Grace Filled Lemons

Featured Feast:

• Aug 29: The Passion of St. John the Baptist
• Transitioning into September (St. Hildegard’s month!)

Herbal Focus:

 Prophetic Clarity Tea (Fennel + Lemon Balm Tea)

An herbal blend inspired by St. John the Baptist

Symbolism:
Fennel: ancient herb of courage and strength, supporting digestion and clarity of voice (John’s bold proclamations).

Lemon Balm: herb of peace, spiritual clarity, and joy, calming the heart so one can hear God’s truth clearly.

Mint (optional): adds brightness, symbolizing refreshment in the desert wilderness.

Honey (to serve): a sweet reminder of John’s desert diet of “wild honey.”

Recipe (makes 1 cup)
1 tsp dried fennel seeds (lightly crushed)

1 tsp dried lemon balm leaves

½ tsp dried peppermint leaves (optional, for brightness)

1 cup freshly boiled water

Honey to taste

Instructions:

Combine fennel, lemon balm, and (optional) mint in a tea infuser or teapot.

Pour 1 cup of freshly boiled water over the herbs.

Cover and steep 7–10 minutes.

Strain and sweeten with a drizzle of honey.

Sip prayerfully, asking for John the Baptist’s courage to proclaim truth and the clarity to recognize Christ in your midst.

— A digestive and gently clarifying blend, symbolizing the prophetic courage and spiritual clarity of John the Baptist. Ideal after a simple fast or light meal.

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Monday (Aug 29)

• Breakfast: Spelt toast with fig preserves
• Lunch: Cucumber and dill soup, rustic rye bread
• Dinner: Grilled portobello mushrooms with lentils and greens
• Intention: Reflect on how you witness Christ to others; honor the voice crying in the wilderness

Tuesday (Aug 30)

• Breakfast: Buckwheat pancakes with maple and blueberries
• Lunch: Quinoa salad with roasted squash, arugula, and pomegranate arils
• Dinner: Baked cod with fennel, lemon, and olive oil
• Intention: Pray for truth-tellers and modern prophets

Wednesday (Aug 31 – Optional Fast)

• Breakfast: Herbal tea and prayer
• Lunch: Light sweet potato soup with thyme
• Dinner: Spelt toast with tomato and basil
• Intention: Offer a fast for spiritual renewal and courage

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 You’ve completed August with mindfulness, beauty, and faith at the table! September brings St. Hildegard’s rich healing wisdom—spelt, herbal elixirs, and harmony with the seasons. Stay tuned!

With gratitude,

Laura

*P.S. A gentle reminder: if your health or energy doesn’t allow for a full meal plan right now, please don’t feel bad about that. Healing and nourishment look different for everyone. Maybe just pick one recipe to try—or simply enjoy the inspiration. And if even that feels like too much this week, that’s okay too. Let grace carry you, not guilt. You’re doing the best you can, and that is more than enough.