EVIDENCE OF ARI

One Sunday afternoon my husband was putting away laundry, when he came up to me with three mismatched socks.  This isn’t unusual.  Seriously, after doing laundry for nearly half a century, I still don’t understand where socks disappear to.  

We have to purchase socks almost as often as toilet paper!  Where do they go?  And worse, if my eldest does laundry, we never find evidence of socks entering the washer, because they mysteriously disappear prior to loading.

"Come on...HURRY!"

  

"I have come to the conclusion that dryer lint is the cremated remains of all my missing socks."

-so.relatable.tumbir.com

If we are fortunate to find a matching clean pair, and it actually makes it into the children’s dresser, they will disappear within the hour like Houdini; not even the FBI could find them. 

Anyhow, my husband was determined to find the matching socks, until he ran across one that was almost toddler size.  He held it up and said, “Whose is this?”  I said, “Ari’s”, and with a slight twinkle in his eye, he grinned and went back to his task to track down those socks.  Ari is our granddaughter.  She is a very precocious and beautiful bundle of joy.  Often when she comes to visit overnight, she leaves something behind.  This could be a stuffed animal, book, pony tails for her hair, tooth brush, and her socks, which is now matchless.  And she’s not even a candidate to be the prime suspect in this mystery, since she's been gone for a few weeks.  

I love running across Ari’s things, it reminds me of her smile, hugs, and never-ending request “Grandma?”  It makes me smile, it causes me to remember the earlier days when our children were small, and toys were scattered throughout the living room alongside their toddler table set.  I recall the beanbag chairs, scattered sippy cups, and endless Barney, Blues Clues, and Dora the Explorer television sessions.  I remember the squeal of giggles resonating throughout the house.

When I hold Ari’s items left behind it brings relentless joy.  It causes me to brighten up, especially when I am overwhelmed with thoughts of this sometimes very cruel world.  It brings solace to my soul.  It changes my disposition regardless of my environment.  For a moment I can forget the pain and reality of chaos in this life. Suddenly, my to-do list is on hold as I recollect.  

I am renewed with hope once again with the simplicity of a child’s belonging, reminding me of life, God’s precious creation and the happiness she brings when she lights up a room with her big bright eyes and smile.

Pondering on this I wondered, what will others think when they run across my things left behind?  Will it bring joy? Will hope find its way to their hearts?  Is integrity going to be found?  When they read my manuscripts, letters, or journals, will they be renewed in their minds?  Are they going to find evidence of God’s eternal love? 

I pray so.  

What evidence will you be leaving behind? 

 "A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble."  -Charles Spurgeon

Brenda A. Graff
Founder of Food For Soul Magazine

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Einstein the bird

Teamsters

Having a pet is rewarding in many ways.  Aside from the affection and unconditional love, lessons can be learned from them.  For instance, I’ve witnessed teamwork unlike anywhere I’ve ever seen.  My precious pooches, Dixie and Millie, work very well together in accomplishing their goal, whether it’s to feverishly dig a hole to China in backyard...

smear doggy dander all over my clean comforter...using it as a back-scratcher, 

sneaking off with and devouring a whole chicken carcass,

 or barking insanely at every leaf that blows by the window.  

It’s all collaboration.  A group effort to drive me insane.  They are like teenagers who are influenced by each other.  Team tagging trouble. One time, they got out the front door, and next thing I know, their off running straight towards a freeway, and I know Dixie was the leader in this joy journey.

I raced after them before they became roadkill. We only snagged Millie the youngest, Dixie felt she wasn't quite ready to come home, being all grown up and all, snubbed her face at us when we stopped the car, took a quick glance back at me and then obnoxiously took off again.  When we arrived home later that day, there she was just like the prodigal son, sitting in our drive-way, tail between legs, with a lowered head in shame, “I’m sorry”.  

Those two can be a handful to say the least.  

My cats, Tiger, Bella, and Holly show team work every day, as they chime in together excruciatingly requesting a meal.  

"Feed me, I haven't eaten since 3 minutes ago!"

We have witnessed them work impetuously together tackling a field mice scurrying across our yard.  Not a pretty scene.  And they always leave the remains right under my chair outside to show me their good work, ugh!  I do try to save the little critters when I catch the cats in the act, but they always manage to make it back into to the food chain. 

Our birds are such a treasure to watch, Dodie and Spencer, our two new parents of four finches.  It was amazing to watch them work non-stop to build the nest months before conception.  The nest was neatly tucked with cotton, hay, and grass feed all intertwined and mastered in such a way, it was just incredible.  Who but God give them the skills to build in such fashion?  Remarkable!  

The couple prepared, conceived, and then took turns warming the eggs.  They worked together forming a union of protection for their purpose.  The purpose of birthing those babies.  Our family watched in amazement as the miraculous almost as small as a fingertip finch opened their beak for feeding.  Spencer would swoop down to his meal bowl, and quickly soar back into nest to feed the babies.  Such dedication, such care, such inspiration as I think of how devoted this little tweeting fowl and his mate is. 

Does our households work with such determination?  Do we flock together? Do we work in harmony accomplishing the purpose God has created for us?  How do we encourage one another to endure, run this race our Creator has set before us?  What kind of nest have we built in our homes?  Is the environment uncomfortable, rocky, and spiking with attitudes of anger, resentment, or bitter jealousy?  

When our household gets too loud with gaming, music, or someone raising their voice, my birds are the first one to let us know to pipe it down.  They will squawk, until you shut it off.  They enjoy peace.  

Are we being careful to shut down the noise of discord in our households?  Are we squawking above the sounds of Satan trying to destroy the family unit?

We can take a lesson from these finches by working as a spiritual squad, flocking together to smooth out a foundation for birthing a blessed future.  It just takes some teamwork. 

Romans 15:5

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 10:24

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."

Click Here to see finch feeding babies

Brenda A. Graff
Founder of Food For Soul Magazine

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I WANT TO KNOW

What would it be like to 

know every day?

That every step you took was 

in your Father’s way?

To understand and comprehend the depth of His love

To know He’s always with us 

and not just above

What would it sound like when peace would flood my soul?

To know that every circumstance my Father has control?

Would it taste like ice-cream

 on a hot summer’s day?

Soothing and refreshing as it 

melts the heat away?

What would it feel like to 

fall into His arms

to always sleep in peace 

and never feel alarmed?

The waters fall and flood 

my soul daring to believe

And anxious to know…

I want to know

I want so to believe.

              

-Brenda Graff

Founder of Food For Soul Magazine

A little exercise to try for the day....and it doesn't require sit-ups, unless your still in bed!

RECIPE FOR RESULTS

Write down 3 things that you have faith about for yourself and 3 things that you have faith for others. What do you think would happen in the 6 areas if you added the ingredient of forgiveness? 

Brenda A. Graff
 Founder of Food For Soul Magazine

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GROCERY STORES & GOATS

            I usually enjoy grocery shopping unlike most, except on those few occasions where I have my younger children with me begging for toys or snacks.  They fuss when I say no with our already mounting grocery bill in line with every inch they grow.  Nonetheless, lately shopping has become challenging for me as I have been forced to using a scooter.  I had a botched ankle surgery that has left me in much pain when walking or standing on hard surfaces too long.  

Since the holidays approaching, it has become more difficult than the norm for me to shop.  There are people rushing from here to there in a hurry to grab and go, and not paying attention to those around them.  "Are you on fire?",  I ask.  "Dude, stop, drop, and roll!"

These are the ‘focused shoppers’ that will not let anything or anyone get in their way, including someone on a scooter.  

It reminds me of the show “Extreme Couponing”, where you find a coupon clipping crazed women racing through the store to snag up 5,000 pounds of dog food, and they don’t even own a dog.  I have been hit by carts whipping around a corner so fast that not even Superman could stop them, nearly leaving tread marks on my back.  

Then there are moments where I have to wait a century to choose an item off shelf because of shopper in front of me is catatonically choosing theirs. 

This is the ‘ingredient shopper’ memorizing the details of a product. They see me waiting, but refuse to step aside, and let me quickly get what I need. 

There is the ‘unconscious shopper’, with no ethics, empathy, or just plain rude!  This one will roll their cart right smack in the center of the aisle and leave it to walk fifty-feet away to get their item, knowing they have blocked other shoppers including the ones on a scooter.

 

I got my fill the week of Thanksgiving, but it doesn’t have to be a holiday week to have this happen.  This is a daily battle.  There is also the ‘thoughtless shopper’ I have seen parents leave infants, and small children in these carts while they walk several yards away with back turned to get their items.  

This is not only discourteous by blocking the others, but completely irresponsible as a parent or caregiver. Nearly 800,000 children come up missing each year according to (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children).  One lady left her cart literally right in front of me with a newborn in it.  I know I look trusting but did she really expect me to babysit this child?  I have six of my own, four grown, and though experienced was not in the market to watch another’s child.  However, I chose to stay put to ensure no one thought of taking that preciousness.  When the mother came to redeem her cart and child, I could not help but have a word with her on the art of practicing common sense while shopping with precious cargo.

There is the totally 'oblivious shopper', this is the one who walks through the store as if on a midnight stroll while talking on her cell phone, blocking passerbys, and those trying to get to shelf.  She is completely immersed in her conversation about next weekends agenda, and what her sister bought at the local boutique.

   

What I am saying is that shoppers need to be more considerate of those around them, especially to those who already are having difficulty getting around.  We scooter riders already have to overcome the stocking clerks, the pallets left in aisles, inventory takers, boxes, items placed too high on shelves, and children left to wonder aimlessly while Mommy chats on cell phone, and managing to get through store completely while scooter is still charged.

 

The whole shopping scenario reminds me of the story of the trolls under the bridge, Three Billy Goats Gruff. You know the story where three male goats had no grass left to eat near their abode, so they are forced to cross a river to get to a meadow or hillside on the other side of a stream in order to eat. To do so, they must first cross a bridge, under which lives a fearsome troll who eats anyone who passes that way. The smallest billy goat is the first to cross and is immediately stopped by the troll who threatens to "gobble him up!" 

The little goat convinces him to wait for the bigger billy goat to come across because he is larger and more gratifying as a feast. The greedy troll agrees and lets the smallest goat cross. The middle goat sees that the youngest one has crossed and reaches the conclusion that the bridge must be safe after all, but is also stopped by the troll and given the same threat. 

The second billy goat is allowed to cross as well after he tells the troll to wait for the biggest billy goat because he will have the most meat. The Third Billy Goat then gets on the bridge and is stopped by the hungry Troll.

  

I think of this every time I try to maneuver the scooter to reach an item and am stopped every few feet due to the thoughtlessness of some folks.  I usually have to circle the meat section several times before I can get to view it.  So I am not only speaking on my behalf but for every person out there who is forced to use a scooter to shop.  I put together an instruction manual on grocery store etiquette.

Steps to Grocery Store Etiquette

DO BE AWARE THAT YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY SHOPPER IN THE STORE, THE AISLES ARE NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL, WE ALL HAVE TO FIT THROUGH.

DON’T BLOCK THE AISLE WITH YOUR CART, CHILD, OR CELL PHONE CONVERSATIONS WITHOUT JUST CAUSE, i.e. building on fire, someone bleeding to death, catastrophic world event, acts of God, your paralyzed, or giving CPR

DO ASSIST A SCOOTER RIDER WITH A PRODUCT THAT IS OUT OF REACH, WE ARE NOT Inspector Gadget, and its just the nice thing to do.

DON’T RACE AROUND THE CORNERS LIKE YOUR ON FIRE; this is not the place to try out for Supermarket Sweep the television game show.

DON’T EVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A CART!  THIS IS DANGEROUS! THIS LEAVES YOUR CHILD IN A POSITION TO BE ABDUCTED, AND CAN CAUSE INJURY!

·         More than an estimated 23,000 children under 15 are injured by shopping carts a year.          Falls from the cart are the most common cause of shopping cart-related injury in children under 5.

• Children 3 and under account for 78 percent of shopping cart-related injuries seen in children 14 and under.
• 1- and 2- year old have the highest incidents of shopping cart-related injuries.
• Among children under 5, the majority of shopping cart injuries are due to falls from the shopping cart. Shopping cart tip overs and children colliding with (i.e. running into) the shopping cart are other causes of injury.
• Approximately 5 percent of all shopping cart injuries in children under 5 involved a child falling from/with a car seat placed on the shopping cart.
• Falls from shopping carts are among the leading causes of head injuries in young children.

Statistics found at:  www.sw.org/trauma-center/shopping-cart-safety

DO FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. You never know if you or a loved-one may have to use a scooter someday.

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Brenda A. Graff
Founder of Food For Soul Magazine

JUST BREATHE

I've had to take a lot of slow breaths this year.  It’s been a difficult one.  Life happens, and it surely happened this year with one episode after another between family illness, crisis, sad news, and funerals.  Yet, I had tried to focus on finishing a book I had been writing.  It’s a lengthy process with editing, query letters, and submissions. This is no easy task when you live in an environment with chronic interruption.

I need peace and quiet to focus on any writing project.  As I was typing this, my family was asleep; therefore, I had a silent abode…until the cats discovered the pounding of the keys, the dogs began stretching, birds chirping, and my daughter strolled in to make hot chocolate.  It was Saturday for goodness sake!  Everyone should have been sleeping in.  It’s ironic how I can hardly get everyone up during a work week, but as soon as I sit down to write while the sun hasn't blinked an eye on the rise, they wake up in droves flocking to the kitchen…which is where I write.

 

This is where I plug into instrumental music, or sounds of ocean waves using my ear buds to escape the commotion. I keep writing as I try to drown out the drones of clanking dishes, kid squabbles, dogs barking, birds chirping, the cat’s nagging meows, and hubby questioning me, “Where’s the creamer?” while staring into the fridge puzzled as if viewing the infamous “Where’s Waldo?” book. And sadly, it’s in front of his face!  "Dude get your magnifying glasses! Oh, that's right, you can't find them".

It’s exasperating sometimes.  Actually, it’s disheartening to have a passion for an activity that is constantly put on the back burner due to responsibilities, whether a job, parenting, caring for the ill, or housework.  It is never easy being a mom or wife!  If it is for some, then they either have hired help, disposable dishes, self-destructing dust bunnies, and mobile shower unit to their child’s bedroom, or rarely home.  Plus, their husband’s are GPS programmed to find anything anywhere (as wives/moms are) a-n-d they DON’T snore! 

Choosing to stay home to raise or home-school a child isn't an easy decision.  There are no breaks, little to none adult time, or much conversation with someone taller than 4 feet for some.  It can be very isolating, especially when most of the women you know are past child rearing years. I’m a grandmother twice and nearly into retirement years!  By the time my youngest graduates, I will probably be searching for my misplaced false teeth, sitting in the wrong car at a neighbor’s house waiting to get to ceremony, or having difficulty with my depends staying in place. 

There are days I wake up already frustrated knowing the battles lined up for me.  Before my feet ever touch the floor, I sense my breath becoming heavier with each sigh. I gingerly place that first foot to ground thinking to myself, “Do I dare get out of bed?  Lord, Jesus you have got to help me today…I can’t do this… but you can”, I pray.  There are other days that are invigorating, exciting, and I am overwhelmed with gladness and feel God’s presence so strong, nothing phased me.  Oh, how I wish it could be like that every day. 

To be able to bask in God’s presence in every stride of a day would be such splendor.  Sometimes, I wish there were a wall around me where nothing; not the cares of this world, or foolish acting people could get in between my Abba Father (Daddy) and I.  I cherish those moments with God when all is still, and I can just breathe in His mercy, love, patience, kindness, and peace. 

Even as I wrote this, I could hardly hold the tears back. I had one of those moments with God.  Oh, how He loves us.  I could feel His wings of peace surround me. In His presence I am safe, and nothing I have to face today can take away from that.  I’m not proud of the fact that I can sometimes become frazzled over circumstances beyond my control.  In those moments, it is usually that I have taken my eyes off my refuge and strength, who is also my Creator.

It is when I allow the noise of this world’s negativity, selfishness, and arrogance scream volumes in my ears.  The only sound we need to focus on, are the echoes of our Master’s hush.  It is being still and quiet in those moments when everything around you is pounding pandemonium.

Psalm 46:10 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

God is King, and a King creator.  There is no one or anything greater, or more powerful than He. Not a stubborn teen, demanding spouse, belligerent boss, or bill collector can take away the breath of His presence, strength, and beauty. 

We need to remember this every time we are weighed down with the characteristics of a careless driver, over-zealous tongue with injuring words, a voice on the phone bringing bad news, or tension threatens to topple over everything in our tents. 

Breathe…breathe in the presence of God. Breathe in His serenity, hope, and strength.  It is the breath that brings you to life with joy, and laughter.  It is at times the breath we take in that when captivated by the awesomeness of God, we become keenly aware of his autonomy (self-sufficiency).  He’s got it!  He doesn't need our help. 

We don’t need to be overwhelmed.   We just need to breath…breathe in Him…where we are renewed, strengthened, and brought to life.  It’s better than hyperventilating your way through havoc.  Just breathe.

There are many Hebrew definitions of the word "Breathe", but one that stood out to me most was this one:

'abah aw-baw' :--consent, rest content will, be willing.

We have to choose, be willing....to deliberately breathe in God to experience contentment.  When we do this, we are submitting, giving God permission to put us in His presence of peace.

Ezekiel 37:5

This is what the Lord God says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will live.

Ezekiel 37:9

He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man. Say to it: This is what the Lord God says: Breath, come from the four winds and breathe into these slain so that they may live!”

Job 33:4

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Listen to song from link below:

 "This is the Air I Breathe" By Nicole Binion

Brenda A. Graff
Founder of Food For Soul Magazine

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SERVING UP WARM FUZZIES 

Preparing for the holidays usually calls for a massive overhaul of our home. The major cleaning begins around the end of October and we hope to finish at least an hour before guest arrive Christmas Eve!  It really is a long process, especially with my kids, I have to constantly follow behind making sure there isn't dirty socks shoved in sofa, perhaps a sucker stick wedged in between the t.v. remote and chair or a plate left under bed now growing hair.  

I have to painstakingly go over every crevice and corner repeatedly to ensure my children's belongings, and evidence of eating experiences aren't buried, shoved, or stuck to something.  If it smells like something has died, then chances are it has....buried underneath my children's laundry!  Which is why I won't own pets that can't fly, swim, climb, or jump to their freedom.

I ran across this blurb I wrote a few years ago about the process.  I had the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas running through my mind as I was merrily (ha) going about my business of banishing all toxic waste from our house!  

Cleaning with kids in the house...is like
brushing your teeth while eating an Oreo!

-December ????  

I have been cleaning since I dropped the kids off at school this morning, de-cluttering, de-junking, and getting rid of anything and everything that resembled a waste by-product...in the process I found:

12 DIRTY SOCKS, 

11 PILES OF LAUNDRY, 

10 LOADS WERE TOWELS, 

9 LEGOS LAYING, 

8 MARKED UP WALLS , 

7 STRAINS OF SMELL, 

6 TIMES I GAGGED, 

5 GROSSED OUT CLOSETS, 

4 TIMES CALLING JESUS, 

3 OLD FRENCH FRIES, 

2 FUZZY PLATES, 

AND A PARTIAL EATEN SANDWICH FROM WHEN THE KIDS WERE TWO!

If you find yourself stressed over your mess, humor yourself by singing this jingle.  

Brenda Graff
Founder of Food For Soul Magazine

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