Self-care takes different forms, depending on the situation and person. Lighting a candle. Enjoying a slow coffee and breathing deeply. Taking a walk. Spending time with a friend. Choosing healthy foods. Each of those has its place. But when life feels like it's spiraling out of control, self-care may be the first thing to go. How do we stop that from happening, to make ourselves more … [Read more...] about Is it Self-Care, or Is it Stewardship?
FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
Deepen Your Spirituality for Better Health
Spirituality and faith, although highly personal and often private, play a significant role in the health of many people. That's why it's an area of focus on the Wheel of Health. Spirituality is at the core of a person's being. In what do you find purpose and meaning? In what do you find strength? Where do you find comfort, and hope? Nearly half of Americans describe themselves as religious and … [Read more...] about Deepen Your Spirituality for Better Health
Waiting for Wednesday
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”— Micah 6:8 (NIV) How is it with your soul? John Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement in the 18th century, used to open small group meetings by asking that question. It's one worth asking ourselves in the 21st century, too. … [Read more...] about Waiting for Wednesday
Worn Down and Out? On the Importance of the Sabbath
In my youth, Sabbath meant attending church in the morning, sharing a meal with extended family later in the day, and not having a to-do list otherwise. Sometimes, my grandfather would take us to G.C. Murphy's, the five-and-dime down the road, since the mall was further away and many stores there were shut on Sundays. I would pick out a new book or Barbie doll clothes. After working all week at … [Read more...] about Worn Down and Out? On the Importance of the Sabbath
A Place to Breathe
We need moments of silence, of space, of reflection, both routinely and in response to tragedy. If we are not intentional about claiming this space for ourselves, the noise of the world can overwhelm us. I offer to you these thoughts, these prayers, these resources that I've found. May the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe work through each of us in these days to bring healing, hope … [Read more...] about A Place to Breathe
Why ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ are Not Enough
This time around, I didn’t offer my thoughts and prayers publicly. It wouldn’t be enough. It’s not enough for me to spout pious sentiments on social media. So I mostly stayed silent. For nearly 48 hours, I’ve let most of my words come from others. I offered a few tweets, one Facebook status update. And it wasn’t enough. “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is … [Read more...] about Why ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ are Not Enough
