Shepherd - Chocolate for Your Soul

Taste and see that the L ORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

PSALM 34:8

A SK WOMEN TO NAME their guilty pleasures or biggest cravings, and chocolate is likely to be on the list. After all, most of us find its sweet, creamy texture both soothing and delicious. No wonder chocolate is a staple in our pantries and a common treat at womens gab groups. Interestingly, science has discovered that cacao, the natural base of chocolate, provides many health benefits. For instance, eating chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that lead to feelings of happiness and pleasure. Dark chocolate may also help lower blood pressure and improve the cardiovascular system.

This sweet treat may be good for your heart, but God invites you to indulge in blessings that are like chocolate for your soul. He offers you three amazing gifts food, faith, and fun to satisfy and refresh you and your loved ones. Much as we crave chocolate, He wants us to desire more of Him and His good gifts.

Life can be hard, so it is sometimes tempting to focus on what you are not allowed to do and what you should not eat, but that will leave you feeling deprived and depressed, bored and burned out. Thats not how God intends for you to live. Its time to let go of guilt, grab hold of grace, recapture the life God made you for, and then... live it!

In this book I will share many of the benefits and blessings of following Christ as you discover a new kind of faith walk, one filled with joy and a refreshing perspective on life. Im also excited to share with you some delicious, healthy recipes that helped me conquer chronic fatigue and lose over fifty pounds and keep it off. (For some delicious dishes featuring chocolate, see chapter 1. And for even more faith and food coaching via video, visit hisprincess.com.)

Together you and I will learn to embrace the life Christ wants us to live while enjoying the wholesome and amazing food our God created for us. (Please note: I am not a medical professional, so if you are looking to make lasting changes to your diet or other parts of your health regimen, be sure to check with your doctor first, particularly if you have any medical conditions.)

As the wisest man who ever ruled, King Solomon, said in Ecclesiastes 5:18:

It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.

You are about to taste and see that the Lord is good and that your faith can become a fulfilling adventure. Thats great for the soul!

Love,

Sheri Rose
hisprincess.com

CHAPTER 1

Craving Something Rich

Chocolate Recipe Relief and Treasured Faith

I AM CONVINCED that chocolate should be in the food pyramid underneath fruits and vegetables. I often wonder if there will be unlimited chocolate fountains flowing in heaven (preferably the kind of chocolate that does not cause migraines). I believe chocolate is a gift from God, and believe me, in this chapter I think youre going to find some relief from the guilt you feel for craving it.

Soul Food

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the L ORD , the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

ISAIAH 45:3

Gods Word tells us that wherever our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Many times we miss the secret treasures the Lord desires to give us, because our hearts are so focused on what we want. As a result, we miss the better and richer life God designed for us.

Lets look at those riches that will last forever and crave everlasting wealth. When we do, we will leave a rich legacy for all those we love and know. After all, we brought nothing into this world, and we will leave with nothing except a rich faith and treasure in heaven.

New Life Recipes

1. LIVE AS ROYALTY

For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, Gods very own possession.... He called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 PETER 2:9

Live like a chosen child of the King. In other words, talk more about your riches in heaven and the blessings of being Gods chosen one than about your burdens here on earth.

To remind you of your royal status, you might frame one of your favorite Scriptures or eat rich dark chocolate while reading His Word in the evening.

2. INVEST IN ETERNITY

They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.

PSALM 112:3

Make it your goal to do one thing a week that has eternal value. Give money to a great cause or e-mail words of encouragement to a friend. Commit to pray one day a week for our country.

3. COUNT THE COST

What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?