him! (John 14:6). Jesus is ALWAYS enough. More than enough. In fact, if we have Jesus and nothing else, we truly have everything. I am not (and could never) say that salvation isn’t enough. I believe that, once we are truly born again (which is accompanied by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A direct result of receiving salvation– being covered by the blood of Jesus, believing wholly in his crucifixion and resurrection, certain of His awaited return), NOTHING can separate us from Him (Romans 8:38-39).
I am saying, however, that if we just stop there, we are only putting a tourniquet on a severed limb and expecting it to heal on its own.
For Born Again Believers
For one who is already a born again believer, this could look like diving into the Word “after the fact”.
Take a look at this example. A mother goes to tuck her sick child in at bedtime. The child asks “Mommy, did Jesus really heal sick people?” The mother replies with confidence “He absolutely did!” The child then replies “Will you tell me one of the stories?”
The mother smiles and prepares to start telling the story, when suddenly, she realizes “Oh no, I can’t think of one!” The mother then realizes that she has heard references to these stories for years about Jesus as the healer. She knows them to be real and Jesus as the Healer is a foundational truth she relies on.
It then occurs to her “Perhaps I should read these stories for myself, directly from the Word, instead of relying on those around me to teach me.”
Oof. Y’all. This is a real thing! We have all been here, right?
Proactive Healing in the Spirit
So what does Proactive healing look like from a spiritual perspective? Proactive healing is preventative healing.
Spiritually speaking, then, I think the answer is simple. Jesus, The Word made flesh, is the only possible path to healing. To prevent trauma (sin) from reoccurring or becoming triggering, we must take preventative measures to combat it. We must:
Amazingly, he is the answer to both reactive and proactive healing. The way, the truth, and the life.
Uprooting the Old
We must discipline ourselves to be in a daily rhythm, feasting on the Word, allowing it to take root. When we know the Word, we live by the Word. We cultivate wisdom and set ourselves up to succeed. A “from the ground up” approach of sorts.
In doing this, we begin to proactively stand firm on the unshakeable foundation that is Jesus.
I love David’s heart cry in Psalm 139 23:24. He prays:
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.
The movie The Shack also shows this process of being transformed and sanctified beautifully. The character, who depicts the Holy Spirit, is a gardener. Together, the gardener and main character go and tend to his garden (the garden of his heart).
The metaphors, as you can imagine, are plentiful. Some things grow beautifully and bear much fruit. Sometimes, weeds grow and try to choke out the good growth. The thorns and thistles must always be removed from the root.
This brings us full circle.
Humble Awareness
We need to be aware that we are broken people with broken perspectives. We have spent our entire lives learning and associating things around us with experiences and individuals, both positive and negative.
Now, we must learn to increase our self-awareness, surrender our pride, and unlearn the things that have been associated incorrectly.
To truly connect with God, we need to start untangling the associations we have made. Those that connect our infinite and transcendent God to our finite and immanent experiences. And those that connect our immanent and omnipresent God with what is out of reach and absent.
We must know, that we know, that we know, that we simply do not know. **brain freezes & eye twitches**
From there, we must proactively be preparing, feasting, studying, meditating, and living the Word of God.
Conclusion
Like healing in the bones, we must be further broken down, so that we may be built back up better and stronger.
We must seek to pursue Him proactively, like an apprentice to a master. May the things we have associated with God be restored to health. May He mercifully draw near to us and teach us the reality of who He is a little bit more everyday.
If you’ve followed my many thoughts and made it to this point, thank you! I hope you feel that this has been worth your time. Blessings as you continue down your own path of becoming more like Him.
Welcome to my humble kitchen, where the magic of cooking happens! I’m so excited to share with you a recipe that will make your taste buds (and maybe your husband) dance with joy – Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes!
Step One: Steak Bites
First things first, let’s talk about the star of the show – the steak bites. They’re tender, juicy, and full of flavor. And the best part? They cook in no time thanks to our trusty Instant Pot. Talk about a time-saver! I’m using ribeye, but you can use any cut of meat you prefer. Sometimes I will even mix it up and use different cuts (I just use what we have and tend to buy what is on sale). As long as the pieces are cut to the same size (about an inch a piece), it shouldn’t matter much.
*Note:I was once told by a friend who is a Sous Chef that cutting a steak against the grain allows for it to be much more tender and juicy! So, that is what I do. Does it actually make a difference? I mean, I think it does. Could be a placebo effect. Could be legit. I will let you be the judge!
The first step is to season your steak bites. Sometimes, I simply use garlic, salt, and pepper. Today I felt a little fancy and wanted to add a splash of coconut aminos (about a tsp) and some paprika (also a tsp), too. Worcestershire is also a great addition, but I opted for this lineup this time.
Step Two: Potatoes
As for the potatoes, they bring a nice balance to the dish, adding a hearty and filling element that will leave you satisfied. I mean, who doesn’t love a soft, squishy, buttery potato? *Insert drooling emoji here* I find it easiest to place all the meat in one bowl and all of the potatoes in a separate bowl for seasoning and coating.
For the potatoes, I add a drizzle of olive oil and generously salt them. Once everything is seasoned well, I put all ingredients together in the instant pot. I put the meat in first, then the potatoes.
Step Three: Instant Pot
The last step (which I forgot to take pictures of, sorry!), is to add a stick of butter and a generous amount of minced garlic! I know it sounds crazy, but I do not add any liquid. The melted butter and the fat/juice from the meat meld together in perfect, delectable harmony.
All that is left to do now? Lock the lid in place, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. No browning or sautéing needed!
While you wait for your Instant Pot to work its miraculous ways, why not pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage and enjoy some good company? After all, cooking is always better with friends. And before you know it, your Instant Pot Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes will be ready to devour.
Step Four: Plate & Serve
Once the Instant Pot has finished, I like to do a natural pressure release. If your steak is not cooked to your desired temperature, feel free to sauté to your liking. Once I plate our meals, I like to garnish with a sprinkle of parsley.
I like to serve these steak bites with a yummy salad (like this one here, sans chicken). I threw together a simplified version of this salad by adding what I had on hand.
Spinach or romaine are our favorite base. Add strawberries and combine with mandarin orange slices, feta cheese, and Trader Joe’s Candied Pecans. (The candied pecans are absolutely heaven sent, by the way). Top it off with your favorite vinaigrette (we use raspberry), and you’re all set!
Another great veggie to serve with this dish is fresh, straight-from-the-garden green beans. You can even add those directly to the instant pot and cook with the meat and potatoes! It really doesn’t get easier than this one, folks.
So, there you have it – Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes! A recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a date night, or just because, this dish will impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think. And as always, happy cooking!
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Potatoes
Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Looking for a delicious and easy meal to cook up? Check out my Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe! Tender steak bites and perfectly cooked potatoes are coated in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, making this a dish that your whole family will love. With the help of the Instant Pot, this recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly. Don't miss out on this flavorful and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
24 oz. ribeye steak (any cut will work), cubed
5-6 medium red potatoes, cubed
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 stick butter
1-2 tbsp minced garlic
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
parsley, garnish
Instructions
Prep meat and potatoes by cutting into one inch cubes. Place in separate bowls.
Add olive oil and salt to potatoes. Stir until evenly coated.
Add remaining seasonings, salt, and coconut aminos to steak bites. Stir until evenly coated.
Place steak into instant pot first, then potatoes. Place one stick of butter on top. Add minced garlic.
Close and seal Instant Pot. Set cook time at 20 minutes. Once finished, allow for natural release.
Sauté to desired temperature if needed.
Plate and garnish with parsley.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*This recipe could be easily adapted into a stew by just adding some beef broth and chopped veggies (like carrots, celery, and onion).
*To make a gravy for stew, add a tbsp of flour or 1/2 tbsp cornstarch and stir.
*You could also do this recipe in a crockpot. Add 1/4 cup of broth (or water if needed). Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
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Welcome, friend! 🌿✨
Hi, I’m Molly! 🌿✨ I’m passionate about helping others flourish—mind, body, and spirit. After a life-changing health transformation, including bariatric surgery and overcoming challenges with faith, I’m learning to thrive, even in the messiness of life. As a future Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Holistic Health Practitioner, I share tips on health, wellness, and personal growth to inspire you to bloom into the best version of yourself.
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