Amongst our Cyndi Benson Ministries, The Grace and Strength Lifestyle family, we have Veteran men and women, wives, mothers, fathers, and siblings. It's important to never forget those who have served and are still serving for our country. In honor of Veteran's Day, my 14 year old daughter elected to write about her 2012 summer experiences while volunteering in a youth program at a Missouri Veteran's Home for me to share with you.

A Grace and Strength Lifestyle perspective: There will be storms and sacrifices...Matthew 7:24. It was supposed to be the best of times. A luxury cruise through the Bahamas. The sun, the sea, the romance. It started with all the excitement, thrills and anticipation one could imagine. The ship set sail on time, the food the music the ocean all flowing together in harmony. For two days we wined and dined.

Why do kids love Halloween so much? Sure, they get to dress up in fun costumes and parade around the neighborhood. But more importantly, they get candy: Sugar inducing, hyperactive, maniac producing candy! Why do parents love Halloween? Be honest, folks! It's so we can sneak in a few bites (or 10) of their yummy candy. Oh, and because its a great photo op of your kids....but mostly the candy! It's a great excuse to get bags of candy!

As a Coach with the Grace and Strength lifestyle, I've been speaking with some of the ladies that I coach about what their mind downloads in a given day and what they choose to believe, or have come to believe over the years. Mental downloads happen on a constant and consistent basis.  What you mentally download in a day will blow your mind if and when you take the time to intentionally think about what is going on around you and what you hear or allow into your life.

Ann Wigmore was truly onto something when she said, "The foods you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison." Part of the total-health lifestyle that is taught within the Grace and Strength Lifestyle program is to nourish your body with life-giving foods.  We achieve this goal through sound Biblical teaching. The Bible gives many clear guidelines regarding the foods that He designed to nourish our bodies.