FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE NOV 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

No. 11

FOOD FOR SOUL M A G A Z I N E Taking Hold Pg. 5-6 Becoming a Peacemaker Pg. 7-9 Thanksgiving Recipe

Pg. 10 Faith through the Fire Pg. 11-14 The Doll House Pg. 17-19

Sock the Flue with Soup Pg. 25

Beauty from ashes‌ Isaiah 61:3

Justina Page, Author shares her incredible faith that could not be extinguished despite the pain.

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

The magazine is a ministry tool to raise funds both globally and locally for causes such as, WATER FOR LIFE, STAR OF HOPE MISSIONS, FAMILIES FEEDING FAMILIES, and many more.

We sponsor advertising for these organizations to encourage giving, and inspire communities to get involved as we spread the message of Jesus Christ.

We pray that you will join us on this mission to mend and help enable a community broken. Sponsor an ad for as little as $39 a month in this magazine and receive up to a full page ad for your business. No contract required.

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

You can sponsor by visiting our website

www.foodforsoulmagazine.com P.O. BOX 304 TOMBALL, TX 77377 Disclaimer of Content Food for Soul assumes no responsibility for the relevance, accuracy, completeness or quality of information provided in this magazine or on the website. Liability claims against Food for Soul which refer to damage of a material or immaterial nature caused by use or disuse of the provided information, or the use of incorrect and incomplete information, are excluded unless Food for soul is at fault through intention or negligence. All tips, and offers through advertisement and or articles and content provided by contributing writers are subject to change and are non-binding. Food for Soul reserves the right to change, add to, delete and temporarily or permanently alter and or edit articles , commentaries, and content in part or in its entirety without prior notice. Any and all information pertaining to health, medical, or mental well-being is provided 2 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.

A Word from the Publisher Greetings and a warm welcome to our 11th 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 lives. I would like to also introduce our new columnist, Justin Petrick…who will be contributing on a regular basis his opinion and insights through a spiritual journey, one inspiring line at a time. Thank you Petrick Ministries!

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

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

With warmest thanks,

Brenda Graff

Brenda A. Graff FOUNDER Food For Soul Magazine Being a former news reporter sparked a great desire in me to continue writing and researching, but with a purpose to help others. Being a wife, and mom of six has had its challenges, but it has taught me much along the journey and to utilize the experience to ignite a passion for positive change in our communities. Much time is spent on projects, and ministry. At other times you will find me in the kitchen creating new dishes. Currently, I am a busy homeschooler, Grandmother of two, and when 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 FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE - P.O.BOX 304 TOMBALL, TEXAS 77377

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-By Justin Petrick The power of the blood. We as Christians have heard that term many times, but have we ever stopped to think what it truly means? Have we stopped to think, how is the blood of Jesus powerful? Rather then it being something that we ignorantly acknowledge because it sounds spiritual (which I have done as much as anybody), how can it be something that we literally live out every day? How can we apply the power of His perfect blood in everyday life?

For starters, we need to know what the blood of Christ has actually done.

Romans 5:11 (KJV): And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

There are two words for atonement used in God’s Word. There is an Old Testament or Hebrew word, “kippur” (‫ )רֻּ פִּכ‬from the root word, “kaphar” (‫)רַפָּ כ‬, and means “to cover”.

This word is used in the context of the Old Testament, when the blood of animals only covered sins for a period of time and had to be done annually (Hebrews 10:1-4). In fact, In Hebrews 10:3 it states that these type of animal sacrifices were an annual reminder of sin. This was because sin was only covered for a period of time, then exposed.

In contrast, the New Testament uses the Greek word, “katallagē” (καταλλαγή), and means “to exchange”. In Hebrews 9:11-14 we see that the superior sacrifice of Jesus Christ did much more than the covering of the animal sacrifices, in that He exchanged our sins for His righteousness. We see this in 2 Corinthians: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV): God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As far as God is concerned, your sins do not exist (Hebrews 8:12, Colossians 2:13-14). This is shown in Romans: Romans 4:6-8 (NIV) just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: (7) “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. (8) “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.” You might be thinking, “Well it says you have to be blessed?” You have been blessed. You have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)! This includes God not remembering your sins or holding them against you (taking them into account, or imputing them onto you) because to Him, they do not exist.

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

Oh How He loves us!

John 3:16

petrickministries.com Petrick Ministries exists to proclaim the Gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), the perfect and complete works of Jesus Christ, that establishes individuals in to their true identity in Christ setting them free to experience the perfect love that God has intended for them.

Our vision is to partner with churches and ministries to proclaim the Gospel of grace, empowering individuals to live intimately in Christ.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. -Acts 20:24

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Becoming a Peacemaker -Ken Shuman, D. Min

“A much neglected aspect of the mission of Jesus according to Luke is that of peace-making, of nonviolent resistance to evil, of the futility and self-destructive nature of hatred and vengeance.”

(Transforming Mission by David J. Bosch, page 118) Jesus said that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons and daughters of God.” “God blesses those who work for peace for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9 – New Living Translation) Those who work for peace are people that accurately reflect the heart and character of God. Being a peacemaker means that we work to restore Shalom. We work to restore wholeness, completeness, unity, harmony, and soundness. We work to bring things back into integrity with God’s intended design.

I think there are three possible ways of being as we live our lives: 1. We can choose to be a peacekeeper.

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

Peacekeepers prefer to keep quiet about anything controversial and to keep everyone giving the appearance of happiness. Peacekeepers don’t talk about what they really feel and think.

Peacekeepers protect themselves by not risking.

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

Peacekeeping, however; is an indication that we are less emotionally mature. Peacekeeping will often prevent us from making the progress that we need to make.

Unfortunately for much of my life I chose to be a peacekeeper. As I’ve grown in my emotional maturity and increased my self-differentiation, I’ve grown in this area of my life. I’m learning to say what I think and I’m learning to take a stand based on my internal guiding principles. I can say “this is what I think, this is what I believe, and this is what I will do,” while at the same time allowing others to do the same. I don’t force my opinion on others but I’m also not afraid to share my thoughts.

2. We can choose to be a troublemaker.

Troublemakers demand that things be done their way. Troublemakers think they are right and everyone else is wrong. Troublemakers don’t care if people are hurt or what kind of damage they leave behind. Troublemakers protect themselves and their way by attacking.

Troublemakers are controlling people. Troublemakers don’t respect the boundaries of others and they can’t set boundaries for themselves. They can’t hear “no.” Troublemakers refuse to value the freedom of every individual to choose for themselves. Controllers/troublemakers withhold love, affection, or communication, in order to make the other person change. They always blame someone or something. They use anger, shame and guilt messages to get their way.

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Being a troublemaker and controlling person is also an indication of a lower level of emotional maturity. We move away from this kind of behavior as we become more self-differentiated and emotionally mature. Our growth is crucial to our effectiveness as missional people.

3. We can choose to be a peacemaker.

Peacemakers work to create the conditions for peace. Peacemakers don’t protect themselves but are courageous risk-takers. Peacemakers take a stand against non-peace and work to restore wholeness.

1) Peacemakers speak the truth in love. They “say what is so” for them. They speak out against injustice and oppression. (Ephesians 4:15) 2) Peacemakers forgive and offer grace to others. Peacemakers don’t hold grudges or have deep seated resentments. (Ephesians 4:31-32) 3) Peacemakers initiate reconciliation. Peacemakers don’t wait for someone else or something else.

Peacemakers take the initiative in reconciling relationships. Reconciliation is a guiding principle for a peacemaker. (Matthew 5:23- 24 & 2 Corinthians 5:18-21) 4) Peacemakers don’t retaliate or seek revenge. A peacemaker manages his or her anxiety and remains calm. Peacemakers refuse to react with conflict.

5) Peacemakers take action against injustice and oppression. Sometimes in order to be a peacemaker a person may appear to be a troublemaker. I believe that this is what Jesus did when he cleared the Temple as reported in Matthew 10:34. I don’t believe that Jesus was reacting out of his anxiety but that he was acting as a peacemaker out of his guiding principles. To many he looked like a troublemaker but he was really restoring wholeness to a place of brokenness.

Another example of peacemaking is the action of the Freedom Riders during the civil rights movement. A group of activists boarded buses and went to the south to protest segregation. Many people considered the activists to be troublemakers. However, they were not only peaceful in their approach but they were acting as peacemakers. They were establishing wholeness in a place of brokenness in society. Rather than staying home and keeping their mouths shut – as peacekeepers do – they worked for peace. They risked abuse and violence for the sake of the common good.

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Sin is sometimes defined as shalom breaking. Anywhere or anytime wholeness, completeness, unity or harmony is broken - it is sin. I believe that it’s possible to be a really nice person – a peacekeeper- and yet to be sinning because we allow brokenness to remain.

Becoming a peacemaker requires courage, intentionality, and perseverance. If you decide to become a peacemaker you will have to fight for it in your life. Peacemaking will have to become the more compelling yes that guides your life.

“Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of justice/righteousness.” James 3:18

Ken Shuman, D.Min Ken holds two masters degrees Master of Religious Education & Master of Divinity – Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary A Doctor of Ministry degree in Evangelistic Church GrowthNew Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary www.faithwalking.us

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Sweet Southern Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients: 2 cups Peeled, Cooked Sweet Potatoes 1 ¼ cups Sugar ½ stick Melted Butter 2 Eggs 1 tsp Vanilla Extract ¼ tsp Salt ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon ¼ tsp Ground Ginger 1 cup Milk 9-inch Unbaked Pie Crust 3 Egg Whites

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. For the filling, using an electric hand mixer, combine the potatoes, 1 cup of the sugar, the butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and spices. Mix thoroughly. Add the milk and continue to mix. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the pie on a rack and cool to room temperature before covering with meringue.

For a meringue, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; mixing in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is glossy and stiff, but not dry. Using a rubber spatula, spoon the meringue onto the pie, forming peaks. Make sure the meringue touches the crust all around. Sprinkle with a pinch of granulated sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until delicately browned. Cool and serve.

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

Unlike Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who escaped a furnace of flames seven times hotter without as much as the smell of smoke on their clothing. Justina Page, and her family lived through one of the most tragic and horrific years of their lives. Her story of inspiration will have you cheering her on as you walk through the pages of her book, The Circle of Fire. You will find that there is beauty that can arise from the ashes of assaulting circumstances through Christ, and an anchor held by faith. –Brenda Graff / Editor of Food For Soul Magazine.

“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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Justina Page is a natural storyteller who speaks with a bold and refreshing honesty that touches the hearts of audiences. Her speeches unfold with a combination of humor, insightful observation and wisdom, as well as practical application. Justina is a woman whose faith was tested by fire. She now inspires audiences across the country with a powerful message of hope and triumph.

Her award-winning book, The Circle of Fire, tells the story of how Justina’s life was changed forever when fire swept through her home, March 7, 1999. The loss of her 22 month old twin son, Amos, the severe and lasting injuries of her other twin son, Benjamin, and her own devastating experience of third degree burns covering 55 percent of her body affected the entire family.

With the support of her husband, James, and their surviving children, as well as her dedicated church family, Justina was able to use the power of faith and love to turn tragedy into triumph. From the ashes of fire a new hope has emerged. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Amos House of Faith, a non-profit organization, established to provide postburn support to children and families affected by burn trauma. Find the one who

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.

is lost. (Luke 15:4)

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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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With the support of her husband, James, and their surviving children, as well as her dedicated church family, Justina was able to use the power of faith and love to turn tragedy into triumph. From the ashes of fire a new hope has emerged. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Amos House of Faith, a non-profit organization, established to provide post-burn support to children and families affected by burn trauma. She has received numerous honors for her volunteer work, education, and faith.

•2008 Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteer of the Year •Houston Fire Department Neighborhood Hero Award •Texans Halliburton Hometown Hero Award •Shriner’s 2008 Volunteer Group of the Year •Mayor Bill White’s Amos House of Faith Proclamation Day “Justina is an inspirational speaker who enthralls her audience with her personal story of triumph, perseverance and prayer. She grabs her audience’ attention and keeps them listening throughout her powerful presentation. Her book is a testament to the power of prayer, perseverance and giving back!” -Ken Marsh, Dale Carnegie Training

WWW.THEAMOSHOUSE.ORG Click Here to Donate

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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 three time award winner of 'Chattanooga's Entertainer of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com music editor. Invited to perform three times in the Chattanooga All Star Band at the annual Riverbend Festival. His group was chosen the Chattanooga Times Free Press Newspaper 'Cover Band of the Year'. His group was also a three time award winner of 'Chattanooga's Party Band of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com music editor.

Despite the success in the Southeastern United States, Chris felt 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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One afternoon while setting out to prepare a feast for my family, I had an epiphany. It had been a while since I had cooked a large home-cooked meal. I haven’t had much appetite these days since I began really watching what I eat, and so I have kept the meals very simple. My husband had commented one eve that I rarely bust out the pots and pans in the kitchen anymore. True, as I had sort of gone on strike. I was tired of doing all the cooking and the cleaning. I would wake to mounds of dishes in the morning which would start my day off not so pleasant.

I made sure my family had plenty to eat each night whether it be a frozen meal to heat up, or pizza. Despite my use of preservatives, and additives stance...though I did try my best to stick with the natural frozen stuff.

I can’t digest those type of meals, so I usually went to bed without dinner...too tired to even cook for myself.

The past three months had been excruciating, long and tiring. There was always some major issue going on with someone, something or vehicles breaking down. Septic sorrows, a/c repairs, or appliances calling it quits, and with Hubby not around since he was usually parked at his job during the chaos 12-14 hours a day 6 days a week and then thrown on call on days off…by the end of the day...every day for me was spent. Hubby was spent, the children were spent...no body had the energy or desire to do anything!

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However, the day arrived when I had just had enough stress and needed a break away from all the seriousness of life. One of the best ways for me to de-stress is cooking as long as someone else does the dishes. I totally get into the scene. I put on my favorite music, light a few candles for ambiance, throw on the old apron, spread out my utensils, and spices, pour a glass of wine, and hit it! I start chopping like crazy.

The herbs start penetrating the air with such an aromatic bliss, they instantly sooth a restless soul, (of course the wine helps too).

I’m singing away as I stir the pots of liquid gold if making Alfredo sauce, clam chowder or perhaps my infamous ruby red marinara. As I was preparing this meal for my family, I suddenly realized how happy I was feeling. I was full of joy which had been absent for some days...and no I wasn't drunk! Then, almost immediately I began to feel guilty for feeling happy. Huh? What was wrong with me? My mind started thinking about all the things I didn’t get accomplished that week. Suddenly, I was back in stress mode, thinking of closets that needed cleaning, clothing to be washed, dust bunnies under sofa, paperwork needing sorting, laundry needing folding, cards needing mailing, auto registrations, inspections, book reviews, schoolwork needing grading...and taking care of all the secretarial stuff for Hubby, appointments at school, as well as a magazine to design…UGH! My mind was in a whirlwind of to-dos.

Until, my loving, compassionate, indisputable, merciful Father in heaven spoke to my heart.

He said, “Remember when you used to watch your daughter’s play with their doll houses?" I remembered they would set up the furniture oh so diligently, organize the kitchen area, place the clothing on those microscopic hangers, and pretend with such an imagination.

They would make roaring sounds of a car carting the babies to their playground. They would mimic mommy and daddy conversations, and discipline their little dolls for misbehaving. They would sit the dolls around the tiny chairs and pretend to feast.

It would bring such joy and laughter as I would watch them play…enjoying themselves.

They were so carefree, so innocent, and so happy. I was so happy to see them happy. Nothing makes me happier then to hear the laughter of a child. The squeals of sheer glee beaming out of a toddler’s heart.

Being reminded of this instantly brought me to tears. I stopped for a moment to think of how our Father in heaven must look upon us when we are happy.

It must warm His heart to see His children finally at play, carefree, and enjoying what He has provided, and allowed for us to experience. Too often we are so busy trying to keep up with schedules that we put on ourselves we become overwhelmed and lose our sense of humor and joy.

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God never intended for us to be so busy, even in His business, that we lose our joy.

Happiness, and joy are a gift from God. Why

Throughout the Bible... there are many examples of the kind of joy God wants us to experience. We won’t find our joy in stuff.

Materiel things rot away, you can’t take them to your grave, and they sure won’t give you a hug in the midnight hour. (1 John 2:17) They won’t dry your eyes after the loss of a loved one, and they certainly can’t comfort a broken heart.

You won't find joy in worshiping an individual. People will never fully meet your expectations.

You won't find joy in sensationalism, the hype of media, reality television, or social media. However, God wants us to experience joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8) through worshiping Him, and in turn we receive the unmerited favor of fun, laughter, happiness, and JOY!

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 ESV There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases Him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Maybe it’s time to put down the stack of bills, the negative reports from doctors, turn off the tube of terror, and media blown madness in this world…and just sit awhile and play with an imaginary doll house.

This is where you get to choose how your family is going to act, your neighbors, and even your pets. You can pretend the world is still a nice place to reside in.

Maybe even pretend to be June or Ward Cleaver for a day when life was simpler.

Whatever you choose to do, choose joy!

-Brenda A. Graff

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

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All individuals have a right to be free from the effects of pornography and all other forms of sexual exploitation

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Disaster Relief, Recovery, and Rebuilding to Resilience Victims in Disaster situations require immediate relief aid, transitional recovery assistance and long-term resilience. CitiIMPACT believes that local churches are uniquely positioned to lead the way.

Forging partnerships with local faith communities, CitiIMPACT brings organizational experience, a calming influence, and resources from its nationwide partners to make a difference in others’ lives.

Response, Recovery and Resilience "It can't happen here." "It's never happened here." "It won't happen here."

These are phrases we've all heard or maybe even said... They're simply NOT true!

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

Since no disaster response agency can meet all of a community's needs during a disaster situation, the greatest impact results from preparation and collaborating partnerships for response.

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With multiple experiences in every phase of disaster response, CitiIMPACT will design and provide customized training with the needs of each church or organization in mind.

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

WHAT CAN YOU, YOUR CHURCH OR LOCAL ORGANIZATION DO?

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Soup that will sock it to Influenza…

Busting the bugs of seasonal changes HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHICKEN SOUP Ingredients:

Evidence suggests that organosulfides (naturally occurring chemicals found in garlic and onions), together with Vitamin D, stimulate production of immune cells called macrophage, while Vitamin C has an influence on both levels of neutrophils, and another type of immune chemical, interferon. Vitamin A and carotenoids, found in carrots (a common ingredient of bouillon, the base of any good stock), help antibody production, while Vitamin E and zinc can influence the concentration of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The other reason soups are recommended is because the nutrients are more easily absorbed than with solid versions.

Remember to add a little fat – a drizzle of olive oil – to ensure the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (D, A, K and E). Super Food, a compound called Carnosine helps the body’s immune system fight the early stages of flu.

1 Whole Chicken 1 cup Sliced Carrots 1 cup Chopped Celery 1 cup Chopped Leeks 1 cup Diced Yellow Bell Pepper 1 cup Diced Orange Bell Pepper 1 cup Button Mushrooms 1 cup Chopped Italian Parsley 4 Chopped Garlic Cloves ½ tsp Dried Fennel 1 tsp Celery Seed Directions: 2 tsp Thyme Place Whole Chicken in crockpot submerged with water and ¼ cup Apple 2 tsp Basil Cider Vinegar. Add prepared veggies, seasonings, and cook on low overnight 2 Bay Leaves at least 12 hours. Remove veggies and set aside. Remove debris by straining 1 tsp Oregano through a colander into another container. Debone chicken carefully, and 1 tsp Turmeric set aside. To remove fat from broth, place a clean dish towel, paper towel, or cheese cloth in large colander and pour the liquid through it. Pour the 1 tsp Curry pure broth into large soup pot, adding veggies, and deboned chicken and 2 tsp Sea Salt simmer together for 30 minutes. Serve hot and top with a sprinkle of dried 3 tsp Black Pepper Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Makes approximately 10-15 servings and ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar can easily freeze for several months. I personally like to separate in small containers and freeze, so I can pull out in morning to heat for breakfast as a ¼ cup Olive Oil first morning immune booster.

Dried Parmesan 25

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 26

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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) 27

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.‌ Psalms 1:2-3 28