FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE

May 2015

No. 7

FOOD FOR SOUL M A G A Z I N E The Verdict is in Pg. 5-6

I Can’t Live Without Your Love Pg. 7-8

Hydration Pg. 11

Go Green Pg. 15

Shake a Tail Feather Pg. 21-22

Changing the World Never looked So Good Pg. 23

Look inside to read how this Christian Contemporary Artist overcame addiction, the agony of loss, and gained life through Jesus Christ.

John 3:16

Who’s Got Your Back?

Pg. 25-26

Is a menu of inspirational articles, and information to encourage a deliberate lifestyle physically, emotionally, but most important spiritually. Food For Soul serves up recipes for the kitchen, as well as for life! The contributing writers come from all different backgrounds, professions, and experiences that contribute much inspiration! We currently have over 180,000 viewers via internet.

The magazine is a ministry tool to raise funds both globally and locally for causes such as, WATER FOR LIFE, STAR OF HOPE MISSIONS, FAMILIES FEEDING FAMILIES, PREGNANCY HELP CENTERS OF AMERICA, 4PAWS (non-kill) PET SHELTERS, and T.E.A.M., etc.

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

Our goal is to one day open up a crisis center that provides training, and resources for families of domestic abuse.

We pray that you will join us on this mission to mend and to help enable a community broken to become bold and bring out the beauty from ashes by sponsoring an ad in this magazine.

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

To find out more please call: 281-906-1597 or email: inspireme@foodforsoulmagazine.com You can sponsor by visiting our website or mailing check to: www.foodforsoulmagazine.com P.O. BOX 304 TOMBALL, TX 77377

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A Word from the Editor Greetings and a warm welcome to our seventh issue of Food for Soul Magazine! We couldn’t be more excited to have the opportunity to bring to our reading audience pages of aweinspiring articles, information, and recipes for the soul and the kitchen. Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. You will notice each page is filled with material to enhance, encourage, and provide practical ways to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.

You can look at one category at a time, or examine the articles page by page to choose which to read first. Just as with any paper magazine, you can choose to sit and read the whole thing at once, or come back to this issue several times to digest the articles more leisurely.

We established this on-line magazine to promote a strong deliberate life-style of giving and a heart to serve. What you will find in the pages of Food for Soul Magazine, is a collection of inspiring, educational articles written by actual, honest, downto-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

Brenda A. Graff FOUNDER Food For Soul Magazine Being a former news reporter sparked a great desire in me to continue writing and researching, but with a purpose to help others. Being a wife, and mom of six has had its challenges, but it has taught me much along the journey and to utilize the experience to ignite a passion for positive change in our communities. Much time is spent on projects, and ministry. At other times you will find me in the kitchen creating new dishes. Currently, I am a busy homeschooler, Grandmother of two, and when I’m not wrapped up with family or community…spend many hours working on my God-given passion, which is pen to paper with a purpose!

Seeking contributing writers Send comments, recipes, photos, articles, or poems to: INSPIREME@FOODFORSOULMAGAZINE.COM FOOD FOR SOUL MAGAZINE - P.O.BOX 304 TOMBALL, TEXAS 77377

www.foodforsoulmagazine.com 3

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The Verdict is in…

-Nancy McDade Not guilty, not guilty, not guilty! The verdict has been read. There is no changing the outcome now. The court has decided and there is absolutely nothing you can do to change their mind. My question is: Why on earth would you want to change their mind when they have declared you not guilty?

How many times in life do we walk around with shackles on our feet that other people have placed us in? There we are smiling and striving as we work so hard for approval. Maybe someone close to you has caused this. Maybe their constant words of negativity and “woe is me" attitude has placed you in a place of condemnation. There you are trying so hard to reach higher, work harder, catering more to their needs, and overlook your own i.e. (resting), in hopes of not ever raining on their parade. They have declared you guilty, not because you have truly done anything wrong, but because you are an easy target. Or, perhaps, you have declared yourself guilty because, throughout your entire life, others guilt trips have sent you on a journey that you never intended to take.

Let me tell you a little secret, you are not the cause of their unhappiness. For whatever reason some people choose unhappiness. They always see the glass as half empty.

Don't become a victim too by allowing someone else to condemn you when God, the creator of the universe, has declared you not guilty.

Feelings of condemnation and guilt can keep a person beat down to the point of physical exhaustion. Nothing is ever good enough and so we work harder and harder trying to please everyone. Guess what? You will never please everyone. No matter how many cakes you bake, clothes you wash, gifts you buy, cards you send, meals you cook, or compliments you give, there will always be one who still feels short changed

Truth is, maybe their attitude is the reason they feel short changed. You cannot force a person to change their attitude if they don't want to.

Sometimes in life things happen to us that are completely out of our control. Children grow up in dysfunctional homes every day, not because of choices of their own, but because of others choices. These events can leave impressions of guilt, anger, condemnation or a victim mentality.

It’s natural to feel that way when a child is left to defend himself at an early age. The good news is, we do not have to stay that way. We do not have to remain shackled to past events in our life.

There was a man by the pool of Bethesda who had been sick for 38 years. (John 5: 1-15). The man could not help himself. Every time he tried to make his way to the pool to be healed, someone would jump in front of him and they would get healed instead. I am guessing this man was discouraged. He was probably angry and felt like a victim. Can you imagine the audacity of someone jumping in front of a lame man who is trying with all his might to make it to the pool for healing? I am convinced the lame man must have thought "woe is me" quite a few times. He may have even had resentful thoughts about the people who jumped in front of him as he struggled in pain. The Bible does not say exactly when the man sinned or what the sin was but, at some point, the man had sinned because Jesus later said to him, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."

Being mistreated does not give us a license to mistreat others. We can get so accustomed to being mistreated that we develop a bad attitude.

We develop coping mechanisms to ease the pain.

Maybe we use sarcasm, passive aggression, whining, abusing alcohol or drugs, laying guilt 5 trips, or lashing out at others.

We can become comfortable in our discomfort and start to accept our hateful ways as being acceptable. Jesus asked the lame man by the pool of Bethesda, "Do you want to be made well?" The man answered with excuses of why he could not be made well. "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."

Jesus immediately says to the man "Rise, take up your bed and walk." Jesus had compassion. He healed the man who, for 38 years, had been overlooked, stepped over, and disregarded. This man simply did what God told him to do which is "rise, take up your bed and walk." It makes no difference how many people have jumped ahead of you to get to the pool, God wants to heal you.

Stop making excuses and don't allow yourself to lick your wounds anymore. (By the way, I am preaching to myself) Get up and walk!

Now after the man was healed the Jews said to the man “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” Instead of being happy for this man who had been lame for 38 years, they had to see the glass as half empty. There will always be those who want to crush your dreams, spoil your milk, spit in your lemonade. For whatever reason, some people will choose not to rejoice with you in your success just like the Jews who scolded the lame man for carrying his bed on the Sabbath.

This is what the lame man, who had been healed, ended up doing. Jesus found the man right after this occurred and said to him, "See you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."

Sometimes not becoming a victim means taking up your bed and walking. If the lame man had lingered too long in excuses I wonder if he would have lost his opportunity to be healed. Instead, he chose to listen to the voice of God. He took up his bed and he walked. It was the perfect time for him.

I think he was tired of being tired. He had spent way too long watching others get healed. Praise God, he listened and he walked.

Maybe life for you has not been easy. Maybe you have been overlooked, stepped over, criticized, mocked, or unappreciated. Maybe life has left you feeling hopeless, resentful, guilty, undeserving or even angry. God understands but wants to make you whole. Don't go there anymore. Don't allow feelings of guilt, inadequacy, anger or condemnation to rule anymore. Seize the opportunity now and forget the excuses. Jesus declared you "not guilty" the day you asked Him to save you. Don't put the shackles back on my friend.

Today is the day. Not guilty, not guilty, not guilty.

Be careful when this happens not to sin because of it.

We are not responsible for how others treat us but we are responsible for how we react.

Sometimes it is better to just walk away than to hang around and try to defend ourselves by getting into a heated debate.

Nancy is a wife, mother of two boys, and a registered nurse for 21 years. She enjoys writing, reading, camping, and spending time with family. She is A Warrior Princess for God – A powerfully prayerful soul.

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I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT HIS L

VE

Romans 5:8 -but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Chris Gomez, now a BMI Contemporary Christian Artist, was 19 year front man of popular rock cover bands.

Reada more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/20-inspirational-bible-verses-about-gods-love/#ixzz3a9NrAVs3 After many spiritual revelations he finally surrendered his life to the Lord completely in June 2013. Letting the life of a rock star go and turning to a life dedicated to God was no easy task for Chris. He realizes now that his talents must deliver a message as he has finally found his true calling. The Lord is speaking through Chris’s writing and singing. Delivering the message of God with kindness and compassion is truly the greatest calling of life.

Chris Gomez has been no stranger to trouble as he became heavily addicted to hard street drugs from 2001 to 2003. In those three years, Chris lost everything he owned to pawn shops, drug deals, and foreclosures.

Chris will tell you himself, “When I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, I walked away from hard drugs in 2003 and never looked back.” In June of 2013 Chris plead his life to God at the most broken moment of his career. "I told God", Chris says, "I'll do anything and everything you want to take the pain and conviction out of my heart. Look at the voice and guitar skills you gave me!! Send me out into the world to sing for you I don't care, I just need this pain and conviction to go away! My life is unmanageable. I am dysfunctional. I beg you to help me. I'll do anything you want". Chris woke up the next morning still sitting in the car seat he had pleaded his life to God in the night before. That was the day he permanently left the mainstream music business and dedicated the rest of his life to the Lord. He feels that he made a promise to God that is as serious to him as God's promises are to all of us in the Bible. Redemption always makes for a great story and Chris’s story is indeed a great example of how anyone can turn their life around even in their worst moments. Chris has now devoted his life to Jesus and spreading the good word of the Lord to all who will listen. Chris continues to shine despite the recent loss of his mother. As a tribute we dedicate this to all mom’s here or awaiting for us in the eternal.

Food For Soul Magazine has become a huge fan of Chris Gomez (His Love), your family, and ministry will forever be in our prayers. “You put the “C” in courage, and the “S” in strength by faith…my friend by revealing His strength, what a testimony”.

–Brenda Graff

My dear friends, Chris Gomez here. I want to say that I am 1st a vessel of the Lord and second a musician.

Ministry must always be the first and foremost reason for what I do.

DOWNLOAD SONG TODAY! 7

Who is Chris?

Chris Gomez is a Contemporary Christian Artist called to change lives through music and testimony. He is first a vessel for God and second a musician. He is a former front man of popular rock cover bands.

After a spiritual revelation, Gomez turned his life around, both spiritually and musically.

For his new group’s debut, he said, his goal wasn’t to melt faces anymore. It was to save souls. In the last 7 years Chris was:

If you would like to find out more about Chris Gomez mission on ministry and music visit:

WWW.CHRISGOMEZ.NET Listen to his new hit!

HIS LOVE DONATE

- A three time award winner of 'Chattanooga's Entertainer of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com music editor.

- Invited to perform three times in the Chattanooga All Star Band at the annual Riverbend Festival.

- His group was chosen the Chattanooga Times Free Press Newspaper 'Cover Band of the Year'.

- His group was also a three time award winner of 'Chattanooga's Party Band of the Year' by the Chattanoogan.com music editor.

“HIS LOVE” is Chris Gomez’s first single dedicated to the Lord. It truly inspires and uplifts as Chris reveals his feelings and acknowledgment of finding God’s love.

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

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

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

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

Kevin is the author of The Extravagant Fool: A Faith Journey That Begins Where Common Sense Ends, Released May of 2014, and founding partner in a new discipleship ministry being developed around the book. He is also the founder of the Wake up My Faith blog, which has garnered a social media following of over 100,000, reflecting varied backgrounds and locales.

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

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

Website: http://www.extravagantfool.com Blog: https://wakeupmyfaith.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @wakeupmyfaith

Extravagant Fool Book Trailer

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ambassadorsforlife.org info@ambassadorsforlife.org

817.267.4211 x 7500

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HYDRATION I just walked into my kitchen and was greeted by the fully blossomed hydrangea I had received for Easter.

It was a delight to see the blooms hydrated, as last evening its leaves were drooping so low they almost touched the pot of dirt.

Sometimes I think Jesus sees me like that hydrangea I held last night—shriveled and wanting.

Until I go to the Living Water Jesus speaks about, I still feel wilty and weak, like I can’t face another problem that confronts me. But Jesus said he’d always be with me and would always go before me to make the path straight. Norman Vincent Peale wrote, “Believe that problems can be solved.”

Yesterday, my youngest was like that hydrangea. She was so in need of hydrating, but by the end of the day, her outlook was blossoming again.

She had hope that she would be able to handle her block in the road.

What made the difference this particular day?

First, her family recognized that she wasn’t herself— her sweet and confident self. She began opening up to us amidst dripping tears. Because we had all been there, we shared how we had gotten through such enemies in our own lives. Then as I left her I turned to Jesus, “Lord, help me to know what to do and give me the words to say.” Should I call her again? Should I urge her to see a doctor? Put into my mind what to do.

It’s hard to put into words, but I felt the urging of the Holy Spirit on how I should handle my part. I asked my friends to pray, I prayed without ceasing all day, and I waited. As I prepared for bed, I got the call of reassurance that God had stepped in. She was able to get a doctor’s appointment, her dad had taken part of her burden for the day, and she took another physical step toward solving the dilemma.

Is a retired elementary school teacher, former children's minister, Mother of 2 daughters, Grandmother of 3, and Author of As the Ice Thaws.

Many people, unless they have experienced mental illness in their family or own home, do not have an idea about how someone with such an illness behaves or if there is any hope for recovery.

The media is left to educate through television or movies, and the usual depiction of someone with such an illness is someone who is psychotic and violent. Brenda McAninch in her book, As the Ice Thaws, presents hope for those with bipolar illness and for those who live with them. Brenda McAninch started her career teaching elementary grades. She worked with all levels of students, but her proudest achievement was starting and directing an afterschool program. While working with college students, she began to see the path of some as similar to hers. She has taken a risk in revealing her struggles with bipolar illness and shows how her personal God stepped in for her in specific ways.

Now Available at Amazon

Sometimes the quenching and hydrating that Jesus promises comes through family and friends, and definitely by lifting the problems to Him. 11

Thank you, Lord that I have grown enough to trust and wait. Your answer always comes.

www.reflectivelifeministries.org

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God said, “You don’t have to worry about love, as long as I’m existing, you will always be loved”.

– Abba Each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Act as a publicist for your local shelter so pets can find homes. Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.

DO SOMETHING!

Save a Life by Donating EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

4 Paws Farm

is an all-volunteer group of pet rescuers! Every penny goes to either food, medical expenses or equipment!

It's easy and secure to give at our website! You can even tell us how to use your money.

Sponsor a dog or cat, 100 feet of fencing, medical care, or donate to the Angel Memorial Parvo Puppy Fund, food fund, bedding, and equipment, etc.

Become a regular monthly giver and help us to take care of these precious gifts from God. CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR MAIL TO: 4PAWSFARM P.O. BOX 759 HEMPSTEAD, TX 77445

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.4PAWSFARM.ORG

I have

loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

-Jeremiah 31:3 13

COLLECTING ITEMS FOR T.E.A.M. AND GENTLY USED PURSES WWW.CHRISTBRIDGEFELLOWSHIP.COM

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You don’t have to live in the south to enjoy these tasty appetizers!

Photo taken by Brenda Graff

INGREDIANTS 4 large green tomatoes 2 eggs ½ cup milk 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornmeal 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 quart canola oil for frying Directions: Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Whisk eggs and milk together in bowl. Place flour in plate. Mix cornmeal, salt, pepper, and cayenne on another plate. Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture. Place in the cornmeal mixture coating both sides. Set in fridge for 20 minutes.

In a large skillet, pour ½ inch oil in and heat over a medium heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan in batches of 4 or 5, depending on the size of skillet. Do not crowd them, they should not touch. When tomatoes are browned, flip frying other side. Drain them on paper towels.

Benefits of Eating Green Tomatoes One cup of green tomatoes supplies as much as 42 milligrams of vitamin C, which may help you strengthen your immune system so your body is able to fight off colds, flu and other illnesses more easily. Vitamin C is also crucial for the health of your teeth, gums, bones and skin.

Bon

` Appetit!

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Opposing sexual exploitation. Defending human dignity.

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

Areas of Concentration:

DONATE 202.393.7245 public@ncose.coma

www.EndSexualExploitation.org 16

Services at a Glance

DONATE 17

www.sohmission.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT CAN YOU, YOUR CHURCH OR LOCAL ORGANIZATION DO?

Click on website below to find out

citiimpact.org citiimpact.org

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

704.507.6579 DONATE 20

Shake a Tail Feather One afternoon I was sitting outside and noticed my cat, Tiger posing in prey mode on the fence. There was a blue jay just merely a snatch away in front of him, and yet another propped up on fence directly behind him. He started creeping towards the one in front, trying to stay focused as the one behind him would swoop down and shake their tail feathers at his tail end. After a grueling ten minutes or so of this repeated attempt to pounce his prey, he would get dizzy from circling back and forth trying to catch one of the birds. He’d then lose balance, and hang on for dear life as he wavered on the post.

These birds were relentless. They would swoop down, and then inch by inch get just close enough to provoke his craving to chase. It was comical to watch. I could just hear the conversation between the birds, as one would squawk demands, “Hey as soon as I get within an inch of his paw, you distract him with a swing of your tail feathers…ready, set, GO!” It was painfully obvious that Tiger was getting frustrated, and unable to focus. It wasn’t fun for him anymore. He finally took one last look at both of them, and raised his white flag in surrender, as the blue jays chimed in chirping with laughter at him. Climbing down fence, he meowed in defeat and curled up and went to sleep. He was exhausted.

This reminded me of how Satan works to get our head spinning with so many distractions, we cannot focus. It’s like gnats swirling around your head from every angle, you exhaust yourself with swinging arms trying to wipe them out. Yet, the more you swing, the more they attack. There are many circumstances we have to experience in life that are just part of it…the good, the bad, and the really ugly. And it is Satan’s job to distract, dislocate, and disturb our every thought or effort to live out the plan God has in mind for us each day. If we are not careful, we lose sight of our purpose. We take our eyes off Jesus. We start walking around like defeated dummies mimicking puppets on a string to the songs of Satan, “Nothing’s ever gonna work”… “Why does this always happen to me?”… “Is God seeing this?”… “Does He care?” Seriously, we become exhausted by exhausting all our resources focusing on the situation at hand. I personally have recently been through some ridiculous life distracting issues that upset me more than some more serious ones I experienced in the past. I mean it was making me certifiable! Yet, God kept reminding me to offer Him a sacrifice of praise regardless of how I felt. Despite discouragement, there was no debate. I had to keep thanking, keep giving, and keep marching around my walls of Jericho until the final trumpet sounds with victory.

Joshua 6:1 Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

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God doesn’t want us losing control by moving too quickly in solving a situation without His leading. If we prematurely take steps, it could put us twenty feet back.

10 But

Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!”

At that the moment Joshua’s men shouted with the instruction from the Lord…and the walls came tumbling down! But not one second before that. Oh, it’s so hard to be longsuffering when it seems results have you running in circles. Yet, if we would hang on despite the burdens in flight, and shake off the tail feathers poking at our progress, we would see a light at the end of the tunnel long before the glow and shake our own tail feathers to the beat of victory, shouting praises in the presence of the Lord!

-Brenda Graff Founder Food For Soul Magazine Inspiremefoodforsoulblogspot.com

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

Changing the World Has Never Looked so Good: Noonday Collection Launches Spring 2015 Collection Fair trade fashion brand Noonday Collection has released a new line of fashionable jewelry and accessories made by artisans around the world for Spring. Noonday partners with 30 artisan businesses in 13 countries, empowering them to grow sustainable businesses and create dignified jobs. The company also invites people to become Noonday Ambassadors—stylists, storytellers, and social entrepreneurs who create a marketplace for artisan businesses by selling their handmade products at Trunk Shows across the United States.

About the Spring Collection Noonday Collection designs products in collaboration with talented artisans around the world, creating pieces that are both authentic and on-trend. In designing the Spring Collection, Noonday’s designers were inspired by the tropical landscapes in which many of their artisan partners live and work. The designers incorporated rich jewel tones, organic lines, and natural motifs into the collection to capture the look and feel of the jungle.

Some of Noonday’s most popular accessories are created from vibrant paper beads handmade in Uganda or are upcycled artillery made by artisans in Ethiopia. In Ecuador, artisans hand carve massive tagua seeds to make polished necklaces and bracelets. New for this season are pieces made by artisans in Afghanistan, Mexico, and Nepal. Afghan artisans have created an intricately embroidered clutch that Noonday projects will be a favorite for spring. In Mexico, another talented group of embroiderers work from their homes to create a bag that features local Otomi designs. Noonday’s artisan partners in Nepal use “Dhaka” - a fabric traditionally used in men’s hats - to make an eye-catching handbag.

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What difference is Noonday Collection making?

Noonday Collection is now a quickly growing business that is giving more than 900 women across the United States the opportunity to make an impact across the globe. In partnership with artisan businesses from Guatemala to Rwanda to Vietnam, the company creates economic opportunity for over 2,000 people, impacting over 8,800 family members. In less than four years, Noonday Collection has grown to become one of the world’s largest fair trade retailers.

For more information: Visit www.emilymacha.noondaycollection.com Contact: emilymacha.noonday@gmail.com

832-506-3955

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Who’s Got Your Back?

-Brenda Graff Sunday eve, Mother’s Day, I was basically forced into watching a movie that I had no interest in.

How may you ask? I was exhausted after a very long morning, and decided to plant myself on the sofa. An area usually unknown by my presence as I am usually on the go most of the time. I rarely spend time in the living room. If I’m not in my kitchen or at desk working, I’m driving somewhere. Not today, I vowed. I was not going to move once I got there. I even had Hubby bring in my snuggly, and pillow…just in case I dropped into a coma of sweet dreams. However, as I am laying there, my husband, and two of my boys had formed a consensus against my wishes to watch a chick flick, and not even a romantic one at that…just one of those feel good ones. After all, it was supposed to be the day of which a mom had the right to choose whatever she wants right? They put in “The Hobbit” the prequel to “Lord of the Rings”. Now I realize this movie series has been famous and popular for years. There are seriously dedicated Hobbit fans!

However, this type of movie just isn’t my sort of crave. It’s full of freaky looking trolls, dwarfs, goblins, and faces that looked more like a grotesquely marred armpit, then any of the ugliest creatures I’ve seen. Then there is this horrible dragon with really bad dental issues. Ugh...the sights and sounds almost caused me to go hibernate in the bedroom, but I couldn’t budge. Too tired. I tried to dose off in between the raging maniac battles, and demonic sounds of chaos of good versus evil, but it wasn’t happening. Instead, I became mesmerized at a scenario that seriously caught my attention. No, it captivated me!

There is a scene in the beginning of the movie where a father is fighting off a dragon named, Smaug. Who was considered to be a "great" fire drake of the Third Age, considered to be the last "great" dragon to exist in Middle Earth. Smaug was furious as he swarmed back and forth over the village breathing fire, destroying, maiming, and killing everything in its path.

"My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail is a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!" —The Hobbit, Inside Information The scene: Smaug, after reaching Lake-town, proceeds to destroy the city for their part in aiding the Dwarves. Bard, the father of Bain… having escaped imprisonment from the Master of Laketown, climbs atop the belltower and tries to shoot Smaug with arrows, though each attempt fails, harmlessly bouncing off Smaug's armor. Eventually, Bain, Bard's son, arrives to aid his father with a Black Arrow. Unfortunately, as Smaug flies over, he claws at the tower. With the tower now being half-destroyed, Bard is forced to make a makeshift crossbow using a rope that held a bell, some pieces of broken wood, and use his son, Bain as a stand.

Now picture this, the dragon is now viciously aware that the son is there, a precious commodity to the father, and wants to destroy him. He not only breaths out fire at this point, but wickedly proclaims his attack. Bain is trembling in fear, but still standing by his father. Smaug lands, and looks towards Bard, sneering at his attempts to stop him. The father braces himself on this broken tower positioning his son, with Bain facing him. He balances the arrow across his son’s shoulder instructing him to be still. Bain’s back is to the dragon approaching, and becoming more threatening. Bain keeps looking back as he can feel the heat of fire approaching. Father using hand gesture, begs his son...“Keep looking at me, stay focused on me”. “Be still!” The son would start to look back and the father would remind him, “Look at me”. Bard notches the arrow, while Smaug charges him and his son. Bard fires his arrow, which hits Smaug straight in the chest on his weak spot. The dragon stumbles, knocking Bard and Bain off their perch, before flying back up. Clawing and biting at the sky, his internal glow fades as he dies in mid-air. Smaug's body, upon falling to the water, 25 lands on Laketown's corrupt master, killing him.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the movie at that point. What really got me, is that we live in a world with a real demonic presence. This isn’t fairy tale. That breathing dragon in the movie is no different than the one that seeks whom he may devour on this earth.

Think about this. As believers in Christ, we often find ourselves having to fight off the Smaug’s, trolls, and goblins. Some are uglier than the other. Then there are some that are so beautiful, you can easily be deceived if not grounded in God's word, or walking with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, either way they all come from the same family of demonic power…Satan! He and his posse fight hard to take down the villagers of hope. He wants to deceive the dedicated, tear down the true. He wants to do whatever it takes to keep you trembling in fear and disbelief. Yet, our Father (Abba) is asking us to keep our eyes on Him. I can hear Him now saying. “Stay focused, don’t look behind you fearing the attack”, “I GOT YOUR BACK”!

“Be still and know that I AM GOD!” (Psalm 46:10) He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deut 31:6 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm16:8 What a beautiful revelation to think of a father, but not just any father standing there telling their child…don’t move, don’t look back… “Trust ME”… “Don’t let the ugly threats take your focus off of ME. I will take the enemy down, just watch me”.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Satan has especially waged war on women beginning with (EVE) and the rest of her offspring (which means anyone living) of those who hold true to their testimony of Christ. But his time is coming! Just know that in the realm of the unseen there are angels battling it out right now, and a Father who is urging us to stand still and secure ourselves in Him. Whose got your back? Our Abba Father, El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), Jehovah Shammah (The Lord is there), Jehovah Jireh (The Lord will provide), Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord our righteousness), Jehova Shalom (The Lord is PEACE).

Revelation 12:17 (NIV) Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring— those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

Revelation 20:2 (NIV) He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

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Bridging People to God, Others, and Ministry

Creates Disciples who Impact their Community for Eternity.

Rick is the Pastor of ChristBridge Fellowship who is also the author of two books: ME Addiction: Having it my way isn’t so great after all and X-Odus Files: Following God in an Alien World.

Our worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday!

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Rick is the Pastor of ChristBridge Fellowship in Tomball, TX, and has served on a City Council. He spends much time writing, speaking, and coaching others. He is married and has two grown sons and one daughter-in-law.

Tomball, TX 77375 www.christbridgefellowship.com www.rickbrown1Life2Love.com

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But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)

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