Food For Soul Magazine

NOV-DEC

2014

Food for Soul

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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 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

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: INSPIREME@FOODFORSOULMAGAZINE.COM FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE - P.O.BOX 304 TOMBALL, TEXAS 77377

www.foodforsoulmagazine.com 1

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

Brenda A. Graff Publisher / Editor / Writer

Food for Soul Magazine (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 Godgiven passion, which is pen to paper with a purpose!

-In His Service Jeremiah 29:11

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.

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Tis’ the Season of Thanks 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.

Photo by Terry Burke Harris - Iron Gate, VA 2014

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

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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.

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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.

Foodforsoulmagazine.com 2014© Cody B. Graff - codybgraff@foodforsoulmagazine.com

C.B. Graff

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.

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'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.

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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.

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Heartbroken? Teen troubling you?

Marriage in the mud?

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.

Send letters to: inspireme@foodforsoulmagazine.com or Food for Soul P.O. Box 304 – Tomball, TX 77377 Attn: FFS – Dear Maggie

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.

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ME Addiction: having it my way isn’t so great after all.

Available at

Visit Author and Pastor of

rickbrown1life2love.com “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.

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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 10

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 Photo by B. Graff – Wind Creek, AL ‘08

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OATS Oats are rich in a fiber called betaglucan, 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.

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!

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

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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.

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

Nutritional Information: Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium 29.2 mg Potassium Total Carbohydrate Dietary Fiber Sugars Protein Calcium Copper Iron Magnesium Manganese Phosphorus Selenium

1,417.3 84.0 g 72.0 g 6.0 g 6.0 g 0.0 mg 255.8 mg 194.4 g 13.2 g 96.5 g

6.0 g 9.2 %

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.

9.8 % 8.2 % 4.9 % 12.5 % 2.4 % 2.4 %

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.

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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: teentruth@foodforsoulmagazine.com attn.: A.J. 15

Tips on Trips 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/

Photo by Terry Harris Burke-Clifton Forge, VA -2014

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Don’t Plan on Having a Blue Christmas Celebrate Life!

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.

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 18

35 THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR 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.

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Good Health -Even if you’re health isn’t great, did you wake up breathing?

Freedom of Religion-Being able to worship is something many die to experience.

Your Parents-Even if they’re dysfunctional, they gave life to you.

Pets-Pets love so unconditionally.

Education-Some never get to experience the hope of learning.

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.

Ability to Read-And I am assuming your reading this now.

A Bed to Sleep-Whether on a sofa, cot, or mattress on the floor, at least it isn't under a bridge.

Laughter-The world would be a sad place without it.

Sunshine-The sun’s warmth can brighten a day. It is God’s good morning kiss.

Time-It goes too quickly.

Clean Water-People suffer all over the world without it.

Love-Can you imagine a world without it? Scary!

Books-You can enter another world on a couch in front of a cozy fire from mere words on a page.

Kindness of Strangers-Thank you God for those angels in disguise.

Pain-Yes, I said pain...without pain, you wouldn't know the difference from joy.

Art-It takes some of the ugliness of the world away.

Freedom of Speech-Expressing your thoughts or feelings is a privilege some don’t have without severe consequences.

Rainbows-The reminder of God’s promise.

Indoor Plumbing-Can you imagine trapesing out in the dark to an outhouse greeted by gofers, or goats?

Mountains-Oh majestic mountains that shout strength and beauty.

Eyesight-The ability to watch a sunrise or sunset, how precious a gift.

Sunsets-To watch the hand of God paint the sky in all His love for His children to see. It's His kiss goodnight.

Your Mind-To have the ability to think.

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.

Electricity- What would we do without it?

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!

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.

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 makeshift invisible wall.

Music-Is an instrument to a life of peace, joy, dance, song, and healing.

Entrepreneurs-We would never have experienced the light bulb, telephones, cars, planes, computers, cell phones, and FRIED CHICKEN without them!

Warm Clothing-So many are living without the luxury of warm clothes. DONATE! Freedom to Vote-Remember Hitler?

Challenges-We would never discover what we could do or inspire others without them.

19 Armed Forces-We wouldn't have the freedom we have now without them.

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Background checks will be conducted on the basis of integrity and safety for our team and clients. This is on an independent contractual basis. Due to the nature of this business, and the organizations we sometimes represent, we are asking for individuals with a strong desire in helping others. Our magazine helps raise funds for different causes globally. If you are interested, please email your resume to: INSPIREME@FOODFORSOULMAGAZINE.COM OR SEND TO: P.O. BOX 304 TOMBALL, TX 77377 Attn: FFSA 20

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 licoriceroot 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.

Disclaimer of Content Food for Soul assumes no responsibility for the relevance, accuracy, completeness or quality of the 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.

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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

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