Being Better in Siouxland . Spring 2020

Spring 2020

5

Spring DIY accents

Spring fashion

Finding a new normal for

weight loss Gaining victory over anxiety & fear The health risk you may be ignoring

Easter Eats & treats The Hero died.

But that’s not the end of the story.

Making a marriage that thrives when everything says it never will with Dirk & Amy Bak

Take this magazine with you. When you’re done, give it away.

A safe and welcoming place that exists to bring hope to the people of Siouxland The Hope Center is available to everyone in our community. Located inside the Sunnybrook Church campus, shoppers can choose food and other essential life items on a weekly basis at no cost. Coming soon, there will be other opportunities to partner with guests in taking steps toward a sustainable future.

Hope Center Hours Tuesdays 11:00 am - 1:00 pm & Thursdays 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Partner with us

Donate non-perishable food items, personal care items, and cleaning products to Sunnybrook Church.

Serve individually or as a family or group. Opportunities each week.

Give at SunnybrookChurch.org THE HOPE CENTER @ SUNNYBROOK CHURCH . 5601 SUNNYBROOK DRIVE . SIOUX CITY, IA

Table of

CONTENTS

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38 Top three photos and cover couple by Mark Karrer. Chicken by Tatiana Volgutova, family by Spotmatik Ltd., food prep Brent Hofacker, and cover background by jakkapan/Shutterstock.com

BEING BETTER / Spring 2020

BETTER BODY 21 . A big deal 23 . A new normal 25 . Staying active 26 . Find some relief

BETTER LIFE

37

27 . Making a

marriage thrive

32

32 . Here’s looking at you 32 . Here’s when not to be #1

33 . Ready for some victory

34 . The Hero died

BETTER NOW 5 . The Last Arrow 7 . Better Stuff 8 . Tips & Trends 10 . Top 5

42

BETTER HOME 11 . 5 Spring accents 14 . Brain Benders 17 . Spring styles 18 . Laughter Rx 19 . Make a great impression 20 . Light it up!

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BETTER FOOD 37 . Easter eats & treats 39 . Benefits of family dinners

39 . Food Q&A 39 . Are hemp seeds safe?

40 . Yum for everyone 42 . Food focus

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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LETTER / From the editor

It’s me again,

Being a rebel

W

ell, if you saw what I did last issue to Santa, you won’t be surprised to find that I am giving the same treatment to the Easter Bunny. Tell me, who is not creeped out by the human-size version of the Easter Bunny you see at the mall? And then we tell the kids he’ll be stopping by later. When it’s dark. And they’re alone in their bed. Happy Easter!

We are weird.

So, sorry about the bunny, but we’ve got lots of cute (not creepy) stuff to take its place for Easter and just lots of general spring decor as well. Plus, if Jesus is the reason for the season of Christmas, he’s all the more for Easter. I mean, anybody who dies to save me has my vote to get all the attention on the day God pulled off the biggest “ta-da” of all time. “Look, now he’s in the tomb dead and (pause for 3 days for effect...cue earthquake) voila, no dead body.”

Oh, wait. Who is that “guy” walking over there? NOOOO WAYYY! It’s a big deal, so I figure we should act like it is.

Besides all the Easter goodness, we’ve got all kinds of things that will make your life better if you take it all in! For starters, read the book on the next page. This is one of those change-your-life reads. Check out the education and tips our area partners are laying out throughout the issue, get some tips on overcoming anxiety, and make some great recipes. Absolutely do not miss the article on Dirk and Amy Bak about how to have a great marriage that thrives!

It’s spring, and we hope we help you make the best of it and that you really do have a better life from here on out!

May God bless you like crazy!

Publisher

BEING BETTER MAGAZINE, LLC. Sioux City, IA

Editor-in-Chief

JENNIFER WINQUIST jennifer@beingbettermagazine.com

Copy editors

MIKARA GARDNER BARB MICKELSON

Photography

MARK KARRER

SALES Account Executive

JESSIQUE STEELE jess@beingbettermagazine.com To contact us for any reason: Being Better Magazine P.O. Box 5105 Sioux City, IA 51102 . 712-301-4341 www.BeingBetterMagazine.com Email@BeingBetterMagazine.com ©2020 ­Being Better magazine.

Please ask publisher’s permission before using content for other public purposes.

SUBSCRIPTIONS/ACCESS FREE PRINT ISSUE Being Better [in Siouxland] is published quarterly and is available free to the general public in the Siouxland area. For a list of locations you may find it, go to our website at www.BeingBetterMagazine.com FREE DIGITAL ISSUE You may also view a digital version of the current or past issues online by going to our website.

Jennifer Winquist, Editor-in-chief jennifer@BeingBetterMagazine.com

MAILED ISSUE If you’d like to receive magazines by mail, send $19 [check, MC/Visa, or money order] for four issues.

Include your name, address, and phone number to the address above.

Facebook.com/BeingBetterMagazine All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

And this is the way to have eternal life - to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. -Jesus [John 17:3]

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

“This book is about not underestimating how much God intends for your life.

This journey is about ensuring that when we come to the end of our lives, we will arrive with no regrets.”

Now

BETTER

W

hen you come to the end of your days, you will not measure your life based on successes and failures. All of those will eventually blur together into a single memory called “life.”

What will give you solace is a life with nothing left undone. One that’s been lived with relentless ambition, a heart on fire, and with no regrets.

On the other hand, what will haunt you until your final breath is who you could have been but never became and what you could have done but never did.

The Last Arrow is your road map to a life that defies odds and alters destinies. Discover the attributes of those who break the gravitational pull of mediocrity as cultural pioneer and thought leader Erwin McManus examines the characteristics of individuals who risked everything for a life that seemed impossible.

Imagine living the life you were convinced was only a dream.

We all begin this life with a quiver full of arrows.

Now the choice is yours. Will you cling to your arrows or risk them all, opting to live until you have nothing left to give?

Time is short. Pick up The Last Arrow, and begin the greatest quest of your life.

Available on Amazon and other book outlets.

Erwin McManus is the founder of MOSAIC, a Los Angeles-based community of faith recognized as one of America’s most influential churches. He has authored three other titles which have sold more than a million copies worldwide.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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BETTER / Now

ASK ABOUT OUR NEW MEMBERSHIPS!

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

BETTER / Now

BETTER Stuff

Natural stuff

Wicker and rattan furniture have always been popular for outdoor areas, but they’re making a comeback indoors too. In the 60’s and 70’s it was all the rage but has moved out over the last few decades.

Today, new styles are gaining traction as people are more focused on natural elements, but retro styles are also a big seller at flea markets.

Funny stuff

The scientist approached God and said, “Listen, we’ve decided we no longer need you. Nowadays, we can extract stem cells, clone animals, transplant hearts, and all kinds of things once considered miraculous.”

God heard him out, then said, “All right. To see whether or not you still need me, why don’t we have a little man-making contest?” The scientist eagerly agreed.

God said, “We’re going to do this just like I did in the beginning with Adam.”

The scientist said, “That’s fine,” and bent down to scoop up a handful of dirt.

“Whoa there!” God said, shaking his head. “You get your own dirt.”

Quotable stuff

“You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you’re going to live. Now.”

─ Joan Baez “We must use time as a tool, not as a couch.”

─ John F. Kennedy

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have 24-hour days.”

─Zig Ziglar

Dry stuff

These wool dryer balls naturally soften your clothes and remove static. They also help reduce drying time and leave clothes less wrinkled. Save money, protect the environment and your family.

It’s a no-brainer.

Equal stuff

Heart Felt Wool Dryer Balls, 4-pack is $12.99 on Amazon.

Photos: Chair by Santi S, wallet by wisawa222/Shutterstock.com

Germy stuff

According to a new study, the dirtiest thing in your purse is your debit card/ credit card. The study found that they are covered in bacteria. Guessing this goes the same for men. (It’s not the purse that’s making it dirty.) Clean it up with a damp cloth or anti-bacterial wipe.

The spring equinox marks that moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator going from south to north. The event signals the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere — this year that’s March 19th. The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”— aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world.

Rainy stuff Before April showers start falling, get yourself a new umbrella. One that can stand up to wind. A new inverted style helps contain the rain from dripping all over the floor when you come in. Plus, because of its reverse style, opening it as you exit a vehicle is easier.

The Sharpty Inverted Umbrella is on Amazon for $22.99.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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Tips & Trends

BETTER / Now

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hile we all enjoy our coffee stops and pop-in-pods that brew our favorite latte, for those who just want to know what’s really going into their chai, the trend is to make your own blend.

Yes, it’s going to taste better than the coffee shop cafe, and no, it’s not going to be hard.

Here’s how to make a chai mix that is deeeelicious! If you prefer coffee over black tea you can probably swap that out pretty easy.

Chai Tea Latte: 1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 T cinnamon, 1/2 t ginger, 1/2 t cardamom, 1/2 t nutmeg, 1/8 t allspice. Whisk in 21/2 cups of water then bring to a boil.

2. Cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes.

3. Uncover and return to a boil. Remove from heat, and stir in 2 T real maple syrup and 2 black tea bags. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.

4. Remove the tea bags and strain liquid into a jar. Dump out the spice sediment that doesn’t pass through.

To serve: For each latte, combine 1/2 cup of your chai mix, 3/4 cup of milk, and 1 t of real maple syrup. Heat in microwave until it’s the perfect temp. Enjoy the real deal!

Meal prep is getting serious

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Find your escape

I

t was just a few short years ago that people were saying adiós to their bathtub surrounds and even jetted tubs for a spacious walk-in shower. Just a few years later and people are longing for that old friend.

The tub seems to be making a wild comeback and the type that’s trending is the freestanding tub. While it’s been around for nearly 150 years, it started out as a practical solution for getting clean. Today, it’s making a comeback as decorative as it is utilitarian in modern designs or retro styles with claw feet.

Perhaps we began to realize we could use a little downtime - an escape. Perhaps it’s a result of the self-care movement or simply that we realized it’s hard to control a toddler in the shower.

One thing to note is that one study showed that people who liked to take long hot baths were sometimes just lonely. Maybe you don’t need a tub, but to go find a place to meet some new friends. You decide.

A

s people are committing to eating healthier, making meals that fit the bill doesn’t happen easily or out of a bag. Work week lunches and snacks take some thought, planning, and time to prep. Peak time for prepping seems to be on Sunday according to the people who track that stuff and it’s serious business.

This is a genius strategy however. Studies show that people who have their snacks and meals ready to go when they’re hungry are far more likely to see success. FAR MORE. Another key to success is having appropriate sized containers that have tight seals and are microwave friendly. Eat well!

Photo credit: Clockwise from top left: Svetlana Cherruty, FamVeld, Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Going natural

BETTER / Now

A trending tree

Get it cheaper

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Photos clockwise from top left: New Africa, G-Stock Studio, Halfpoint, Creative Lab/Shutterstock.com. Weighted blanket courtesy Pine & River

e all remember the weeping fig trees that were all the rage a couple of decades ago. Indoor trees are taking home decor by storm again, but this time it’s an olive tree.

HGTV’s Joanna Gaines has been a big fan of these Mediterranean trees.

According to Gaines, you can add a little farmhouse charm to any room with an indoor olive tree.

You can get baby ones that can grow into your space. Just remember to move them into a bigger pot so they can thrive. Dwarf varieties of olive trees are best for interiors. Even dwarf varieties can grow to six feet. To thrive indoors an olive tree requires around six hours of sunlight each day and flourish best near south-facing windows. They are pretty low maintenance otherwise.

Some things are relatively the same, so spending more when we don’t need to is kind of pointless. Here are a few items you can typically find at the best price at your local dollar store.

Greeting cards They will smile at your 50 cent or $1 card just the same as the $7 version.

Picture frames Unless you need something unique, decent picture frames are a few bucks.

If you’re wondering if you can enjoy an olive harvest, probably not. Most potted olive trees won’t bear fruit. If you want to try to grow some, there are a few olive trees that may produce fruit indoors. Look for Arbequina, a slow growing “weeping” olive tree, and the Picholine.

Feel weighed down

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eighted blankets have been gaining in popularity over the last couple of years since Gravity Blanket put their concept out on Kickstarter. However, weighted blankets have been used by occupational therapists for some time.

They are especially helpful for kids (and sometimes adults) with sensory processing disorders like autism. It creates a soothing tactile sensation.

But, many people find them beneficial for a number of reasons.

They have a calming effect.

Researchers say the pressure of the weighted blanket and deep touch pressure in general is a pretty universally calming sensation.

Pine&River Chilled Bamboo Weighted Blanket is available on Amazon. Prices vary by weight.

One might think it would be restrictive, but believers says it’s more like a comforting hug without feeling constrained and hot. (The blanket shown is actually made to be cooler.) They’re reported to help you relax, improve your sleep quality, and ease stress and anxiety.

The key is to get the right weight for you. The rule of thumb is to get one that is 10% of your body weight. If you’re 150 lbs. get a 15 lb. blanket.

Party supplies Kids will have fun even if you spend half as much on the supplies. #kidsdon’tcare!

Hair accessories Doing the latest do is doable with less expensive hair accessories.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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Top 5

2

1

ways to a stop

Do the next thing

Sometimes we get overwhelmed when we think about a big job.

Tackle it in pieces. If you know what the first step, or the next step is, do that - or put it on your calendar when you’ll do it. If you don’t know what the next step is, you may need to schedule “find help.” Keep scheduling the steps until you get there.

3

procrastinating

It’s normal for us to focus on what’s in front of us. We’re hardwired to consider the needs of the present much more than needs of tomorrow - or twenty tomorrows. To overcome this, think about something you haven’t gotten around to. What would it mean for your life if you did it? Assess the things you typically spend your time on. Knowing what will get you to your goals can give you the perspective you need to take action on the right things.

Map it out

Creating a timeline for tackling a project and having a deadline do wonders for getting things done. Just make sure they are realistic, that you’ve accounted for everything else you’ve got on your plate for that time frame, and that your schedule is visible so things don’t get missed.

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Look down the road

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

4

Know yourself

Some people put things off like studying for tests or starting a big project because they know they do their best work under pressure. There’s an adrenaline rush when you slide in under the wire. If this is you, you don’t see it as a problem. It’s probably not. You are known as an active procrastinator. If it seriously stresses you out in these situations, you’d be a passive procrastinator. You will likely not be successful in last minute scenarios.

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Plan for procrastination

T A L

!

R E

It’s Friday. It’s a nice day, and someone invited you out for lunch. If you recognize that things you’re going to want to do pop up like this, you can plan them into your process. Instead of scheduling just barely enough time to get something done, build in a few “soft” times to cushion the project. If it stays rainy or your spouse is traveling for work, maybe you hit it hard and finish three days early. If your buddy calls and wants to go golfing, you can relax knowing you’ve got the time.

Photo by Nattika/Shutterstock.com

BETTER / Now

Home

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Spring Accents

BETTER

It’s time to give new life to your decor. Let a tray, basket, or vase try to contain your creativity now that spring has sprung!

1.

Photo by Mark Karrer

Stack it up

A tiered tray gives extra room for cute pieces or necessities, plus adds height. We found our tiered tray at Hobby Lobby as well as a few of the accent pieces. The others we gleaned from second-hand stores. www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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5

BETTER / Home

Spring accents

2.

Birds of a feather

3.

Nothing says spring like birds.

We filled a large wicker tray with stone and ceramic birds, wire and real birds’ nests (gathered last fall), and put a feather bookmark in our birding book. A terra cotta pot with faux lilly of the valley adds some life.

Our gathering was a combination of looking around the house, a trip to the craft store, and second-hand browsings.

This bunny basket works all season long, not just at Easter time. Line a wire basket with a greenery garland, pop in your favorite ceramic bunny, and a few bright flowers and spring is in full bloom! The basket and flowers were only a few dollars at Walmart and our big green bunny came from a craft store.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Photos by Mark Karrer

Bunny basket

4.

BETTER / Home

Eggs in bloom

Buy some faux speckled eggs or paint your own. Fill a pitcher or a vase with various size eggs leaving room for a few budding stems. You can even have real budding stems if you like - just make sure your eggs are plastic. Just fill the bottom of your pitcher with wet sand to keep your stems blooming.

5.

Tulip tray

Photos by Mark Karrer

Green is the color of spring, so use it to announce the season.

A few simple items like a bouquet of tulips, a little plant in a decorative cup, and favorite candle sets the stage for warmer weather and smiles.

For a more practical setting, add a floral coaster - ready for your coffee cup, your favorite books of course, reading glasses, and you can even leave room for your remotes or keys.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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Brain benders

BETTER / Home

Riddle me this

Coded message

Figure out the code below and fill in the right letters to reveal a truth about the season. __ __ 9

__ __

6

23 5

__ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ 19 16 18 9 14 7

8

__ __

1 4

14 15

__ __ __ __ __ 23 15 21 12 4

Can you answer each of these riddles?

16 12 5

1. I run all

Changing season

around the pasture but never move. What am I?

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __.

__ __ __ __ __ __,

__ __ __

__ __ __

__ __

23 9 14 20 5 18

14 15 20

__ __ 2 5

20 8

5

19 15

1 19 1 14 20

These spring scenes may look the same, but there are seven subtle differences. Can you find them all?

2. Flat as a leaf, round as a ring, has 2 eyes, can’t see a thing. What am I?

3. A slender body a tiny eye, no matter what happens I never cry. What am I? 4. They have no flesh, nor feathers, nor scales, nor bone. Yet, they have fingers and thumbs of their own. What are they?

5. What has a neck but no head, arms but no hands?

6. The more there is the less you see.

What am I? A store owner came up with a unique way to price his apparel. Can you decipher his system and guess the price of the last item?

Polo................................. $20 Dress .............................. $25 Tie................................... $15 Blouse............................. $30 Sweatshirt ���������������������� $__

Something fishy

Can you find the two fishbowls that are exactly the same?

It doesn’t add up

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

When does 11 + 2 = 1 & 9 + 5 =2?

ANSWERS

Riddle me this: 1) A fence. 2) A button. 3) A Needle. 4) Gloves. 5) A shirt. 6) Fog. Clothing store prices: Items are priced by how many letters are in the name. $5 per letter so the sweatshirt would be $50. It doesn’t add up: On a Clock: 11:00 + 2 hrs = 1:00, 9:00 + 5 hrs = 2:00. Coded message: If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. Changing season: Green ball dot color, hair bow color, missing slide brace, shirt stripes, boy’s eyebrow color, missing flower, basketball location. Something fishy: A & F

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Barn by Pixejoo, Flowers by bokmok, Clothes by curiosity, Kids playing by Danino Sanilo/Shutterstock.com

Clothing store prices

BETTER / Home

Sioux City / LeMars 305 West 7th, Sioux City, IA | 712.252.4382 www.fashionfloorscarpet1siouxcity.com

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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2020 SUBARU PREMIUM

2020 SUBARU

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + 27 mpg hwy10 • Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology15 • Built-in Wi-Fi and Remote Engine Start capability26 • 3 rows of flexible seating for 7 or 8 passengers

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$319

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ASCENT

PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTH 12,000 MILES PER YEAR (1)

LCA-01

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PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTH 12,000 MILES PER YEAR (2)

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2. $2249 cash or trade, $0 security deposit, 1st month’s payment, $179 documentation fee, tax, title, license due at signing, with approved credit.

712-255-3000

3909 Stadium Dr., Sioux City www.JensenSubaru.com

2020 SUBARU

2020 SUBARU

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + 33 mpg hwy4 • Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology15 • Standard SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto integration

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + 33 mpg hwy • EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology available16 • Standard SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto integration

$279

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PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTH 12,000 MILES PER YEAR (3)

LFB-01

3. $2479 cash or trade, $0 security deposit, 1st month’s payment, $179 documentation fee, tax, title, license due at signing, with approved credit.

CROSSTREK 2.0i

PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTH 12,000 MILES PER YEAR (4)

LRB-01

4. $2169 cash or trade, $0 security deposit, 1st month’s payment, $179 documentation fee, tax, title, license due at signing, with approved credit.

Spring Styles

BETTER / Home

I

t’s time to pack away the sweaters and dark tones of winter and lighten things up! Laci Chytka, style expert and owner of Secret Closet Boutique in South Sioux City, has styles for girls, teens, and women.

This season, tops are light and have some flow while skinny jeans balance the look. Finish your look with accessories and shoes that will put a spring in your step!

Secret Closet Boutique 2816 Dakota Ave. South Sioux City, NE 712-898-8370 Hours: 11 am to 7 pm Closed on Sundays

Photos by Mark Karrer

Spring tops $28-$48 Trendy jeans $36-$56 Fashion footwear $24-$52 Stylish purses $42-$60 Accessories $15-$30

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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BETTER / Home

Laughter Laughter is the

best medicine.

Actual questions asked by lawyers during a trial...

“You were there until the time you left. Is that true?”

Body of Knowledge

“The youngest son, the 21-year-old, how old is he?”

[Enjoy a cup of weight loss

“Were you present when your picture was taken?”

[Brew up some immunity According to a University of Florida study, people who drank two cups of green tea daily for three months had 32% fewer colds than non-tea sippers.

[Drink to your heart According to American Dietetic Assoc. spokeswoman Katherine Tallmadge, MA, RD, LD there seems to be no downside to drinking tea. “It’s pretty well established that the compounds in tea – their flavonoids – are good for the heart and may reduce cancer.”

[Make no bones about it According to a Today.com article, data from recent animal studies has shown that green tea may prevent bone loss.

“Were you alone or by yourself?”

“Was it you or your younger brother who was killed in the war?”

Sleep more

A study shows that just slight sleep deprivation impairs our productivity.

Going for 17 hours or more without sleep can leave us operating at about the same level as someone legally drunk.

“Did he kill you?”

“How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision?”

In the know Only one of these common sayings is really in the Bible. Which one?

A - God helps those who help themselves.

B - Money is the root of all evil.

C - To thine own self be true.

D - To everything there is a season.

E - Cleanliness is next to godliness.

F - Love the sinner, hate the sin.

Answer: D. While you’ve heard this in famous songs like “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Byrds, this originates in the Bible: Ecclesiastes 3:1. (A is attributed to Ben Franklin.

B is a misquote from the Bible: 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” C is from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. E is actually in the Talmud. F is found in one of St. Augustine’s letters.)

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Improve yourself

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Warm up right

If you warm up by doing static stretches (holding a stretch) before you workout you may not be doing yourself any favors. Research from Stephen F. Austin State University found that exercisers who did dynamic warm-ups (muscle-warming movements like walking lunges and high skips) were able to perform better and had less injuries.

Wear sunglasses

Our skin isn’t the only thing we need to protect from the sun. Donning a pair of shades every day will guard against sunburn, cataracts, and even skin cancer. Choose sunglasses with 99-100% UV absorption or UV 400.

Remember, the bigger the glasses, the better the protection you’ll get.

All images Shutterstock.com: Tea lady Raisa Kanareva; Tea pouring Marian Weyo; Bible Anelina; Man sleeping Rido; Sunglasses jakkapan.

Research continues to brew up the benefits of tea─including weight loss.

The combination of caffeine and catechins (an antioxidant) speeds up your metabolism. Opt for true teas: green, black, white, oolong, and pu-erh tea.

A recent scientific study showed that out of 2,293,618,367 people, 94% are too lazy to actually read that number.

Make a great impression 3 Preparing your home to

Clean it up. “Cleaning windows and doors of fingerprints and dirt will help brighten the space.”

with liz deurloo

W

The lawn: Mow the lawn, trim your shrubs, rake up leaves and debris.

The entry: Paint or clean the front door and mailbox if needed. Sweep off your entrance and shake out or hose off your welcome mat. Maybe it’s time for a new one.

The exterior: Clean out your gutters and down spouts. Check siding, brickwork, and trim then paint, repair and refresh as needed.

Know what condition your roof is in.

That may effect how you price the home. It won’t hurt to seal your driveway and power wash your patio and siding.”

hile spring cleaning makes any house feel fresh after being closed up for long winter months, it’s even more important if you’re planning on selling your home. Realtor Liz Deurloo, with United Real Estate Solutions, has a check list to cover some impactful areas.

Check your curb appeal. “A good first impression is critical.

If buyers don’t like what they see on the outside, they may not even bother to go inside. Stand outside of your house and assess where you could improve. Here are some things to focus on:

House photo by karamysh/Shutterstock.com

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BETTER / Home

The big stuff: Clean the floors, shampoo the carpets, and freshen up the paint if necessary.

Dust and scrub: Kitchens and bathrooms don’t have to be new but they do have to be clean!

“With a little focus and elbow-grease, your home will make a great impression that you’ll enjoy too!”

Your property is my priority!

2

Create some space. “Now’s the time to purge the excess. If your storage spaces and closets are jam-packed, buyers will feel like there’s not enough room for their things. You want the house to look spacious, so be brave and downsize.

You’ll be so much happier when you have less to move too.”

Closets: Put out of season items in underbed totes, take what you rarely or never wear to the Gospel Mission.

Cabinets: Assess what you’re really using, organize the storage containers, chuck outdated food.

Toys: Reduce and organize.

Liz Deurloo . 712-490-5141 Full-Time Realtor • Prompt Communication Multi-Million Dollar Producer • Friendly, Personal Attention • Efficient • Experienced

“Buying or Selling? Let my experience work for you!”

Call Liz today: 712-490-5141 lizdeurloo@myunitedagent.com www.lizdeurloo.myunitedagent.com

Licensed in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota

522 S. Rustin St. ◆ Sioux City, IA 51106 712-276-7014 ◆ rprescottsons@qwestoffice.net www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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BETTER / Home

New options let you

Light it up!

I

with ed rosston

n the past, stained glass artistry could only be enjoyed fully when the sun was shining - and it had to be hung in a window. Ed Rosston, owner of Fast Frame, said, “Originally that was true of this butterfly and flowers piece when the owners had me frame it.

Today, with new technology, I added LEDs inside the shadowbox frame so that it can be fully appreciated anytime. The family finds it makes a great night light.”

What else can get lit?

“LEDs are more environmentally friendly and use a lot less electricity.

They don't produce much heat, so you don't need to have openings in your framing for heat release. Memorabilia and special pieces you'd frame in a shadow box work well like sports items, instruments, family heirlooms,

1929 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City, IA 712-224-2140 Open Mon-Fri 10 - 6 & Sat 10 - 4 Ed Rosston, owner

www.fastframesiouxcity.com email: erosston@cableone.net

etc. Items that are meaningful to you can come out of the attic and be enjoyed in an interesting, new way.

Bring in your pieces, and I'll show you some options on how to organize them and light them up to make a one-of-a-kind display you'll treasure.”

With 3,000 different options for frames, plus thousands of mat options, Ed will help you get the look and feel you want to display items that fit with your style.

Stained glass art framed in a shadowbox with installed LED lighting.

844 Gordon Drive . Sioux City, IA www.CentralKitchenBath.com

Come see us for Cabinets . Lighting . Faucets . Tubs & More!

Call today for an appointment to meet with a designer. We’ll help you pick out exactly what you want to fit your needs and your personality.

712-255-6891

20

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

A big deal WITH Dr. CARMELA

I

Body

You’re ignoring it, but it’s

BETTER

t’s something that you probably don’t give a lot of thought to, but ignoring it could lead to a host of other more serious issues. What is it? Dentist Dr. Carmela, with Knopik Family Dentistry, explains.

“Gum disease is something that affects many people, but it’s not just our teeth that are at risk. Bacteria in gum disease puts the body at risk of heart disease and stroke. It also may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar. Plus, the same bacteria that causes gum disease causes the brain inflammation in people with Alzheimer’s - and that’s just the beginning of the far-reaching health effects gum disease plays.”

So what do we do to manage good gum health? Dr. Carmela offers three tips.

TIP #1 . Do the daily basics. “Brush at least twice a day and floss once each day.”

TIP #2 . Get regular check-ups. “Every six

months you need to get the tartar buildup off your teeth and roots so the gums can grow up around the tooth like they need to. If left untreated, gum disease will advance, and you’ll lose bone and your teeth will become loose or fall out.”

Photo by Mark Karrer

TIP #3 . Watch for signs. “While there are things to watch for, most people don’t know they have gum disease. It may not hurt or be overly noticeable until it’s seriously progressed - that’s why regular check ups are so important. Do watch for things like gums that bleed easily, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, bad breath, loose permanent teeth, and a change in your bite.”

Dr. Carmela, as part of the team with Dr. Craig Burhoop at Lakeport Dental Care and Dr. Devan Penfield at Elk Point Dental Care, strive to be proactive with your gum health to keep you healthy and smiling for years!

Knopik Family Dentistry 2930 Hamilton Blvd, Ste 103 (Bldg. Upper F) Sioux City, IA . 712-255-1440 www.knopikfamilydentistry.com

Dr. Carmela Asinas grew up in Santa Clarita, CA, and went to undergrad at Loyola Marymount University in Marina Del Rey. She came to the Midwest to attend Creighton University where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree. She went into dentistry because it combined her passion for art, science, and helping others.

21

BETTER / Body

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

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All-day, every day urgent care when getting well can’t wait.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Waffle photo by D. Pimborough/Shutterstock.com

⬤ 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

A new normal

BETTER / Body BEFORE

It’s a very good thing with RICK & JENNIFER LIEBER

Just four months later

O

ften, life rolls along and you don’t notice the changes. Then something happens and you see the reality of your situation clearly.

That’s what happened to Rick and Jennifer Lieber and their kids late last summer.

Jennifer begins, “It all started when I took Branden to Dr. Luse for his school physical. Because of his weight (220 lbs. at age 14), they tested him for diabetes, and we found out that he had a lot of sugar in his urine. We took him to our family doctor and his A1c was 9.3! Anything above 6 is diabetic.

We didn’t even realize it!

Dr. Luse told us about their program that could help us. We

Dr. Pat Luse teaches The 7 Systems course in his office at Tri-State Physicians and Physical Therapy Clinic in So. Sioux City, NE.

knew we needed to do something for Branden, and we were going to do it together.

We went back to Dr. Luse’s clinic to find out about their 7 Systems Plan.

There they tested all of us and ran all sorts of tests. We found out that our daughter Katelyn had a major thyroid problem – she was also overweight (190 lbs. at age 12). Rick was 238 lbs. and his cholesterol was very high (242). While I didn’t have any health problems, I weighed in at 172 lbs.

We knew we had to do something, and we decided definitely to do the program.”

What the program entails

Rick says, “You learn how your body works and how you need to fuel it. It’s really about breaking bad food habits and learning to eat differently. You go to meetings each week and get to see other people on the program and how it’s working for them. There’s lots of help and encouragement along the way.”

The big question: Did you feel hungry on the program?

Jennifer quickly said, “No, you can eat unlimited vegetables. Honestly, the first few weeks were hard because you’re used to eating all the carbs. Rick almost gave up the third week because we weren’t seeing big results yet. Plus, we had a lot of resistance with the kids on the food at first. We all stuck it out because we didn’t want Branden to have to be on his own. After those first few weeks, it was not hard at all, and the results really started kicking in.”

Rick added, “It also helped that we were at the meetings each week and saw that other people were progressing and realized that we just needed to give it time. We all want to see immediate results, but it just takes time.”

What were some tricks that helped?

Rick said, “Grabbing some grapes or an orange helped curb the cravings for sweets. We learned to eat plenty of olives, then I wasn’t hungry. We crave the good stuff now.

“The first month is the hardest, but then it will turn, and it’s not hard.

You’ll try new foods and it takes time to figure out how you like to eat them.

It’s learning to change your habits.

Learning to cook the right things. I found I really like spaghetti squash – it’s a good noodle replacement.”

Were there other worries?

We realized that as you go down the health food aisle, not everything there is that healthy for you. You

Continued pg 24 >>>

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

23

BETTER / Body Continued from pg 23 >>> have to watch. But Dr. Luse’s group kept educating us. You always hear people say that healthy food is more expensive. Realistically, I’m not sure our grocery bill has really increased.

Health food may cost a little more but you’ll be eating less and cutting out all the junk you used to buy.”

What’s changed? (AKA: Tell us about your amazing results!)

Jennifer reported, “We’ve been doing it for about four months (started in August) – Branden has lost 40 lbs. already. His A1c now is just 5.7 - his diabetes is gone!

Katelyn has already lost 30 pounds.

I’m down to 155 pounds now. Rick lost 31 pounds and his cholesterol is down to 135!”

Rick commented on his cholesterol reading, “When I was in my 20s in the military my cholesterol was high even then. The problem was that diets I tried in the past were based on

24

basically starving yourself. Here you eat, you just eat the right foods. You’re not counting calories. If you’re eating the right foods, you won’t need to worry about that.”

Jennifer continued, “It’s a great program! We all feel better. Branden had a food addiction, loved pizza, but now loves to eat healthy. We still have pizza, but it’s not traditional pizza.

Now we have it on a pita crust that’s high fiber and low carb. These are things we actually like to eat now.”

Rick added, “They encourage you to eat more fish and poultry, but we still have pork and steak sometimes too. We all love taco nights. Instead of a corn or flour tortilla, we use a lowcarb pita bread. We bake and grill and double up on our veggies. We enjoy what we eat.

“Before this I used to drink pop - I was truly addicted. I don’t drink it at all and don’t desire it or caffeine at all. Normally after lunch I’d feel crummy and tired. I don’t feel that way anymore. I feel good and can

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

keep on going. We realize when we eat crummy we feel crummy.

“Our life and health have been changed so much, and we encourage anyone with health problems to check out the 7 Systems Plan!”

To attend Dr. Pat Luse's free information meeting on The 7 Systems Plan, call for dates and to sign up: 402-494-5173.

Staying active

BETTER / Body

starts here

WITH dr. keith roed

S Photo credit: Clockwise from top: Mladen Mitrinovic, Inside Creative House/Shutterstock.com

pring is here, and many of us are eager to get out, enjoy the weather, and get active again.

However, let’s talk about the one thing most of us don’t think about often when it comes to keeping our bodies active, mobile, and pain free: Our knees.

“In my opinion, knees tend to be overlooked and something we don’t pay much attention to in our lives.

(Even I’ve been guilty of this!) But, if you think about it, our knees are incredibly important and play a huge role in supporting the body. They allow us to walk, run, bend down, drive, etc., and yet, hardly anyone knows how to actually look after them.

Is exercise good for the knees?

Now, you might think that ‘exercising’ would be a good thing for you, and most of the time it is – it keeps you in great shape and is good for your joints.

So, why wouldn’t it be good for you?

Here’s one example: if you like to go jogging, it can sometimes do more harm than good.

Think of it in this way: Each time you take a stride, your leg is bending, causing your knee joints to work. Now think of how often and how long you

Dr. Keith Roed, PT, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.

Impact Physical Therapy and Wellness, LLC 712-560-0460 . 4295 Sergeant Rd. . Sioux City www.impactptwellness.com

would jog or run for -10, 20 minutes?

Maybe even more? This repetitiveness can have an effect on your knees over a long period of time.

Even walking can sometimes cause aches and pains in our knees, if we don’t look after them.

We are recommended to do 10,000 steps a day, and with each step, we use our knees. If we manage to do the recommended steps, then it is likely that your knees have been bent at least 10,000 times within the day! (That’s a lot of bending!)

It’s all in the preparation Now, I’m not saying to avoid running and walking altogether. Nope. What I want to share with you is why it’s important to prepare your body properly for these types of exercises (so aches and pains don’t keep us from

being active and going about our daily lives). Here’s what to do: Show your knees some love while exercising: stretch before and after you exercise. With a warm-up, a lot of people don’t realize that stretching beforehand can actually help you walk, jog, and run farther and with more ease (and reduce the risk of injury!).

Cooling down has exactly the same principles. Stretching after exercise is key to easing stiffness in the morning.

When you stretch your muscles after exercise, your body lets go of those acidic bi-products – aka the reason you are sore the next day. Stretching after exercise also improves circulation and flexibility, helping you to ease any chances of knee pain.

So the next time you have a slight ache or pain in your knees, don’t brush it off! Our knees are what keep us independent and living life to the fullest - remember that!”

If you, or someone you know is suffering with knee pain and you’d like some more tips on how to ease it, then have a look through my free report on knee pain on my website. Have a read and gain back your independence! Grab a copy of my free report instantly on my website @ www.impactptwellness.com/knee-pain/ At Impact Physical Therapy and Wellness, we specialize in helping people in Siouxland move better and return to their active lifestyle with less dependence on pain pills, injections or surgery…even if they have had pain for years!

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

25

BETTER / Body

Find some

Relief

Let us find a solution

Humidifiers like this one from PerfectAire help keep nasal passages moist.

They’re perfect for travel or personal use and uses any standard bottle of water.

D

ry air is everywhere this time of year! And according to Dr. David Wagner, with Wagner Ear Nose & Throat, that dry air is the major reason for your nosebleeds.

“The mucosal lining of your nose is very fragile and easily aggravated. Use a humidifier to keep the air moist. There are even portable ones now that use a water bottle! Plus, a nasal mist, like Ayr, can be helpful to keep those vulnerable nasal tissues moist.”

And what does Dr. Wagner say not to do? “Avoid digital manipulation.

Don’t pick your nose or blow your nose too harshly-and avoid using petroleum-based ointments.”

Many know that having a nosebleed can cause anxiety. “To stop a nosebleed, keep calm, lean your head forward, and pinch the soft part of your nose for at least five minutes. If the nosebleed slows, hold for a full 15 minutes.

“If you have persistent, recurrent nosebleeds, you should seek a nasal exam by a specialist.”

Dr. David Wagner

26

Our bodies are complex and so is your pain, so if you are experiencing pain in any area, we have over 50 years combined experience in the diagnosis and treatment of: ▶ Fibromyalgia ▶ Headaches ▶ Back Pain ▶ Neck Pain ▶ Joint Pain ▶ Sciatica ▶ Personal Injuries ▶ Worker’s Comp Injuries

Our pain relief specialists, doctors, and staff at MidWest Pain Clinics will work with you to find a pain treatment option that meets your individual situation and needs.

Don’t wait.

Relief is waiting.

Contact us today.

Wagner Ear, Nose, & Throat Two Sioux City locations: 2730 Pierce St., Ste. 204 & Unity Point Sunnybrook Medical Clinic 712-234-8787 wagnerent.com

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Midwest Pain Clinics 211 Sioux Point Rd., Ste. 200 Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 605-242-3456 www.midwestpainclinics.com

Human body by anttoniart: Shutterstock.com

with Dr. david wagner by melanie olson

Life

Making a marriage E V I work THR

BETTER

When everything says it never will WITH dirk & Amy BaK

What happens when what you expected for your marriage is nowhere in sight and nothing seems like it’s ever going to get better? Dirk & Amy Bak found themselves in a place they never wanted to be, feeling there was no way out and no solution.

Background by jakkapan, Photo by Mark Karrer

Today, they are happier than they ever imagined and actually expect their marriage to only get better.

How’d they do it?

Let them tell you about their journey, and you’ll see how it can be your journey too.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

27

BETTER / Life

Making marriage

E

THRIV

Amy & Dirk’s wedding day November 1989.

Amy was just 19 and Dirk was 21.

D

irk and Amy’s relationship started out like many. They met in college, were dating by Thanksgiving, and were pretty serious by summer. When Amy decided not to return to school, Dirk wasn’t sure a long distance relationship was going to work. But Amy had something to tell him that changed his mind.

“In August, I found out I was pregnant. We decided we’d get married.” Amy remembers telling her parents. “I was scared, but Dirk and I went together. My mom said, ‘Congratulations.’ Dad said, ‘You know you don’t have to get married just because you’re pregnant. Marriage is forever.’ I knew this was a big deal, but it hit me when he said FOREVER. Dirk right off said, ‘Yeah, we’re getting married,’ and that encouraged me that this was the right choice.”

Forever begins They tied the knot, moved into an apartment in Alton, and their baby girl Kinsey arrived the following spring.

Dirk was still in college in Orange City and worked with his dad and brothers at their family business in Sioux City. Quickly, both Dirk and Amy were having their eyes opened to the differences of their family dynamics.

When they visited Amy’s family it was a nice time where everyone had fun, joked with each other, hung out talking and playing games. Dirk’s house was much different.

28

Dirk said, “At my house, eggnog turned into shots, turned into verbal fights...at minimum.” But life goes on.

Before long they made the move to Sioux City and decided to start going to church. Dirk said, “Amy’s family had grown up in church. When I was a kid, we only went to church when we were going through confirmation.

After that we became Creasters those people who just do church on Christmas and Easter. I thought I was saved. I know now that I wasn’t. Amy and I joined a church and were active helping with the high school youth group each week.”

What seemed to be a marriage leveling out was really just the calm before the storm.

The storm rages Amy said, “Dirk would stay after work and drink with his family. Time after time I would call and say supper was ready, but he’d just be annoyed. I didn’t understand it. I kept asking him why he kept doing this. Dirk said, ‘You knew this was how I was before we got married!’ I didn’t know. Not really.”

Amy didn’t realize drinking was Dirk’s normal.

Dirk reflected, “The first five-plus years of our marriage I was wrapped up in alcoholism. My dad, my uncle, my grandpa were all alcoholics.

A dysfunctional life was normal drunk fights with your family, having to patch holes in the wall. I thought that’s how it was for everyone.”

Amy would nag Dirk and beg him to change. He would just get mad and avoid any real discussion about his behavior. Things just got worse.

Amy explained, “Dirk was involved in dirt bikes and motocross, and there was always a party afterward, and he just wasn’t coming home.”

Dirk jumped in, “When I got my first OWI and landed in jail, Amy had no idea where I was.”

After their second child Keegan was born they bought an acerage in Merrill, but their problems followed them.

Living on the edge Dirk was trying but failing. “My second OWI was after a bachelor party. I had told Amy I wasn’t going to get drunk.

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Something was telling me I needed to stop drinking. Of course, I started drinking. Just before I left the party I switched to drinking Coke, thinking that would solve things. I rolled my truck going around a curve on the way home.

“A guy saw me put it into the ditch on K22. I had to kick my way out of the mangled truck. The guy told me he had called 911 thinking no one could live through that. I thought about running through the cornfields to get to my parents house, but something inside me told me to stay. When I called Amy she said, ‘I’m not surprised.’

“The next day, Amy came with the kids to pick me up from jail. When I came out and she’s there with our kids I felt about two inches high.

“Amy wanted to see the truck, so we went behind our shop where they’d towed it. As we walked back where the truck was, I started to feel more light about it. Guys were joking with me about surviving that, and I felt like it was a badge of honor.

“When Amy saw the crushed car seat she said, ‘What’s it going to take for you to quit drinking? Are you going to have to kill one of our kids?’

Shortly after that we found out that we were expecting our son, Kade.”

Dirk and Amy, summer 1990. For Dirk, motocross and dirt bike events were always a party.

A change is coming “The consequences rolled out. I had to go to treatment each night.

I remember telling the babysitter, ‘I hope they don’t brainwash me.’

Looking back, it was a brain flushing.

They say alcoholism is a generational curse. I started to see we were living in this chaos I’d created for my family.

“In the circle of other people that

were going through addiction with me, and the brilliance of the therapist being able to ask good questions, I started opening up about the thoughts that were inside. I started putting words to my thoughts and expressing things better.”

Dirk wasn’t the only one who hadn’t been communicating well. Amy admitted, “My communication was nagging him. Who wants to come home to that? Our communication was terrible!”

Dirk said, “I didn’t want conflict or controversy. I figured if we put it off we wouldn’t have to deal with it. Ultimately it just came out sideways later.”

Amy realized she had a lot of issues going on as well. “Even though Dirk’s getting all this help I’m not feeling any different really. I was still very angry.

He’s out doing treatment instead of drinking, so I’m still alone with the kids. I started going to Al-Anon.”

Dirk and Amy started some other positive things as well. They needed a new circle of friends. Dirk said, “Your party friends say they’ll always be there for you but, in reality, it’s only when you’re where they are. We started going to the AA meetings together which led to hanging out with them for fun too.”

Amy smiled, “We had so much fun with people, bring the kids, hanging out, playing cards. At first Dirk wondered how you have fun without drinking!”

Dirk adds, “At church (what is now Sunnybrook) we had joined a small group of people our age. I was still drinking when we started. When I got sober I told the group what I was going through. That was really a positive thing.

“Even though we loved our church it was just too much driving – it’d end up being 100 mile days. The kids had a lot of friends in the local churches so we started going to one nearby.”

A work in progress Things were better in some ways, but Amy was still struggling. “The drinking wasn’t an issue anymore, but our marriage wasn’t good. My dad’s reminder that this was forever was haunting when you know your

marriage really sucks.” Remembering the pain, Amy’s eyes well up with tears, “I felt so stuck, and I had so many feelings I didn’t know what to do with. I didn’t want to live like this anymore but, as mad as I was at Dirk, I didn’t want to give up either. You start wondering how you got here.”

Dirk said, “The ladies circling around Amy from AA and Al-Anon suggested Amy go to counseling – in fact one drove her to the first session.”

Amy added, “We didn’t think we could afford it, living check to check, but somehow we made it happen. That counseling helped a lot! Just making that first step was key. I was diagnosed with clinical depression.”

Amy started going to the counselor and then Dirk came in later on. They needed to learn to communicate, and they were learning some tricks to help.

Dirk remembers one tip he used often. “Sometimes Amy needs to speak stuff out loud to be able to process it. I realized that when Amy said something, even if it wasn’t about me, I’d take it personally.”

Amy continued, “The counselor suggested stating, ‘What I’m going to say isn’t about you, it’s just a bad day at work.’ She told Dirk to hold up an imaginary shield to remind him this is to protect him from what I was saying and to not take it personally.”

Dirk said, “I didn’t have to own it. I’d listen, then put the shield down. I started learning that not everything is about me - she just needs to get it off her chest.”

Dirk and Amy’s family is complete and growing.

November 2005.

BETTER / Life

Turning the page After 10 years of working with his family, Dirk sold out of the company and went back to school to be a teacher and a coach.

“In January 2006, I was out of town when the phone rang. My dad had to be life-flighted to the hospital. His cancer was back, and he’d passed out. Some friends prayed over the situation, over my dad and me. I knew my brothers had headed to the hospital, and I can’t tell you why, but I decided to stay and fly out as planned a couple days later.

“We went to church the next day and I heard the story of salvation.

It seemed so simple, and I accepted Christ. On the trip back, I slept like a baby. I knew I needed to share the love of Christ with my dad when I got back. I was able to do that a few days later. Everything changed with him after that.

“I started spending time with him after my teaching day. It’s strange you can grow up with a man your whole life and not know him. In the months before he passed away I got to know him for the first time.

“After the funeral, my little brother called later to ask about ‘this salvation thing.’ My little brother received Christ that night.”

While Dirk seemed to keep progressing in new ways, Amy knew they still had major problems.

Their communication was improved but far from good. Dirk avoided any discussions that might result in confrontation and struggled to find words to share anything real.

When he didn’t want to talk, he was explosive in his delivery - shutting down Amy and her attempts to improve things.

A friend suggested Amy read the book The Power of a Praying Wife. “I didn’t like it! I thought, Why do I want to pray for him when I don’t like him! I went through the motions and did the prayers. I knew I couldn’t change him, but what do I do? I started softening my heart. God says we’re even to pray for our enemies, so certainly I can pray for my husband! I got more real with my prayers.”

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

29

BETTER / Life

Making marriage

E THRIV

Learning to communicate After Dirk accepted Christ, they realized how spiritually starved they felt. They made the decision to go back to Sunnybrook Church - and now the bypass made it a quick trip.

The church was hosting a marriage retreat, and Amy thought it would be good. Dirk wasn’t so sure. “Amy was saying we’re not okay. I thought how we looked on the outside meant it was good: we got a house, cars, the kids have decent clothes. I finally gave in and we went.” Amy was right. They weren’t okay.

Dirk said, “It was terrible! I swore I’d never do another one.”

Amy agreed. “Our communication was so bad! We’d go through this workbook, and I wanted to talk about it when we were in our room, but I was so fearful, and I’d just cry. Dirk didn’t say anything because he didn’t want conflict.

Dirk got real, “Let’s bear all because I could rage. She would say these things, and I would get so verbally abusive and scream. There’s credence to her fear.

“I said I’d never go again, but a couple of years later they were having another retreat. I felt different and had been opening up about some things.

I’d been going to a Men of Valor group at church and that was helping deal with some things head on. Karl Van Cura was one of my mentors who’d been walking me through some stuff.

I had been hiding and protecting these pieces in me but they were starting to come out. Communication with Amy had improved a bit, so I thought this marriage retreat would be different. At this point I knew there was nothing I wouldn’t do to help my marriage move forward. And the guys were going to shoot guns together-so that got me!

Their hopes were dashed. Dirk sighed, “The shooting was fun, but our time together was a repeat. It was terrible! There were teaching DVDs as a group and then you go to your room as a couple and unpack it. I was seriously trying but Amy was crying.

This was like a scab we just kept

30

ripping off.

“Karl and his wife Laurie were part of the panel, and Karl talked about how we build a wall one brick at a time and you need to take it down one brick at a time. We didn’t know how to do that. Afterward we told Laurie and Karl we needed help.

Dirk laughed, “After we laid it all out, Laurie said to me, ‘You need counseling.’ I was thinking, ‘ME?!’ But I was surrendered to do whatever it took.”

Dirk started going to a Christian counselor, Dr. Rumberger, getting to old stuff that hadn’t been dealt with.

“I realized the voice of my wife got pasted to the voice of my father, which started replaying old tapes from my past, triggering old wounds. That was not where Amy was coming from at all. I started recognizing that.”

Amy admitted, “For a time, I was treating him wrong. I realized I needed to stop that. I needed to turn the page and talk different and do things different.

When the past affects the present Dirk began to realize how his past was affecting his present and his future. “Getting it all out and finally facing it and processing it was huge.

I was sexually abused before I was 10 – we dealt with that. I was verbally abused by my father – dealt with that. These were things I was trying to mask or drown with alcohol. We invited the Holy Spirit into what we were doing and that was such a gift.”

Dirk recalls a really pivotal day with the doc. “He left me hanging one day.

I’d been sharing about my dad. My dad divorced mom in 1995. He was a man of few words but very rough and gruff, and swore like a sailor. When my dad got cancer, here he was, a mass of a man, and I saw the cancer just eat him up.

As he’s going through this, it was parents night at school for his stepson. My dad was barely able to walk yet he came out to the 50-yard line. He never came to anything like that for me. I told the doc. ‘I don’t want to feel jealous about this but I do.’

“Dr. R asked, ‘Do you believe Jesus is here right now?’ Yes. ‘Do you think

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

he was there then?’ Yes. ‘Do you believe that Jesus is everywhere at all times?’ Yes. ‘Then, in that attitude, what do you think Jesus is saying to you now about what happened then?’

“I listened. I heard my nervous heal rubbing on the carpet, the air conditioner running, and...I didn’t hear anything from God. I started crying. I so desperately wanted to hear what Christ was saying about that.

“Dr. R said, ‘Times up.’

When God speaks “I went home and sat with a notebook and a pen.” As Dirk reflected on that moment, the emotion returned.

Through tears, Dirk explained what happened next. “Christ started talking to me through that moment. He said, ‘I’m holding you right now. I got you.

And I want you to know this, that when your dad was being abused as a young boy that I was holding him too. When he was struggling through alcoholism I was holding him. And I gave him you so that he could see what it looks like to be the father that walks out with the son at parents night at a football game.’”

It became clear to Dirk in that moment, “The struggles that I had been through became purposeful.

Romans 8:28 says, ‘God uses all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ So struggling with alcoholism and being able to overcome that was a witness to my father. Being present for my kids was a witness to my father.

The Bak family all grown up aboard a family cruise in 2013.

Working on my marriage with my wife was a witness to my father. God was working it all out for our good!”

Taking charge About this time, Dirk’s mentor Karl had given him a prayer for sexual healing.

“Karl knew of my sexual promiscuity before Amy. He said that if we don’t confess the sins in our life, that gives Satan a toe-hold. You have to identify the problems. God was laying all this junk back in front of me, and as I prayed about them I felt lifted from them.”

At a Men of Valor retreat in 2016, Dirk met Raul Sanchez. Dirk hoped Raul would mentor him but figured it was a long shot since Dr. Sanchez’s time is booked. God worked it out and Raul agreed. In fact, he said he’d been praying about someone to mentor.

Things were getting better, and Dirk and Amy were being proactive about their relationship. They started a Dare training, learning how to help others struggling in marriage (based on the Love Dare book and study).

Dirk and Amy started being intentional about spending quality time together. They didn’t want their marriage to be held together solely by the pursuit of kids – they started pursuing each other.

They shared, “As the months go by we’re like a couple of buddies. We’re going to ride bikes, going hiking, going to the movies. Like dating.

Things we should have done at the beginning. We went through sobriety and still weren’t feeling it’s how it should be. We almost needed to start over so we could do things right.”

Surviving to thriving In the years since then, Dirk and Amy have mentored other couples through Sunnybrook’s marriage mentor program. Not wanting to lose sight of their own growth. Dirk shared, “In 2017, we were being marriage mentored again by Karl and Laurie. We wanted more. We wanted to go from good to great.”

Dirk and Amy decided to do the prayer for sexual healing again and agreed they would abstain from sex.

The problem was they never set a time to come back together. Dirk said, “The

months started stacking up. Finally, I’m on my knees to God crying out to end this. That morning something happened to Amy in our kitchen.”

Amy said, “I was praying, reading my devotions, dwelling on old junk. ‘Lord, why am I feeling like this? I’ve given this up but it feels like I’m still hanging on. I can’t take this anymore, You need to take it!” I heard God say, ‘Get down on your knees.’ I looked around – did I really hear that! Again, ‘Get down on your knees.’ I did it. This feeling came over me. This WHOOSH. I can’t describe it, but I knew he had taken it. I knew he heard me.”

Amy & Dirk, best buddies, snap a selfie while out hiking Sept. 2018.

Dirk got home that evening and everything changed, “We made love several times over the weekend.

I wanted to talk about what was happening with us – with God. I started writing down everything that has been going on and asked Amy to do that too. We figured out that our prayers happened the same morning.

We realized what God had done.”

Dirk recalled something Raul had asked at a marriage retreat last year (They actually helped with this one), “Dr. Sanchez asked the question, ‘What story are you believing?’ The Holy Spirit directed me back to a time when we were dating, and I remembered telling my mom that I loved Amy and she was the one. God was reminding me that Amy was a gift he had given me. Our story had become ‘She got pregnant, and we had

BETTER / Life to get married.’”

Amy agreed, “We kind of lost our story of why we first fell in love.”

How YOUR marriage can thrive Dirk offers the following tips: 1. Admit you need help - if you don’t you’ll never get headed in the right direction.

2. Resolve to do whatever it takes. It will take hard work.

3. Get God at the center: Get in the Bible. Pray. Go to church.

4. Get in a support group.

Husband: Get in a men’s group, get honest, confess. (Proverbs 27:17) Wife: Get in a women’s group with the mindset you need to repair, not leave.

5. Seek counsel.

6. Don’t quit - Amy and I have worked through many layers. The work becomes harder, but the reward is worth everything.

Amy gives this encouragement: “Our marriage, especially the beginning years, were extremely difficult. What I’m finding now is God has created purpose from the ashes of our past. He helped us see the areas where we needed to work as individuals and as a couple. He created a willing heart in us, put the right people in our lives, and gave us a process to become different people.

We each became the person the other deserved. We became the gift for each other that God planned us to be. Through it all I never stopped trusting God. If someone reading this is having their heart strings tugged, maybe, just maybe, God is inviting you into a journey. To a place inside where you haven’t visited for a long time. I pray it’s in that place that you can trust, though it may be painful and it seems so dark, God is with you. He wants to be with you, to hold you, to encourage you, and guide you through a process of healing. I pray you never doubt and trust the process.

Amen.”

If your marriage isn’t thriving, contact Sunnybrook Church to find out about marriage mentoring.

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Here's looking Here's when not to be #1 and what to do just in case at you with shannon stewart

with shari black

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Shari Black, Mary Kay Director, can help you rectify your skin issues before your big event!

Set up an appointment with Shari for a free, no obligation skin analysis. Our app shows what condition your skin is in and what products can help. www.marykay.com/sblack10011 Email: shariblack31@gmail.com 330-310-4569

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art of being successful in life is knowing what to watch out for. If you knew what the most common cause of death is for people in America, could you do something to improve your odds? Sure. Will you?

Before you answer, there’s something you may not have thought about.

Shannon Stewart with Family Heritage gives a few key factors to consider that go beyond the physical.

What's my biggest risk?

Heart disease.

“Heart disease is the most common cause of death for all people. Not surprising since 50% of people have at least one risk factor for heart problems: heredity, high cholesterol, tobacco use, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, diabetes, etc.

Adults aren't the only ones either.

Congenital heart defects affect 40,000 infants each year.”

What should I do about it?

The obvious.

“Given the fact that the leading cause of death is heart related, there are many things you can do to protect yourself physically. Find out what those are and do those things.

What you might not think about.

If you end up being one of the one million Americans who will have a heart attack this year, what will your financial fallout be? Did you

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

know that 62% of bankruptcies are medically related – even though 78% of the time people had insurance?”

What could I do to prepare?

Give yourself or your family a gift.

“Lead a healthy life, do what you can but protect yourself financially too.

We offer policies that protect you from life-changing events like heart disease, bad accidents, and cancer. This covers your expenses including bills and even travel expenses. You get the money directly to pay for what you need it for.

This is the really great part: If you never use it, we return it all back. If you use some of it, you get back what you didn't use. It's a tax-free way to pass on wealth to the next generation – even if you outlive the policies.

Whether you end up being #1 when you don't want to be, you can be prepared for it.”

Call Shannon today and take action so you’re prepared even if you become #1.

Shannon Stewart Siouxland agent

Family Heritage 712-251-7482 www.FamilyHeritageLife.com E: ShannonSFHL@gmail.com

Family playing ball photo by Spotmatik Ltd /Shutterstock.com

or special events, Mary Kay director, Shari Black, sees something that often gets overlooked or thought about too late.

“A lot of women concentrate on color makeup rather than being concerned about their skin care and the condition of it. My opinion is your makeup doesn’t matter. If your skin isn’t in good shape, nothing will make that look better.

“Brides spend so much on their dress and photographer but what people will look at is your face. The time to think about optimizing your skin, so it’s healthy and glowing, is several months before your wedding or event. If your skin is in good condition, your makeup will look great. Investing just $30 a month ($1 a day) will give you long term results well past your big day.”

BETTER / Life

Ready for some victory over anxiety and fear? by pastor doug collins

When I know that He created me with a purpose and He loves me, it frees me from concern about how I am perceived. I become aware that only the opinion of my Creator and Savior matters. John, a follower of Jesus, said, “Perfect love drives away fear.”

(1 John 4.18 NIV)

Photo by zhao jiankang: Shutterstock.com

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nxiety may be the word most used of late to describe our modern condition. If you, or someone you know is suffering from the influences of anxiety or fear in your life, you are not alone, and there is hope.

Anxiety is the result of being caught between your multiple, incomplete perceptions and a failure to grasp the truth.

Here’s what I mean by that. If you perceive that you are overweight (for example), you may be correct. That doesn’t mean you should feel anxious.

Instead, a healthy response falls between acceptance of this truth and a desire to do something about it. But anxiety enters the equation when I am concerned about my weight AND I believe others are judging me because of it, OR if I feel powerless to change the situation.

Fear, in this context, would be a level of anxiety that is debilitating.

In the example above, it would look like staying home and avoiding social situations because of anxiety over how you are perceived. Fear will freeze you in place.

You can be free from anxiety and fear.

The first thing to know is that it is very rare for growth to happen in a

place of comfort. Whatever end result we hope for, we will have to do things that are not easy in order to get there.

This is opposite of an ideology that influences our world today. I see more and more people doing everything they can to avoid discomfort. While no one welcomes or embraces pain, being uncomfortable at times cannot be avoided. I must decide what I want and what I am willing to do to get there.

Knowing the truth, embracing it in a healthy way, and then acting to quiet the noise of wrong perceptions is an effective path toward dealing with anxiety. There are many levels of truth in this world, but the highest form involves a recognition of the presence of God and an understanding of how much He loves us.

I have overcome a few nearly debilitating areas of anxiety in my own life by learning that truth. I am free from concern about how I am perceived as I realize who I am in relation to God. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.32 NIV) The truth is that God loves each one of us exactly how we are and desires to lead us to being exactly how He designed us to be. Sin created more than separation, it created doubt, fear, and anxiety.

But I have to do more than just accept it in my mind. God calls me to enter into a relationship with Him through faith in the shed blood of Jesus. He is willing to wash all of my failures and shortcomings away IF I will just ask. That is embracing truth in a healthy way. From there, He leads me into a process of being healed from what I have done, what others have done to me, and my collected hurts and scars. I get the privilege of a daily walk with the ultimate physician, and He heals me from the things that have imprisoned me.

Sometimes anxiety tries to return.

I do not allow it. When feelings of inadequacy and failure arise, I speak back to them with truth. Because, with God, I have nothing to fear…and you don’t need to either.

Pastor Doug Collins is a graduate of Morningside College with degrees in psychology and religious studies. He has pastored for the last 14 years serving at Radiant Life for the past 10 years.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for Sunday services or if you need help navigating life and meeting God, just call.”

Radiant Life Community Church

2410 W 1st St, Sioux City, IA 712-899-5562 Radiant Life Community Church Services: Sunday at 10:30 AM

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Hero died.

But that’s not the end of the story. with pastor gene stockton

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hat is the significance of Easter? For you, it may be a day of fun, baskets of candy, and a mysterious bunny. You may enjoy having family and friends over for a meal.

Some will buy new clothes and attend a church service, even if it’s just this one time every year, because it’s tradition. The real deal of Easter involves God, His Son Jesus, and you. If you don’t know the story or why it’s important, now is a good time to hear some good news.

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This sinless God-man named Jesus, the wise teacher, the great miracle worker, was about to draw his last breath. The cross seemed to deliver a final blow to Jesus on that Friday. As death loomed, Jesus uttered the words, “It is finished.”

He had paid the penalty for our sin that no one else could pay. The officials must have thought they had finally done away with him. He was dead. That was true on Friday, but not on Sunday. Come Sunday the grave was empty.

Sin had been defeated, and now death is also defeated. Oh, it was Friday, but now, it’s Sunday!

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? In the Bible, the Apostle Paul explained... …Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive… 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 ESV First, the resurrection is key to the gospel. Paul reminds us that the gospel, or good news, is the message of God’s saving work in Christ. Paul makes a simple list of the elements of the gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, then was raised from the dead. These simple elements declare the victory of Jesus over sin and death.

SO, WHAT IF JESUS WASN’T RAISED FROM THE DEAD? Let’s go a little further in 1 Corinthians 15.

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised… And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 1 Corinthians 15:12-13, 17-18 ESV Basically, without the resurrection there is no gospel – no good news. Why? Because Jesus can’t be the Messiah (Christ) if he’s dead. Unless he is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, we have no hope to be raised to eternal life once we die.

Consequently, Paul made it clear that anyone who did not

Photo by Romolo Tavani Shutterstock.com

The

On Friday despair had set in. (Hang in there, this comes together as good news) Doubt and fear plagued the minds of the disciples of Jesus. Jesus was arrested on Thursday night and was quickly sentenced to death on the cross. The crowd cried out, “Crucify Him.” He was scourged so badly he would have been unrecognizable and physically empty. If that wasn’t enough, he was mocked and a crown of thorns was pressed onto his head. Afterward, Jesus was forced to carry his cross up the hill to Golgotha but collapsed. After arriving at the “place of the skull,” Jesus’ feet and hands were nailed to the cross. Jesus hung there on that cross, suffocating and in intense pain.

BETTER / Life hold to the gospel could not be saved.

Saved from what? The penalty of your sins which means eternal condemnation and separation from God. Only by believing the good news about what Jesus’ death accomplished could we be saved from God’s judgment. Salvation comes through belief in the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection and no other way. Romans 10:9 says, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Let’s be clear, Jesus died for a specific purpose. He wasn’t a criminal. He died for our sins. He was the lamb that was without spot and blemish, sacrificed for us.

As the prophet Isaiah writes, Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV The Apostle Peter echoes, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 ESV

them.” Once Jesus’ disciples saw him they were totally convinced. Though they were followed, harassed, arrested, jailed, beaten, and so on, they never stopped sharing their experience and good news of Jesus.

ACCEPT God’s free gift of salvation.

Don’t try to earn it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? Believing and accepting that Christ died and rose again, for you, is a critical issue for you to settle. The consequences of your conclusion are eternal. The Apostle John makes it clear that those who do not believe are condemned already. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18 ESV

Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus already did for us!

What does condemned mean? You will suffer in hell for eternity. But this doesn’t have to be our story! This is why the gospel means good news. It is your only path to eternal life through Christ, Jesus our Lord and Savior.

INVITE Jesus Christ to come into your life and be the director/master (“Lord”) of your life. John 1:12-13 says, But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, not of human lineage, or of human capacity, or of human volition but of God. Praise God that Jesus died for our sins on the cross and He was raised on the third day. The hope of Easter is the resurrected Christ. The Hero died, but by his resurrection, his life guarantees our salvation and resurrection! This is just the beginning!

A Work in Progress, Pastor Gene

Here’s what each of us needs to do to have eternal life with Jesus: Get alone with God and talk to Him.

Allow me to emphasize. Jesus was buried, but he was raised on the third day. Don’t miss this point. He died but was raised to life on the third day. We serve a risen Christ.

ADMIT that God has not been first place in your life, and ask Him to forgive your sins. John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

IS THERE EVIDENCE? I can honestly say that there is plenty of evidence of Christ’s resurrection.

Our faith in Jesus is not a blind faith. Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15? He said Jesus spent 40 days after his resurrection from the dead hanging out with people. Jesus appeared to hundreds of people – many who were still living. He was basically saying, “If you need proof – go ask

BELIEVE that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that he rose again on Easter, and is alive today. Romans 10:9 says, if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Acts 4:12 reads, There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.

Pastor Gene Stockton has pastored Heartland Church for 14 years.

“If you, too, are a work in progress, join us on Sunday mornings, for weekly groups, or reach out to me if you’d like to talk.”

Heartland Church

2201 W 19th St, Sioux City, IA 712-255-5989 . www.hcbchurch.org Services: Sunday at 8:30 & 11:00 AM

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BETTER / Life

◆Counseling for families, couples, children, and individuals ◆Free mental health assessments for students ◆EAP provider, Medicare, Medicaid, insurance accepted ◆Sliding fee scale available 1601 Military Road ∙ Sioux City, IA 51103 ∙ (712) 252-4547 ∙ www.cathchar.com Ready to help those in need in the Siouxland area? The Gospel Mission helps to house, feed, clothe, and disciple those struggling in our community. They also help them find jobs, teach money management skills, help them overcome alcoholism, help them get their GED and move toward a bright future.

Here are ways you can help

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Donate household items to our thrift stores. Bring items in person or schedule a pickup.

FINANCES Donate online with cash gifts or pledges. We also accept company matching gifts, stocks and securities, real estate and deferred gifts.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

The Gospel Mission

500 Bluff St., Sioux City, IA 712-255-1769 www.thegospelmission.org

Woman donating photo by SpeedKingz : Shutterstock.com

FOOD Donate food items to our kichen and pantry. We provide three meals a day so non-perishables are needed.

BETTER / Life

Food

BETTER

Easter

Eats & Treats Photo Mark Karrer

Carrot bags

Kids will go nuts over these carrot-inspired bags filled with cheese balls! Simply cut off the seal edge from a gallon-size storage bag. Pour a scoop of cheese balls into one corner of the bag, gather together, and tie with a green curling ribbon. Want to be really crazy - fill them with baby carrots instead. Perfect for friends who are still rockin’ their resolution.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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Easter

Eats & Treats

Lamb bread pull-apart

It’s not about the bunny - it’s about the Lamb! (That would be Jesus.) That’s why this bread lamb is perfect for your Easter gathering - and it’s soooo easy. Thaw 12 Rhodes’ bread dough balls (about an hour or so).

Flatten one ball out for a head and place on a greased cookie sheet. Cut another ball in half and flatten - ear and tail. Cut another in half and roll like pencils then loop for feet. Cut the remaining balls into sixths and use for the body except two. Cut those into smaller pieces for the top of the head. Add a raisin for the eye.

Cover with greased wax paper and let rise for half an hour. Remove paper and gently brush with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds over top of head and body. Bake at 3500 12-15 min. Great to serve with a dip.

Body pieces can have some gaps in-between to allow for expanding during rising time.

Jesus’ peeps

Great for egg hunt prizes, Sunday School treats, or reminder of Easter’s meaning for coworkers and friends. Put marshmallow treats in a sandwich bag and add your own message or print our version available free on our website.

Go to BeingBetterMagazine.com and click View Magazines for the link.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Photos: Peeps background by sunwart: Shutterstock.com. Food photos by Mark Karrer

Resurrection rolls

are a great morning tradition to help visualize the empty tomb Easter morning. Kids will have fun helping to make these and eat them! You’ll need 8 large marshmallows, a package of refrigerated crescent dough (8 rolls), 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 t. cinnamon. Preheat oven to 3500. Melt butter in a small bowl. Combine cinnamon and sugar in another bowl. Unroll crescent dough into 4 sections. Instead of separating each into 2 triangles, press perforations together, then cut into 2 rectangles. Dip a marshmallow (representing Jesus) into butter, roll in cinnamon mixture and place in the center of one dough rectangle.

Pull up sides of dough and press edges together. Dip into butter and coat in cinnamon sugar and place in a greased muffin cup. Repeat for others. Bake about 15 min. Carefully remove from pan. Cut to reveal that the marshmallow (Jesus) is no longer in the tomb.

BETTER / Food

Benefits of family dinners

Food

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Photo credit: Clockwise from top: Monkey Business Images, Valery121283, Lotus Images, Gunyanut Wongpanit, Nelli Syrotynska, Teri Virbickis/ Shutterstock.com

ith busy schedules it almost feels selfish to want to have everyone around the table for a meal. According to research, it’s not selfish and it’s also not unimportant - quite the opposite. Families who regularly eat together are shown to have less risk of depression and substance abuse, lower rates of obesity or likelihood of developing an eating disorder. There’s better academic performance, higher self-esteem, greater resilience, and a lower risk of teen pregnancy. Plus, kids learn social skills like appropriate dinner conversation, manners, and taking turns. Families feel connected and have a stronger bond which keeps lines of communication open. This asset will prove useful when you have teens.

If your schedule is busy, don’t fret. Homemade by Jessique in Emerson, NE already has supper made. Grab a few of her freezer meals and you’ll be ready to take on the week and finding time for dinner may just be a little more doable. Great family bonding and benefits are on the way. Pull up a chair.

Homemade by Jessique Emerson, NE . 402-499-0929 Delivery in Siouxland area To see what’s cookin’ find us on Facebook Homemade By Jessique

Homemade favorites like lasagna, chicken enchiladas, and chicken pot pie are always cookin’.

Are hemp seeds safe?

Q. Are spices good for me?

A. “Spices are concentrated sources of antioxidants,” says Diane Vizthum, M.S.,R.D., research nutritionist for the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

(Anti-oxidants protect your cells from damage.)

Here are a few common spices and some of their benefits.

Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree.

Studies indicate it can lower blood sugar levels and offer heart-healthy benefit.

W

hen someone mentions hemp you may think of marijuana.

While hemp seeds (technically a nut) are from the same species as cannabis (marijuana), they are a different variety and the shell contains only trace amounts of THC, the

psychoactive compound in marijuana.

Hemp seeds are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and various minerals. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids. Hemp seeds are a great protein source, as more than 25% of their total calories are from high-quality protein. Studies show that eating hemp seeds may reduce your risk of heart disease, may benefit skin disorders, reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause and aid digestion.

Enjoy hemp seeds sprinkled over lots of things like salads, smoothies, egg dishes, and avocado toast.

Q&A

Turmeric contains curcumin.

Research suggests it may reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s and depression.

Ginger has been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years to treat tummy troubles, diarrhea, and nausea.

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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BETTER / Food

Chomp It’s time to do something different! We get in a rut of eating the same foods. We need a little adventure. Let’s shake things up and try something new. No matter what your taste or guilty pleasure, Palmer Specialty Foods (inside the Palmer Candy store), absolutely has something for everyone. Ready to dig in? We’ve got some suggestions.

Burgers & BBQ

Sip Tea & Honey

We know you have your favorite tea, but maybe you’re missing something even better! How does Lemon Sorbetti organic green tea sound? Maybe you want your green tea to have a little kick.

Perhaps Hot Cinnamon Spice organic green tea would spice things up. Like a little sweetness?

Koinzan Honey locally produced in Dakota City is the squeeze you need.

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Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Burger photo Mikhaylovskiy, tea by Wiro.Klyngz/ Shutterstock.com. Product photos by Mark Karrer.

Amp up your burgers with Burger Seasonings by Gourmet Village. There’s a peppercorn blend, hearty garlic, and spicy chipotle blend in the same package. Try all three yourself or invite your friends and let them choose their blend. If you’re tacklin’ some ribs, Rufus Teague’s Meat Rub is where you start.

As Rufus says, “A man doesn’t need a smart brain to cook, just a smart tongue.” Take it even further with a variety of BBQ sauces. Try a blues inspired Sweet & Tangy sauce by The Shed or something completely out of the box like Pecanwood Smoke & Bourbon Vanilla by Kettlewood.

BETTER / Food

Partake

Items in blue available at

Palmer Specialty Foods (located inside Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe) 405 Wesley Parkway, Sioux City, IA 712-258-7790 www.palmerspecialtyfoods.com

Gluten-free & Good

Pasta photo by OLEKSANDR SHEVCHENKO, ice cream by Charles Place, brownie by Moonstone_Photography/Shutterstock.com.

Gluten restrictions don’t have to restrict food fun! Go crazy with gluten-free Garlic Parsley Pasta by al dente and top it with gluten-free Butternut Squash sauce with garlic, onions, roasted red peppers is a gold medal winner for Best Pasta Sauce by Dave’s Gourmet. (By the way, for dessert, check out the Hot Fudge sauce below.)

Chocolate & Caramel

For a super-easy dessert that looks special, Stonewall Kitchen’s Sea Salt Caramel Brownie Mix could not be easier. Add eggs and butter and - BOOM - you’ve got brownies. Stir in a little milk and you’re drizzling caramel on the top.

Sprinkle on the sea salt/sanding sugar, and you’re a rock star. To ramp up most any dessert, including a scoop of ice cream, grab a jar of Fran’s Caramel Sauce or Paradigm’s Bourbon & Butter Caramel sauce. If it has to be chocolate, be decadent and try Sander’s Extra Dark Chocolate Hot Fudge over pretty much anything (it’s even gluten-free).

Savor

Devour

www.beingbettermagazine.com / Feb/Mar/Apr 2020

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BETTER / Food

[

Food focus

Expiration date: Never

Sweet, sweet

Honey

Honey never spoils. A pot of honey found in an ancient Egyptian tomb was proved to be as wholesome as fresh honey.

Honey comes in several forms from comb, crystallized, liquid, and whipped. Besides being an amazing natural sweetener, honey has many benefits from a sore-throat soother to a natural energy booster and more.

Filtered vs. unfiltered honey

According to The Sioux Honey Assoc., “Filtered honey is pure, natural honey, just like raw and unfiltered honey. It’s not considered inferior in any way. It’s just different. The filtering process (which is what we do with our classic Sue Bee® honey) simply removes visible particles that come from the hive. Raw and unfiltered honey, on the other hand, is strained, allowing more of the pollen to remain in the honey.”

Honey facts

Honey coffee scrub

Revive your winter skin with this DIY scrub that will moisturize, exfoliate, and leave your skin feeling fantastic! Combine 2 cups of sugar or salt, ½ cup coffee grounds (used are fine) 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tsp raw honey. Store in a covered container. To use, slather it on, avoiding sensitive areas, step into the shower and rinse off.

Easy garlic

Honey chicken Ingredients

6 boneless chicken thighs or half breasts Salt and pepper 2 teaspoons garlic powder 6 cloves garlic, crushed 1/3 cup honey 1/4 cup water (or chicken broth) 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium high heat; sear chicken on both sides until browned and chicken is cooked through. (For bone-in or thicker pieces, after browning cover and put into a 4000F oven for 20-30 minutes and finish cooking until no pink remains inside.)

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Finishing

When chicken is done and cooked through, arrange pieces skin-side up (if cooking with skin); add the garlic between the chicken and sauté about 30 seconds. Stir in honey, water, vinegar, and soy sauce. Over medium-high heat continue to cook another 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces down and thickens. Serve chicken over rice and top with sauce and sesame seeds and green onions if you like.

Being Better in Siouxland magazine / Spring 2020

Photo credit: Clockwise from top: sergey kolesnikov, Jar Oksana Shufrych, 279photo Studio, Tatiana Volgutova, Tsekhmister/Shutterstock.com

• Honey is naturally free of allergens.

• 99% of the bee colony is made up of female worker bees. Male drone bees don’t have a stinger - their only job is to mate with the queen.

• Honey is the only food produced by an insect that humans eat.

• Honey bees visit millions of blossoms in their lifetime.

• Honey color is determined by what type of flower the nectar comes from.

Photo credit: Clockwise from top: Shutterstock.com

BETTER / Life

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