"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health,
just as your soul prospers."--3 John 2 (NKJV)
just as your soul prospers."--3 John 2 (NKJV)
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Did you know that God desires that we not only live lives of victory and success, but that we also be physically healthy and well? It's true! Consider the Greek translation of
3 John 2:
This scripture passage took on a whole new meaning for me personally. I'd like to share a portion of my journey with you in hopes that you will be encouraged and empowered by the word of God. Our physical health matters! It matters to God, and it should be of utmost importance to us.
In June 2019, my husband (Scott), experienced a medical emergency. We were completely blindsided by this health scare--it really sent shock waves through our family. I praise God that I am able to report that he is now doing well. God is faithful! And, we are forever grateful for the support of our family, Pastor, church family, and friends who rallied around us and offered such compassion, concern, prayers, love, and help during a very challenging time. I cannot underscore enough how stressful and upsetting this time was for our family--the hospital stay, the tests, the medical procedures, the follow-up appointments--everything seemed to be coming at us so fast. My husband, the former football player, the picture of strapping health, in the hospital? It was a lot to wrap my head around.
The doctor informed us that Scott needed to make some dietary changes, so that is exactly what we did. We began researching the Mediterranean diet at the physician's recommendation.(See link below for more info) We quickly began to see physical results. Today, Scott is 40 pounds lighter! God really does want us well.
Perhaps you are wondering why I am sharing all of this. Well, it's simple really. I'm sounding the alarm and sharing a portion of my journey with you in hopes that you will be encouraged and empowered by the word of God to make good, positive lifestyle changes that will promote wellness and selfcare. Our physical health matters! It matters to God, and it should be of utmost importance to us.
In addition to healthy eating, here are some suggestions to help your journey to good health and wellness:
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801
3 John 2:
- prosper (G2137)--euodoo: to prosper, to be successful; help on the road, to succeed in reaching
- health (G5198)--hygiaino: to be sound, well; to be in good health, to be well in body
This scripture passage took on a whole new meaning for me personally. I'd like to share a portion of my journey with you in hopes that you will be encouraged and empowered by the word of God. Our physical health matters! It matters to God, and it should be of utmost importance to us.
In June 2019, my husband (Scott), experienced a medical emergency. We were completely blindsided by this health scare--it really sent shock waves through our family. I praise God that I am able to report that he is now doing well. God is faithful! And, we are forever grateful for the support of our family, Pastor, church family, and friends who rallied around us and offered such compassion, concern, prayers, love, and help during a very challenging time. I cannot underscore enough how stressful and upsetting this time was for our family--the hospital stay, the tests, the medical procedures, the follow-up appointments--everything seemed to be coming at us so fast. My husband, the former football player, the picture of strapping health, in the hospital? It was a lot to wrap my head around.
The doctor informed us that Scott needed to make some dietary changes, so that is exactly what we did. We began researching the Mediterranean diet at the physician's recommendation.(See link below for more info) We quickly began to see physical results. Today, Scott is 40 pounds lighter! God really does want us well.
Perhaps you are wondering why I am sharing all of this. Well, it's simple really. I'm sounding the alarm and sharing a portion of my journey with you in hopes that you will be encouraged and empowered by the word of God to make good, positive lifestyle changes that will promote wellness and selfcare. Our physical health matters! It matters to God, and it should be of utmost importance to us.
In addition to healthy eating, here are some suggestions to help your journey to good health and wellness:
- Exercise
- Pray/meditate--prayer can lower the stress hormone, cortisol as well as boost immune system functioning and decrease blood pressure (Healthline.com)
- Laugh (Proverbs 17:22)
- Avoid alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress ("Don't sweat the small stuff")
- Put down the salt
- Get ample, quality sleep
- Practice an attitude of gratitude--gratitude reduces stress and boosts (WebMD)
- Be generous--studies show that generosity reduces stress and supports physical health (Huffpost, 2012)
- Eat with others--research suggests that communal eating activates beneficial neurotransmitters like oxytocin (BrainWorld magazine, 2019)
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801
Scott and Lauri
***Greek Word study from the BlueLetterBible/Strong's Concordance***
