FOOD FOR SOUL

NOVEMBER

2015

No. 11

M A G A Z I N E

Taking Hold

Pg. 5-6

Becoming a Peacemaker

Pg. 7-9

Thanksgiving Recipe

Pg. 10

Faith through the Fire

Pg. 11-14

The Doll House

Pg. 17-19

Sock the Flue with Soup

Pg. 25

Beauty from ashes

Isaiah 61:3

Justina Page, Author shares her incredible faith that could

not be extinguished despite the pain.

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Food For Soul Is a menu of inspirational articles, and information to encourage a

deliberate lifestyle physically, emotionally, but most important spiritually. Food For Soul

serves up recipes for the kitchen, as well as for life! The contributing writers come from all

different backgrounds, professions, and experiences that contribute much inspiration!

The magazine is a ministry tool to raise funds both globally and locally for causes such as,

WATER FOR LIFE, STAR OF HOPE MISSIONS, FAMILIES FEEDING FAMILIES, and many more.

We sponsor advertising for these organizations to encourage giving, and inspire

communities to get involved as we spread the message of Jesus Christ.

We pray that you will join us on this mission to mend and help enable a community

broken. Sponsor an ad for as little as $39 a month in this magazine and receive up to a full page ad for your business. No contract required.

Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a

garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of

the Lord for the display of his splendor.

You can sponsor by visiting our website

www.foodforsoulmagazine.com

P.O. BOX 304 TOMBALL, TX 77377

Disclaimer of Content

Food for Soul assumes no responsibility for the relevance, accuracy, completeness or quality of information provided in this magazine or on the website. Liability claims against

Food for Soul which refer to damage of a material or immaterial nature caused by use or disuse of the provided information, or the use of incorrect and incomplete information,

are excluded unless Food for soul is at fault through intention or negligence. All tips, and offers through advertisement and or articles and content provided by contributing

writers are subject to change and are non-binding. Food for Soul reserves the right to change, add to, delete and temporarily or permanently alter and or edit articles ,

commentaries, and content in part or in its entirety without prior notice. Any and all information pertaining to health, medical, or mental well-being is provided for reading

entertainment purpose offering alternative tips by your choosing not to diagnose or treat any condition. We advise that you speak to your doctor before adding or changing a

regimen in your diet and or medication.

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A Word from the Publisher

Greetings and a warm welcome to our 11th issue of Food for Soul

Magazine! We couldnt be more excited to have the opportunity

to bring to our reading audience pages of awe-inspiring articles,

information, and recipes for the soul and the kitchen. Please take

some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. You will

notice each page is filled with material to enhance, encourage, and

provide practical ways to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.

You can look at one category at a time, or examine the articles page

by page to choose which to read first. Just as with any paper

magazine, you can choose to sit and read the whole thing at once,

or come back to this issue several times to digest the articles more

leisurely.

We established this on-line magazine to promote a strong

deliberate life-style of giving and a heart to serve. What you will

find in the pages of Food for Soul Magazine, is a collection of

inspiring, educational articles written by actual, honest, down-to-

earth folks who work hard to live deliberately, but who are not

afraid to admit the struggles that we often sometimes experience.

We are honored to share the work of committed people who live

their lives with a purpose and a plan to promote a work that will

help many lives. I would like to also introduce our new columnist,

Justin Petrickwho will be contributing on a regular basis his

opinion and insights through a spiritual journey, one inspiring line

at a time. Thank you Petrick Ministries!

Feel free to leave comments and share your thoughts or ask the

authors a question.

We appreciate your support and are so pleased to have you as a

reader of Food for Soul Magazine.

With warmest thanks,

Brenda Graff

Seeking contributing writers

Send comments, recipes, photos, articles, or poems to: INSPIREME@FOODFORSOULMAGAZINE.COM

FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE - P.O.BOX 304 TOMBALL, TEXAS 77377

www.foodforsoulmagazine.com

Brenda A. Graff FOUNDER

Food For Soul Magazine

Being a former news reporter sparked a

great desire in me to continue writing and

researching, but with a purpose to help

others. Being a wife, and mom of six has

had its challenges, but it has taught me

much along the journey and to utilize the

experience to ignite a passion for positive

change in our communities. Much time is

spent on projects, and ministry. At other

times you will find me in the kitchen

creating new dishes. Currently, I am a busy

homeschooler, Grandmother of two, and

when Im not wrapped up with family or

communityspend many hours working

on my God-given passion, which is pen to

paper with a purpose!

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rickbrown1life2love.com

5

-By Justin Petrick

The power of the blood. We as Christians

have heard that term many times, but have

we ever stopped to think what it truly

means? Have we stopped to think, how is

the blood of Jesus powerful? Rather then it

being something that we ignorantly

acknowledge because it sounds spiritual

(which I have done as much as anybody),

how can it be something that we literally live

out every day? How can we apply the power

of His perfect blood in everyday life?

For starters, we need to know what the

blood of Christ has actually done.

Romans 5:11 (KJV): And not only [so], but we

also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received the

atonement.

There are two words for atonement used in

Gods Word. There is an Old Testament or

Hebrew word, kippur ( ) from the root

word, kaphar ( ), and means to cover.

This word is used in the context of the Old

Testament, when the blood of animals only

covered sins for a period of time and had to

be done annually (Hebrews 10:1-4). In fact,

In Hebrews 10:3 it states that these type of

animal sacrifices were an annual reminder

of sin. This was because sin was only

covered for a period of time, then exposed.

In contrast, the New Testament uses the

Greek word, katallag (), and

means to exchange. In Hebrews 9:11-14 we

see that the superior sacrifice of Jesus Christ

did much more than the covering of the

animal sacrifices, in that He exchanged our

sins for His righteousness. We see this in 2

Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV): God made him who

had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we

might become the righteousness of God.

As far as God is concerned, your sins do not

exist (Hebrews 8:12, Colossians 2:13-14). This

is shown in Romans:

Romans 4:6-8 (NIV) just as David also speaks

of the blessing on the man to whom God

credits righteousness apart from works: (7)

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS

DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE

SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. (8) BLESSED IS

THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT

TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.

You might be thinking, Well it says you have

to be blessed? You have been blessed. You

have already been blessed with every spiritual

blessing (Ephesians 1:3)! This includes God

not remembering your sins or holding them

against you (taking them into account, or

imputing them onto you) because to Him,

they do not exist.

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When it comes to our sin, we must remember that it is only Christs blood that has the power to cleanse us of a guilty conscience (Hebrews 9:14, 10:19-22). Self-condemnation will not pay the price for sin nor will the belief that God holds sins against you set you free. A guilty conscience stems from attempting to be righteous in your own works as opposed to receiving righteousness because of the finished works of Jesus. A guilty conscious keeps you a slave to sin (Romans 6:20-22).

petrickministries.com

Petrick Ministries exists to proclaim the

Gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), the

perfect and complete works of Jesus Christ,

that establishes individuals in to their true

identity in Christ setting them free to

experience the perfect love that God has

intended for them.

Our vision is to partner with churches and

ministries to proclaim the Gospel of grace,

empowering individuals to live intimately in

Christ.

But none of these things move me,

neither count I my life dear unto

myself, so that I might finish my course

with joy, and the ministry, which I

have received of the Lord Jesus, to

testify the gospel of the grace of God.

-Acts 20:24

Oh How

He loves us!

John 3:16

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-Ken Shuman, D. Min

A much neglected aspect of the mission of Jesus according to Luke is that of peace-making, of

nonviolent resistance to evil, of the futility and self-destructive nature of hatred and vengeance.

(Transforming Mission by David J. Bosch, page 118)

Jesus said that Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons and daughters of

God.

God blesses those who work for peace for they will be called the children of God

(Matthew 5:9 New Living Translation)

Those who work for peace are people that accurately reflect the heart and character of God.

Being a peacemaker means that we work to restore Shalom. We work to restore wholeness,

completeness, unity, harmony, and soundness. We work to bring things back into integrity with

Gods intended design.

I think there are three possible ways of being as we live our lives:

1. We can choose to be a peacekeeper.

Peacekeepers are appeasers. Peacekeepers want everyone to appear to get along.

Peacekeepers prefer to keep quiet about anything controversial and to keep everyone giving the

appearance of happiness. Peacekeepers dont talk about what they really feel and think.

Peacekeepers protect themselves by not risking.

We may think that being a peacekeeper sounds like the way a follower of Jesus should behave.

Peacekeeping, however; is an indication that we are less emotionally mature. Peacekeeping will

often prevent us from making the progress that we need to make.

Unfortunately for much of my life I chose to be a peacekeeper. As Ive grown in my emotional

maturity and increased my self-differentiation, Ive grown in this area of my life. Im learning to say

what I think and Im learning to take a stand based on my internal guiding principles. I can say this

is what I think, this is what I believe, and this is what I will do, while at the same time allowing others

to do the same. I dont force my opinion on others but Im also not afraid to share my thoughts.

2. We can choose to be a troublemaker.

Troublemakers demand that things be done their way. Troublemakers think they are right and

everyone else is wrong. Troublemakers dont care if people are hurt or what kind of damage they

leave behind. Troublemakers protect themselves and their way by attacking.

Troublemakers are controlling people. Troublemakers dont respect the boundaries of others and

they cant set boundaries for themselves. They cant hear no. Troublemakers refuse to value the

freedom of every individual to choose for themselves. Controllers/troublemakers withhold love,

affection, or communication, in order to make the other person change. They always blame

someone or something. They use anger, shame and guilt messages to get their way.

Becoming a Peacemaker

8

Being a troublemaker and controlling person is also an indication of a lower level of emotional

maturity. We move away from this kind of behavior as we become more self-differentiated and

emotionally mature. Our growth is crucial to our effectiveness as missional people.

3. We can choose to be a peacemaker.

Peacemakers work to create the conditions for peace. Peacemakers dont protect themselves but

are courageous risk-takers. Peacemakers take a stand against non-peace and work to restore

wholeness.

1) Peacemakers speak the truth in love. They say what is so for them. They speak out against

injustice and oppression. (Ephesians 4:15)

2) Peacemakers forgive and offer grace to others. Peacemakers dont hold grudges or have deep

seated resentments. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

3) Peacemakers initiate reconciliation. Peacemakers dont wait for someone else or something else.

Peacemakers take the initiative in reconciling relationships. Reconciliation is a guiding principle for

a peacemaker. (Matthew 5:23- 24 & 2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

4) Peacemakers dont retaliate or seek revenge. A peacemaker manages his or her anxiety and

remains calm. Peacemakers refuse to react with conflict.

5) Peacemakers take action against injustice and oppression. Sometimes in order to be a

peacemaker a person may appear to be a troublemaker. I believe that this is what Jesus did when

he cleared the Temple as reported in Matthew 10:34. I dont believe that Jesus was reacting out of

his anxiety but that he was acting as a peacemaker out of his guiding principles. To many he looked

like a troublemaker but he was really restoring wholeness to a place of brokenness.

Another example of peacemaking is the action of the Freedom Riders during the civil rights

movement. A group of activists boarded buses and went to the south to protest segregation. Many

people considered the activists to be troublemakers. However, they were not only peaceful in their

approach but they were acting as peacemakers. They were establishing wholeness in a place of

brokenness in society. Rather than staying home and keeping their mouths shut as peacekeepers

do they worked for peace. They risked abuse and violence for the sake of the common good.

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Sin is sometimes defined as shalom breaking. Anywhere or anytime wholeness, completeness,

unity or harmony is broken - it is sin. I believe that its possible to be a really nice person a

peacekeeper- and yet to be sinning because we allow brokenness to remain.

Becoming a peacemaker requires courage, intentionality, and perseverance. If you decide to

become a peacemaker you will have to fight for it in your life. Peacemaking will have to

become the more compelling yes that guides your life.

Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of

justice/righteousness. James 3:18

Ken Shuman, D.Min

Ken holds two masters degrees

Master of Religious Education & Master of Divinity

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

A Doctor of Ministry degree in

Evangelistic Church Growth-

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

www.faithwalking.us

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Ingredients:

2 cups Peeled, Cooked Sweet Potatoes 1 cups Sugar stick Melted Butter 2 Eggs 1 tsp Vanilla Extract tsp Salt tsp Ground Cinnamon tsp Ground Ginger 1 cup Milk 9-inch Unbaked Pie Crust 3 Egg Whites

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. For the filling, using an electric hand mixer, combine the

potatoes, 1 cup of the sugar, the butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and spices. Mix thoroughly. Add the

milk and continue to mix. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or

until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the pie on a rack and cool to room

temperature before covering with meringue.

For a meringue, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; mixing in the

remaining 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the sugar dissolves and

the mixture is glossy and stiff, but not dry. Using a rubber spatula, spoon the meringue onto

the pie, forming peaks. Make sure the meringue touches the crust all around. Sprinkle with a

pinch of granulated sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until delicately browned. Cool and

serve.

Sweet Southern Sweet Potato Pie

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Through the depths of tragedy I discovered that

hope is the heartbeat of survival. My message to

you is simply this: No matter what kind of trouble

or pain you are dealing with, there is a way to

rebound. You can stand on top of your

circumstances.

Award-winning author, Justina Page has a

message to share with you. From her incredibly

moving work writing about her familys tragedy

from a house fire to her Bible studies, fiction and

non-fiction, Justina is clear about one thing.

With every word, she is focused on bringing you

Renewed Hope, Rekindled Purpose

and Bold Faith.

Faith through the Fire

There is nothing clich about this statementat least not in Justinas testimony B.Graff

Unlike Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who escaped a furnace of flames

seven times hotter without as much as the smell of smoke on their clothing. Justina

Page, and her family lived through one of the most tragic and horrific years of their

lives. Her story of inspiration will have you cheering her on as you walk through the

pages of her book, The Circle of Fire. You will find that there is beauty that can arise

from the ashes of assaulting circumstances through Christ, and an anchor held by

faith. Brenda Graff / Editor of Food For Soul Magazine.

Click here to order at Amazon.com

12

Justina Page is a natural storyteller who

speaks with a bold and refreshing honesty

that touches the hearts of audiences. Her

speeches unfold with a combination of

humor, insightful observation and wisdom,

as well as practical application. Justina is a

woman whose faith was tested by fire. She

now inspires audiences across the country

with a powerful message of hope and

triumph.

Her award-winning book, The Circle of Fire,

tells the story of how Justinas life was

changed forever when fire swept through

her home, March 7, 1999. The loss of her 22

month old twin son, Amos, the severe and

lasting injuries of her other twin son,

Benjamin, and her own devastating

experience of third degree burns covering

55 percent of her body affected the entire

family.

With the support of her husband, James,

and their surviving children, as well as her

dedicated church family, Justina was able

to use the power of faith and love to turn

tragedy into triumph. From the ashes of fire

a new hope has emerged. She is the

Founder and Executive Director of The

Amos House of Faith, a non-profit

organization, established to provide post-

burn support to children and families

affected by burn trauma. Find the one who

is lost. (Luke 15:4)

This Bible Study series is designed for

women who have a true desire to be

Gods light and an example in this world.

Justina takes a look at biblical truths

through unique perspectives that can be

easily applied to your life.

13

Faith and Fire

By Justina Page 13th Oct, 2015

The Mother of His Children

He knelt on one knee. The tiny box appeared out of nowhere. My heart skipped a

beat. This is ithes going to ask me. Tina, he said in the most loving voice,

Will you be the Mother of my children? Not exactly the question I anticipated

but a far more superior one. This man was thinking of a future. He trusted me to

guide his home and shape his offspring. I saw him as the future I dreamed of. I

Said, Yes. We were married 3 months later. Ten years into the journey we were

blessed with six beautiful baby boys. Four single births and a set of twins. My

husband was a Senior Electrical Engineer for a Holland Based Engineering firm.

He was also the head deacon and worship leader. I was a homeschool mom, Sunday

school teacher, and the childrens activity coordinator at our church. My whole

life revolved around my children. Our lives were full of activity, excitement,

and service to God. Life was good and peaceful. Life was perfect.

Catastrophe Strikes

On March 7, 1999 we awoke to explosions, immense heat, and darkness. Oh my God

the house is on fire! My husband immediately throws me out of the window desperate

to try and save his family. I re-enter the inferno in attempt to get to the

twenty-two month old twins, who I knew could not follow a fire safety plan. I am

trapped by a burning book case. My oldest son grabbed his three younger brothers

and waited at the point. My husband is able to rescue them and they walk away by

the grace of God with only first and second degree burns. The fire is so intense

that my husband has to run around the block and jump over the neighbors back

fence to get to the nursery where the twins were. He pulls one of the twins out.

He is severely burned. Then the crushing blow happens. The house caves in before

my husband is able to rescue the last twin. We lose Amos on site. Me and the

other twin suffer third degree burns over fifty-five percent of our bodies. My

husband is told we would not make it. I awoke from a two-month coma, intubated

and in excruciating pain. My first thought: Who lived? My second thought:

Where is my God? A common thought amongst Christians especially when we are faced

with adversity. God has taught me some valuable answers I would like to share

with you:

God never changes locations He is in heaven in complete authority.

God is not abuser and helperGod is good.

Any experience a child of God has, works together for good..even the tragic ones.

We are not exempt from trial.we are told to prepare for them.

God makes all things beautiful in his timebeauty can come from ashes.

Stay Encouraged.

In your moment of trialtrust God. Your greatest pain can birth your most powerful purpose!

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With the support of her husband, James, and their surviving children, as well as her

dedicated church family, Justina was able to use the power of faith and love to turn

tragedy into triumph. From the ashes of fire a new hope has emerged. She is the Founder

and Executive Director of The Amos House of Faith, a non-profit organization,

established to provide post-burn support to children and families affected by burn

trauma. She has received numerous honors for her volunteer work, education, and faith.

2008 Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteer of the Year

Houston Fire Department Neighborhood Hero Award

Texans Halliburton Hometown Hero Award

Shriners 2008 Volunteer Group of the Year

Mayor Bill Whites Amos House of Faith Proclamation Day

Justina is an inspirational speaker who enthralls her audience with her personal story of

triumph, perseverance and prayer. She grabs her audience attention and keeps them

listening throughout her powerful presentation. Her book is a testament to the power of

prayer, perseverance and giving back! -Ken Marsh, Dale Carnegie Training

WWW.THEAMOSHOUSE.ORG

Click Here to Donate

15

John 3:16

CLICK HERE

TO

DOWNLOAD

SONG

TODAY!

Chris Gomez is a Contemporary Christian artist called to change lives through music and testimony. He is first a vessel for God and second

a musician. Chris is a 19 year front man of popular rock cover bands. After a spiritual revelation, Gomez turned his life around, both

spiritually and musically. For his new groups debut, he said, his goal wasnt to melt faces anymore. It was to save souls. Chris was a three

time award winner of 'Chattanooga's Entertainer of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com music editor. Invited to perform three times in

the Chattanooga All Star Band at the annual Riverbend Festival. His group was chosen the Chattanooga Times Free Press Newspaper

'Cover Band of the Year'. His group was also a three time award winner of 'Chattanooga's Party Band of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com

music editor.

Despite the success in the Southeastern United States, Chris felt hed found himself in an emotional abyss well below rock bottom in June

of 2013. Estranged from his wife and still engaged in the kind of raucous behavior expected of a rock musician, he pleaded his life to God

in an all-night rage of crying in humility. First with curses and later with heartfelt prayers, he told God he would do anything he wanted to

just take the pain and conviction out of his heart. According to Chris, I yelled at God look at the voice and guitar skills you gave me! Send

me out into the world to bring lives to you! I dont care! Ill do anything! Just please, take this pain and conviction out of my heart!

When he woke up the next morning, he felt a sense of conviction and began making calls. His first was to his wife to ask if she was interested

in reconciliation she was and the rest to his bandmates and venue owners explaining that he was severing ties with the club scene.

This was the second time Chris had found his life in the belly of the whale. He was heavily addicted to hard street drugs from 2001-2003.

He lost everything he owned through pawn shops, drug deals, and foreclosures.

Chris will tell you, When I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, I walked away from hard drugs in 2003 and never looked back. Since

then Chris has married the love of his life, Michelle, and returned to college to graduate as a Registered Nurse.

Since then, Chris has found a renewed sense of purpose and musical inspiration. He states, I havent written these songs, God has written

them through me. I am just his vessel here on Earth. I pray every day that he will use me for his glory as I feel he has huge plans for me. I

am called to change lives through music, ministry and testimony. This is my purpose.

Taken in part from an article published in the Chattanooga Times Free Press

2014 Times Free Press

16

info@ambassadorsforlife.org 817.267.4211 x 7500

ambassadorsforlife.org

http://my.ambassadorsforlife.org/campaign/FOODFORSOULMAGAZINE/

17

One afternoon while setting out to prepare

a feast for my family, I had an epiphany. It

had been a while since I had cooked a

large home-cooked meal. I havent had

much appetite these days since I began

really watching what I eat, and so I have

kept the meals very simple. My husband

had commented one eve that I rarely bust

out the pots and pans in the kitchen

anymore. True, as I had sort of gone on

strike. I was tired of doing all the cooking

and the cleaning. I would wake to mounds

of dishes in the morning which would start

my day off not so pleasant.

I made sure my family had plenty to eat

each night whether it be a frozen meal to

heat up, or pizza. Despite my use of

preservatives, and additives

stance...though I did try my best to stick

with the natural frozen stuff.

I cant digest those type of meals, so I

usually went to bed without dinner...too

tired to even cook for myself.

The past three months had been

excruciating, long and tiring. There was

always some major issue going on with

someone, something or vehicles breaking

down. Septic sorrows, a/c repairs, or

appliances calling it quits, and with Hubby

not around since he was usually parked at

his job during the chaos 12-14 hours a day

6 days a week and then thrown on call on

days offby the end of the day...every day

for me was spent. Hubby was spent, the

children were spent...no body had the

energy or desire to do anything!

18

However, the day arrived when I had just

had enough stress and needed a break

away from all the seriousness of life. One of

the best ways for me to de-stress is cooking

as long as someone else does the dishes. I

totally get into the scene. I put on my

favorite music, light a few candles for

ambiance, throw on the old apron, spread

out my utensils, and spices, pour a glass of

wine, and hit it! I start chopping like crazy.

The herbs start penetrating the air with such

an aromatic bliss, they instantly sooth a

restless soul, (of course the wine helps too).

Im singing away as I stir the pots of liquid

gold if making Alfredo sauce, clam

chowder or perhaps my infamous ruby red

marinara. As I was preparing this meal for

my family, I suddenly realized how happy I

was feeling. I was full of joy which had been

absent for some days...and no I wasn't

drunk! Then, almost immediately I began to

feel guilty for feeling happy. Huh? What

was wrong with me? My mind started

thinking about all the things I didnt get

accomplished that week. Suddenly, I was

back in stress mode, thinking of closets that

needed cleaning, clothing to be washed,

dust bunnies under sofa, paperwork

needing sorting, laundry needing folding,

cards needing mailing, auto registrations,

inspections, book reviews, schoolwork

needing grading...and taking care of all the

secretarial stuff for Hubby, appointments at

school, as well as a magazine to

designUGH! My mind was in a whirlwind

of to-dos.

Until, my loving, compassionate, indisputable,

merciful Father in heaven spoke to my heart.

He said, Remember when you used to

watch your daughters play with their doll

houses?" I remembered they would set up

the furniture oh so diligently, organize the

kitchen area, place the clothing on those

microscopic hangers, and pretend with such

an imagination.

They would make roaring sounds of a car

carting the babies to their playground. They

would mimic mommy and daddy

conversations, and discipline their little dolls

for misbehaving. They would sit the dolls

around the tiny chairs and pretend to feast.

It would bring such joy and laughter as I

would watch them playenjoying

themselves. They were so carefree, so

innocent, and so happy. I was so happy to

see them happy. Nothing makes me happier

then to hear the laughter of a child. The

squeals of sheer glee beaming out of a

toddlers heart. Being reminded of this

instantly brought me to tears. I stopped for a

moment to think of how our Father in heaven

must look upon us when we are happy.

It must warm His heart to see His children

finally at play, carefree, and enjoying what

He has provided, and allowed for us to

experience. Too often we are so busy trying

to keep up with schedules that we put on

ourselves we become overwhelmed and lose

our sense of humor and joy.

God never intended for us to be so busy,

even in His business, that we lose our joy.

Happiness, and joy are a gift from God. Why

on earth would He mention it 165 times in His

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Referenced Bible verses in magazine used versions: KSJ, NIV, NKJV, ESV, HCSB

Throughout the Bible... there are many

examples of the kind of joy God wants us to

experience. We wont find our joy in stuff.

Materiel things rot away, you cant take

them to your grave, and they sure wont

give you a hug in the midnight hour. (1

John 2:17) They wont dry your eyes after

the loss of a loved one, and they certainly

cant comfort a broken heart.

You won't find joy in worshiping an

individual. People will never fully meet your

expectations. You won't find joy in

sensationalism, the hype of media, reality

television, or social media. However, God

wants us to experience joy unspeakable (1

Peter 1:8) through worshiping Him, and in

turn we receive the unmerited favor of fun,

laughter, happiness, and JOY!

Maybe its time to put down the stack of

bills, the negative reports from doctors, turn

off the tube of terror, and media blown

madness in this worldand just sit awhile

and play with an imaginary doll house.

This is where you get to choose how your

family is going to act, your neighbors, and

even your pets. You can pretend the world

is still a nice place to reside in.

Maybe even pretend to be June or Ward

Cleaver for a day when life was simpler.

Whatever you choose to do, choose joy!

-Brenda A. Graff

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 ESV

There is nothing better for a person than that

he should eat and drink and find enjoyment

in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of

God, for apart from him who can eat or

who can have enjoyment? For to the one

who pleases Him God has given wisdom

and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he

has given the business of gathering and

collecting, only to give to one who pleases

God. This also is vanity and a striving after

wind.

20

Opposing sexual exploitation. Defending human dignity.

All individuals have a right to be free from the effects of pornography

and all other forms of sexual exploitation

Areas of Concentration:

DONATE

202.393.7245

public@ncose.coma

www.EndSexualExploitation.org `

21

Services at a Glance

DONATE

22

www.sohmission.org

23

Disaster Relief, Recovery, and Rebuilding to Resilience

Victims in Disaster situations require

immediate relief aid, transitional

recovery assistance and long-term

resilience. CitiIMPACT believes that

local churches are uniquely positioned

to lead the way.

Forging partnerships with local faith

communities, CitiIMPACT brings

organizational experience, a calming

influence, and resources from its

nationwide partners to make a

difference in others lives.

Response, Recovery and Resilience

"It can't happen here." "It's never happened here." "It won't happen here."

These are phrases we've all heard or maybe even said... They're simply

NOT true!

CHAOS of disasters can be managed, when a clear plan is in place and trained individuals are

ready.

Since no disaster response agency can meet all of a community's needs during a disaster

situation, the greatest impact results from preparation and collaborating partnerships for

response.

24

With multiple experiences in every phase of disaster response, CitiIMPACT will design and

provide customized training with the needs of each church or organization in mind.

CitiIMPACT is a catalyst of HELP & HOPE... with you.

WHAT CAN YOU, YOUR CHURCH

OR LOCAL ORGANIZATION DO?

Click on website below to find out

citiimpact.org citiimpact.org

For more information on bringing this

to your city email: info@citiimpact.org

Or call

704.507.6579

DONATE

25

Ingredients:

1 Whole Chicken

1 cup Sliced Carrots

1 cup Chopped Celery

1 cup Chopped Leeks

1 cup Diced Yellow Bell Pepper

1 cup Diced Orange Bell Pepper

1 cup Button Mushrooms

1 cup Chopped Italian Parsley

4 Chopped Garlic Cloves

tsp Dried Fennel

1 tsp Celery Seed

2 tsp Thyme

2 tsp Basil

2 Bay Leaves

1 tsp Oregano

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Curry

2 tsp Sea Salt

3 tsp Black Pepper

cup Apple Cider Vinegar

cup Olive Oil

Dried Parmesan

Soup that will sock it to Influenza

Busting the bugs of seasonal changes

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHICKEN SOUP

Evidence suggests that organosulfides (naturally occurring

chemicals found in garlic and onions), together with Vitamin

D, stimulate production of immune cells called macrophage,

while Vitamin C has an influence on both levels of neutrophils,

and another type of immune chemical, interferon. Vitamin A

and carotenoids, found in carrots (a common ingredient of

bouillon, the base of any good stock), help antibody

production, while Vitamin E and zinc can influence the

concentration of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The

other reason soups are recommended is because the

nutrients are more easily absorbed than with solid versions.

Remember to add a little fat a drizzle of olive oil to ensure

the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (D, A, K and E). Super

Food, a compound called Carnosine helps the bodys immune

system fight the early stages of flu.

Directions:

Place Whole Chicken in crockpot submerged with water and cup Apple

Cider Vinegar. Add prepared veggies, seasonings, and cook on low overnight

at least 12 hours. Remove veggies and set aside. Remove debris by straining

through a colander into another container. Debone chicken carefully, and

set aside. To remove fat from broth, place a clean dish towel, paper towel,

or cheese cloth in large colander and pour the liquid through it. Pour the

pure broth into large soup pot, adding veggies, and deboned chicken and

simmer together for 30 minutes. Serve hot and top with a sprinkle of dried

Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Makes approximately 10-15 servings and

can easily freeze for several months. I personally like to separate in small

containers and freeze, so I can pull out in morning to heat for breakfast as a

first morning immune booster.

26

Creates Disciples who

Impact their Community for

Eternity.

Our worship service begins at

10:30 a.m. every Sunday!

29510 Tomball Parkway

Tomball, TX 77375

Get Directions

281.351.4445

info@christbridgefellowship.com

Rick is the Pastor of ChristBridge Fellowship who is also the author of two books:

ME Addiction: Having it my way isnt so great after all and

X-Odus Files: Following God in an Alien World.

Rick is the Pastor of ChristBridge Fellowship in Tomball, TX,

and has served on a City Council. He spends much time

writing, speaking, and coaching others. He is married and

has two grown sons and one daughter-in-law.

www.christbridgefellowship.com

www.rickbrown1Life2Love.com

27

Do you have something inspiring to share?

An experience that has changed your life?

We would love to publish it!

Send to: inspireme@foodforsoulmagazine.com

Or mail to:

FOOD FOR SOUL

P.O. Box 304

Tomball, Texas 77377

Whats

Your

Story?

But He answered, It is written: Man must not

live on bread alone but on every word that

comes from the mouth of God. - Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)

We are a forgetful people. We need Storytellers. We need someone

to lay the drama of Gods love before us. We need to be reminded of

the uncommon grace of God.

-William R. White

28

But his delight is in the law of

the LORD, and in His law he

meditates day and night. He

will be like a tree firmly

planted by streams of

water, which yields its fruit in

its season and its leaf does

not wither; and in whatever

he does, he prospers. The

wicked are not so, But they

are like chaff which the wind

drives away.

Psalms 1:2-3