It’s Sunday night! Time to gear up for a new week. As always, the best way to do that is to PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD (Ephesians 6:10-18) but we also will focus on ONE area to strengthen our walk with the Lord. Just one focus to help us grow a faith that cannot fade with the demands of life and the pressures of this world. This week we will focus on OUR HEALTH!

What a perfect time to focus on our health! With the holidays approaching there is an abundance of sweet treats AND stress to be had by all. We aren’t looking to get rid of either, just to make healthy choices so that we still maintain control over our bodies, our sanctuaries.

I love to bake. And I’m not going to make star-shaped cut-outs of tofu either. So my oven will be on from now until New Year’s and there will be steady stream of delectable cooling on my counter. I will taste; I will nibble; I will enjoy.

But I will also walk a few extra laps or take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible.

As for stress, there’s always going to be some amount of stress around the holidays. Maybe it’s a financial strain. Maybe it’s the sheer volume of cooking and preparations that overwhelm you. Maybe it’s the family dynamic that always leaves someone in tears.

Whatever your holiday stressors are, begin working them out now. Set a schedule or enlist helpers so you aren’t overworked. Set a budget and stick to it, not feeling guilty but instead putting the focus on memories over material things. Look at past patterns to see how you change outcomes.

Make sure to include time this week to take care of yourself. A de-stressing soak in the tub, a quiet walk for a time of meditation and prayer, a 30-minute show that makes you laugh.

Laughter IS the best medicine!

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22