FEB-MARCH 2016 FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE

FOOD FOR SOUL

M A G A Z I N E Made in the Likeness of God Pg. 5-7

Kitchen Basics for Kids Pg. 9-10

Faith through the Fire Pg. 11-13

Abba Abba Pg. 14

Teamwork Story on T.E.A.M

Pg. 17-20

Superman Pg. 21-22

Just Married Pg. 23-24

Food For Soul Is a menu of inspirational articles, and information to encourage a deliberate lifestyle physically, emotionally, but most important spiritually. Food For Soul serves up recipes for the kitchen, as well as for life! The contributing writers come from all different backgrounds, professions, and experiences that contribute much inspiration!

The magazine is a ministry tool to connect communities with outreach organizations and missions.

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Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) ‌to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

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www.foodforsoulmagazine.com Disclaimer of Content Food for Soul assumes no responsibility for the relevance, accuracy, completeness or quality of information provided in this magazine or on the website. Liability claims against Food for Soul which refer to damage of a material or immaterial nature caused by use or disuse of the provided information, or the use of incorrect and incomplete information, are excluded unless Food for soul is at fault through intention or negligence. All tips, and offers through advertisement and or articles and content provided by contributing writers are subject to change and are non-binding. Food for Soul reserves the right to change, add to, delete and temporarily or permanently alter and or edit articles , commentaries, and content in part or in its entirety without prior notice. Any and all information pertaining to health, medical, or mental well-being is provided for reading entertainment purpose offering alternative tips by your choosing not to diagnose or treat any condition. We advise that you speak to your doctor before adding or changing a regimen in your diet and or medication.

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A Word from the Publisher Greetings and a warm welcome to our 13th issue of Food for Soul Magazine! We couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity to bring to our reading audience pages of awe-inspiring articles, information, and recipes for the soul and the kitchen. Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. You will notice each page is filled with material to enhance, encourage, and provide practical ways to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.

You can look at one category at a time, or examine the articles page by page to choose which to read first. Just as with any paper magazine, you can choose to sit and read the whole thing at once, or come back to this issue several times to digest the articles more leisurely.

We established this on-line magazine to promote a strong deliberate life-style of giving and a heart to serve. What you will find in the pages of Food for Soul Magazine, is a collection of inspiring, educational articles written by actual, honest, down-toearth folks who work hard to live deliberately, but who are not afraid to admit the struggles that we often sometimes experience.

We are honored to share the work of committed people who live their lives with a purpose and a plan to promote a work that will help many.

Feel free to leave comments and share your thoughts or ask the authors a question.

We appreciate your support and are so pleased to have you as a reader of Food for Soul Magazine.

With warmest thanks,

Brenda Graff

Brenda A. Graff FOUNDER Food For Soul Magazine Being a former news reporter sparked a great desire in me to continue writing and researching, but with a purpose to help others. Being a wife, and mom of six has had its challenges, but it has taught me much along the journey and to utilize the experience to ignite a passion for positive change in our communities. Much time is spent on projects, and ministry.

I am Grandmother of two, and when I’m not wrapped up with family or community…spend many hours working on my God-given passion, which is pen to paper with a purpose!

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

www.foodforsoulmagazine.com

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rickbrown1life2love.com

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Made in the Likeness of God -Nancy McDade Have you ever spent much time around a group of young children? It is fascinating just to watch how they interact with each other.

One may be busy, busy, busy preparing a meal in the toy kitchen while another is walking around chatting away on a toy cell phone. Another may be gathering all her friends for a pretend trip to the library. Even from an early age, children have little personalities. One may be helpful, another is assertive, one may possess leadership qualities, another may be a peace-maker, and the list goes on and on. It has been my observation that these traits are present even before a child enters a classroom.

I have heard it said that "no matter how many children a person has, each child will be different." As a parent you ask: "Why is Johnny completely different from Jack?" Did one come from Jupiter and the other from Mars? I know that is true with our two sons.

They are totally different, and quite unique in their own special ways. One is quiet and sort of shy, the other is outgoing and usually sort of loud. One is a nurturer and looks out for everyone around him. The other is easy going and just loves to have fun.

The answer is "no" one is not from Jupiter and the other from Mars, although, on some days, it may seem that way. It is actually by God's design that Johnny is completely different from Jack. Stop for a minute and just imagine how this world would be if everyone had the same personality. If everyone was assertive we would have a lot of chiefs and no indians. Or, if nobody was detail oriented, who would catch the glitches? It takes all kind of people for society to function properly.

The Bible says in Genesis 1:27 that "God created mankind in his own image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. “I believe that it is no mistake that each child is very unique, with no two personalities the same. God, in His infinite wisdom, designed us that way. As I pondered this thought, I came to the conclusion that God possesses many characteristics, far more than we can even imagine with our human, earthly mind. As God formed each child, He did it with a purpose, a specific God given plan for that child's life. It is no accident that one child is a nurturer and another is a problem solver. I believe that all of these personalities give us a glimpse at the many characteristics of God. He knew exactly how to design each one of us to accomplish His plan for our lives.

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So, if it is by design that God created each person uniquely, is it not our responsibility, as adults, to look for the good in each child and to strive to help that trait grow? In other words, emphasize the positives that a child has and downplay the negatives that may be present. If a child is really good at something, tell him so. As parents, sometimes we can become frustrated when our children don't perform like other children.

Realizing that God created each child uniquely should help us, as parents, to embrace their uniqueness. Instead of pushing against the tide, why not go with the flow? If Johnny enjoys playing baseball, then let him play baseball and never try to force him to be something that he is not.

As children grow into adults, we all play an important role in the body of Christ and in society as a whole. Not everyone is a hand, one is an eye. Not everyone is a mouth, one is an ear. (1st Corinthians 12) To be an ear you must be a good listener. God can use you to listen to someone who may hurting inside. To be a hand you must be a helper or a giver.

God can use you to give to those who are struggling financially. To be a mouth, you must be assertive. Just as our bodies are made up of many parts and all the parts play their own unique role for our bodies to function properly, each person has God given qualities that contribute to the well-being of society as a whole. Therefore, we should ask God to show us how He wants to use us, specifically, and then follow what He says.

Although each of us is unique, embracing our own uniqueness can be very difficult as an adult or even as a child if someone, along the way, has belittled us for that trait or has taken advantage of us. Parents and adults in general must be very careful in the words they choose to speak over children and over other people. Children are incredibly smart and their brains are like sponges. They hear and absorb everything around them, both the good and the bad. A negative word, spoken in haste, can leave a lasting impression in the mind of a child.

Fingerprints are formed before birth, and grow with the growth of hands. Fingerprints come out from the interior fleshes of the skin. Even Siamese twins have varying fingerprints.

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"Mommy said I am always slow so I must not be as good as the other kids at sports."

Words can build up or words can tear down.

The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 "the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." So, if we want Johnny to be successful then let's speak life over him. Let's tell him how smart he is, what a great friend he is, how kind and giving he is. Don't allow one bad choice to cause us to speak negativity over our children. Remember God shows us grace and mercy and we need to show that to our kids and to others.

Even as we try to embrace our uniqueness, often times, we get caught in the trap of comparing ourselves to others. (I think social media probably contributes to some degree) This is never a good idea. Just because your neighbor up the street is a great cook, does not mean that you have to be a great cook too. Or maybe your mom or dad always compared you to your sister or brother.

Maybe you feel like you never quite measured up to the mark. Maybe kids at school told you that you were "not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough."

Nancy is a wife, mother of two boys, and a registered nurse for 21 years.

She enjoys writing, reading, camping, and spending time with family. She is A Warrior Princess for God – A powerfully prayerful soul.

Well, I have good news! God says: "you are good enough, you are smart enough, and wow, you are beautiful." In His eyes, you are so incredibly special and unique. You are like a priceless, rare jewel, a hidden treasure, a diamond in the rough. There is NOBODY else on earth like you. The Bible says "God chooses the foolish to confound the wise."

(1st Corinthians 1:27) God rarely chooses the eloquent and dignified. As a matter of fact, you are so incredibly special that Jesus gave His very life for you. He loves you flaws and all!! So it's ok, go ahead and let those chains of "not measuring up “fall off. Just imagine all that you could do if the chains were unshackled and the TRUE YOU was allowed to shine. Jesus has paid that price for your total freedom and peace. (Isaiah 53:5) As we embrace that freedom and peace, the Bible says that we are called to be "a light on a hill." Isn't it true that light is seen the brightest where there is darkness? It is no mistake that God places light in dark places.

Maybe right now you feel like you stick out like a sore thumb. (I know I feel that way very often) I think God intended that. Jesus never "fit in" with the crowd. So if Jesus never fit in then why should we be afraid to be real? God says: "Just be who YOU ARE. " God loves you and He NEVER makes mistakes. So, embrace uniqueness in yourself and in others. And last but most important of all: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. 7

FOOD FOR SOUL Feed yourself some soul food by ordering one of these books we recommend.

These are a few top picks read. I found them to be spiritually life-altering. -Brenda Graff Need growth? More intimate relationships? A heart transplant? I recommend the following goodreads! These books are available through Amazon

Discover what a ME-free world looks like, starting here.

How something positive can be salvaged from every agonizing experience, even when your faith has truly been tried by fire.

The Extravagant Fool is about encountering God with an uncommon intimacy.

Freedom that comes when we stop acting and start loving.

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Kitchen Basics for Kids Spending time in the kitchen with your family helps children to develop a positive connection not only with family but to all different types of foods including fruits and vegetables. They are more likely to try to eat something they would have otherwise never considered because they were hands on. Forming a positive experience with fresh foods is so important because healthy foods are the foundation for good nutrition.

Children will also learn basic cooking skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

Children learn by touching, tasting, feeling, smelling, and listening. They love activities in the kitchen because they can use all senses in the preparation and cooking.

Cooking with kids provides practical experience with many essential skills such as reading, following directions, and measuring. Getting involved in cooking helps your child to develop fine motor skills, eye hand coordination, and even early concepts of math and science. There are just so many great benefits to cooking with kids.

Finally, cooking with kids is great family time. It is an opportunity to meal plan, look for recipes and share ideas on why and how to make meals healthier for the whole family.

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Pizza with Pizzazz Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread 4 oz. tomato sauce 2 tsp. Basil chopped 1 tsp. Dried Parmesan ¼ tsp Sea salt ½ tsp Fennel seed ½ cup pepperoni (optional) 1 cup Mozzarella 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cut French bread lengthwise in half.

Brush tomato sauce on both halves, evenly sprinkle seasonings on both halves (leaving some for topping). Top with pepperoni, add cheese and remainder seasonings.

Bake on cookie sheet for 15-20 minutes, top with a drizzle of Olive Oil (Optional) This hearty homemade pizza bread can feed up to 5 or more depending on slices for as little as $7 and provide some useful learning skills in the kitchen for the kiddos. Always have an adult present.

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Faith through the Fire “There is nothing cliché about this statement…at least not in Justina’s testimony” –B.Graff

“Through the depths of tragedy I discovered that hope is the heartbeat of survival. My message to you is simply this: No matter what kind of trouble or pain you are dealing with, there is a way to rebound. You can stand on top of your circumstances.”

Award-winning author, Justina Page has a message to share with you. From her incredibly moving work writing about her family’s tragedy from a house fire to her Bible studies, fiction and non-fiction, Justina is clear about one thing.

With every word, she is focused on bringing you…

Click here to order at Amazon.com

Renewed Hope, Rekindled Purpose and Bold Faith.

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…Biblical therapy. It’s an extremely unique bible-based tool for emotional and spiritual health after a devastating experience.

Deirdra Curry – Breaking Barriers, Founder

“Justina is an inspirational speaker who enthralls her audience with her personal story of triumph, perseverance and prayer. She grabs her audience’ attention and keeps them listening throughout her powerful presentation. Her book is a testament to the power of prayer, perseverance and giving back!” -Ken Marsh, Dale Carnegie Training

This Bible Study series is designed for women who have a true desire to be God’s light and an example in this world.

Justina takes a look at biblical truths through unique perspectives that can be easily applied to your life.

WWW.THEAMOSHOUSE.ORG Click Here to Donate

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Faith and Fire

By Justina Page — 13th Oct, 2015 The Mother of His Children He knelt on one knee. The tiny box appeared out of nowhere. My heart skipped a beat. This is it…he’s going to ask me. “Tina”, he said in the most loving voice, “Will you be the Mother of my children?” Not exactly the question I anticipated but a far more superior one. This man was thinking of a future. He trusted me to guide his home and shape his offspring. I saw him as the future I dreamed of. I Said, “Yes”. We were married 3 months later. Ten years into the journey we were blessed with six beautiful baby boys. Four single births and a set of twins. My husband was a Senior Electrical Engineer for a Holland Based Engineering firm.

He was also the head deacon and worship leader. I was a homeschool mom, Sunday school teacher, and the children’s activity coordinator at our church. My whole life revolved around my children. Our lives were full of activity, excitement, and service to God. Life was good and peaceful. Life was perfect.

Catastrophe Strikes On March 7, 1999 we awoke to explosions, immense heat, and darkness. “Oh my God the house is on fire!” My husband immediately throws me out of the window desperate to try and save his family. I re-enter the inferno in attempt to get to the twenty-two month old twins, who I knew could not follow a fire safety plan. I am trapped by a burning book case. My oldest son grabbed his three younger brothers and waited at the point. My husband is able to rescue them and they walk away by the grace of God with only first and second degree burns. The fire is so intense that my husband has to run around the block and jump over the neighbor’s back fence to get to the nursery where the twins were. He pulls one of the twins out.

He is severely burned. Then the crushing blow happens. The house caves in before my husband is able to rescue the last twin. We lose Amos on site. Me and the other twin suffer third degree burns over fifty-five percent of our bodies. My husband is told we would not make it. I awoke from a two-month coma, intubated and in excruciating pain.

My first thought: Who lived?

My second thought: Where is my God? A common thought amongst Christians especially when we are faced with adversity. God has taught me some valuable answers I would like to share with you:

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

God is not abuser and helper……God is good.

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

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

God makes all things beautiful in his time…beauty can come from ashes.

Stay Encouraged.

In your moment of trial…trust God. Your greatest pain can birth your most powerful purpose!

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Abba, Abba I was in church this morning. I was glad I was there. As we began the first praise song which ended with the lyrics “Here in the power of the love of Christ,” I looked around and saw a mother weaving to the beat of the music while holding her son tightly to her chest. Yes, here in the power of the love of Christ. This little one felt that power through his mother, and she probably had felt it through her parents. That power can be passed and passed and passed around.

As the pastor closed the sermon, I was mulling over what had been said and bowed my head, listening for the final prayer. Just as the pastor began his petition, there was another call which was even louder. A toddler, about 15 or 16 months old, was shouting in a little toddler voice, “Daddy, Daddy.”

Brenda McAninch Is a retired elementary school teacher and children's minister from a former church. She has written a book called, As the Ice Thaws, which is a journal of how God stepped into her life at a desperate time. She recently retired from tutoring at a local community college. She has two daughters and three grandchildren.

And isn’t what we worshipers were doing? Crying out to our Daddy, the One who comforts, guides, chastises, and is with us all the time?”

Even Jesus taught that God the Father was a “daddy” to us when he said, “you did not receive the spirit of bondage…but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’.”

Romans 8:15

Available at Amazon 14

John 3:16

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SONG TODAY!

Chris Gomez is a Contemporary Christian artist called to change lives through music and testimony. He is first a vessel for God and second a musician. Chris is a 19-year front man of popular rock cover bands. After a spiritual revelation, Gomez turned his life around, both spiritually and musically. For his new group’s debut, he said, his goal wasn’t to melt faces anymore. It was to save souls. Chris was a threetime award winner of 'Chattanooga's Entertainer of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com music editor. Invited to perform three times in the Chattanooga All Star Band at the annual Riverbend Festival. His group was chosen the Chattanooga Times Free Press Newspaper 'Cover Band of the Year'. His group was also a three-time award winner of 'Chattanooga's Party Band of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com music editor.

Despite the success in the Southeastern United States, Chris felt he’d found himself in an emotional abyss well below rock bottom in June of 2013. Estranged from his wife and still engaged in the kind of raucous behavior expected of a rock musician, he pleaded his life to God in an all-night rage of crying in humility. First with curses and later with heartfelt prayers, he told God he would do anything he wanted to just take the pain and conviction out of his heart. According to Chris, “I yelled at God ‘look at the voice and guitar skills you gave me! Send me out into the world to bring lives to you! I don’t care! I’ll do anything! Just please, take this pain and conviction out of my heart!”

When he woke up the next morning, he felt a sense of conviction and began making calls. His first was to his wife to ask if she was interested in reconciliation — she was — and the rest to his bandmates and venue owners explaining that he was severing ties with the club scene.

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

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

Chris will tell you, “When I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, I walked away from hard drugs in 2003 and never looked back.” Since then Chris has married the love of his life, Michelle, and returned to college to graduate as a Registered Nurse.

Since then, Chris has found a renewed sense of purpose and musical inspiration. He states, “I haven’t written these songs, God has written them through me. I am just his vessel here on Earth. I pray every day that he will use me for his glory as I feel he has huge plans for me. I am called to change lives through music, ministry and testimony. This is my purpose.”

Taken in part from an article published in the Chattanooga Times Free Press © 2014 Times Free Press

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T.E.A.M Puts a whole NEW meaning in TEAMWORK!

T.E.A.M. (Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1985 by thirteen local Tomball churches who envisioned a ministry in the community that would include a resale shop, food pantry and counseling for those in need. It is mostly run by volunteers with the support of local churches and community.

The building it operates out of was donated to the group by the Klein family in 1992.

T.E.A.M. assist over 12,000 people each year, and the numbers are growing.

They serve the Tomball I.S.D. zip codes which stretch as far as the Klein area.

Since Becky Loving has taken Directorship, there have been changes to their approach in serving clients. For instance, prior, those in need could only get financial help once every eight months. There was less of a screening process.

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Now, she insists that there is an overall assessment in every situation. She looks at each individual’s case with care. Perhaps an individual has lost their job due to illness, awaiting Social Security, or has had a sudden death in family where the only provider has passed on, and the one left behind is still searching for work. She mentioned that God doesn’t offer up assistance on a rotating monthly basis, so why should they. However, due to trying to meet the demands of needs in the community, it is vital to perform an extensive screening process so that the funds accumulated for help are indeed reaching those who really are in need.

Another plus is that their resale shop arose in sales from 11,000-15,000 plus a month since renovation which helps to cover client assistant rent, utilities, and sometimes gasoline for work or to travel to a doctor. There are cases where someone may need an auto repair to continue working and can’t afford the labor or parts, T.E.A.M. tries to find the most affordable ways to tackle this along with some funding help if available. They supply food for those struggling where 65% of food supply is purchased from the food bank. Other organizations such as National Charity League which recently donated $7,000 and Santikos Theatres $10,000, along with Tomball Health Coalition and other local churches have greatly helped to keep T.E.A.M. serving this community’s needs. Many of the churches in the Tomball area such as St. Anne, Tomball Bible Church, ChristBridge Fellowship, and others came together with a common vision to work together to meet the needs of the families in crisis in our community. In their “Visionary Meeting” they formed five committees: #1 The Computerization Committee – T.E.A.M. was greatly lacking the ability to input, track, and work efficiently without the ability to utilize computer hardware, and software. They needed a way to speed up the processes. Also to be able to transfer data to other community help centers with client information. This way when someone arrived for help, there would be a tracking on what had been taken care of already. It would enhance their assistance abilities by being able to send them to the right resources as well. This way if a client walked into another establishment for help, and was unable to attain it, then T.E.A.M. could plug them into another location that might be able to.

Chris Draper with Allstate came to the rescue. He walked into T.E.A.M one day with eight computers and asked if they could use them.

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#2 The Temporary Family Shelter Committee– There are no facilities closer than Houston, and Conroe shelters to house the homeless that land or come to the Tomball, which make it difficult for those without transportation. Occasionally, T.E.A.M. has helped by purchasing a hotel stay for a night, but that doesn’t help for long for a single mom who is left on the street. They are working in collaboration with The Housing Coalition of Harris County to provide rapid rehousing to homeless families in the Tomball area. Becky stated that “It’s a big concern of mine that we’re seeing more homeless women with children. These are women who have skills and who have had jobs in the past and are hardworking, these women have succumbed to circumstances that they had no control over such as losing a job or domestic issues where it was safest for them to leave the home.” #3 The Facilities Committee- Look for a building to expand its services. They are currently in a building that is needing external work, and running out of room. #4 Tomball's Benevolence Network- with the churches of the community. Bringing the whole community together to work as a ‘team’ in creating capabilities of care for those in crisis. #5 The Grant Committee– To enable the grants needed to successfully help those in legitimate need.

T.E.A.M. does more than hand out food, cover utilities, and rent. While I was there interviewing Director Becky Loving, there was a client in desperate need of dental work. This was not some quick-pull-a tooth fix. He needed his entire structure removed due to severity of damage and infection. These type of procedures can run into the thousands. However, with the help of TOMAGWA, which is a Christian ministry that provides quality health care, to uninsured, low-income families, and individuals in the Tri-County region of Harris, Montgomery and Waller Counties., and with the support of Tomball Health Coalition this man was able to receive the financial help to not only remove the issue, but to replace with some new teeth for as little as $800 with the client paying $150 out of pocket.

T.E.A.M. works hard to serve its community at approximately $18,000 a month going out to families in crisis with only two paid staff members, with rest being volunteers made up of nearly thirty individuals working between the resale shop, and the in-take center. Compare this to N.A.M. (Northwest Assistant Ministries 19

with eighty-five paid, and approximately 2,000 volunteers. T.E.A.M. is a small but determined group of folks who deeply care about the needs in this community.

Magnolia I.S.D. had partnered with T.E.A.M. by sending its first Special Ed Student to volunteer in the resale shop this past year in which, turned out to be such a blessing. Becky expressed that her special volunteer Chelsey, was truly a special girl! She not only became an asset for T.E.A.M and the Tomball community, but in turn was rewarded with the blessing of giving her time, and talents to serve. She had blossomed over the course of four months. The habits of her condition suddenly were broken. She became more extraverted in communicating with others, she grew in her ability to make eye contact, and soon grew with a great passion to want to continue to serve T.E.A.M. long after her graduation. She grew out of her condition!

T.E.A.M is not a permanent solution much like other resource centers, but they do desire to enable the legitimate needs to be met, and conquered, so that these families who have been struck by unforeseen circumstances can get back on their feet.

They need TEAM PLAYERS, people with a hunger to help others, consider donating or volunteering, you never know it could be you or someone you love in need one day.

To read more, donate, or become a volunteer visit: www.teamtomball.com

Becky Loving worked as a Social Worker for 18 years, 10 years as a middle school Science teacher, approximately 5 years as a Curriculum Development Instructor for Nasa through the Lunar and Planetary Institute. She has a passion for the people, a passion to serve fully in a capacity of care available to enable a community to come together and bring crisis to an end.

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-By Nancy McDade

Wouldn't it be amazing if, in an instant, we could all throw on our "Superman" costumes and be instantly transformed into someone strong and courageous? That is what my 5-year-old son, Zachary, loves to do.

His favorite past time is dressing up like Superman and then "flying" and landing in our recliner in the living room. The paint on the wall behind that recliner has all the markings of "Superman's" greatest conquests.

He can spend hours doing this.

If only it was that easy to become strong and courageous, I think we would all put on our capes. Unfortunately, because we live in a fallen world, we all bear the wounds of time. We carry around heavy baggage that weighs us down to the point that we can hardly walk, sometimes, much less, fly like Superman. Perhaps the baggage we carry is from insults that are hurled our way. Someone, in a moment of selfishness or anger, snaps at us like we are nothing. Or maybe it is from years of being picked on as a child. "You have too many freckles and your clothes don't match." Maybe it is from being manipulated or betrayed by someone close to us. You work hard to make ends meet and then the person you trusted the most, totally wipes out your bank account and ruins your credit. Maybe we have experienced a job loss or a divorce. Who knows the exact cause, but one thing is for certain, we all carry around something.

Sometimes we try to hide our baggage from other people. We put on our happy face and walk around like June Clever pretending all is well in our world. We, as Christians, are especially good at this. We convince ourselves that, if we look a certain way, it must mean everything is ok or at least other people will think so. We are often 21

afraid to say "no" things are not perfect in my world right now and so we hide behind broken smiles and polite thank you’s. Or perhaps we never share the heart aches that we have experienced in our lives for fear of judgmental remarks. Somehow we have bought into the lie that being less than perfect makes us weak or a failure.

If this is where you find yourself right now, I want to encourage you.

God can use the insults to make you kinder and more compassionate.

God can use the betrayal to make you stronger and wiser. God can use the divorce to bring restoration. The Bible says "God chooses the weak to confound the mighty." (1st Corinthians 1:27) There is nothing lost that God does not take note of.

God knows that we all have baggage. He loves us in spite of our baggage. I know this because that's what He told me. For years, I have been dragging around baggage that I didn't even realize I was carrying, things that I swept under the rug in order to keep on keeping on. (No wonder I am so tired!)

Although we can spend years carrying heavy loads, God did not design us to for that purpose. In fact, God will show us ways to rid ourselves of the loads that we carry. And the best part is, when God shows us how to rid ourselves of baggage, it is productive and not destructive. We don't leave a trail of collateral damage as we try to rid ourselves of prior hurts. Just ask God to take it and be willing to let go of the hurt. The Bible says "His yoke is easy and His burden is light."(Matthew 11:30) I am so glad that God is the lightener of our loads, the restorer of our souls, the mender of broken hearts, the lifter of our heads, and the strength to the weak and broken. He can take your baggage and turn it into something beautiful. So I would encourage you to just ask Him. Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is more special to Him than you are.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

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Just Married Have you ever seen the happy faces of newlyweds as they pull away from a crowd of well-wishers bestowing blessings of blissfulness?

I thought of how marriage is such a holy union of two lives merging together as one.

It was never meant to be lived in an emotional state of emptiness.

It's exciting to see a couple starting out so happy. Isn't it? However, somewhere along the line that happiness can sometimes turn to horror over a period of time.

Genesis 2:22-24

Suddenly, June Cleaver doesn't enjoy making her hubby's favorite meatloaf nor does she feel like vacuuming in high heels, emptying dishwasher, or putting on pearls while picking up Mr. Cleaver's dirty boxers off the floor.

Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, ' for she was taken out of man." For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Mr. Cleaver begins working later and later, rarely home, he periodically text to check on things, but hardly ever calls anymore.

It was never meant to be a union separated...nor did God ordain a multiple choice type of marriage.

Mrs. Cleaver spends too much time on social media to distract her from the responsibilities that weigh her down. Mr. Cleaver has basically removed himself from the household responsibility scene altogether using work as an excuse.

A. Abandon spouse emotionally physically when you feel like it

Mrs. Cleaver and Mr. Cleaver drift into a catatonic relationship and eventually fade away.

I know this all sounds so depressing, but unfortunately it is too often true. People don't try as hard these days to stay in communication with one another on a personal level, i.e. phone call...personal touch...a kind gesture, a gift. Has your marriage become just a Facebook status?

Are you "just married"? Or do you put your best effort forward to keep the spark alive, thriving in a relationship that you can't imagine living without?

and

B. Break up over bills C. Cheat when you fall out of "love" D. Divorce when you’re tired of each other One of the Hebrew meanings of the word marriage below, means TO STAY! `agan (aw-gan') --stay.

Oh dear Lord...that is a tough one! I say this because I can honestly state that I spent half my life with one foot out the door during my marriage. I didn't have the stick-to-itability as strongly as I do now. I've been married for nearly 18 years and its had its bumps in the road. More like craters!

However, God has been the only solid foundation that has held our sometimes 23 fragile family together.

The symbolism of marriage applies to Christ and the body of believers AKA, the church.

In Ephesians 5:25-27, Christ explained as the Bridegroom, lovingly, and sacrificially chose the church as His bride. Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated for a period of time till the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom until their final wedding.

It is her responsibility during the betrothal period to be faithful to Him 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24 At the Second Coming of Christ, the church will be united with the Bridegroom, where the official "wedding ceremony" will take place, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized

Do you remember that feeling when you gave your life completely over to Christ as He courted you, and placed the ring of life around your heart, the engagement of eternity? Oh where did the love go? Life with either your spouse or Christ was meant to be lived relational, engaging, communicating, inspiring, encouraging, enjoying, and passionately pursuing the goal of God. In God's own words...go back to your first love, that first moment of being "Just Married".

-Brenda Graff

Revelation 19:7-9; 21:1-2 As a believer and bride to be, we the church should be waiting with great anticipation and walking in a faithful manner Revelation 22:20 not merely as "just" believers, but followers, and doers. Same goes for your earthly marriage.

I always tell my spouse and children, "actions speak louder than words". Say what you mean, and do what you say!

Are we faithful in our vows of marriage to Christ? Do we exude Christ to those around us? Would people know we were Christ Bride without our Facebook status, or Bible in hand? Do others know that your devoted to your spouse? Or is it too, just a FB status?

Remember the butterflies in your stomach, the overwhelming joy "just married" to your soul mate?

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

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Nested Roast Beef Cooked in Crock!

The History on Roast Beef Ingredients:

It is believed that the English people’s love of beef began during the reign of King Henry the VII in 1485. His Yeomen Warders – the royal guard – would dine on fresh roasted beef every Sunday after church, and this became such a ritual that the guards were affectionately referred to as “beefeaters”. Considering that by the time the 19th century rolled around, the recommended weekly intake of beef for an English person – royal guard or simple villager – was said to be about 3kg, the term “beefeater” was rather apt. But it wasn’t only the amount of beef that was important, it was the way that it was consumed. Throughout the Industrial Age, almost every household would pop a roast on before heading to church on a Sunday. It had become an allinclusive act with a kind of religious and social importance to it, and as playwright Henry Fielding exclaimed, “it ennobled our brains and enriched our blood”. The nobility would hang an entire animal on a spit in front of a huge fireplace and slowly roast it, while those who could not afford the larger cuts of meat, let alone a fireplace, would drop off a more modest cut to their local baker en route to church. The baker would use their empty bread ovens to cook the meat and hand it back to the villagers in time for lunch. Read More: History on Roast Beef

1 3-5 lb. Beef or Pork Tenderloin ½ cup Sliced Carrots ½ cup Chopped Celery ½ cup Diced Yellow Onion 1 cup Button Mushrooms 5 lb. bag of potatoes ½ tsp Celery Seed ½ tsp Thyme 2 Bay Leaves 1 tsp Turmeric 1 tsp Sea Salt 3 tsp Black Pepper ½ cup Unsalted Chicken Stock ½ cup Real Mayonnaise Directions: ¼ stick of real butter No doubt in those times this was the best meal anybody had all

In skilletweek seer all sidesmay of roast till outside 10-15and minutes.

Place in (which explain why theyis crispy ate it over again as crockpotleftovers set on low.

Add ¼pies sliced with skin (optional), veggies, in stews, andpotatoes as cold cuts), and on why the Sunday and all seasonings except Mayonnaise, and butter.

Add stock, and let cook roast became such an important part of the week. on low for 6-8 hours or until meat falls apart. In separate pot prepare mashed potatoes by (peeling) optional, and boiling till tender. Add mayo, and butter a dash of sea salt, and black pepper. Do NOT add milk! The potatoes should come out creamy and smooth. To serve, place potatoes center on plate, and add your roast beef / pork topped with the natural gravy from crockpot. You won’t have any left-overs; you can’t just have one helping!

Bon Appétit!

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Creates Disciples who Impact their Community for Eternity.

Rick is the Pastor of ChristBridge Fellowship who is also the author of two books: ME Addiction: Having it my way isn’t so great after all and X-Odus Files: Following God in an Alien World.

Our worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday!

29510 Tomball Parkway

Rick is the Pastor of ChristBridge Fellowship in Tomball, TX, and has served on a City Council. He spends much time writing, speaking, and coaching others. He is married and has two grown sons and one daughter-in-law.

Tomball, TX 77375 www.christbridgefellowship.com www.rickbrown1Life2Love.com

Get Directions 281.351.4445 info@christbridgefellowship.com 29

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We are a forgetful people. We need Storytellers. We need someone to lay the drama of God’s love before us. We need to be reminded of the uncommon grace of God. -William R. White

But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)

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