A Shift in Values

“Because of all that God has done, we now have a new perspective. We used to show regard for people based on worldly standards and interests. No longer. We used to think of the Anointed the same way. No longer.” (2 Corinthians 5:16 VOICE)

The global pandemic has been an inflection point for my personal value system. I have had to reevaluate so many of my beliefs and standards. I used to show regard for people based on worldly standards and interests. My priorities were influenced by a culture of consumption, comfort, and convenience. I acknowledge my misjudgments and misdeeds. The deconstruction, reassessment, and rebuilding have been uncomfortable. Why did I wait so long to question and challenge my thoughts, habits, and behavior? 

I wonder if a shift in perspective would have been any easier if I were younger or less privileged? If the status quo is working for me, why would I want to question or change it? The truth is hard to swallow. I benefited from the current system, so I participated and perpetuated it. Discovering these major cracks in my foundational beliefs has been disorienting.  

Because of all the work that God has done within me, I now have a new perspective. Every day is an opportunity to practice looking at things from this different point of view. The process continues to be unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Yet, ensconced in Christ’s strength, I press on.

Experiential Lessons

“Don’t expect anyone else to fully understand both the bitterness and the joys of all you experience in your life.” (Proverbs 14:10 TPT)

My husband and I were out on a long, training run on a rainy day. We kept hoping the rain would let up, but it kept pouring down for hours. I was cold, wet, and miserable. My hair, clothes, and shoes were soaked.  I was glad when we were finished with our scheduled mileage. I came home, showered, and put on dry clothes. My mood shifted. I was able to look back on the experience and glean some valuable lessons: Running in wet clothes and shoes feels yucky, but it is doable. Actually, it is easier on  the body than running in high heat and humidity.  In the middle of a long run, when you feel like walking--a slow jog is better. Walking feels discouraging. Having even one other person with you helps you deal with self-doubt. Running in pouring rain by yourself feels crazy. But when you have another person with you, it feels adventurous. 

Unless you have run in the midst of heavy rain, some of my experiential lessons may seem nonsensical to you. The only person who may understand some of the bitterness and the joy of that adventure is my husband, who ran with me that day. Yet, even he might have a slightly different take on that experience than I did, since our personalities are not the same.

We all desire to share our experiences and emotions so that we may be understood and accepted. This is part of human nature; this is why we crave connection. But there is a built-in vulnerability in our design that prevents us from fully knowing each other. This void is not an accidental flaw; it was planned by the Creator for a purpose. We are meant to contact the Manufacturer regularly. God wants us to share both the bitterness and the joys of all our experiences with Him, to commune with Him, and to be fulfilled in Him. 

Reminders of Truth

“I won’t hesitate to continually remind you of these truths, even though you are aware of them and are well established in the present measure of truth you have already embraced.” (2 Peter 1:12 TPT)

I was looking through one of my kitchen cabinets where I keep odds and ends when I found a knife sharpener that I forgot I had! It’s not something I use frequently, so I must have put it away in the back of the cabinet and forgot about it. Once I found it, I took out all my knives and sharpened them. Then I put the knife sharpener with the knives where I was likely to notice it. 

Isn’t it nice to have reminders of things you already know but have filed away in the back of your brain? 

I notice that I receive reminders of truths regularly. These are not brand new discoveries, but things I’ve been vaguely aware of for years. Sometimes I pay attention and incorporate this knowledge into my current choices. When I am not ready to face certain uncomfortable realities, I stuff them back in the deep recesses of my mind.

The Holy Spirit continually brings up truth to the surface. It is up to us whether we make it a part of our lives. Until we become firmly established in the present measure of truths, we are unable to grasp new information. Thus, it is imperative for us to review and embrace what has already been unveiled. There is so much more for us to learn. 

True Needs

“Why spend your hard-earned money on something that can’t nourish you or work so hard for something that can’t satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2 TPT)

I can mindlessly eat a bag of chips and still feel dissatisfied. When that doesn’t hit the spot, I will try a different flavor profile--perhaps something sweet like cookies or ice cream. I continue trying one junky snack after another, even though I know from previous experience that none of them will satisfy. 

“You can never get enough of what you don’t need.” (Brene Brown) 

I have a tendency to internalize, idolize, and pursue things that cannot satiate my true needs. It’s a bad habit I hang on to, because change is too uncomfortable. I yearn for authentic contentment, but I’m stuck in old patterns. Sometimes I reach a tipping point--where the agony of maintaining the status quo becomes more painful than growing. I recognize that these broken pieces of driftwood cannot save me. Denial is no longer a viable option. Reluctantly, I start letting go of long-held fallacies that have kept me afloat in the sea of societal expectations. I push forward to that which is truly nourishing and substantial.  

Lord, help me!

Birds and Chipmunks

“Consider the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they? (Matthew 6:26 TPT)

The bird feeder outside our kitchen window can get as busy as a restaurant during rush hour. Sparrows, cardinals, and finches all take their turns eating the seeds. They only take what they need for the moment. Unlike the birds, there is a greedy chipmunk that also visits our bird feeder. He stuffs his cheeks with seeds and runs into his nest under the arborvitae bushes. In a few minutes, he comes back for more. This one chipmunk can empty the bird feeder in a day. 

I must confess: I do not like this chipmunk who takes more than he needs and leaves less for the birds. Yet, I realize I am more like this greedy rodent than I am like the birds. I plan, prep, and save for the future. I worry that I won’t have enough of what I need, so I store up food, money, and other resources for later. I ask God for my daily bread and also for a lifetime supply. 

Jesus reminded us to be more like the birds. They don’t worry about their existence or productivity. They neither plant, reap, store, or hoard--yet the heavenly Father provides them each with food and nesting material. Their tiny bird brains seem to instinctively know that they can trust God to take care of them. Thus, Jesus uses birds as an example for us to follow. Look at the birds. Their value is not dependent on their productivity, but is based on their dependence on God.

The Lord's Prayer

 “Our Father who are in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Let your Kingdom come, let your will be done also in the earth, just as it is in Heaven. Give us our necessary bread today. And forgive us our debts, just as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not to temptation but deliver us from evil, for yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, for the eternity of eternities.” (Matthew 6:9-13 ARA) 

 

The above version of the famous prayer is from the Peshitta Holy Bible. This translation is very close to the original language of Aramaic which Jesus would have spoken in Galilee. I find comfort in reciting the Lord’s Prayer in different translations, speaking to God in the words and ideas of diverse cultures. Below is another translation that I recently read on Richard Rohr’s daily meditations. It is a modern version of the prayer from the Anglican Church of New Zealand which reflects the indigenous Maori culture. 

Eternal Spirit,

Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,

Source of all that is and that shall be,

Father and Mother of us all,

Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom

sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.

In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.

In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.

From trials too great to endure, spare us.

From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever. Amen.

Purposeful Adventures

“I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers.” (2 Corinthians 11:26 MSG)

Action and adventure movies portray heroes who travel to exotic locations, jump out of airplanes, or drive at high speeds in expensive cars to save humanity from evil. These common tropes seem to have infiltrated mainstream cultural ideas on what it means to be courageous. An adventure is defined as an exciting or unusual experience. These days, most of us think of activities such as skydiving, ziplining, rafting, bungee jumping, etc., as adventurous. The goal is to experience the adrenaline rush and have pictures to post on  social media. There is no bigger purpose to these daring activities other than to have fun. 

The Apostle Paul led an adventurous life full of risk and danger. His travels were never leisurely or relaxing, but packed with tribulations. Paul was not seeking out thrills for the sake of excitement or to portray himself as an interesting man. He collaborated with God and followed directions. Every risk he took was deliberate, not impulsive. His adventures were purposeful. Paul wanted to know Christ and make Him known. He had a clear mission, and He chose to accept it. He would not let anything or anyone stand in the way. 

“I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death, so that I may arrive safely at the resurrection from the dead. I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything the Anointed One, Jesus, has in store for me—and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go.” (Philippians 3:10-12 VOICE)

 

Redirecting Negative Thoughts

“Redirect your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer.” (Job 11:13 CSB)

Many Japanese martial art forms use the principle of aiki--a redirection of oppositional energy. Practitioners learn how to neutralize an attack by shifting the balance of power and momentum. The movements can be subtle. Deflection is used to disempower. Instead of fighting, intensity is  channelled in calibrated ways.  

A similar technique can be used to redirect negative thoughts. When we feel attacked by anxiety, bitterness, impatience, resentment, hate, anger, jealousy, self-loathing, or insecurity--we can practice a form of mental reframing. 

Observe the thought carefully as it comes toward you. Instead of fighting or blocking it, see if you can deflect and disempower it.  Sometimes, all it takes is taking a step to the side. This involves some contemplation and reflection. Writing down your thoughts can sometimes deflate the intensity behind them. Next, submit all your concerns and emotions to God.  Ask Him to show you how to handle what is beyond your power to manage. Trust Him with everything. Remain attentive. Listen carefully. Follow Divine directions. Redirect your heart and lift up your hands in prayer, praise, and gratitude. 

Learning to Trust

 

“Suddenly, as they were crossing the lake, a ferocious storm arose, with violent winds and waves that were crashing into the boat until it was nearly swamped. But Jesus was calmly sleeping in the stern, resting on a cushion. So they shook him awake, saying, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are all about to die!” Fully awake, he rebuked the storm and shouted to the sea, “Hush! Be still!” All at once the wind stopped howling and the water became perfectly calm. Then he turned to his disciples and said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?” (Mark 4:37-40 TPT)

When reading this passage, I have always focused on the imagery of Jesus rebuking the storm. How wonderful it is to know that I have a Lord who can smooth all the conflicts and fix all the turmoil that surrounds me. This time around, my perspective shifted. I feel convicted by His admonishment to the disciples: “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?”

Are you talking to me, Jesus?

When the storms of life threaten to overwhelm me, I feel afraid. I have not learned to trust God. Instead of feeling secure in the knowledge that the Lord is with me in adversity, I panic. To be honest, I just want Jesus to calm the external circumstances. I don’t want to face my internal issues--my lack of confidence in God.  And then I hear Jesus saying: Hush! Be Still. Calm down. I am with you in the midst of life’s storms. Learn to trust me. 

Sustainable Homesteads

“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (Psalm 91:2 NLT)

I like reading about sustainable homesteads. People who live this way seem to have incredible vision and ingenuity.  They grow their own food, have their own water sources, and get their electricity from solar panels and windmills. Since they are not dependent on public utilities and a consumer economy, they are less affected by power grid outages, water shortages, supply-chain blockages, and other geo-political issues. Personally, I have neither the skills nor the temperament for such a venture, but I admire those who do. I am impressed by their self-sufficiency and stability. 

I am even more inspired by those who have a sustainable trust in God. People who live this way seem to have their own private aquifer of faith. They know God intimately and trust Him unconditionally. When hardships come, they look to God alone for refuge, safety, power, and sustenance. They have a peace that is not disturbed by worldly circumstances, because their stability is based on their confidence in Christ.

In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;

This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My Comforter, my All in All,

Here in the love of Christ I stand. (Lyrics by Stuart Townend)

Deep Knowing

“But when the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truth within you.” (John 16:13 TPT)

I heard the following quote on a podcast by Rob Bell: 

"Some people live from their edges. They live based on the behaviors, wants, resentments, and needs of others. Sometimes, a person gets so defined by others that their identity becomes edges...the outer edges where they intersect with others. They have no musculature for listening to their own deep knowing." (Rob Bell, “Everyone Is Looking for  You”) 

Was I living from my edges? 

I doodled as I pondered. I drew a figure of a woman outlined in different colors. It was a pretty drawing. The figure had a head, a torso, two arms, and two legs. It was hollow inside--lacking a face, guts, heart, or brain. 

I recognized the colored outlines of my identity. These were the roles I played: Good Christian Woman, Supportive Wife, Ideal Mom, Dutiful Daughter. These were the edges where my life intersected with the behaviors, wants, resentments, and needs of others. 

Those who are Spirit-led are connected with their true self. They do not ignore their guts, brains, hearts, and eyes.  Instead of living from the edges of cultural expectations, they listen to their instincts, thoughts, senses, and visions. When the Spirit unveils the reality of every truth, they pay attention.  They develop the musculature for listening to their own deep knowing.

Look Where God Points

“Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world.” (Proverbs 8:30 NIV)

The Crow and the Pitcher, one of Aesop’s Fables, tells the story of a thirsty bird. The crow finds a container with a little water on the bottom that it cannot reach with its beak. The bird picks up nearby pebbles and drops them into the pitcher until the water rises to a level that is accessible. I’ve always thought this story was far-fetched--until I saw a video of a bird doing exactly this! 

I have learned to be observant and creative like the birds. These days, I keep my senses open for stashes of joy. I look where God points; He never disappoints. I make note of absurd delights that surround me. I deposit these gems carefully into my mental reservoir. When I am desperate and thirsty for refreshment, these little moments of gratitude allow me to access the joy that is beyond my circumstantial reach. Day after day, I remain close to the Lord, rejoicing in His presence. 

Animal Builders

“Call on the animals to teach you; the birds that sail through the air are not afraid to tell you the truth. Engage the earth in conversation; it’s happy to share what it knows.” (Job 12:7-8 VOICE)

There was an abandoned bird nest near our roof--where the gutters meet the drain pipe. Recently, it fell down from its high perch, and I had a chance to inspect it. The nest was built with scraps of twigs, grass, and dirt and lined with our golden retriever’s fur. How ingenious of this bird to use all these things I had overlooked or thrown away! 

I saw a beaver’s dam near a local creek. These rodents build dams and lodges from all sorts of natural debris. They have figured out how to use whatever resources are available to protect themselves from predators. In addition, beaver dams create wetlands that support a variety of other organisms and prevent toxins from filtering into streams. 

These animals have reminded me that treasures are often hidden in plain sight. There is no shortage of material for those who are observant. What can I build? What have I overlooked?  What stones have I left unturned? What joys and delights have I missed that I can weave into praise? 

Dropping My Nets

“Immediately they dropped their nets and left everything behind to follow Jesus.” (Mark 1:18 TPT)

Many of the first disciples of Jesus were fishermen. When Jesus called out to them, they immediately dropped their nets and left everything to follow Him. They literally left their livelihood and their families--without hesitation.  

Everything that was familiar and comfortable--Dropped!

Everything that made them feel self-sufficient and competent--Dropped! 

Everything that gave them a sense of identity and belonging--Dropped! 

I wish I could say that I respond to Jesus the way these early disciples did. Instead, I cling to my nets of familiarity, comfort, sufficiency, security, competency, identity, and belonging. I dawdle and procrastinate. I find ways to serve while maintaining my current lifestyle, belief patterns, and traditions. I get caught up in these nets. They hold me back. I fall behind. 

Jesus, You call each of us to follow you. Yet, some of us are attached to our nets and reluctant to relinquish our way of life. Grant us the supernatural power to drop everything and accept your invitation--immediately, joyfully, boldly.

Backing Out

“Don’t be drawn in by the hypocrite, for his gracious speech is a charade, nothing but a masquerade covering his hatred and evil on parade.” (Proverbs 26:25 TPT)

My dog has learned how to back out of his slip leash. If we are leading him in a direction where he does not want to go--he just stops walking and pulls his head abruptly backward. The oppositional force of us walking forward and him pulling back allows him to get free. I’m impressed that my dog figured out this technique. 

I’m still learning how to back out of unhealthy situations. When others are directing me to go where they want me to go and do what they want me to do, I follow grudgingly. I recognize that they are stringing me along with their insincere speech, yet I am reluctant to make a scene. If I stop suddenly and pull back, my opposition would create conflict and bring criticism. My preference for comfort and approval makes me keep my head down. I go along to get along. Instead of following my true calling, I succumb to the charade and join the hypocrites in their parade. 

Swaddled by His Presence

“Your wraparound presence becomes my shield as I wrap myself in your Word!” (Psalm 119:114 TPT)

ThunderShirts are designed to help calm dogs who get nervous during thunderstorms and fireworks. These jackets swaddle the pet with a gentle compression which eases their anxiety. Weighted blankets have a similar effect on humans who suffer from anxiety and insomnia. The consistent pressure can put a person’s autonomic nervous system into rest mode, alleviating stress.  Although it sounds counterintuitive, the sensation of heaviness can be soothing and relaxing.  

The Spirit of God can be comforting like a weighted blanket. The heaviness feels calming and grounding. God’s wraparound presence can be a shield against anxiety. Unlike a heavy blanket, the Word of God is portable, accessible, and available to everyone. In order to be enveloped in this spiritual assurance, all we have to do is intentionally place our minds under the power of the Almighty. 

Super Friends

“Since our gifts vary depending on the grace poured out on each of us, it is important that we exercise the gifts we have been given.” (Romans 12:6 VOICE)

When I was a kid, I woke up early on Saturdays to watch my favorite cartoon: Super Friends. The show featured different superheroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Wonder Twins, Batman, and Robin. Each of them had unique powers. They worked together to fight villains and solve global disasters. If all of them possessed the same superpowers, the show would have been boring! 

As I grew up, I began assembling real-life super friends. Each of them has unique powers. My team is not a group of like-minded people who look, think, and act in accordance with each other. They differ in age, ethnicity, talents, and perspectives. I relish this weirdness. It keeps things interesting. Honoring differences and working together can be challenging. But super friends have to be unique. A bunch of clones with redundant gifts cannot impact change! 

Since our gifts vary depending on the grace poured out on each of us, we were created to be diverse. Recognizing our uniqueness allows us to create space so that we may each exercise the gifts we have been given. Superheroes are meant to be weird. We are meant to transform the world, not conform to it. 

Not My Charger!

“They have refreshed my spirit.”  (1 Corinthians 16:18 AMP)

There is an outlet in our house where we keep most of our charging cords plugged in. All of the members in our household have multiple electronic devices that require daily recharging--cell phones, tablets, wireless headphones, GPS watches, etc. Each cord has a slightly different tip, so we end up having to pick up each one until we find the right fit. What recharges one device does nothing for another device. 

I think of my charging station with the jumble of cords when I hear about different ways that people recharge themselves...

A neighbor was talking about how a bubble bath refreshes her. I have tried sitting in a jacuzzi with soothing music, candles, and bath salts--but it doesn’t do anything for me. It’s not my charger!

A friend of mine went on a family reunion trip. She felt rejuvenated in the company of her extended relatives. Just the thought of being around that many people is exhausting for me. Not my charger!

After several hectic days, I took a few hours to be alone with my books, journal, and laptop. The whole house was quiet. I sipped my herbal tea. I indulged in reading, contemplation, and writing. The time passed by so quickly. My spirit was refreshed. Finally, I had found the right charger!

Each of us has different ways of refreshing our spirits. What is rejuvenating for one person may be draining for another. This is not weird. Finding our unique chargers may take some trial and error, but it is well worth the effort. 

The Backward Pretzel

“The woman now realized her secret was going to come out sooner or later, so she stepped out of the crowd, shaking with fear, and she fell down in front of Jesus. Then she told her story in front of everyone—why she touched Him, what happened as a result.” (Luke 8:47 VOICE)

Whenever I am boarding a plane, I am careful that my luggage does not bother anyone. I have developed this technique that I call the ‘backward pretzel’--where I twist both arms back and hold the handle of my rolling carry-on. This enables me to pull my baggage directly behind me, preventing it from hitting other passengers as I walk by. Since the backward pretzel is an uncomfortable position, I do not expect anyone else to follow this technique. In fact, if someone else’s luggage brushes up against me, I am patient and understanding. 

I have a similar approach to the emotional baggage I am hauling around. I will contort myself into a backward pretzel so as not to bother anyone else with my burdens. I am eager to help others carry their loads, but I cannot muster up the same compassion for myself. I am trying to change this habit. Being open about my issues allows others to know that I don’t have it all together. Authentic vulnerability fosters sincere communion. Moreover, anytime I share my hardships, I get to tell God’s story--how I fell down in front of Jesus, how He touched me, and what happened as a result. 

Knowing Your Current Purpose

“Get up now, and stand upright on your feet. I have appeared to you for a reason. I am appointing you to serve Me. You are to tell My story and how you have now seen Me, and you are to continue to tell the story in the future.” (Acts 26:16 VOICE)

Sometimes I walk into the kitchen to do something and forget what it was that I meant to do. I look around for cues to nudge my memory. If there are dishes in the sink, I wash them. If the counters look messy, I wipe them down. All of these tasks are useful, but not the purpose for which I entered. I may have originally intended to add an essential item to my grocery list, but then got distracted by other things. There are times when washing dishes is the task that I need to do. There are times when wiping the counter is my intended purpose. And there are times when I have to update the grocery list before I forget that we are out of milk. 

Our purpose can shift as we move through different phases of life. Each of us have entered this world with unique assignments for every stage of growth. There are times when we forget our current missions and go back to doing what is familiar. Some of us just mimic what others around us are doing or what gets the most approval. While they may be useful, these tasks are not what we are meant to be doing right this minute. Distractions  that pull us away from our current purpose can leave significant voids. 

My sense of purpose has shifted over the last few decades. I have played many different roles; some of them felt right at the time. These days, I feel the call to draw near to God and magnify Him--to tell His story, share insights, and serve Him.  I enter into each day with this purpose in mind, but I often get distracted. I revert to previous patterns of behavior that used to make me feel useful and competent.  While these roles were meaningful at one time, they are not what I am meant to do right this minute. Anything that pulls me away from my current purpose leaves significant voids in God’s mission for my life. 

Savor the Savior

“Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn.” (Hosea 6:3 NLT)

My favorite way to eat ice cream is with a tiny spoon. I like to take a small bite, wait for it to melt in my mouth, and feel the sweetness spread through my senses. A friend of mine prefers her ice cream in a cone. She takes small bites from the edges and works her way gradually to the middle. We each have our own unique ways of savoring ice cream. 

Over the years, I have discovered many unique ways to enjoy being with God. In the early years of my faith journey, I became enamored by anything that helped me understand the Lord. I loved reading the thoughts of great thinkers that came before me. In the middle years, I found comfort in fellowship with other seekers. Group worship, prayer, and study provided structure and support. I learned that the Lord is near, even when I cannot sense Him. I prayed for awareness and intimacy. These days, I relish being alone with God.  I luxuriate in His presence, taking my own sweet time to appreciate His goodness. I share every thought, and lean in to hear His response. In quiet solitude, I savor my Savior.

Health Span

“You should try as much as you can to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness, add knowledge; and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add the ability to hold on; and to your ability to hold on, add service for God; and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisters in Christ; and to this kindness, add love. If all these things are in you and are growing, they will help you never to be useless. (2 Peter 1:5-8 ICB)

The life expectancy of humans has increased dramatically over the last century. In the 1800’s most people didn’t live past fifty. The average lifespan of an American is now about 78 years. Longevity may have increased dramatically, but not all those extra years are healthy. The average health span--the years a person lives without chronic diseases or disabilities--is still lagging.  

Studies have shown that certain factors increase your health span. Good nutrition, exercise, limiting alcohol intake, never smoking, living with purpose, having good relationships---all contribute to wellness. None of this is new information. Most of us know what it takes to maintain health and prevent degeneration. Medical interventions can prolong life, but health is still dependent on personal choices.  

Longevity without health feels pointless. We yearn to live each and every day well--with vitality, self-determination, and the capacity to care for ourselves. Our lifestyle choices reflect our core commitments. Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, kindness, --all contribute to wellness. When our steps are God-directed, when we stay on the wholesome path, all our days become worthwhile.