Want to Experience Optimum Health? Without this, it’s Impossible

A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine — Proverbs 17:22

What an amazing Scripture, isn’t it? Most of us have heard it before, but let’s take a closer look at these wise words of Solomon.

Today, more than ever before, our society has become very proactive about our health. Just looking through the aisles of any bookstore, you can find countless rows of self-help books that instruct us on the proper way to strengthen our bodies, heal our emotions, and live longer, fuller, more productive lives. We are growing in our knowledge of getting back to basics, eating organically, simplifying our lives, and eliminating stress. There is one vital element to total health and well being that just can’t be ignored, though. The Bible calls it a merry heart.

The Hebrew translation of the phrase “doeth good” is the word yatab, which means to literally “make well, make happy and successful.” That’s pretty good stuff.

To look at this scripture from a medical standpoint is even more amazing. Our bodies, created and designed perfectly by God, are made to produce their own disease fighting chemicals. When we are happy, carefree, and joyful, our bodies secret two different and extremely powerful chemicals.

The first type of chemicals that are released in your body as a result of joy are “neuropeptides.” I bet you didn’t know that these are the exact same chemicals that are synthetically reproduced and injected into cancer patients. Yep…neuropeptides are proven to be so healing to the human body, that they can eradicate cancer cells and promote balance in the body. These medical injections can cost up to $40,000 per shot, but our bodies produce them for free when we have a merry heart.

The second chemicals that are released into our bloodstream when we experience joy are “opioids.” When opioids hit our bloodstream, they rev up our immune system  by connecting with “monocytes” and triggering a series of events that end up destroying dangerous bacteria and viruses which threaten our health.

Opioids also produce feelings of calmness and tranquility. Yes, the root word opium is derived from this chemical. Funny how cheap and often dangerous imitations crop up from things that God has designed. Only true joy can release this chemical naturally.

Get on the Healing Path

Can you see how important laughter, merriment, and joy are to our bodies and our spirits? The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God’s design for us is to live stress free, relying on Him, walking in His joy, His peace, and His abundance.

Regardless of our outward circumstances, it really is possible to walk in happiness. The Word tells us, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” That should be a very freeing sentence to those of us who are used to digging our heels in, gritting our teeth, and taking our goals and careers a little too seriously.

Bottom line here? Take time to laugh. Take time to live, to breath, and to focus on the things that will really matter in the long run. Yes, the day to day stresses of life will come and try to rob you of your joy, but you don’t have to let that happen. God wants you to be free from the heavy burdens and stress of life. It can begin for you today.

You’ll find that you get a lot more accomplished and have a much better time doing those things when you allow the joy of the Lord to infuse your being!

Oh, and one more thing….joy is contagious! So, get out there and spread some medicine today!

How to Stick to Your Diet and Health Regime

Did I hear you say that you’ve made the all-important decision to maximize your life in the area of health? Congratulations! Eating healthy and taking the time to include exercise in your everyday routine can literally change your life forever.

Many individuals have made this decision. In fact, if you’ll be honest with yourself–you’ve probably visited this crossroad more than once (or even twice) before and never quite made it to the next level.  That’s okay, I’ve got good news for you today!

This time can be different just by having a full understanding of what you are up against. The Bible actually says that if you know the truth, it will set you free. Get ready, I’m about to reveal to you EXACTLY what happened the last time you decided to ‘get healthy and fit.’ Read more

Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day!

Baby Steps Towards Better Health

Do you want to get in shape, feel better, and make some small changes that will impact your life positively in a big way?  Great- you’re in the right place!  This week, we’ll be featuring several blogs that address small changes you can make in your eating habits to get fit and feel better.

We’re all looking for a deeper connection to the Lord, but sometimes our daily habits can block our ability to receive direction and help from the Divine.  Let’s think about it for a second…can you commune with Jesus while eating junk food and watching TV?  Can you hear that still, small voice inside when you’re listening to a new song on your iPod or talking on your cell phone?  Maybe you can- if so, I wish you’d tell me how!  I find that I can’t connect with my spiritual side at all unless I’m feeling healthy and spending some “unplugged” time outside, away from the distractions of work and the stress of modern life.

That being said, no one wants to spend hours at the gym or change everything about their lifestyle all at once.  Diets don’t work because most diet programs ask you to change everything, NOW!  This is a scary thought, and for most of us, it isn’t manageable or realistic to make momentous changes overnight.   What really happens is the thought of changing everything is too scary, and then we don’t change anything at all! Rome wasn’t built in a day- and you won’t find better health and a deeper spiritual connection in the next 5 minutes.  That’s the bad news- it’s not a quick fix.

Here’s the good news- I’m NOT going to tell you to go on a diet and lose a bunch of weight.  This isn’t a blog about dieting and weight loss; it’s about feeling better, making healthier choices, and deepening our connection with God.  You can still eat all of your favorite foods- I personally couldn’t live without pizza- but we’ll talk about making some small changes in your eating habits that can make a real difference in your health. Read more

Second Way To Draw Closer To God

Great Reasons to Get More Sleep!

Before Edison invented the light-bulb, Americans slept about ten hours a night.  In the age of the iPod we’re getting, on an average, less than seven hours of sack time!  Something is wrong with this picture…or… maybe it’s my alarm clock that’s the real problem.  My alarm clock, my cell phone, my computer, my home phone, my Blackberry, AND my iPod- sometimes I can’t help but think that Edison had it better in the pre-light-bulb days, and he should have left well enough alone… Read more

Swim, Pedal & Make More Love!

Hey Gang!  Watch Part 2 of “Move Your Bod!”  In this video we cover 3 more fun ways to get outrageously healthy and explode into God’s plan for your life.  The only way we can fulfill the call that each and every one of us has is to be in tip top shape!  WATCH, LISTEN & PUT INTO ACTION!  Tune in next week for more of the “10Immediate Changes You Can Make Health Wise To Explode Into God’s Plan For Your Life”. Read more

Fitness As An Act Of Worship

Hey Gang!  I’m excited to have you read Michael Smith’s May 19th blog post.  It captures the essence of what I was saying on my post “Better Health = God’s Plan”.  Michael is the minister and worship leader of ClearView Baptist Church and graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Pastor Smith “nails it” when he blogs about “Fitness As An Act Of Worship”. Read it and enjoy…I’ve become an avid follower of Pastor Smith’s Blogs.

Stay tuned later this week for the next in the series, “10 Immediate Changes You Can Make Health Wise To Explode Into God’s Plan For Your Life!”

Better Health = God’s Plan

10 Immediate Changes You Can Make Health Wise To Explode Into God’s Plan For Your Life!

 

“Keep it simple silly!”  I know this is supposed to say “stupid” but I didn’t want to offend anyone.  Do you have any idea how many times I say that to myself each and every day?  Of course you don’t, but I can assure you it’s a ton.  Simple wins every time.  Simplicity is the way – it’s easier, it’s less stressful and it can be duplicated. Read more