FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE

OCTOBER

No. 10

2015

FOOD FOR SOUL

M A G A Z I N E

Dumblike?

Pg. 5-6

Travel Review Pg. 7-10

Does God Email?

Pg. 11-12

Kids Praying for Kids Pg. 16-18

Feeding the soul can be as simple as running away to an Oasis.

An inside view of Scenic Hills Vacations

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.

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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, medi cal, or mental well-being is provided2 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 10th 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

www.foodforsoulmagazine.com 3

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-By Justin Petrick

Does the Bible really tell us to be "dumblike"? Well, it looks as though it does in Exodus 14:14: "The Lord will fight for you, you need to only be still" (NIV).

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV): “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

At first you may think nothing out of the ordinary concerning this verse. It simply shows that God desires to fight for you, provide for you, and to take care of you so that all you need to do is to be still and let Him. This goes with a saying that I enjoy: "When you work, God rests; when you rest, God works". For the provisions, abundance, and protection of God's resources to be in your life you need to allow Him to place them in your life. It requires us to stop trying to do "life" by our own strength, which includes making our own decisions based off of our own knowledge because we think we know what is best.

Psalm 139:16(NIV): Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

But who knows best? Do we? Do we think we know what is best for us because of what the world has ingrained into us of what will give us joy and fulfillment? Or because of what the world tells us is needed to be "successful"? Or does God, who is not only the creator of life but who created us intimately knowing what is best for us based on our individual and specific design? It is clear God has a purpose for our life according to the way He created us. That is the magnitude of His love for us.

All we need to do is be still, like Exodus 14:14 says. But how still is still?

In order to let God give us His abundance, provisions, protection and fulfillment, we need to understand that His purpose for our life is what we need to strive for, and we need to let Him do it for us. This is surrendering our life to Him, our desire, and our will.....to Him because we believe that He is a loving God and has a plan for our lives that will give us a greater fulfillment than any other plan we could conceive.

The Hebrew translation for being still is "charash", and literally means to be dumb, silent, speechless, and deaf. Obviously the "dumb" stood out to me. Why would God call us to be "dumb-like"?

Then it hit me. My wife likes to interior design. When it comes to interior design, I literally let her have complete and utter control because I do not have a clue what is 5 going on.

When we start talking about it, my eyes gloss over, I get headaches, my back starts hurting; I mean I cannot hear a word she is saying. I see her mouth moving but nothing is registering. By interior design standards, I am dumb to the point where I am silent, speechless, and deaf because I have no knowledge to understand or contribute. I surrendered to my wife while interior designing.

To me, this "dumb-like" surrender is the magnitude of control that God desires us to give Him in Exodus 14:14. This is the level of faith and belief He desires us to have in Him. This is how still He wants us to be because this is how great His love is for us that He will fight our battles for us, He will make the difficult decisions for us in our life. He wants perfection for us, He wants to work the details out for us, He wants us to be in His rest living a life of peace and abundance void of any worry, fear, or stress because He loves us so much that He desires to participate in every detail of our life.

When we give Him control of our lives He takes His control of the details in our lives and directs us into His purpose, resources, and protection where we will have a supernatural fullness of Joy and completion because we are in His perfect will; we are being obedient to Him.

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

So, what is the magnitude of your surrender to Him? Is it "dumb-like"?

Psalm 16:11 (NIV): You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

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Travel Review When I hear the word Oasis, I can only imagine being surrounded with beauty. The atmosphere lit up with beautiful hues of peaceful colors, soft music playing feeding a tired soul, the sounds of water rushing in, or streaming through a river. I think of it as a place to escape from this sometimes very harsh world. A place of pure peace. Well recently, my husband and I got to experience just that. It was our 17th anniversary, and it had been nearly five years since our last date, or get-a-way from chaos in the home front between schoolwork, activities with children or grandchildren, ministerial duties, and mundane chores. We needed a break! We knew we didn’t really have the funding to plan such a trip, but we made it work. We were so desperate to get a way, some of our items made their way in sale to pay for this little excursion.

It was so worth it! An Oasis planted almost in the heart of Texas at Scenic Oaks, a place we never knew existed until my frantic search online. The day was long in preparation, nothing went right packing to head out. My daughter was late showing up to watch the youngest two, a package I was expecting had me chasing between UPS and the Post Office most of morning, Hubby broke the oil cap off while trying to check it, my battery wouldn’t work as I headed to store for food prep, got stuck in line at my least favorite crowded store because register wasn’t working. My heart was beating nearly out of chest with impatience. I raced home to Hubby in an incredibly bad mood sweating with no a/c in vehicle made sitting in traffic especially more demanding. I was so tired of preparing for trip, almost decided not to go. Hubby and I exchanged a few curt remarks to each other as we drove towards our paradise.

My nostrils were flaring as he kept trying to pull up GPS on his phone, though I told him I HAD THE DIRECTIONS. Understand his GPS has gotten us more lost then a blindfolded tourist guide. You’re feeling the love now aren’t ya?

However, upon arrival to our destination, after peeling myself out of our sauna of a vehicle looked up and my jaw literally dropped. I was in complete awe! The path up to the front door didn’t even touch the surface of clueing you in as to how beautiful, tucked away, and peaceful this cabin was. When we made it up the steps to the porch and doorway, we were greeted with a personal sign which was such a nice touch. The porch contained a Jacuzzi, a rocker for two, and a view that was incredibly relaxing. Upon opening the door, the cabin was cool, airy, and just amazingly roomy!

There were complimentary flowers, and chocolate covered strawberries, a total surprise! Neither my husband nor I had purchased that as part of the package.

The shower was incredible as well with its huge shower head and great water pressure to whoosh away those tense shoulders. Speaking of tense…there was a professional massage table in its own area! We definitely took advantage of that. It was inconceivable.

Everything we needed was provided with its full kitchen and dishes, and cooking utensils, I packed way too much.

The fridge was stocked with breakfast foods, sausage, eggs, juice, creamer, butter, and many more condiments. We had the pleasure of enjoying hues of purple and blue illuminating through the Jacuzzi under the moon. The hammock was nestle between two trees in which we stared at the stars for a while before turning in for the night. It was simply beautiful. The Inn Keeper John Michael made us feel incredibly welcomed. More importantly, we realized that getting away alone from the hustle and bustle of life, and raising of tween, and teen is incredibly important. We learned we have to take a break. We found out that there really was someone behind the stressed filled faces we carry sometimes, a person that can laugh, feel, love, and smile.

We had somehow lost that in our busy lifestyle. The day we had to leave, we sat on the king-size bed that was inconceivably comfortable, and literally began shedding tears mourning over having to leave this Oasis. A place we will never forget. We prayed that God would help us to never forget the experience and return us again soon someday. We pray that others get to know this precious place that resounds with a relaxing realty.

-Brenda A. Graff Editor Food For Soul Magazine

7 Photo by FFS -Cont’d next page

As we are now 17 years into this journey of marriage, one key benefit is the perspective that comes with the gift of time together over these years. When we had a difficult year after only four years together, it was challenging to find perspective. But now we have more shared history in life together. This history provides perspectives for us to see that the ups and downs are a normal part of life together in relationship.

Photo by FFS

Like surfing pros find the most joy in turbulent waters, 17 years into marriage Tasha and I are learning to ride the waves together through the highs and lows of life. We The Oasis front porch has astay 4-person promised each other we would “for hot-tub the better, for with worsea…gorgeous till death doview. us part,”It’s and we actually meant it.

There is no one I’d perfect place to soak away into bliss. rather go through the ups and downs of life with than my bride. ________________________ As you consider the principles of (1) appreciating over expecting, (2) celebrating both commonalities and complements, (3) prioritizing our spouse over our kids, and (4) riding the waves through the ups and downs of life, what is your biggest takeaway this week?

Scenic Oaks is an 11 acre property, 3 miles from Scenic Hill, at 8105 FM 2502, Brenham, TX. Scenic Oaks is named for the grand oak trees that grace the property.

Scenic Oaks is surrounded by forest, with a large, secluded meadow in the center. It is truly like stepping into a different world.

The meadow has several large oak trees for shade. Picnic tables and an assortment of different games make for the perfect country day. If you’re wanting to get away from it all, this is the place to do it!

Nestled in the woods, facing the meadow, is the Oasis. A small bridge crosses a wet-weather creek, adding an extra bit of charm to the walk.

9. Keep the Friendship, and the Romance, Alive Just before our wedding, Tasha had the following engraved on the inside of my wedding ring: Song of Solomon 5:16. The phrase to which Tasha was referring is this: “This is my beloved and this is my friend.”

When I look at my ring, I am regularly reminded of this precious and unique beloved-friend relationship Tasha and I share.

Photo by FFS

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Photo by FFS

Photo by FFS

Looking up through the leaves of the huge oak trees and star gazing is possible in this little hideaway.

Photo by FFS

Photo by FFS

The front porch also has a two-person rocker, great for relaxing, and watching the birds fly by. A propane BBQ grill is provided for whipping up a special meal.

This King-sized bed will make you feel like your sleeping in a King’s castle!

Photo by FFS

Photo by FFS

A table and chairs by a huge bathroom picture window allow guests to bathe in the light of the sunrise, while sipping their morning coffee.

Walk inside and the relaxation continues. Big windows and a slidingglass front door bring the beauty of nature inside.

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We just had to give this place a thumbs up! When we left Georgia nearly five years ago, we thought we would never get to appreciate beauty as we experienced in the mountains, and campgrounds we visited between Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. We are happy to have found a little piece of heaven nearly in our own backyard. Thank you Scenic Hills and John Michael and for the making of our anniversary the most.

Visit their website for more locations, and information.

scenichillsvacations.com

Photo by FFS

-Ovid

Photo by FFS

Exodus 23

10 Photo by FFS

Does God Communicate by Email?

Is it just me or has the world gone mad?

Everywhere I go these days people are busy, busy, busy, emailing, Facebooking, tweeting, and Twittering. Just the other day I watched as a group of people sat across from each other at a table puttering away on their iPhones in silent conversation. Wow, I thought, have we become a society that no longer enjoys human interaction? Has "LOL" replaced a good old belly laugh with a friend over a cup of coffee? I can remember, as a child, when my parents would invite the "Allen" family over to our house. My mom and Mrs. Allen would make a pot of coffee and sit, and talk, and laugh for hours while all the kids played, actually played, with real toys, and with each other. It is one of my happiest memories as a child. Every time I heard that "the Allen's were coming over,� I knew that fun was on the way! We knew their family well and they knew us well. We shared both good times and bad. My mother and Mrs. Allen have remained friends through birthing children, raising children, and burying a son too soon. They are still friends today. It seems like "Facebook" has replaced the good old days of really getting to know people. I know this may not be the popular opinion anymore but, none the less, I feel compelled to express my thoughts on this. Have we become too busy "face booking" to actually stop and face our neighbor across the street? How often do people gather around a table and talk anymore? Do we have any "Allen families" in our lives? Are we consumed with soccer, baseball, dance practice, drive through dining, and then, don’t forget, the pictures that must be posted so the world can know every detail of our day.

LOL

As for me, call me old fashioned, but I would rather sit down one on one with a person and share a conversation face to face. What about our children?

How often are we too busy on our electronic gadgets while our kids are crying out to be seen, to feel special? It is insane to me the energy and efforts put into electronic and social media these days. It truly seems like we are losing a vital part of our humanity called socialization. What about a "hello, how are you?" That is not the norm anymore, not even in a lot of churches. People have actually looked at me like a frightened deer in the headlights of an oncoming car‌for trying to be friendly. It is sad. I am afraid that we are becoming a society of Facebookers who fail to see the forest for the trees. I, for one, still enjoy human interaction with the phone, tablet, and lap top laid to the side for a few minutes. God did not design us to be loners peering into other people's lives from the outside. He designed us for interaction and for His work. (Romans 14:7) How can we reach the lost if we cannot take our eyes and fingers off of our iPhones?

I believe, we as parents, have a God given responsibility to teach our children to be kind, caring, compassionate adults one day. What are we teaching them if all they see us doing is punching buttons and scrolling screens? What do they think when mommy fails to stop and talk to the elderly old man in the grocery store because I am too busy texting to even notice that he is there? Does God do that to us?

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Does God "reply all?" I am so glad He does not. He knows every hair on our head, every last hair. (Luke 12:7). For me, personally, to feel comfortable witnessing to a person about Christ, I need to spend time with them. I want to show compassion, see who they are inside and outside. I am afraid technology is replacing getting to know people first hand. Often times people "check others out on face book" before even getting to know a person. I have had people look at me in disbelief when I tell them, "I am not on Facebook." It's as if I am no longer human: "What do you mean you are not on Facebook?"

I grew up in a small town in North Carolina and lived most of my life there. I have a few really close friends in North Carolina that I have spent countless hours talking and sharing life with. They are priceless to me.

Those relationships have been formed over time: face to face laughter, tears, hugs, and conversation. I can count on those friends to be there, I mean really be there for me and I for them. That is not replaceable. It is priceless.

God wants our time too. He wants relationship. He knows us and He wants us to know Him. He speaks when we are quiet enough to listen. We must "be still" and know that He is God. He will never send us an email, or a tweet, or a message on Facebook. I am so glad that God knows us individually. I am so glad He is a personal God. He cares so much that He will leave the flock of sheep to go and find the one who is lost. (Luke 15:4)

In our fast paced world of electronic communication, there is still a very personal God who loves us individually. That is priceless and truly worthy of a "Shout Out." That makes me excited. Although our world is rapidly changing, there is a God who changes not. The Bible says "He is the same yesterday, today, and always."(Hebrews 13:8). Forever and ever, Amen.

-Nancy McDade

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.

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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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Kevin Adams is a fresh voice among today’s best Christian writers.

What he’s not, however, is a pastor, theologian or pulpit preacher; he doesn’t have a church, a fan club, or a flock. He’s just a regular guy with a powerful story, and a God given gift for sharing it that will challenge the faith of even the most seasoned, veteran believers.

His transparency and intentional, elevated writing style has earned him a trusted reputation across the online Christian community. His work escorts readers through his own challenging experiences of loss, betrayal and impossible odds, to just beyond the comfort level of most Christians–the place where absolute faith is required.

Kevin takes a genuine approach to modern Christianity that would rather tear away empty pockets than fill them with empty promises. Yet, his story is filled with indisputable proof of our Heavenly Father’s better-than-we-can-imagine desire for each of us, and the delight He takes in our learning to rest in His arms like happy children.

Kevin is the author of The Extravagant Fool: A Faith Journey That Begins Where Common Sense Ends, Released May of 2014, and founding partner in a new discipleship ministry being developed around the book.

Kevin’s life verse is Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you”. (NKJV) And his philosophy on life can be summed up in a single thought: “Only when God becomes all that we want do we truly see that He is all we need.”

–Kevin Adams 2014 Kevin is husband to Holly, his beautiful partner in faith, father to three wonderful children, and a compelling new author for Zondervan.

WWW.EXTRAVAGANTFOOL.COM

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The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Kids won GOLD for Education for 2015 Kids praying for kids can change the world!

Acclaimed book invites children experience prayer like never before!

to

The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Kids has already begun to have an international reach. There is a good reason for that.

When Candy was ten years old she told her mother she was going to marry a man from a foreign country and live all over the world.

As is God’s way, Vik, who would be her husband, grew up in India.

Candy also prayed that God would bring the person she was to marry to her front door so she would know clearly the man God had chosen for her. Vik was a graduate student at Ohio State.

Because her family was involved in extending hospitality to International students, Vik was one of many international students invited over for dinner. Through the hospitality of Candy’s family, Vik first came to their house for dinner, and then he became a believer in Jesus Christ, and then Candy’s husband.

Candy and Vik are a great team and have been engaged together in Children’s Ministry in the United States, Manila, Philippines and Kobe, Japan. When not working in children’s ministry with Candy, Vik is Director, Quality Assurance, Global Baby, Feminine & Family Sector for Proctor and Gamble.

The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Kids grew out of Candy Marballi’s prayer time. She experienced such spiritual richness in her use of the Covenant Prayer by Jerry Kirk that she wanted to share it with children in her Sunday school class. However, she felt her class needed a prayer written with children in mind, so she assembled a team to help her rewrite the Prayer. From her teaching experience with children, she was also keenly aware that books about teaching children to pray were limited. She felt a call to do something about it. So, next, she wrote a book. You will find we are focused heavily on churches (all denominations) incorporating the PC into their curriculum.

It is so easy to use and the possibilities are endless from a quarter’s Sunday school class to a 5 day VBS (2 themes per day) to a family Bible study.

We have ministry partners all over the world who are translating the kids’ book and prayer cards for use in their ministries. Check out our Kids’ PC FB page: Facebook there is one for Uganda as well. Exciting to see children’s prayer movements begin throughout nations in Africa, Northern India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Candy and Vik have two children, John and Maria. John works for the NY Times as a software developer for their website. He is also an actor, living in Los Angles and is exploring a pilot TV series with CBS television. Maria is a Public Affairs Major at The Ohio State University. She has interned with International Justice Mission in Washington D.C. and is currently the Anti-Trafficking Research Assistant at the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services at the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Candy is a pastor’s daughter and grew up a small Baptist church in Columbus Ohio. Her entire family was engaged in ministry at her father’s church—she and her three sisters were the special music on Sundays accompanied by their brother on guitar. Her ministry and her writing for children were shaped by a struggle with religious legalism in her childhood. Today Candy has a passion to make known God’s gracious accepting welcome to children extended to them through Jesus Christ. You can see and feel that gracious welcome in the words and pictures of The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Kids.

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I was born and raised in a Christian home. My parents were in full-time ministry and we were taught at an early age there is no greater joy than serving Jesus. My husband and I have served all over the world in children’s ministry for the past 27 years. We began at a Baptist Church (the denomination I was raised in) for 7 years, leading Children’s Church with several couples before leaving for Asia in 1993.

We lived in Manila, Philippines for four years and served in the role of Sunday school teacher for 5th and 6th graders at Greenhills Christian Fellowship. I also was involved in their VBS program. Living in a developing country offered many wonderful ministry opportunities among children. From there we moved to Kobe, Japan and attended Kobe Union Church, the only English-speaking church in Kobe at the time. It is non-denominational. The Lord laid on my heart to begin a music ministry there. Internationals are very interested in why we celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter and there was no choir, children or adult, nor programs. With the permission and partnership of the senior pastor, we began the adult choir and the children’s choir and presented Christmas and Easter programs to a packed out sanctuary.

PTL My desire was first and foremost to provide children an opportunity to serve God with their time and talents. My belief is that once children experience the joy of serving Jesus they will want to continue.

After returning to Cincinnati, OH, I became the Children’s Choir Director at Faith Bible Church for 6 years and then the Lord led us to Hope Church in Mason, OH (Evangelical Free) where we met Dr. Jerry Kirk and his son, Stephen Kirk-Stephen is the Senior Pastor. I served as the Children’s Choir Director there for four years. In addition, God laid on my heart to lead a Whiz Kids’ site (through City Gospel Mission) at the local public school in Mason for three years. With most of my life dedicated to teaching children within the Church body, it was more of an outreach in the public school system to lead a group of 40 tutors to mentor these little ones and as God would open doors, share Jesus with them.

While praying through the adult prayer covenant, God spoke very clearly to me and gave me a vision of the Children’s Prayer card. I approached Jerry, he said, “Go for it!” and brought together a team of educators that developed the children’s version of the Prayer alongside of Jerry’s PC team.

The reason was two-fold: There was very little material available on prayer which is what God had laid on my heart to teach as the kids’ choir curriculum and 2) we needed a tool that would help tutors start Jesus-conversations with their students. This prayer card accomplished both. In addition to nurturing a child’s prayer life, it imprints the Gospel message on a child’s heart. The at-risk children we served were starving for love, hope and peace in their lives. I have shared many times over, if we as parents and ministry leaders nurture our children’s prayer lives, resulting in intimacy with their Heavenly Father, we will raise faithful Jesus-followers.

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Acclaimed book invites children to experience prayer like never before The poignant scripture “And a little child shall lead them” makes it abundantly clear that God honors the prayers of children.

In their newly published book The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Kids, author Candy Marballi and co-author Stephen Eyre embrace the infinite possibilities of children’s spiritual growth by teaching them to pray, inviting them into the presence of their heavenly Father, and reassuring them of his never-ending love and desire to hear from them daily.

Based on the 40 Day Prayer Covenant for adults by Jerry Kirk, The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Kids seeks to faithfully follow the scriptures by facilitating a worldwide spiritual awakening with the largest generational group in the world – children and youth.

The Power of The Prayer Covenant for Kids

In the first half of the book, gorgeous full-color illustrations by Luke Flowers accompany simple prayers, verses of scripture, and parables relating to the following topics: grace, love, compassion, repentance, worship, commitment, dependence, influence, discipleship, and authority.

The second half of the book is an illustrated teacher’s section for parents, teachers, and ministry leaders that offers a line-by-line study guide to help children learn The Kids’ 40 Day Prayer Covenant Curriculum.

by Candy Marballi with Stephen Eyre

Marballi comments, “As a Sunday School teacher and parent, I found there was very little that teaches children to pray. This book helps children experience the power of prayer and encourages them to pray in their homes, with their friends, and in churches.”

Illustrations by Luke Flowers

She adds, “Children can not only be receivers of ministry but they can also be active in ministry.

This book ignites a passion for prayer in their hearts and minds and encourages them to minister to others through prayer.”

_____________ Availability Amazon.com theprayercovenant.org

The highly acclaimed The Power of the Prayer Covenant for Kids won the gold medal in the 2015 Illumination Book Awards contest in the Education category.

“This book is a beautifully illustrated and written prayer guide for children around the world and a must-have resource for churches, schools and families. It is both engaging and practical.”

Robert A. McDonald, retired Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of The Procter and Gamble Company Authors: Candy Marballi has led children's ministries for over twenty-five years in the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. Her passion is to help children develop a heart for God, spurring them on to minister to others with their God-given gifts. She serves as director for The Kids' Prayer Covenant ministry and currently resides in Cincinnati, OH. Stephen Eyre is the development director for the Prayer Covenant ministry and is co-author with Jerry Kirk of the book The Prayer Covenant. He has also published a number of other books and Bible study guides and is the director for the C. S. Lewis Institute for Cincinnati.

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Opposing sexual exploitation. Defending human dignity.

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

Areas of Concentration:

DONATE 202.393.7245 public@ncose.coma

“There is no greater feeling of love, then to give.” `

www.EndSexualExploitation.org 19

Services at a Glance

DONATE

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www.sohmission.org

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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?

Click on website below to find out

citiimpact.org citiimpact.org

For more information on bringing this to your city email: info@citiimpact.org Or call

704.507.6579 DONATE 23

Fingerprints of God‌

Isaiah 48:13 "Surely My hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; When I call to them, they stand together.

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Just beet it…

A healthy alternative to snacking dips Beet and Tahini Dip Recipe HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEETS Ingredients: 3 medium beets (3/4 pound), washed and trimmed 2 small garlic cloves, quartered ½ cup tahini (Sesame Seed paste) ½ cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ freshly-ground pepper Olive oil for presentation Pita or crackers, to serve

Beets are high in immuneboosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium (essential for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas).

Beets also contain the B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.

Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the beets on top of a large sheet of aluminum foil and fold the edges over to create a pouch (the beets should be completely enclosed in foil). Lay pouch on top of a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 1 hour. Let cool.

Once cool, peel away the skins with a paper towel and discard. Cut beets into wedges and transfer to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic, tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until mixture becomes smooth.

Scoop into serving bowl. Drizzle a spoonful or two of olive oil over the top of the dip if desired.

Serve with pita, crackers or wedges of crusty garlic bread. Refrigerate for only 3 days.

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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

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“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser”.

John 15:1

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

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What’s Your Story?

Do you have something inspiring to share?

An experience that has changed your life?

We would love to publish it!

Send to: inspireme@foodforsoulmagazine.com

Or mail to: FOOD FOR SOUL P.O. Box 304 Tomball, Texas 77377

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 28 live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)