Satisfied souls’ Post

Food: Giving Thanks...to Whom? Growing up in an Irish Catholic household, our family grace was always, “Bless us, Oh Lord, for these gifts…” But as a mother to two thoughtful boys, I started to reflect on how that prayer felt out of place. I began to wonder what I truly wanted to instill in them about our relationship with food. Recognizing the Value of Food I want my boys to appreciate the significance of food. Many people don’t have the luxury of deciding what to eat for dinner or even if they’ll have dinner at all. I grew up hearing, “There are starving children in the world; finish your plate.” While that sentiment has faded, I want my boys to understand their privilege regarding food and to recognize that many struggle to access nourishing meals. I hope they will take action against food inequity whenever possible. Thank you for this food. Gratitude for Every Contributor It’s essential for my boys to express gratitude for every person involved in bringing food to our table. From farmers to truck drivers to grocery store employees, the list can be extensive! By reflecting on the countless individuals who contribute to the simple act of eating, they gain a deeper appreciation for each meal. As children, we explored this process in depth, and now that they are older, we acknowledge all who helped us receive this food. Thank you to everyone who made this meal possible. Awareness of Our Community I want my boys to recognize their connection to a larger community: a county, a country, a world. Our food choices can have ripple effects, influencing both people and the planet. It’s our responsibility to help others when they are in need and to make choices that are healthy for the Earth. May all eat well. Creating a world where everyone is nourished requires collective effort and awareness. It calls for moments of grace where we reflect on the bigger picture, fostering gratitude for what we have while motivating us to support others. Here’s our new grace as teenagers: “Thank you for this food. Thank you to everyone who helped bring it to us, and may all eat this well.” #gratitude #foodasmedicine #appreciatinglife #givingthanks

✨🌍 Celebrating World Food Day with Mother Teresa’s Compassionate Call to Action 🌍✨ Today, on World Food Day, we reflect on the poignant words of Mother Teresa: "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." This simple yet powerful message inspires us to take tangible steps towards ending hunger, one act of kindness at a time. Mother Teresa's call reminds us that every small gesture of generosity contributes to a larger change. By focusing on what we can do individually, we participate in a global movement towards a more compassionate world. 🌟💬 We invite you to share: What are some ways you or your community help to combat hunger? How can we all contribute, even in small ways, to ensure everyone has enough to eat? Join us in honoring this day by extending kindness and support to those in need. Every plate filled is a step towards peace and health for all. 👉 Learn more about our initiatives to create a more compassionate world here: https://buff.ly/3YnooQK #WorldFoodDay #MotherTeresa #EndHunger #FeedOne #FDCW Image Attribution: Manfredo Ferrari, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://lnkd.in/ddzprHi>, via Wikimedia Commons (background removed)

🎂 Spreading Kindness, One Cake at a Time! 🎂 Incredible work from the For Goodness Cakes, an organization that’s making a difference in the lives of children in foster care and youth overcoming adversity. Their mission is simple yet powerful: "to give individual youth at least one special moment that is about them. By providing a child a treat made especially for them, it gives them some much needed time to not feel the increasing pressure of their socioeconomic situation, but rather help nurture optimism and confidence at a critical age". In a world where many kids face the pressures of challenging circumstances, these cakes offer more than just sweetness—they help nurture optimism, confidence, and happiness during a critical time in their lives. 🍰✨ It’s heartwarming to see how something as simple as a cake can bring such joy and hope. Thank you For Goodness Cakes for making birthdays and special occasions truly memorable for those who need it most. Want to spread some kindness? Check them out and see how you can get involved, whether by baking a cake or supporting this incredible cause. Together, we can make sure every child feels special on their big day! Know a resource that can help youth like this? Let’s connect and share similar supports, or learn more about how resources like For Goodness Cakes is making a real difference in the lives of foster youth. Together, we can help create the foundation for a brighter future! 💙 #FosterCare #YouthSupport #KindnessMatters #ForGoodnessCakes #SpreadJoy #MakingADifference

"Compassion knows no boundaries, and today we extended it to our four-legged friends. 🐄💚 Our food drive for cows was a small but meaningful step in showing kindness to all creatures. Every meal matters! 🙏 #CaringForCows #AnimalWelfare #CompassionInAction #FoodDrive #GiveBack #KindnessForAll #SupportAnimals #NGO #LoveAndCare"

FIND had 90 volunteers at East Spring Branch Food Pantry this morning. This will lead to 1,100 families having Thanksgiving meals they may not have had otherwise. Proverbs 28:27 - “Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes will suffer long. In feeding the hungry, we find grace. A small act of kindness can light the darkest place.” Feeding those in need isn’t just about giving food - it’s about restoring dignity, offering hope, and acknowledging the humanity we share. When we feed the hungry, we aren’t just providing nourishment; we’re building a bridge between hearts. It’s an investment in a more compassionate world, where no one is left behind. Let’s remember that every meal shared is a step toward a world where kindness outweighs indifference. We all have the power to make a difference, one plate at a time. What you have done to the least of these, you have done unto Me! www.FINDdiscipleship.org

Corewell Health has partnered with Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) to host Taste Buddies, a cooking course designed to teach families about healthy eating habits and holiday cooking tips. Originally launched on Zoom during the pandemic, Taste Buddies has now expanded to in-person classes. Bettina Jones, a Dietitian with Corewell Health, emphasizes that the program helps kids incorporate social emotional learning into their cooking and encourages families to make sustainable changes to their eating habits. Jennifer Williams, GRPS Director of Family and Community Engagement, highlights the program's goal of enriching family discussions and providing a space for everyone to connect and decompress. https://ow.ly/rfR730sIApX

At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink a hot beverage and discuss death. The objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'. Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. Death Cafes are always offered: - On a not-for-profit basis - In an accessible, respectful and confidential space - With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action - Alongside refreshing drinks and nourishing food – and cake! Find your nearest Death Cafe:

Thanksgiving is a special time to connect with friends and family, enjoy tasty meals, and express gratitude. But, don't forget about safety during the hustle and bustle! Follow these tips from Dr. Cullen Clark of Nationwide Children's Hospital to ensure a joyful and secure Thanksgiving celebration filled with love and reflection. #Thanksgiving #TurkeyDay #ThanksgivingDinner #ThanksgivingSafety

As we come into this week of Thanksgiving, let us be reminded that it is a time to reflect on our blessings, extend kindness, and foster deeper connections with one another. I Thessalonians 5:14 tells us to “encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." How can we do this? "Encourage the disheartened": The holidays can be challenging for those who are struggling emotionally, financially, or spiritually. Thanksgiving calls us to notice and uplift those who feel burdened, offering them a listening ear, words of hope, or acts of generosity. "Help the weak": Whether it’s through volunteering at a food pantry, inviting someone who has no family to join your Thanksgiving table, or simply being present for someone in need, this season invites us to practice compassion and selflessness.  "Be patient with everyone": Family gatherings and holiday preparations can sometimes test our patience. Respond with understanding, appreciating the unique qualities and challenges each person brings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be kind! 

🦃 Making Thanksgiving Special for Seniors Thanksgiving is a time for connection, gratitude, and family. Here’s how you can involve your senior loved ones in the celebration: 1. Get Seniors Involved in the Kitchen: Assign simple tasks like stirring or arranging ingredients to make them feel included. 2. Share Family Traditions: Encourage seniors to share their cherished recipes and holiday stories to pass down meaningful memories. 3. Involve Seniors in Decorations: Help them create table centerpieces or fold napkins for a personal touch. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate togetherness and make seniors feel valued. Call (732) 967-0900 or visit www.rahcentral.com for more tips on caring for your loved ones. #ThanksgivingWithSeniors #HolidayCare #RightAtHomeNJ #FamilyWellness #GratefulCare