Habakkuk 3: 17-18 Though the cherry trees don't bloom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to GOD. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my SAVIOR GOD. [The Message Translation]
Summary
The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language was created by Eugene H. Peterson and published in segments from 1993 to 2002. According to Peterson, The Message attempts to use current language so that readers would have a better understanding of what the Bible means.
The word "cherry" does not appear in the original text of Habakkuk. In the original writing the writer refers to fig trees not blooming, no fruit on the vine and olive crops failing. See King James, New International, Living Bible, Revised Standard and other translations.
The message in all these translations, however, is that when bad times come, and one bad event seems to follow another, and still another, and yet another, (such as the Israelite trek into Babylonian captivity), we must remember that there is still a DELIVERER, my SAVIOR GOD. And, in remembering we rejoice, even in the midst of calamity and chaos. Our faith in THE SAVIOR means that our spirits can turn "cartwheels" [Message Bible language] for the LORD, in spite of our circumstances. We can jump for joy for the LORD! We can rejoice anyhow!
Cherry Facts
According to www.webmd.com, cherries are related to plums and more distantly to peaches and nectarines. There are two types of cherries----sweet and sour. Sour cherries are usually lower in calories, higher in vitamin C and beta-carotene and often used as pie fillings or in sauces. Sweet cherries are the ones usually eaten raw. The varieties of sweet cherries include:
- Bing: This variety is the best known sweet cherry. It is large, round, extra-sweet and has a purple-red flesh and a deep red skin that is close to black when fully ripe.
- Lambert: This variety is the second most popular sweet cherry. It is smaller than the Bing and is more heart shaped. It has a dark-red skin and a rich fla-vor.
- Rainer: This variety is sweet with a yellow or pinkish skin. It is milder and sweeter than the Bing. However, this variety is grown in limited quantities.
- Royal Ann: This variety has a blush-yellow skin and is often canned or made into maraschino cherries.
See, "Cherry, Fruit of the Month," www.webmd.com.
In "Life is But a Bowl of Cherries," Rachel Boot notes a number of health benefits from eating cherries, including:
- Cherries have been used since the 1950's as a medical aid to treat gout suffers.
- Cherries are extremely high in anti-oxidants called anthocyanins, commonly found in brightly-
colored fruits, which are so important as part of a healthy diet and play a variety of roles,
from lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer, to promoting healthy skin and brain cells.
There is even evidence to suggest that antioxidants may help prevent dementia and
memory-loss.
- Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties, which work by inhibiting enzymes in the body that
cause muscle pain; studies indicate that they can act as a painkiller to almost the same level
of effectiveness as ibuprofen. This property could be invaluable to athletes suffering from
post-exercise muscle pain, and has been shown to help those suffering from gout and
arthritis.
- Struggling to get a good night's sleep? Sour cherries can help! They contain the antioxidant
melatonin, which occurs naturally in the body to promote and regulate our sleep-patterns.
- Studies seem to show that sour cherries have the potential to limit the uptake of fat into the
body, and control levels of cholesterol in the blood. However, watch out, as cherries are
calorific! So this fat-limiting property is only effective if the rest of your diet is taken into
consideration.
- Cherries contain high levels of vitamins A, C and E, and well as trace elements iron,
magnesium and potassium. And since they are a significant source of fiber, they are great for
digestion.
See, "Life is But a Bowl of Cherries," by Rachael Boot, www.gnet.org/cherries.
As always, if you have a medical problem, you should consult your own physician before trying any experimental diets or remedies.
Rachel Boots cautions against eating cherry stones (i.e. pits) or leaves because they contain levels (although very small) of prussic acid. Other writers suggest exercising caution giving pitted cherries to young children, especially if they are likely to swallow the pits.
THE PITS
Sometimes life is not a "bowl of cherries." In fact, some days life may even seem like "the pits." On those days, let us remember the prophet Habakkuk and his admonition to rejoice anyhow! Remind your spirit to sing praises to HIM no matter what the circumstances.
For as Habakkuk states: HE is my strength! HE is my salvation! HE is my Joy!
Rejoice anyhow! And, Be Blessed!
