Foodie Friday- everyone loves black bean brownies!

Today, I had a birthday get together for my son! We had an amazing time with friends and as I was planning the birthday I thought of birthdays I had planned in the past for my children. God has lead me down a path of many changes within the last four years.

I remember my diet being all about what was easiest and most favorable among my children. Which I can honestly say is not different today but I also think about health wise. I want to make sure whatever I choose to serve is going to a benefit to others mentally and physically.

We can make desserts that are delicious and healthy for our children and guests. I used to make chocolate brownies and put ice cream on top to serve at events. My children loved it but now I can make black bean brownies with cashew butter, pure maple syrup and carob! They love these brownies and I can feel good if they choose to have a second because they are getting protein while enjoying a treat! I have also found ways to replace meat with oat burgers. Fiber is so important. I have actually heard stories of people who have died due to the lack of fiber.

We take eating lightly. Eating whatever we want, whenever we want! 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." When we contemplate what this means, what comes to mind? We are responsible before God for what we eat and drink. We need to make sure what we place in our bodies is giving us life and not taking away from it.

Have you ever thought, why does this matter, what we eat? Well, our purpose in this life is to share the gospel with others but how can we do that if we become sick by food or if we become weak? We need our strength in order to do the work God has for us. God is our strength but He needs us to do our part in staying healthy. Also, if we shorten our life span by what we eat or drink, then we are taking time away from God to use us to His glory. Let us remember throughout this life that we need to be mindful of how we live, so we can have the zeal for spreading the Gospel that we need to be instruments for Christ!

- Sheila Williams