You may have heard it said, “Good food is not fast, and fast food is not good.” 

Our family started down a different dietary path about 5 years ago when one of our children had some health and wellness concerns. We were curious to see whether eliminating certain foods would make any difference. What happened actually amazed us … but that’s a whole different story. Since that time, I have been on a steep learning curve to adapt recipes, substitute ingredients and create new ways of doing things with our family’s meals. In the beginning, I felt completely overwhelmed, but now I can cook from a place of increased confidence, experiment with new ingredients, and actually enjoy the experience. 

There’s something very satisfying about cooking from scratch and knowing exactly what we’re eating. It might sound like I love to cook, but it’s more than that. I love to nourish. I love to make sure that my family not only leaves the table full, but that they’re full of good food that will sustain, energise, fight off infection and help them to grow. But most importantly my goal, each time we gather around the table, is that we also nourish our spirits. We do this through being grateful, sharing devotions together, reflecting on the loving kindness of God and by spurring each other on towards love and good deeds. When the time comes for my children to leave our home, my desire is that they’ll not only know how to cook amazing, nutritious meals themselves, but that they’ll be spiritually healthy and strong as well. 

One of our goals in Australia is to raise awareness about child trafficking. Although this can be a dark topic, I love how ordinary people like you and I can use our skills, talents and interests to bring about conversations and change. Just like the right foods can heal and turn a life around, at ZOE we get to see hopeless situations, broken lives and lost children experience new life in an amazing way! I’m going to be using my interest in cooking to highlight the monthly need for food as well as to share stories of hope and life - the taste of ZOE!

Food For Thought! 

• • Join our ZFA Prayer nights on Monday evenings (email for details) 
  • Cook one of our ‘Taste of ZOE’ recipes, share it on social media, #atasteofZOE and tag us. 
  • Watch and share videos, blog posts and social media feeds. (here and here)
  • Order a Taste of ZOE cookbook and pass it on to a friend. (email Sharon) 
  • Have a Taste of ZOE potluck dinner, watch one of ZOE’s videos from youtube and have a discussion about it. (YouTube)
  • Petition for ZOE’s Year 9 or 10 curriculum to be used in your school. (click here)
  • Parent of a teen? Watch the free online Chapel video with your child. 
  • Person of faith? Pray for ZOE’s work in Prevention, Rescue and Restoration. (join a prayer group or get a prayer guide)