Food for Life – Lentil Soup

“That blasts of January would blow you through and through” Shakespeare.

Let us read some hints from our Lord as to the remedies for weather like this.

“I will tell you a little about my experience with charcoal as a remedy. For some forms of indigestion, it is more efficacious than drugs. A little olive oil into which some of this powder has been stirred tends to cleanse and heal. I find it is excellent. Pulverized charcoal from eucalyptus wood we have used freely in cases of inflammation. . . .

“Always study and teach the use of the simplest remedies, and the special blessing of the Lord may be expected to follow the use of these means which are within the reach of the common people. . . .

“On Thursday, Sister Sara McEnterfer was called to see if she could do anything for Brother B’s little son, who is eighteen months old. For several days he has had a painful swelling on the knee, supposed to be from the bite of some poisonous insect. Pulverized charcoal, mixed with flaxseed, was placed upon the swelling, and this poultice gave relief at once. The child had screamed with pain all night, but when this was applied, he slept. Today she has been to see the little one twice. She opened the swelling in two places, and a large amount of yellow matter and blood was discharged freely. The child was relieved of its great suffering. We thank the Lord that we may become intelligent in using the simple things within our reach to alleviate pain and successfully remove its cause.

“When Hezekiah was sick, the prophet of God brought him the message that he should die. The king cried to the Lord, and the Lord heard him, and sent the promise that fifteen years should be added to his life. One word from God, one touch of the divine finger, would have been enough to cure Hezekiah instantly. But instead, he was given directions to make a poultice of figs, and lay it upon the part affected. This was done, and Hezekiah was restored to health. It would be well to treasure this prescription which the Lord ordered to be used, more than we do.

“I am very sorry to learn that Sister C is not well. I cannot advise any remedy for her cough better than eucalyptus and honey. Into a tumbler of honey put a few drops of the eucalyptus, stir it up well, and take whenever the cough comes on. I have had considerable trouble with my throat, but whenever I use this I overcome the difficulty very quickly. I have to use it only a few times, and the cough is removed. If you will use this prescription, you may be your own physician. If the first trial does not effect a cure, try it again. The best time to take it is before retiring.…” Selected Messages, Book 2, 298–301.

January Recipe – Lentil Soup

2 tablespoons distilled water 

1 large onion, chopped 

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 

1-1/2 cups lentils

3 quarts of water

1 large carrot, finely cut

1 stalk of celery, finely cut

1 large potato, diced

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup cooked rice

1 teaspoon sea salt

Place distilled water into a soup pot, and gently sauté the onion and garlic for two minutes. Stir continually. Wash and rinse lentils and add them to the soup pot. Add the water, cut vegetables, and the rest of the ingredients with the exception of the salt and rice. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and cook slowly for about one hour. Add the sea salt and let soup simmer a short while longer. Add cooked rice. Serve.