Health Begins When We Unpack Our Emotional Suitcase In The Spirit

by Pastor Al Soto

I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel all over the world and the one challenge I have had to overcome is answering the question: “How much do I pack?”

For many of us who have had to pack everything for our trip, there is nothing more exhausting than having to carry too much weight in an airport. Similarly, I have found that I need to investigate my emotional suitcase and explore what issues and possibly toxic things have been accumulating in my

Call first to verify worship times.

Bayside Church of Placerville

Pastor Al Soto

Worship: Sun 10am; Youth: Thurs 6pm 4602 Misourri Flat Road, Placerville info@baysideplacerville.com · baysideplacerville.com 530-626-7288

Bible Baptist Church

Pastor John Labins, conservative, evangelistic, independent Sun: 10am classes for all ages; 11am & 6pm Preaching;

Wed: Bible Study & Prayer 6pm, Bible Club for kids

5391 Mother Lode Drive, Placerville 530-621-0482; www.BetterThanGold.org

Camino Seventh-day Adventist Church

Pastor: Avi Mendoza - Call 1st for updated info. Sat. study session 10:00am; worship 11:00am

3520 Carson Road, Camino 530-644-2236 • elarsen.office@gmail.com www.caminoSDA.org

Church of Christ • Rescue

Phil Rembleski • Sunday worship only during pandemic!

Worship: Sun 10:30am & 5:30pm; 9:30am Sunday School classes all ages; Bible class Wednesdays 7pm 4200 Green Valley Rd, Rescue 530-677-4502 • rescuechurchofchrist.org

Church of the Nazarene

Reverend Dan Hopkins

Worship: Sun 10:30am

6040 Mother Lode Dr, Placerville plaznaz@yahoo.com • www.plaznaz.com 530-622-3217

Discovery Hills Evangelical Free Church

Pastor Christopher Feigles

Worship: Sundays 9am, 10:30, 10:15 online

4270 Shingle Springs Dr., Shingle Springs www.discoveryhills.org • zoe@discoveryhills.org 530-677-1875 heart. As someone who has also been on my own journey to maintaining my emotional and spiritual health, looking into my suitcase frees me to be more proactive versus reactive to what has been stacking up inside.

Here is a simple truth: “WE ALL HAVE STUFF!” Some of our baggage comes from the broken issues of our family of origin and some of it has been gathered from unhealthy habits we’ve accumulated in an attempt to meet our needs. We begin to eat too much, drink too much, shop too much, work too much and our list could go on as we find ways to avoid peeking into our emotional suticases, because if we did, we might have to face things and change them.

Think about it...

Why do so many Christians make lousy human beings? Why are so many of us judgmental, unaware, and defensive? Part of the answer lies in the failure to biblically integrate emotional health and spiritual maturity. A vast industry exists around emotional intelligence that ignores spirituality. An enormous amount of continued on page 33

Worship Services Around Here

El Dorado Community ChurchCongregational

Pastor George Turnboo

Sunday Worship 11:00 am

4701 Church Street, El Dorado, racecar56g@yahoo. com, eldoradocommunitychurch.com, 530-622-8868

Federated Church

Pastor Rev. Dr. Laura Barnes

Worship: Sun 10:00am. 1031 Thompson Way, Placerville www.EldoradoFederatedChurch.org office@eldoradoFederatedChurch.org, 530-622-0273

Freedom Church

Pastor Scott & Pastor Colleen Williams

Worship: Sun 9 & 10:30am. Youth: Tuesdays 6pm.

Men’s Bible Study: Fri 8am. 4414 Commodity Way, Cameron Park, 530-677-7212 www.freedomchurchcp.org / office@freedomchurchcp.org

Holy Trinity Catholic Parish

Fr. Larry Beck

Mass: Sat. Vigil Mass 5:30pm; Sun. Mass 7:30am, 9am, 11am Weekdays, M-F 8:15am. 3111 Tierra de Dios Dr., El Dorado Hills. holytrinity@holytrinity.parish.org • 530-677-3234 www.holytrinityparish.org

Sentinel Ministries, Inc.

Pastor Veronica Parker

Worship 1st Sunday only 1pm, Parish Hall at St.Stephen’s Lutheran Church 1001 Olson Ln, El Dorado Hills. 916-968-7844

St. Patrick Catholic Church

Fr. Hernando Gomez Amaya

English Mass: Sat. 4pm; Sun. 8am, 10am; M-F 8:30am; Spanish Mass: Sun. 12:30pm & Wed. 6:30pm; 3109 Sacramento Street, Placerville 530-622-0373

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church

Pastor Trudy Franzen

Sun. Worship: Zoom Service 8:30; In-Person is 9:30am 1001 Olson Lane (at EDH Blvd), El Dorado Hills 916-933-1441 • st-steph@sslcedh.org, www.sslcedh.org continued from page 32 information also exists that defines a “healthy and ature” Christian. Rarely are the two integrated. Furthermore, the truth is it takes courage to look at what we have been cramming into our emotional suitcase. It’s not easy to look at life’s most difficult moments, especially when they revolve around events that we have experienced, such as “betrayal,” “neglect,” or being the recipient of “rejection.” It’s not healthy to deny that these events have happened to us. Instead, we have to make sure that we are asking God to help us navigate through our life issues. This way we do not become the person who perpetuates these unresolved issues onto others. Here are some steps that you can take to begin to unpack the emotional stuff in your suitcase:

Churches, To list in Around Here Magazine, call 530-303-8980 or email information below to sara@aroundheremagazine.com.

Cost is $100/year for 4 issues.

1.

Participate in a faith community

The state of mind in hypnosis can influence the immune system’s fight against disease, illness and physical damages.

Much of our accumulated unhealthy baggage comes from unhealthy social relationships, and our healing comes from being involved in a healthy community. Often we divide our lives into “secular” and “sacred” compartments. By being in a healthy community we can begin to anchor our lives in the love of God, which will emancipate us to enjoy communion with Him and with others in all areas of our lives. No one becomes spiritually mature and emotionally healthy in a vacuum. We are created in the image of God to be in relationships with others, and it is in the context of relationships that we begin to open our emotional suitcase and see what feelings, thoughts, and behaviors must be unpacked in order for us to better connect with God and others.

2. Break the power of the past ways that lead to growth for yourself and others. Don’t let the “committee” in your head whisper that you must be beyond repair because your suitcase is so full. Be encouraged because you are human and part of the “human race.”

These steps are helpful when you know that you are fully loved by God. You can invite Him in as a partner and courageously begin to unpack your emotional suitcase.

In the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message: ”Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Time to start unpacking that emotional suitcase.

Dignity / Respect / Self-Worth

Ashamed - Beaten down - Cut down - Criticized

Dehumanized – Disrespected - Embarrassed

Humiliated – Inferior Insulted – Invalidated

Labeled - Lectured to – Mocked – Offended

Put down - Resentful – Ridiculed - Stereotyped

Teased – Underestimated – Worthless

Freedom / Control

Bossed around - Controlled - Imposed Upon

Imprisoned - Inhibited - Invaded - Forced

Manipulated - Obligated - Over-Ruled

Powerless - Pressured - Restricted - Suffocated Trapped

I am a recovering alcoholic with 38 years of sobriety. I have been involved in AA and in the past fifteen years, Celebrate Recovery. Being involved in these programs has helped identify how issues from my family of origin (e.g., character flaws, ways of coping with pain), impact my current relationships and decisions. As a result, it helps me to be more reflective and open to feedback from trustworthy sources to minimize the negative impact of my past. This lets me live freely with a lighter suitcase, as God has meant for me.

3. Listen to your anger, sadness, and fear You have to take the necessary time to experience and process “difficult” emotions. Thus, you are able to express anger, hurt, and sadness in

Pastor Al Soto is lead pastor of Bayside Church and professor at EPIC Bible College. He believes that “Real success is helping others to succeed.” continued from page 31

September 17

Country Dance * 5:15p - 9p

Hosted @ Veteran’s Memorial Hall: Lesson from 5:15 - 6, Line Dancing 6 - 6:30, Open Dance 6:30 - 9. $10 entry includes lesson. Proceeds benefit veterans.

Car Show * 10a - 3p www.newbeginningsgoldcountry.org

New Beginnings presents 11th Annual Park Community Music Festival & Car Show at Park Community Church, Shingle Springs. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of Great Music, Hot-Rods, Classic Cars, and More!

September 18

Wine + Yoga = WOGA! *

8:30a - 10p - Don’t miss the irresistible experience of basking in the sun as you listen to birds chirp while perfecting your down dog. These classes are slow-flowing vinyasa style and fun for all levels. Robin Lenzi of Living Fit Yoga and our tasting room team member Julia Johnsen of Joyful Yoga Breath will alternate teaching classes. Enjoy light snacks and a complimentary glass of wine afterward! $25/member, $30/ non-member. www.boegerwinery.com

September 21

Poetry Readings * 5:30p - 8p

El Dorado County Poet Laureate, Lara Gularte, will be joined by local poets, Poetry Out Loud winners, and special guests for free poetry readings. Pollock Pines Library

6210 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines.

September 24

Girls Night Out * 4p - 9p

This year’s Girl’s Night Out is Wild West themed! Come to Historic Downtown Placerville for Live Music, a Fashion Show, Photo Booths, and fun activities in participating shops. Purchase Bling Bags at Ambiance and Robinson’s Pharmacy starting Sept 1. Come dressed in your favorite western wear, it’s going to be a Wild Night! For more information follow us on Facebook and Instagram

@girlsnightoutpville

Events

Kids Ninja Warrior *

Hosted by Active 20-30, it offers two courses, one for older kids and another for the younger kids. You won’t want to miss it! More details available on the website at www.goldrush1034.org

September 30 www.smithflathouse.com/events

Latin Dancing * 6p - 9p - Smith Flat House presents Latin Dance Night, hosted by Joel & Ariel Beall. One and a half hour class followed by a dance social. $10 entrance fee.

October 2022 Events

1st & 3rd Sundays

Train Rides * 10a, 11a, 12p, 1p

The El Dorado Western Railroad 2022 excursion train rides continue w/ round trips from the El Dorado Station, 4650 Oriental St, El Dorado. Rides are on historic gang cars. Buy tickets onsite, $3-$8; they go fast so buy starting at 9:30 for any ride. More info: 530-663-3581 (Sunday) or museum (railroad sponsor, for general information), 530-621-5865

Every Wednesday

Farmer’s Market * 8a - 12p

Cameron Park Farmer’s Market at Burke Junction on the corner of Coach Lane and Strolling Hills Rd.

Farmer’s Market * 4p - dusk

Placerville Farmer’s Market at 401 Main Street, Placerville, around the Bell Tower

All farmers happily accept EBT and MarketMatch.

This market specializes in local fruits and vegetables, sustainable agriculture, and community. Enjoy live music, fresh produce, local vendors and fun for everyone. Call 530-919-5696 or check out the latest info on their Facebook page.

Every Thursday

Music in the Courtyard * 6p - 8p

Smith Flat House “Pickin’ on the Patio” Thursday night’s music in the courtyard from 6-8pm!! Come join us on our patio! Reservations recommended.

Every Friday

Farmer’s Market * 9a - 12p

Marshall Hospital Farmer’s Market 1100 Marshall Way, Placerville

Mark your Calendars for this Wonderful Farmers Market up near Marshall Hospital with local Artisan Vendors. Come out and enjoy your morning and support your local Farmers.

Cider Sunsets * 4p - 7p

Cider Sunset Fridays @ Hidden Star Camino are a great way to wind down from the week! Grab a cider, something tasty from the bakery and relax into the weekend. No reservations required. We will stay open until after the sun sets. See you soon!

1st, 2nd, 3rd Fridays

Line Dancing * 6p - 9p

Line Dancing @ Smith Flat House: Instructed by Sara Schindler. $10 at the door. Food and drinks available for purchase.

October 1

Car Show * 9a - 3p

Come to Cameron Park Lake for Thunder in the Car Park, hosted by Shingle Springs/ Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce. More information at sscpchamber.org continued on page 35

Before you head to an Event continued from page 34

Check the website or call ahead to make sure it’s still on!

October 7-9

Coloma Gold Rush Live! * 10a - 4p Coloma will be full of sights, sounds, scents, and hands-on experiences.Living tent encampment with costumed volunteers recreate a historical mining camp from the 1850s. Merchants hawk their wares, musicians play period instruments and sing songs of the early immigrants, and children play games from the 19th century. For three days, artists make pictures, tools, and clothes. Visitors learn how to pan for gold and make candles and rope, and miners tell tales from the goldfields. Visitors may rub shoulders with adventurers and historical figures, such as James Marshall, who found the nugget that started the California Gold Rush. Parking is $10/car and $5 for event. More information at www.marshallgold.com

October 13

Ribbon Cutting * 5:30p - 7:30p

Join Jovive in celebrating their new location in Cameron Park AND their 1-year anniversary. Food, beverages and tours will be provided. 4062 Flying C Road, Cameron Park.

October 14 & 15

Buried History * 10a - 4p

Learn about local history by strolling the cemetery grounds. You will meet notable historic figures of El Dorado County through living history performances. For more event details, keep an eye on www.buriedhistory.org

Events

October 15 & 16

Rock & Gem Show * 10a - 5p

The El Dorado County Mineral and Gen Society presents exciting demonstrations and offerings by rock and gem dealers at this year’s show. Theme is: “Treasures in the Rough.” See how rough rocks are transformed into finished gems. There will be something for everyone including free rocks and activities for kids. Showcased will be minerals, crystals, petrified wood, fluorescents, geodes, slabs, rough & finished material, gemstones, custom jewelry, unique gifts and more. Place: El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville. For more information: ElDoradoCountyMineralandGemSociety.org.

October 19

Wine + Yoga = WOGA! * 8:30a - 10pDon’t miss the irresistible experience of basking in the sun as you listen to birds chirp while perfecting your down dog. These classes are slow-flowing vinyasa style and fun for all levels. Robin Lenzi of Living Fit Yoga and our tasting room team member Julia Johnsen of Joyful Yoga Breath will alternate teaching classes. Enjoy light snacks and a complimentary glass of wine afterward! $25/member, $30/ non-member. www.boegerwinery.com

October 21

Monthly Presentation * 1p - 3p

Join us at the Mother Lode Lions Club for a presentation entitled Better Smartphone Photography, presented by Bill Robinson. Free to members; non-members may attend two presentations/year at no charge. Held at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missourri Flat Rd. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to Life Long Learning. For more information, please visit: srsedc.org

Halloween Boo Bash * 5:30p - 8:30p

Join us at our second Halloween Boo Bash at the Cameron Park Community Center. It’s a SPOOK-tacular evening full of Trunk or Treating, carnival games, costume contests and food. Strut your stuff in our Costume Contest for an opportunity to win prizes! Everyone will receive an arm length of carnival tickets for FREE.

October 22

Trail Run * 8:30a - 11a

California Gold Rush Trail Run

5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon

This event is inside the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, set in the beautiful foothills of Coloma along the south fork of the American River. The courses are a mix of very appealing single-track dirt trails and a few paved areas. There are some moderately technical ascents and descents with a lot of switchbacks. There are also some sections of rolling hills and other places where the course is completely flat. With the addition of scenic views and a variety of wildlife, there is plenty to make this run very enjoyable and interesting.

Fundraiser * ARC Ladies Valley Landback Fundraiser: The fundraising event will be hosted at Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville. The event will include Native American music, storytelling, a nature-inspired fine art auction, light refreshments, and local wines. Event registration is limited and currently $50 per person. If the event is not sold out by September, the ticket price will increase in support of this worthy cause. During early October, the online auction will kick off with a live art show at the Center Street Gallery located at 3182 Center Street, Placerville. Online bidding will continue during the live event, and all winners will be notified. For more information, www.visit arconservancy.org continued on page 38

Turkish Chicken Kebabs

15 min prep

2-8 hr marinate

12 min cook time

* 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt

* 6 cloves garlic, minced

* 2 tbsn olive oil

* 2 tbsn freshly squeezed lemon juice

* 2 tbsn ketchup

* 1 tbsn Aleppo red pepper flakes

* 1 tbsn kosher salt

* 1 ½ tsp ground cumin

* 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

* 1 tsp paprika

* ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon

* 2 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved

* 4 long metal skewers

1. Whisk yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, ketchup, red pepper flakes, salt, cumin, black pepper, paprika, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.

2. Place chicken thigh halves into the yogurt marinade and coat thoroughly on all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 2 to 8 hours.

3. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

4. Using 2 skewers for each kebab, thread half of the chicken thighs onto each pair of skewers making a fairly thick “log” shape.

5. Place kebabs on the preheated grill. Do not try to turn them until they begin to unstick from the grill, 3 or 4 minutes. Turn from the kitchen kebabs and grill the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Continue cooking and turning until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 6 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165° F.

Ginger-Orange Mocktail

10-minute prep

16 servings

* 5 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

* 3 cups chilled pineapple juice

* ½ tsp orange bitters

* 3 12-oz bottles chilled ginger beer

Combine orange juice, pineapple juice, (alcohol), and bitters in a pitcher. Top with ginger beer and serve on ice with an orange slice.

This mocktail can also be served as a cocktail with vodka or gin. Mocktail or cocktail, it is simple to make and served in a pitcher, making it an ideal choice for get-togethers. Enjoy!

Pesto Pasta Caprese Salad

10-min prep

10-min cook time

6 servings

* 1 ½ cup rotini pasta

* 3 tbsn pesto, or to taste

* 1 tbsn extra-virgin olive oil

* ¼ tsp salt, or to taste

* ¼ tsp granulated garlic

* ⅛ tsp ground black pepper

* ½ cup halved grape tomatoes

* ½ cup small (pearlini) fresh mozzarella balls

* 2 leaves fresh basil leaves, finely shredded

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.

2. Mix pesto, olive oil, salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper in a bowl; add rotini. Toss to coat. Fold in tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.

This twist on a classic is great as a hearty side dish or as a quick dinner, just add protein!

Recipes found online at AllRecipes.com and SouthernLiving.com from the kitchen

Crab Cakes

25-minute prep

4 servings

* 20 saltine crackers, finely crushed

* 1 pound lump crabmeat, jumbo lump crab meat preferred

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise

* 1 large egg

* 1 tbsn Worcestershire sauce

* 1 tbsn baking powder

* 1/2 tsp hot sauce or 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

* 1 tbsn fresh parsley, optional, minced

* oil, for frying

* fresh dill, optional, for garnish

* lemon wedge, optional, for garnish

* tartar sauce, optional, to taste, for serving

1. In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the crushed crackers with the crabmeat.

2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Worcestershire sauce, baking powder, hot sauce, and parsley until smooth.

3. Gently fold the mayonnaise mixture into the crabmeat mixture.

4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook and for up to 1 hour.

5. Divide the crab meat into 8 equal parts.

6. Gently pat each of the individual parts into 1 - 1/2” thick patties, careful not to overwork the meat.

7. Add cooking oil to a large skillet and place over medium heat.

8. Place the crab cakes in the skillet and cook until heated through and golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes. Do not crowd the skillet, and cook in batches if necessary.

9. Transfer the crab cakes to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

10. Move the cakes to a serving platter. Garnish with dill and lemon wedge, and serve with tartar sauce.

Did You Know?

Experts think that crab cakes were originally a creation of the Native Americans in the Chesapeake Bay region.

However, the first crab cake recipe was introduced by Crosby Gaige in his 1930 cookbook titled New York World’s Fair Cookbook. They were called “Baltimore Crab Cakes” and the name “crab cakes” stuck!

Baked Apples with Oatmeal Filling

45 minutes total 4 servings

* 4 apples

* 1 cup rolled oats

* ¼ cup brown sugar

* 1 tspn ground cinnamon

* ¼ cup butter continued from page 35

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. Core each apple creating a well in the center. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet.

3. Mix oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl; cut in butter until evenly combined. Spoon ¼ of oat mixture into each apple.

4. Bake in preheated oven until apples are warm and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

5. Serve with french vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

This recipe is the perfect quick treat after a trip to Apple Hill! Pick your own apples or swing by the local grocer. Either way, this recipe is sure to please!

October 29

Cemetery Tour * 10a - 12:30p

This Cemetery Tour will be led by Keith Atwater, author of this issues “Historic Cemeteries” article. Location and other details are forthcoming on the American River Conservancy website at www.arconservancy.org

Want

Email

Live

www.therandomstrangers.com

8/27 Tribute to Rock @ Jack Russell Farm, Placerville, 5p-8p

9/3 Sierra Vista Winery, Placerville, 5:30p-8p

10/7 HWY 50 Brewery, Camino, 5p-8p

Live Music w/ Ed Wilson www.facebook.com/edwilsonmusic

9/17 Smith Flat House, Placerville, 6p-8:30p

10/1 Mraz Brewing Company, El Dorado Hills 5p-8p

I once fell in love with a girl who only knew 4 vowels. She didn’t know I existed.

I was really embarrassed when my wife caught me playing with my son’s train set by myself. In a moment of panic, I threw a bedsheet over it. I think I managed to cover my tracks.

I’ve just written a song about tortillas; actually, it’s more of a rap.