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1
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and
whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
-John 6:35
Food for Soul©
NOV-DEC
2 0 1 4
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns
denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast,
a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings
peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. -Melody Beattie
IN THIS ISSUE:
Platter of Patience Please?
Dear Maggie
Investing in Long-Term
Marriage
Recipes by Sandie
From the Heart
Teen Truth
Tips on Trips
SAD- seasonal depression
Blue Christmas
Thanksgiving
Fight the Flu from Your
Kitchen
Food for Soul is a menu of inspirational articles, information, and recipes to encourage a deliberate lifestyle of well-being.
Seeking contributing writers
Send comments, recipes, photos, articles, or poems to: [email protected]
FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE - P.O.BOX 304 TOMBALL, TEXAS 77377
www.foodforsoulmagazine.com
M A G A Z I N E
2
Letter from the Editors
Greetings and a warm welcome to our
second 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. 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 on the home 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. What you
will find in the pages of Food for Soul Magazine,
is a collection of inspiring, educational articles
written by actual, honest, down-to-earth folks
who work hard to live deliberately, but who are
not afraid to admit the struggles that we often
sometimes experience.
We are honored to share the work of committed
people who live their lives with a purpose and a
plan to promote a work that will help many
lives. 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 and Sandie Reynolds
Visit us at
www.foodforsoulmagazine.com
(Texas Tornado) as some have called me reside in,
Texas, with my Hubby, Kirby and our two youngest,
Amanda and Cody. Being a former news reporter
sparked a great desire in me to continue writing and
researching but with a purpose to help others. It is
my passion. Being a wife, and mom of six ages 29-11
has had its challenges, but it has taught me much
along the journey. I utilize the experience to coach
others to ignite a passion for positive change
nutritionally, physically, but most of all, spiritually. I
spend much time on projects to boost morale, and a
lot of time in the kitchen creating new dishes.
Currently, I am a busy homeschooler, and
Grandmother of two, and when I’m not wrapped up
with family…spend many hours working on my God-
given passion, which is pen to paper with a purpose!
-In His Service Jeremiah 29:11
Brenda A. Graff Publisher / Editor / Writer
Food for Soul Magazine
Sandie Reynolds Associate Publisher / Editor / Writer
Food for Soul Magazine
A "baby boomer" born into God's great country in
a small town called River Rouge in Michigan,
south of Detroit. I am the middle child of seven
children, 4 boys and 3 girls, and, I'm right in the
middle. I loved coming from a large family.
Moving along I married Claude Reynolds and we
had two children, Claude II and Samuel Reynolds.
We later moved to Manchester, Georgia, my
husband's hometown after he was diagnosed
with lung cancer, he lived eighteen more years
before passing. I still live in the "Peach state" of
Georgia. The family has grown. I'm "G-Ma" to my
5 grands who are the joy of my life. God has been
better than good to me.
3
IT is here....WOW my most
favorite time of the year! It has
finally arrived "fall" on the scene
with all of its glory in the form of
hues Orange, , Brown, yes
and even Red. All with a slight bite
of chill in the air, letting us know it
is time to put on a sweater, jacket
or maybe even a coat.
Coming from Michigan
and now living in Georgia, I am
able to still appreciate the change
of seasons. However, what I seem
to love the most is that, this is the
season most people have a time of
"gratitude" all over the
nation....even the world.
Remembering to give GOD the
Glory that is due His Name. Yes,
that's right a season to "be
thankful", enjoying family and
friends and reflecting on how GOD
has "carried" us through.
Remembering the times when we
sing " We gather together to ask
the Lord's Blessings" or "Over the
rivers and through the woods to
Grandmother's house we go."
I say it is the season to give
GOD thanks and praise for all He
has done and is going to do. To
acknowledge that it is He and not
we, ourselves that brings in the
beauty of His holiness
(glory)....have a "Happy Blessed
Thanksgiving 2014."
-Sandie Reynolds
Tis’ the Season of Thanks
Photo by Terry Burke Harris - Iron Gate, VA 2014
4
ONE PLATTER OF PATIENCE PLEASE?
Have you ever had a day when you felt like no matter how hard you tried to finish a
project…something got in the way? I recently had one of those days. One morning as I woke, knew I
had much on my plate even before the main course was served. Between chores, taking our precious
pooch to Vet, getting teen to school, preparing dinner, answering emails, writing articles,
homeschooling youngest, designing lay-out, and marketing, I was already overwhelmed. Our dear
canine was so hesitant to enter the clinic, we were delayed thirty minutes, as she had to be picked up
and dragged in on hind legs. I felt bad for her, I knew she was going to hate me when I picked her up
that afternoon.
Since I was out, decided to stop and have breakfast with my son, hoping to have a brief but meaningful
moment to relax and chat before the chaos of it all. As we were about to enjoy our feast, a peculiar
scene occurred. We noticed a suspicious character enter the establishment with a women wearing an
unfitting wig. I noticed the man whisper to his accomplice as he took a guarded glance around the
restaurant. For all I know, he could have been asking her to order him an extra side of bacon or
whispering sweet nothings in her ear. She quickly went to the counter, while the male made a mad
dash to a far corner. Who knows? Maybe he suffered from social anxiety disorder and wanted to be
far from other patrons. I don’t know…all I know is I suddenly felt uncomfortable with their suspicious
presence. He was wearing a jacket that said police, but he sure didn't look like police to me. At first I
thought, maybe they were there after an undercover sting. Maybe they came from a Halloween party,
but Halloween still had a bit to go and this was on a work day early morning. My son actually said he
felt uneasy and that we needed to leave. I too had that gut feeling something was about to go down.
We quickly grabbed our items and left the building. I thought to myself, I've watched too much CSI or
the news. I must be paranoid. Yet, my son said, "Mom...if they were undercover then they were doing
a bad job of hiding their identity”, since her wig was barely holding on her head, and the police jacket
looked like something bought at a dollar store. Nonetheless, we got out of there. Since breakfast had
to be eaten on the run it gave me a little leeway in my schedule. I figured I would get grocery shopping
out of the way for the week. I was so thankful to find the parking lot mostly empty at that hour, I'm
thinking… “AWESOME!” We won't have to fight the crowds. We will be able to race through the store
in a flash! Well, tis' not to be. Problems started the moment we entered the store…I was ecstatic to
find a slew of scooters available (I use these often with a botched ankle surgery). Scooters available
and charged up are always a challenge. I quickly hopped on one to get busy shopping to find that it
wasn't charged. I looked down the line of them to find that NONE WERE PLUGGED IN! Oh, this
aggravated me so...that some pin-head was too lazy to plug these in for the sake others! Do these
employees not realize how MUCH business they lose over this? I usually end up at their competitors
when the scooter is out of service. And trust me, I have easily stuffed over a hundred dollars’ worth in
those little baskets.
5
I did eventually find a scooter barely working, but managed to get through most of my shopping before
it died. Delayed again, had to wait for my son to go find me a working one. We had to transfer the
items from one basket to the next before finishing the task. I was irritated. I don't like delays. I admit,
I'm not the most patient person in the world. My son always chuckles and says, "You must have prayed
for patience this morning"....even he knows that to learn patience, you have to have delays, stand in
long lines, listen to long-winded people, wait at a table for over an hour… wondering if your waitress
has amnesia as your stomach growls to order. Sometimes it’s the obnoxiously slow turning driver with
signal on for a mile who is busy finishing their text. Patience on the phone with Technical Support is
almost unbearable, you almost have to be prepared to take a Xanax, or a Nitrate to ward off chest pain,
with the exacerbation of it all! And last but not least the proverbial waiting room of a doctor’s office. I
usually picture my own funeral procession being held in the center of the room while waiting to see my
doctor....as my skeletal remains seated upright are still holding a magazine.
C.B. Graff Foodforsoulmagazine.com 2014© Cody B. Graff - [email protected]
Nevertheless, we made it to check out after almost two hours. I knew I still had much to do and
needed to hurry. Oh, I said hurry? NOT! I noticed on my receipt that I was overcharged for an
item. My son made his usual sigh, "Mom...can we just go?"... “NO”, I spouted. I was determined
to have this taken care of since this happens too often...this took an additional twenty-five
minutes as the checker had to bring a supervisor into it …to find the $1.25 GOOF…UGH.
6
'TICK TOCK' I am thinking...I'm losing daylight...I won't get these wasted moments back...I'm aging by the second, I can feel a new wrinkle form on my forehead…the nursing home is scheduling my bath...PLEASE CAN WE GET THE LEAD OUT???? But no…no one was in a hurry that day, not for Brenda Graff anyway. I finally make it back home to get my son started on school work, his focus was so thrown off it was almost impossible to light a fire under him to get it done! I had to make myself be patient as we went over each math problem. It was taking what seemed like forever to finish. It wasn't because he didn't know the answers, he just wasn’t interested. He isn't fond of math. Well, I decided to give him a break and me too, but my break consisted of doing dishes. As I was doing my least favorite chore....I somehow managed to cause water to stream across my counter and down the side of the cabinets and form a mini pond around my ankles…heading straight to the electrical plugs and near computer! Ugh…as I rush to stop the stream of doom! Now the time it will take to clean it up…more delay…I was not happy. I vowed I had had enough! I know I may have felt like I had enough, yet it isn't like I suffered a major crisis...I just wanted to get some stuff done. I’m not a procrastinator...and rarely deal with those that are very patiently… “Jesus help me” and I know too easily how I can become distracted if I don't jump on things immediately. In retrospect, I know that just because I set out to do something, doesn't mean that it was God's plan for my day. I remembered rushing out of bed without sincerely asking God what His plan for me that day was. It is vital that we ask Him what His plans are, especially since we are not our own. We are His to use as He wills. Are we good stewards of our time? Did what we spend time on make a difference in the life of someone other than ourselves. The other day as I was in the process of writing an article, and going over Social Studies with my son, I received a call…tempted, almost let it go to voice mail. I didn't want to be interrupted. I needed to focus. Yet, I knew this was someone I cared about, and thought it might be important. I took a deep breath and answered the call. The first words asked me were, "Are you busy?".... “YES...YES...YES...When am I not?” I wanted to scream! However, that is not what this person needed to hear. They needed a listening ear. The Holy Spirit jolted me and said, "Be still!" take the time to listen..."Okay...okay, I will".....and I did for over an hour. Yes, it was another delay in working on what I had planned, but within the delay it gave me insight to an article I was writing. Some delays are good, they have reason, and it’s not a cruel act under heaven. Nor is it Murphy’s Law. It isn't the unfairness fairy flying around with her magic wand to zap you of ever finishing. Sometimes we are delayed in our plans because we may not be prepared for them. It’s like giving a fifteen year old a credit card and sending them in a mega electronics store all ALONE to purchase whatever they want! They don’t care about the limit, or think of the monthly payments ahead, nor do they understand the magnitude of theft prevention needed to exit store safely with the overload of items. God doesn't work on our time table. If we push a plan before we are ready to handle it, before we are mature enough to carry the weight of responsibility it will take to finish, we can lose much, get hurt, or cause defeat. Patience is a virtue…it changes your character. It strengthens you, gives you peace, and gratitude. James 1:4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Once we learn to be patient, often God surprises us in a special way we didn’t even ask for.
7
Hebrews 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
We have to learn delay will be regulated by God, otherwise we will be at a constant tug-of-war with
the Holy Spirit, and ourselves.
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.
The word (possess) in Hebrew means” 'achaz aw-khaz' - to seize, bar, catch, take, hold back, fasten, handle. That means get THY SELF under control!
Control self before blood pressure boils in line at grocer so long….your milk has curdled, and ice-cream
has melted.
Control your tongue in traffic when you've driven nearly 20 miles with signal on and NO ONE will let
you change lanes!
Control when you find that the umpteen loads of laundry you folded have landed on floor scattered in
child’s room or wadded in drawers within ONE day!
Control when you pick up that empty juice carton in fridge that someone was too lethargic to toss.
Control when your dog has eaten a crater size hole through your sofa, or taken off with a whole chicken
carcass you where shredding for sandwiches that week.
Control when someone in customer service finds you invisible as they chit chat with a co-worker for a
solid 15 minutes instead of taking care of your issue
Control when those you love do not reciprocate the same or take you for granted.
Control when God’s answer is no to a prayer and understanding all things are working for the good of
those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28).
We don’t own our bodies, life, time, or even money. Jesus purchased us with the price of His blood.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
So why go into a tangent when things don’t go as planned? If we start our days asking for God’s will,
and adhere to it…AMAZING…things happen! We can avoid all the unnecessary stress, heavy sighs,
heart palpitations, and embarrassing verbiage scene when we choose to live as God wills… letting him
schedule our calendar.
When we do this, we grow wings that soar over these situations. We pick up momentum and
accomplish much!
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
8
Dear Maggie:
It seems every year around the holidays I get a little depressed. It usually
starts in the month of October. It is like a light switch goes off and
darkens my world. I really don't know why. It isn't like I don't have a
nice home, plenty to eat, lots of family, or good friends. I just don't feel
the excitement everyone else seems to have shopping for presents, and
decorating. Is there something wrong with me?
The Grinch in Greenville, N.C.
Dear Grinch:
What you’re experiencing isn't unusual. In fact there are many who suffer from what is called S.A.D.
(Seasonal affective disorder) it is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD
begins and ends at about the same time each year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms
start in the fall and continue through the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel
emotional. This is due to the atmospheric light change. Days get shorter as the sun sets before
evening, its dark! There are more overcast days then in other seasons. Your body is adjusting to cold
temps, which can sometimes lower immunity, causing inflammation, and aches...that in itself can be
depressing. However, do not despair! There is a simple treatment for SAD that doesn't include taking
anti-depressants. It is called phototherapy. You can purchase a light box which mimics outdoor light.
Researchers believe this type of light causes chemical changes in the brain to lift your mood. The
recommended exposure would be a minimum of 30 minutes each morning. You can buy a light box
over the counter, or online. No prescription required. They are fairly inexpensive. Also, adding a few
strings of bright white Christmas lights indoors help to cheer the mood. Aromatherapy of cinnamon
spice, pumpkin, or Eucalyptus and cucumber all spark energy, and soothing at the same time. Listen
to music that is uplifting, and inspirational. Don't become a coach potato watching reality TV where
there is constant conflict. These type of shows only further depression and set off agitated moods.
Focus on getting plenty of exercise. If you can't walk outside due to weather, hit a mall. A little time
spent out and about can also release the feel good chems in your brain. It's a cinch Grinch. You are
going to be okay.
Maggie
By submitting a letter to Food for Soul via snail mail, fax, or email, you grant Food for Soul and its successors to publish it. Dear Maggie expresses personal and professional opinions or
views. These opinions or views are not intended to treat or diagnose; nor are meant to replace treatment and care that you receive from a licensed physician or mental health professional.
Food for Soul or their employees are not responsible for the results following advice in Dear Maggie in any given situation. Food for Soul reserves the right to edit letters for length and
clarity. The advice offered by publication is intended for informational purposes only. Use of email or other media to provide this advice is not intended to replace or substitute for any
professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice.
Heartbroken? Teen troubling you?
Marriage in the mud?
Send letters to: [email protected] or
Food for Soul P.O. Box 304 – Tomball, TX 77377
Attn: FFS – Dear Maggie
9
“Need pampering? This isn’t the book. Ready for some healthy, balance-giving perspective? You’ll find
it in these pages.” — Max Lucado, pastor and best-selling author
“This is a book we’ve all been wanting but didn’t know we needed.” — Phil and Heather Joel, founders
of Deliberate People and formerly of Newsboys ”
“This book shouts the solution to a troubled self-serving nation of ME-addicts. They really need this
book. OK. Fine. WE really need this book!” — Your friend and mine, Bob Smiley. Comedian,
bobsmiley.com
“In ME Addiction, Rick Brown (and company) does the thing I fear the most … he made me look honestly
at my pride and self-centeredness and call it what it is.” — Shelley Leith, co-author Character Makeover
and creator of 40 Days of Purpose Campaign
It has caused every human from the first person to now to navel gaze rather than God gaze. Its tagline is “What’s
in it for me?”
It has caused families to break up, portfolios to bankrupt, and individuals to self-destruct. The addiction? The ME
Addiction. It’s that ingrained reaction to think of self-first and others later. Sometimes much later. It’s the idea
that having it my way is the best way. Believing that has elevated our egos, sent us into hiding, broken our
community, surfaced anxiety, and saturated us with stress.
But “having it my way” wasn’t the original way. At the beginning, the first response was to look to God. The better
question was, “What’s in it for him?”
ME Addiction will help you diagnose the human condition and take steps to a better life. A life that breaks free
from the oldest addiction known to humans and begins to live a revolutionary life. The life for which you were
created.
Discover what a ME-free world looks like, starting here.
ME Addiction: having it my
way isn’t so great after all.
Available at
Visit Author and Pastor of
rickbrown1life2love.com
10
Invest in a Long-Term Marriage and
Expect a Surprising Yield
Eighty-five percent of the American population believes that joy and happiness will come from finding a
soul-mate. That’s a lot of pressure to put on another person! You’re joy and happiness will come from one
other person?
Did you know that this is a fairly new way of thinking about relationships? Not until the 11th century did
viewing your spouse as a source of your happiness begin to surface. The Romantic period in Europe shot
this view sky-high until today we are focused more on infatuation and what the other person can do for us
and how they can make us feel than on what our role within the relationship is.
The Romans blamed infatuation on Cupid. The Greeks called him Eros—the “god of desire.” It is one of four
Greek words available that we translate “love.” It means “passionate” or “sensual” love. Plato said it was
the initial love felt for a person. But even Plato understood that it had to grow into an appreciation of the
beauty within that person.
Neuroscience has actually proven that the feelings that come with infatuation will only last 24-36 months.
That’s only 2-3 years. One study in Britain said that the “seven year itch” has now been replaced by the
“three year itch.”
When people enter into a marriage with a mental model that the other person is where their joy and
happiness will come from and have a love based on eros love it is almost set up for failure. A couple gets
married on an emotional high thinking that’s what a good marriage is like. Then, at some point when the
“romance” fades a bit, one or both begin thinking they may have married the wrong person when in reality
you can only keep infatuation feelings high for 2-3 years. And the only way you can keep infatuation high is
to remarry every 2-3 years.
Maybe that’s why the word eros was not used by New Testament writers. They talked about brotherly love
(phileo) and family love (storge). But they really liked to talk about the kind of love that is other-focused
rather than self-focused: agape.
Agape love will lead you to a mature, intimate love. The research says that although it only takes 2-3 years
for infatuation to drop off it takes 10-15 years to even begin to reach intimacy. And here’s the interesting
find: couples that make it to their 35th wedding anniversary find the same satisfaction as newlyweds.
Marriages that stick are like steady yield investments. Keep putting deposits into it and at some point it will
explode with intimacy. You can start making deposits today. Here’s how:
• Instead of asking “what can my spouse do for me?” ask “what can I do for my spouse?”
• Start doing that.
• Redefine marriage. Instead of thinking it is designed to make you happy start understanding that
marriage is designed to make you holy (or mature).
Invest for the long term. You will see a great yield in due time.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/08/us-relationships-itch-idUSTRE7272YI20110308
-Rick Brown Pastor of ChristBridge Fellowship
Author of ME Addiction
11
Sandie's Kicked up Oatmeal for Two
4 heaping teaspoons of 100% whole grain old
fashion all natural oats
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla flavor
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 medium banana sliced
1/4 of a medium to large delicious apple coarsely
chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil (Yes!
Coconut Oil for energy)
Put first 4 ingredients in a medium-size sauce
pan over medium heat, stir, and simmer for
5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove
from heat and add the remaining
ingredients mixing well.
You can substitute water for milk.
Depending on the season, change out the
fruit to mixed berries.
Enjoy…yum! Good to the last bite!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF OATS
Oats are rich in a fiber called beta-
glucan, which lowers bad cholesterol.
One cup of oats contains 16.5 grams of
fiber, which is approximately 1/2 of a
person's recommended daily intake of
fiber. Oats contain minerals such as:
manganese, selenium, phosphorus,
fiber, magnesium, and zinc. Oats are
also rich in carotenoids, tocols
(Vitamin E), flavonoids and
avenanthramides - a class of
polyphenols. One cup of oats contains
roughly 600 calories. In addition to
eating oats for breakfast, you can add
oats to low-sugar snacks like cookies,
and even as a filler in meatloaf. Oats
are also high in soluble fiber. That
means that not only do they digest
slowly, keeping blood sugar levels low,
they also help to prevent certain types
of colon cancer. Oats also help to lower
low-density lipoproteins by grabbing
onto them and expelling them from
the body before they have an
opportunity to accumulate inside the
coronary arteries, which can lead to a
heart attack. Oats do not contain
gluten, yet in rare cases they are grown
in the same fields as wheat or barley
which can sometimes contaminate
oats with gluten. Therefore, practice
precaution if you suffer from gluten
intolerance.
Most of us spend the first six days of
each week sowing wild oats; then we
go to church on Sunday and pray for a
crop failure.
-Fred Allen
"Fred Allen." BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2014. 27 October 2014.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/fredallen201557.html
Photo by B. Graff – Wind Creek, AL ‘08
12
Simple Baked Sweet Potatoes A good nutritional side dish
3 medium sweet potatoes washed and oiled
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar (not packed)
3 tablespoons coconut oil
Extra cinnamon, brown sugar and coconut oil for topping
Bake sweet potatoes at 375 for 45 minutes. Let sit out of oven for 10 minutes to be able to handle.
Leave oven on warm. Slice each potato in half the long way, scoop out the pulp and mash with the
vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar and coconut oil. Return mixture to skins and top each with a little
cinnamon, brown sugar, and a couple drops of coconut oil and return to warm oven until ready to serve.
OH so good! Variations: you can add 1 tablespoon of butter to mashed potato mixture. For more fiber add some chopped nuts or your choice to the toppings.
Nutritional Information: Calories 1,417.3 Total Fat 84.0 g Saturated Fat 72.0 g Polyunsaturated Fat 6.0 g Monounsaturated Fat 6.0 g Cholesterol 0.0 mg Sodium 29.2 mg Potassium 255.8 mg
Total Carbohydrate 194.4 g
Dietary Fiber 13.2 g Sugars 96.5 g Protein 6.0 g Calcium 9.2 % Copper 9.8 % Iron 8.2 % Magnesium 4.9 % Manganese 12.5 % Phosphorus 2.4 % Selenium 2.4 %
Benefits of Sweet Potatoes:
BETA CAROTENE & VITAMIN A -When eaten with the skin on*, a medium
sweet potato has four times the recommended daily intake for beta
carotene! Which plays a vital role in vision, bone development and
immune function.
VITAMIN C –a medium sweet potato provides 35 % of your daily
recommended amount of vitamin C.
MANGANESE -Sweet potatoes are a good source of manganese, which
helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and optimal thyroid function.
FIBER -Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which keep your bowels healthy
and lowers cholesterol.
COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES -Sweet potatoes are made of complex
carbohydrates (energy) that is released at a steady pace for a constant
source of vitality, so no sugar highs or lows to worry about.
ANTIOXIDANTS -Sweet potatoes are high in antioxidants.
Researchers (like Blackburn et al in 1988) found that coconut oil can aid in lowering harmful cholesterol levels
since it stimulates the thyroid. Proper levels of thyroid hormones help to stimulate an enzymatic process in which
LDL cholesterol into pregnenolone, DHEA, anti-aging steroids and progesterone---all of which are necessary in
fighting heart disease, cancer, obesity and senility. This same thyroid stimulation is linked to coconut oil's ability
to assist in healthy weight loss. Coconut oil's medium and short-chain fatty acids help to increase metabolism
and enable you to burn more calories and reduce unhealthy weight levels.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_5407323_benefits-pure-coconut-oil.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask
13
From The Heart So delicate, yet so explosive, so tender and yet so powerful. So revealing, still so secretive.
Who can really know the heart? Strong are the words of the prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 17:9 the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
The boundaries to set through life concerning the heart are simple and exact. First, give your heart
and your gift will always be in order. If you offer your gift and never your heart, you are only
attempting to pacify another. You deceive yourself in the process. Being on the receiving end of
the heart seem to be a most difficult place. Along with all the good brought about, the bitter, and
unpleasant weaves their way in. With this complication at hand, reason, discernment and
righteous judgment become your best friends. After all, if I am unable to trust the spiritual comforts
within, how can I expect to confide in others?
Before I can know your heart, I must know mine.
Before I can judge you, I must judge myself.
Before I can see, hear, and understand who you really are, I must see, hear, and understand who
I am.
More often than not, a misunderstanding is conceived in knowing the difference:
Looking at the heart only gives a shallow overview, while inviting one to exercise a spirit of criticism
based on unrighteous judgment.
Looking at the heart, I can only see the scars inflicted by loneliness, and wear brought on by a
former life of callous living.
Looking at the heart displays ruggedness and reveals where every thrown stone has made its mark
without ever giving a clue about the healing that has taken place-creating newness.
Looking at the heart without question identifies an individual with all their failures and never
believes for a changed bright future.
Looking at the heart will never allow us to appreciate the lessons learned which embed one with
life changing experiences.
Looking into the heart is the heart of the matter. For in it, truth is revealed. The mask we sometimes
wear doesn’t show our true identity. Looking into the heart by far will prove to be a most valuable
asset. Insight through the Holy Spirit penetrates to depths unknown. All that is superficial fades
from view giving way to truths that set men free.
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It is when I see, hear and, understand in the Spirit have learned that I can exercise the ability of
looking into the heart. In so doing, I must remember that, what is revealed to not judge by what I
understand in the flesh. Looking into the heart brings with it serious responsibility. In this, rises the
opportunity to transform a life. It is here the fruit of the Spirit performs its finest work.
While looking at the heart might produce misplaced sympathy, looking into the heart allows true
compassion to manifest. Looking at the heart easily produces a judgmental spirit while looking into
the heart gives us understanding that brings healing. The carelessness practiced by looking at the
heart produces scorn, but looking into the heart allows us to see the hidden good waiting to be
developed into its destiny.
The lack of sensitivity is displayed in our envy and hate when we look at the heart. Whereas,
looking into the heart demonstrate the love that we are so loved with by our Savior. While looking
at the heart can produce a false sense of security, looking into the heart can pave the way for a
peace that passes all understanding.
Let us then be challenged to live beyond all that we label as the norm, allowing the personality of
the Lord Jesus to take us on journeys that give us views into the heart. Let us be challenged to take
these life changing views and plant them where most needed. But let us so do it out of
compassion, mercy, tenderness, love, forgiveness and above all understanding.
Proverbs 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.
- Rev. Gary Dyer
“Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what
your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape.” ― Charles Dickens
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WARNING: MY OPINION BELOW, IF YOU DON’T AGREE, SORRY… THIS IS NOT A DEBATE STARTER~~~
Well, out of all the problems teens face, one of the main ones is “NO ONE
understands”. And really, even though seen as a drama queen with this said, it’s usually
true. Adults in this generation are highly minimalistic on the thought of what teens go
through on a daily basis. Maybe you think you know, but really, when you were a
teenager, did you tell your parents everything? I’m guessing no? Well, my point exactly.
Don’t underestimate the stress put on teens. In my opinion, it’s pretty ridiculous. This
generation is w-a-a-a-y different than before, as you can see, things are changing at
warp speed. And of course, with all these expectations...no one’s perfect! So STOP
expecting it! I walk around school and I see so many different types of people, but where
others would look at someone and think, ‘Oh, she’s so perfect!’ I, being myself (and
sometimes overanalyzing), can easily see that they are just like everyone else, with
problems too. Everyone, varying from the kids who are discriminated, to the kids who
are discriminating, they all have their own issues, problems, and struggles. It is just
different sometimes depending on their lifestyle. Ever think of a ‘popular’ student being
troubled? No? Well how about all the stress he/she may have on themselves to fit the
high standards of their ‘group’? Same goes for the ‘nerds’ everyone messes with. You
don’t know what their real life is like, they’re judged so easily. Don’t you think that
adds to their already piling mountain of homework, family, and whatever else? Well my
point is, like I said before; don’t think small of what we deal with. Analyze and think,
don’t just expect that they’re only concern is schoolwork, because you couldn’t be any
more off. –Amanda Graff / 8th Grader
Email your teen’s opinion to: [email protected] attn.: A.J.
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Tips on Trips
Photo by Terry Harris Burke-Clifton Forge, VA -2014
Winter and holiday travel can be one of the most stressful times. Especially,
when people become more distraught with long waits and unexpected
delays. Add bad weather during peak times for air travel, and you will end up
with lengthy flight delays, cancellations and or missed flights. Road travel has
its share of aggravations and risks as well. You might face road closings, slower
speeds, or traffic due to iced over highways, and accidents that can easily
throw off your schedule. Here are a few tips to prepare for a safer, stress-free
travel season:
FLIGHT
Plan ahead: Avoid peak travel dates, resulting in lower airfare, fly direct early
or later in the day to avoid the masses of travelers.
Leave an extra hour earlier: anticipate delays that might occur.
Pack light: Airlines are strict on luggage and weight limit, and costly. Instead
of traveling with presents shop online and have delivered to your destination.
Avoid influenza: Prepare a head of time by taking Elderberry syrup. “Israeli
researchers have developed five formulas based on elderberry fruit that have
been clinically proven to prevent all kinds of influenza. The complex sugars of
the berries are the immune-active fraction.” Most germs spread by contact.
Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often.
Stretch legs often: On long flights it’s possible to develop Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT), leg blood clotting.
DRIVING
Have a vehicle check-up before you travel. Be prepared for a change in
course.
Stay hydrated for the journey. Lack of fluids can cause fatigue.
Pack emergency items for any circumstance that may arise:
Cell phone charger, ice scraper, tow rope, jumper cables, cat litter to aid with
traction if stuck, blankets, flashlights, lighter, fire starter blocks, emergency
candles, first aid kit including anti-diarrhea, and allergy meds for sudden food
allergies, portable radio, simple auto tools for possible repair issues, chest of
water and food in case of lengthy road delay or breakdown.
Stop frequently at rest stops. Winter driving is fatiguing. Just a few minutes off
the road will make all the difference. It improves alertness. While driving,
glance around periodically to avoid the hypnotic pattern of lines in the road
that can cause sleepiness.
Be Aware: Always be alert to your surroundings, locking car when unattended,
and perhaps carry some self-defense, a Taser! Make sure you’re licensed and
trained to use products of defense.
Food For SouL wishes everyone a safe season!
For more info on elderberry visit: http://wellnessmama.com/5913/elderberries-herb-profile/
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Spend time with positive people who lift your spirits.
Walk, blood pumping can help clear your mind.
Eat right to ward off winter illness, fatigue, and high
medical bills.
Lights on! Enjoy sunlight, outdoors if possible. Brighten
up your home and workplace. Use candles, or imitation
sun lighting.
Watch your gift spending to prevent January debt
shock.
Share your feelings with a trusted sister or brother in
Christ. Bottled up can become anxiety, ulcers, a sour
disposition, or outburst.
Give to others. Volunteer. Giving is essential for
optimum physical, mental, and spiritual health in our
fragmented society.
Don’t Plan on Having a Blue Christmas
Celebrate Life!
Ways to Volunteer
Bake some goods to take to a shut-in
Adopt a soldier
Send a care package to a college student, military, or missionary.
Visit a nursing home
Visit the cancer unit of any hospital and bring some hope with you.
Pray for those in need
Pass out meals to the homeless
Buy carnations and hand them out randomly in a grocery store, you will enjoy
the look of surprise on someone's face.
Buy someone's meal through a drive-thru
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Thanksgiving is more than a meal. It is a way of life. Being thankful each day catapults one into a lifestyle of freedom unlike they've
ever known. You’re free from comparison to another. Free from keeping up with the Jones’s. Free to be content in whatever
situation you’re in. Free to live in a manner which exudes gratitude that others crave. Thanksgiving causes others to smile more,
give more, love more, and share the message of Christ in a world that is deeply hurting. Thanksgiving is the action of giving thanks,
and the giving action to others.
1. Good Health -Even if you’re health isn’t great, did you wake up breathing?
2. Freedom of Religion-Being able to worship is something many die to experience.
3. Your Parents-Even if they’re dysfunctional, they gave life to you.
4. Pets-Pets love so unconditionally.
5. Education-Some never get to experience the hope of learning.
6. A place to call Home-Whether in an apartment, mansion, tent, military base, a hospital, or in the trenches of war,
you have a place.
7. Ability to Read-And I am assuming your reading this now.
8. A Bed to Sleep-Whether on a sofa, cot, or mattress on the floor, at least it isn't under a bridge.
9. Laughter-The world would be a sad place without it.
10. Sunshine-The sun’s warmth can brighten a day. It is God’s good morning kiss.
11. Time-It goes too quickly.
12. Clean Water-People suffer all over the world without it.
13. Love-Can you imagine a world without it? Scary!
14. Books-You can enter another world on a couch in front of a cozy fire from mere words on a page.
15. Kindness of Strangers-Thank you God for those angels in disguise.
16. Pain-Yes, I said pain...without pain, you wouldn't know the difference from joy.
17. Art-It takes some of the ugliness of the world away.
18. Freedom of Speech-Expressing your thoughts or feelings is a privilege some don’t have without severe
consequences.
19. Rainbows-The reminder of God’s promise.
20. Indoor Plumbing-Can you imagine trapesing out in the dark to an outhouse greeted by gofers, or goats?
21. Mountains-Oh majestic mountains that shout strength and beauty.
22. Eyesight-The ability to watch a sunrise or sunset, how precious a gift.
23. Sunsets-To watch the hand of God paint the sky in all His love for His children to see. It's His kiss goodnight.
24. Your Mind-To have the ability to think.
25. Moon and Stars-The moon gives us light by night and the stars are a reminder of God's covenant to Abraham our
fore-father and all his descendants, including us.
26. Electricity- What would we do without it?
27. Hearing-Not being able to hear a first born baby's cry, or the harmonious sounds of birds singing praises, or the
echoes of an oldie-but-goodie song blasting in the background is tragic. Thank you God for hearing!
28. Children-Children can make you crazy sometimes, but to watch one grow, achieve through challenges, laugh, and
speak their minds can all be so surreal.
29. Oceans-The power of the waves as they crash against a shore, nothing makes me feel closer to God then when I am
standing at the shore of an ocean remembering that he keeps the waters in place to not flood the earth, like a make-
shift invisible wall.
30. Music-Is an instrument to a life of peace, joy, dance, song, and healing.
31. Entrepreneurs-We would never have experienced the light bulb, telephones, cars, planes, computers, cell phones,
and FRIED CHICKEN without them!
32. Warm Clothing-So many are living without the luxury of warm clothes. DONATE!
33. Freedom to Vote-Remember Hitler?
34. Challenges-We would never discover what we could do or inspire others without them.
35. Armed Forces-We wouldn't have the freedom we have now without them.
35 THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR
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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
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Fight the FLU from Your Kitchen
Thyme is an expectorant, which makes coughs more productive.
Steep 2 tsp fresh or dried thyme in cup of boiling-hot water for 10
minutes, let cool and drink.
Oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs,
asthma, croup, and bronchitis.
Basil boosts the immune system. It has antibacterial properties.
When applied to the skin or surfaces, basil fights back against
bacteria and so much more. Oil of basil herb has also been found to
have anti-infective functions by inhibiting many pathogenic bacteria
like Staphylococcus, Enterococci, Shigella, and Pseudomonas. Basil
tea helps relieve nausea and is thought to have mild anti-septic
functions.
Garlic boosts immune system, which help to ward off viruses like flu,
rhinovirus, and the common cold. Even if you get sick, you will
recover more quickly. Eating one raw garlic clove a day is plenty.
Suck on lemon wedge a brief moment to rid residual garlic breath or
taste.
Parsley helps boost the immune system. This tiny-leaf plant is rich
with chlorophyll, vitamin A, B, C, and K, folate and iron. It has high
beneficial mineral contents like calcium, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vanadium, and zinc. It can help
fight against allergies, and auto-immune and persistent inflammatory
disorders.
Licorice root contains the compound, glycyrrhizin that has been
found to have potent antiviral effects against serious diseases, such
as HIV and SARS, and a number of studies have found that licorice-
root extracts can fight off the flu, including strains of the avian flu
virus. It has also been used as an expectorant.
The extract of elderberries has been tested repeatedly and found to
shorten the duration of symptoms by as much as 4 days, and the
extract has been found effective at fighting up to 10 strains of flu virus.
Nearly all of the scientific studies conducted on elderberry have used
a commercial product called Sambucol, which is available as a liquid
supplement from a number of different companies.
This information is intended solely for general information. The contents are not intended to offer
personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for
medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your physician or
pharmacist to check for interactions with medication.
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Do you have something inspiring to share? An experience that has changed your life?
We would love to publish it!
Send to: [email protected]
Or mail to:
FOOD FOR SOUL
P.O. Box 304
Tomball, Texas 77377
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
What’s
Your
Story?