"Enjoy Good Health"

Since this blog is about balance, I should strive to be a positive role model by showing some balance in my devotional topics. I’ve talked mostly about spiritual qualities, mental development, and emotional challenges, but as you well know many women are also dealing with physical challenges.

So many friends and associates have shared with me how tired, drained, stressed, and overwhelmed they feel at the end of most days; and statistical data reports that we are the heaviest we’ve ever been. This does not mean we are to be model thin. Slenderness runs in my family, but being slender does not automatically make me or anyone else healthy.

Just as the apostle John said to Gaius the Elder in 3 John 2, I want to say to you: "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Although I enjoy hearing the poetic words of the King James Version, the New International Version simply says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”



As you continue to grow and mature in Christ, don’t forget that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19). Your continuous ministry to the masses is predicated not only on God’s will, but also whether you are willing to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Exercising may not be something you want to add to your to-do list, but I guarantee you, that exercising makes all other tasks seem less laborious (it changes your attitude). In addition, eating healthier foods, will give you more energy.

I am still developing better eating habits, but I can definitely tell the difference between the days I take time to ride my treadmill and the days I don’t. For starters exercising energizes my day; the circulation of blood through my heart, and blood vessels gives me more energy to do the things I need to do. Exercise also helps me to sleep better, think better, and keeps me focused longer.

Enough about me, the truth is balancing blessings and obtaining order in this area of our lives requires us to live healthier life styles so we have the energy to respond to God’s call and to perform our daily responsibilities. The benefits of exercise and physical activity according to a surgeon general report are:

· Reduce the risk of premature death
· Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
· Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
· Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
· Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
· Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
· Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
· Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
· Reduce depression and anxiety
· Improve psychological well-being
· Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance

Your Call to Order...
Obtain order in this area of your life by finding a simple and convenience activity that you can do regularly that will help you get your heart rate up. I walk on the treadmill every other day for 20 to 30 minutes. It may be more expedient for you to walk up and down your stairs seven to eight times back-to-back, three to four times a week.

Next, make some small changes to your diet; consider adding more fruits, raw vegetables, water, whole-grains, and fish.

Power Verses

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10: 24-25, NIV).

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7-8, NIV).