Body Fuel by Karen Menz

You don’t need an expensive gift to let a Caregiver know they’re seen.

A small appreciation basket might hold a handwritten note, tea they enjoy, seasonal fruit, cozy socks, a prayer card, a favorite snack or an offer of quiet time.

Choose what suits that person’s needs and preferences.

Sometimes, the most meaningful gift is simply saying: “I 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦
y𝘰𝘶.”

What thoughtful item would you include?

Feeling like everything needs your attention at once? 💙

Join me for 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆, a free Zoom session where we’ll practice 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 • 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲 • 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 and explore one manageable next step together.

📅 October 19, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM
💻 On Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/7750316998?omn=97697464268

Cameras are optional. Listening is welcome. Come as you are and participate at your own pace.

Scan the QR code on the poster to reserve your spot.

If the QR Code doesn't work kindly register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdV6WYn_BPwy3LUsC8IvSE8bqQl5XPvbDq3Q1HlmKBgwMkVxw/viewform?usp=header

One step at a time is enough.

For education and support, not medical advice or therapy.

Love harvest mazes but worry about getting confused or exhausted? Make a plan first.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿:
• Review the map.
• Choose a smaller maze.
• Visit at a quieter time.
• Stay with someone you trust.
• Carry water.
• Photograph the entrance.
• Agree on a meeting place.

Getting turned around is not failure. Pause and recalculate, just like a GPS. You can also decide to stop.

Reorient, Don’t Panic.

Which step would make a harvest maze easier for you? Save this for your next outing.

Your diagnosis may explain some challenges. It does not describe all of who you are.

Your experience, creativity, humor, compassion, wisdom and purpose still belong to you.

Support needs don’t take away your dignity or the value of what you bring.

Today, I’m inviting you to notice one ability you’re proud of, however small it may seem.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: “One ability I am proud of is...”

If you have the energy, leave an encouraging reply for someone else too.

Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and respect. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported without judgment.

Supporting someone doesn't always mean having the perfect words. It can mean listening, respecting their privacy and choices, and reminding them that support is available.

This month, we stand with survivors and encourage communities to help create safer, more supportive spaces.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, consider reaching out to a trusted local domestic violence service or emergency resource for confidential support.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀. 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘆.

Every community has a history worth hearing and people worthy of respect.

Today, I’m making space to listen and learn about the Indigenous peoples connected to the
land where we live, including their histories, cultures and present-day communities.

We can begin with a resource shared by a local Indigenous nation, cultural organization or
community member.

Respect grows when we listen with care and make room for stories beyond our own.

What is one thing you would like to learn about your local community?

What if God is growing something in you that you cannot see yet?

A seed beneath the soil can remind us that growth isn’t always visible. I’m thinking today of
everyone who feels tired or discouraged. Your efforts and your life still matter.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Let’s pray:
ABBA, thank You for being our source of hope. Strengthen those who feel discouraged or tired.

Remind us that our lives still have meaning and purpose. Fill every Survivor, Veteran, child,
Caregiver and family with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If an outing feels right, consider a quieter visit to a church Fall Harvest, farmers market or fair.

Bring sensory supports and a trusted companion if needed.

What is helping you hold onto hope today?

Want a colorful fall meal that makes seasonal vegetables the star?

For Recipe Saturday, I’m sharing a Roasted Sweet Potato Harvest Bowl. On World Mental Health Day, I’m also making room for this reminder: you deserve nourishment, rest and support.

𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1⁄2 cup chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Garlic powder and black pepper to taste
• Pumpkin seeds, optional

𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Place sweet potato and broccoli on a lined baking sheet.
3. Toss lightly with olive oil and seasonings.
4. Roast 20-25 minutes or until tender.
5. Serve over rice or quinoa with chickpeas.

Add pumpkin seeds if desired and safe.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Use precut vegetables or ask someone to help with chopping.

Needing support is nothing to be ashamed of.

Would you choose rice or quinoa? Save this recipe for later.

𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: Adjust ingredients and textures for allergies, diabetes, medication interactions, and swallowing needs. Follow individualized guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

One pumpkin and one encouraging word can become a meaningful family memory.

Try decorating a real pumpkin, paper pumpkin or printable picture with a word you want to
carry through this season.

Faith. Hope. Love. Courage. Rest. Joy. Family. Purpose. Strength.

Use markers, stickers, paint or ribbons, then display it somewhere you’ll see it. Keep the
activity as simple as your family needs.

I’d love to know: what word belongs on your pumpkin?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This month, we recognize those currently facing breast cancer, honor those living beyond it, remember those we've lost, and acknowledge the caregivers, families, and friends who walk alongside their loved ones.

Support can take many forms. Sometimes it's showing up. Sometimes it's listening. Sometimes it's simply reminding someone that they don't have to face a difficult moment alone.

To everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer, we're sending care, compassion, and support.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁.