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Our Charis Family
Jennifer Goodwin
Josh and Jennifer Goodwin
I lay in bed gazing into the face of my new baby boy for
what seemed like forever. I hadn’t slept in 30 or
so hours, but I was so full of happiness, excitement,
and oxytocin that I couldn’t possibly sleep.
Although it had been a long and emotionally stressful
labor, having the constant support of my husband had
gotten me through. My husband Josh had literally
stood by my side for hours, breathing with me through
every contraction, reminding me to relax, and reassuring
me that everything was fine. Now, as I reveled in
my emotions and happy hormones, Josh lay sound asleep,
exhausted from his supporting role.
Sometime afterward I began to wonder how a woman could
go through labor without such a person by her side.
I started to wonder how I would cope if my husband
didn’t know how to help me. What about single
mothers or military wives? My heart yearned to
help them. It was then that I considered becoming
a doula. I researched doula programs but found
nothing to fit my Christian philosophy, busy lifestyle,
and small budget. Then, in God’s perfect time, I
found Charis.
God’s perfect time happens to be a very busy time for
me. Josh is the pastor of our small church here in
central Florida. I am a busy stay-at-home mom to
Jeremiah, 3 ½, Justus, 1 ½ and Judah, who is due in
about a week. I am also a helpmeet trying to do
all I can to help my husband with the church. Now,
I am starting my doula training and enjoying every
minute of it. With this new ministry I will be able to
help women enjoy birth and help my family financially,
allowing my husband to quit his secular job and focus on
his church. I will also be able to share the glory
of the amazing Designer. I can’t wait.
Please allow me to praise the Lord for a minute. I
thank Him for giving me a love of learning and for
birth. I thank Him for allowing me to learn about
and experience natural childbirth. He placed me in a
wonderful area surrounded by great midwives and women
who desire to use them. He placed me in a location
where doulas are needed and sought after. Because
of my location close to the Charis program, I will be
able to easily attend the workshops and find the births
I need to complete my certification. My husband’s
occupation and nearby family members will give me plenty
of childcare while I attend births. Thank you,
Lord, for the amazing opportunity and circumstances you
have laid out for me.
Jeremiah, 3 ½, Justus, 1 ½
Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Goodwin and
her husband Joshua on the birth of their 8 lb, 11 oz
beautiful baby boy Judah Major Goodwin --- their third
son!!! Judah arrived on June 7th at 7 a.m. and is
incredibly blessed to be in such a wonderful family!
Thank-you Jennifer for sharing your bio just before
giving birth to precious Judah.
newborn Judah Major Goodwin |
Charis Cuisine
Banana Salad
serves 2
2 bananas
1 small head romaine
juice of 1 lemon
pinch of salt
coconut flakes, finely shredded
A salad for breakfast? Sure. It has the same ingredients
as a smoothie!
It's just as simple to make, too. Chop the romaine and toss
with sliced bananas. In a small cup, whisk together the lemon
juice, agave, and a pinch of salt and dress each salad.
Sprinkle with coconut flakes.
Nutritional
Benefits of Bananas
Bananas
are a nutritious snack that should be incorporated into your diet as
much as possible. Bananas are a great source of phosphorous,
calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin E and
vitamin B6. Bananas have more calories than an apple or an orange,
but less sugar. Because bananas are also a healthy source of
carbohydrates, they help curb the appetite throughout the day.
Bananas are arguably one of the healthiest fruits to incorporate
into your diet. By eating two bananas a day, you are getting the
full amount of potassium you need for the day. Bananas are also a
wonderful source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, fiber, calcium
and even protein. One medium-sized banana has 100 calories, mostly
from the sugar in the banana. Bananas should be balanced with a
protein-filled lunch or dinner. If you eat lots of pasta or starch,
adding a banana a day into your diet may not make much of a
difference. If you are eating at least two balanced meals a day,
including fresh sources of protein and calcium found in dark, leafy
vegetables, you should notice a big difference in your health and
stamina.
Bananas, compared to other fruits, are one of the largest sources of
carbohydrates. Some diets may suggest to limit your carbohydrate
intake, but carbs derived from fruits or vegetables are much
healthier than wheat-derived carbs. Do not get discouraged if your
diet tells you not to eat carbohydrates. Bananas are such a good
source of vitamins and minerals that the health benefits are worth
the risk of consuming additional carbohydrates. Limit your banana
intake to one a day and you will experience health benefits that
would not be possible by eating bread, rice, and other
carbohydrates.
Nutritional Value of Bananas
Potassium: A single medium sized banana contains approximately 467
mg of potassium and only a negligible 1 mg of sodium. Potassium is
important for regulating blood pressure and decreasing the risk of
high blood pressure and its related conditions.
Calcium: Rich in calcium, 100 g bananas is capable of supplying the
body with 5 mg of calcium. Calcium is essential for the formation,
as well as upkeep of strong bones and teeth, and for the smooth
functioning of neurotransmitter release and muscle contraction.
Carbohydrates: Bananas are very high on energy, and are usually
eaten when one seeks an instant flush of energy. This is because a
100 g of bananas contains 22.84 g of carbohydrates, 12.23 g sugars
and 2.6 g of dietary fiber. Though slightly higher for a diabetic,
it makes for an easily digestible source of energy.
Vitamin C: A dietary intake of 100gms of banana will provide the
body with nearly 8.7mg of vitamin C. This vitamin protects the body
against oxidative stress and malnutrition. A powerful antioxidant
helps the body control all free radicals.
Vitamin B6 : A water soluble vitamin, essential for the smooth
functioning of the nervous system, boosting the immune system and
fighting infection. One serving of 225 g will give the body 0.8 mg
of vitamin B6.
Other Vitamins: Essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D,
vitamin K, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, etc are all present
in the bananas. These vitamins help in the formation of blood, and
perform other activities in the body to keep its fitness levels on
an all time high.
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