Fall into Change

What does fall make you think of? Pumpkin spice? Changing leaves? Bonfires? Is this a season of change for you? Are you hungry for change?

What does fall make you think of? Pumpkin spice? Changing leaves? Bonfires? Is this a season of change for you? Are you hungry for change? As you ease into this new season, are you challenging yourself to try new things? Changing a few things you have tried before and attempting them in a new way? Today my new thing was to create a soup that I have made before but had not been pleased with. I changed a few things and tried it again. This time it was enjoyable. It was actually something I would make for guests, maybe even Thanksgiving!

Have you ever tried something and didn’t enjoy it? If so, did you pass it off as something you will never try again? Do you have things you avoid because they make you uncomfortable or trigger memories or feelings that are hard to deal with? I think we all do. I encourage you today to do something different, try something in a new way. For me today, it was changing a recipe to give it a more savory, palatable flavor. Which of course I’ll include for you to try. Let me know how you like it and what changes you made to make it more your style.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the ways of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.

Renewing our minds is a lot like doing something different. God designed our minds to change, He designed most things to change. Change can also refer to transformation. In order to be transformed we must surrender. Surrender means one has to give up control. In all things, I challenge you today, do something different. Change with the season, renew your mind, surrender to God’s perfect will. Take actions without needing to control the outcome or even know how it will end up...So Be It! Have faith that God is making a way.

And always remember Philippians 4:8; Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; If anything is praiseworthy or excellent, think upon these things.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Savory enough to have for dinner

2 cups Vegetable or Chicken Stock

4 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced

1 Carrot, peeled and roughly chopped

1 Granny Smith apple, cored and roughly chopped

1 medium (about 3–4lbs) Butternut Squash, peel, seeded and diced

1 White Onion, peeled and roughly chopped

1 sprig fresh Sage

½ tsp. Celtic Sea Salt

¼ tsp. White Pepper

1/8 tsp. Cayenne

pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg

½ c. canned (unsweetened) coconut milk, (I like Trader Joe's)

Optional garnishes: extra coconut milk, smoked paprika, pumpkin seeds

Preheat oven 350*

Place butternut squash, apple, onion and carrot on baking sheet and roast for 30min, till just slightly golden.

In a large stock pot, over medium heat, add stock, sage, salt, pepper, cayenne, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Bring to a simmer.

When vegetables are ready to take from the oven, place them directly into stock. Allow to simmer another 20 minutes.

Remove from heat. Toss the sprig of sage in the trash or compost. Add coconut milk.

Place into your Vita-Mix or high powered blender and blend till smooth. I use the smoothie setting on my Vita-Mix, it runs on high speed for about 1 minute 30 seconds.

Serve immediately. You can top with pumpkin seeds, red pepper flakes, sprinkle smoked paprika and/or swirl some coconut milk on top.

Enjoy!!!