Hello everyone and welcome to the Graceology with Gwen Smith podcast.

I'm Gwen Smith and I'm so glad you've joined me today.

Around here we have fun, faith-focused, grace-filled conversations, all to help you know and trust God more.

Our discussions are honest, often humorous, and always practical,

and they're going to encourage you in meaningful ways to live out and lean on the grace of Jesus

in the midst of cluttered messy days. You got any of those? I know I do, and I can't wait to get to

today's conversation, which is all about how

God uses food to invite us into his love. My guest is Melissa D'Arabian. Now many of you

will know her as the season five winner of the Food Network star, and as the host of the Food

Network show, $10 dinners, which I absolutely

loved. She's a New York Time bestselling author for her popular cookbook of the same name,

$10 dinners. But Melissa recently released her non-cookbook debut, which is called Tasting Grace,

where she talks about both food and faith. Food plays a big

role in all of our lives, and sure, it's a universal necessity, but it's also the source of so

much joy, especially around the holidays, right? As she prayed, studied scripture, and reflected

on stories from her own life,

Melissa saw how God used food to draw her into community, redeem moments of tragedy, and

ultimately connect her more deeply with him. Without a doubt, you guys, I am so confident

you're going to love this discussion with Melissa because it jump

starts a deeper conversation about food and the power it has to bring us together, draw

out the best in us, and help us hear God's voice in the midst of it all. Well, hello, Melissa. Welcome to the Graceology podcast. I am so excited to have you as a guest today.

I'm so delighted. Thanks for having me.

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