Upload
brenda-graff
View
215
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Â
Citation preview
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.
2
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.
3
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: [email protected]
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!
4
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.
6
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
7
-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.
9
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
10
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
11
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!
14
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
[email protected] 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
19
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
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: [email protected]
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
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: [email protected]
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