From Game Night Jitters to Comfort Food 🏐✨

Author

Cara Jorgensen
September 17, 2025

Hey Friend,

Last week I had the absolute joy of watching my nieces play volleyball at an away game that is closer to where I live. There's something so special about being in those packed gyms, cheering from the sidelines, watching these young athletes give their all on the court.

As I sat there watching them serve and spike, I was transported back to my own game nights at that age—the butterflies before the first serve, the rush when your team scored a point, the way your heart would pound during those nail-biting final sets. My nieces handled the pressure like pros, but I could see those familiar pre-game nerves in their faces too.

What struck me most was how they supported each other. Every great play got celebrated, every mistake got encouragement. Win or lose, they had each other's backs. It reminded me that some of life's best moments happen when we're cheering others on—and that good fuel (both emotional and nutritional) makes all the difference in how we show up for the people we love.

Serves 4 | This nutrient-packed bowl delivers sustained energy and feels like a warm hug in a dish.

👉 Get the full recipe here (Love and Lemons)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 can (15oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced

  • ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Lemon Herb Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook quinoa in broth according to package directions. Let cool slightly.

  2. Toss chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

  3. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

  4. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, roasted chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and herbs.

  5. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Top with feta cheese.

  6. Serve immediately or chill for later—tastes even better the next day!

Packed with plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats—this bowl fuels you for hours without the crash!

Weekly Meal Ideas

Here's some inspiration for nourishing weeknight dinners:

Quick Snack/Treat – Energy-Boosting Chocolate Almond Balls

Perfect for pre-game fuel or afternoon pick-me-ups—no baking required!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pitted dates (Medjool work best)

  • ¾ cup raw almonds

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tbsp almond butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of sea salt

  • 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips (optional)

  • Shredded coconut for rolling

Instructions:

  1. Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they're not soft.

  2. In a food processor, pulse almonds until they form a coarse meal.

  3. Add dates, cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla, and salt. Process until mixture sticks together.

  4. Stir in chocolate chips if using.

  5. Roll into 12-15 balls and roll in shredded coconut.

  6. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

👉 See video tutorial here

These little powerhouses are loaded with natural sugars, healthy fats, and just enough chocolate to satisfy!

Encouragement

Watching my nieces play reminded me that we're all in different seasons of life. Sometimes we nail the serve, sometimes we miss. But we don't have to perform to measure up—Jesus has already done everything perfectly for us. We can approach each day with confidence in what Christ has accomplished, not our own abilities.

What's in Season (September Spotlight)

  • Apples 🍎

  • Pears 🍐

  • Sweet potatoes 🍠

  • Brussels sprouts 🥬

  • Butternut squash 🎃

  • Pomegranates 🫐

  • Late summer tomatoes 🍅

Best,
Cara