Just Do This To Be More Like Christ

As a young Christian woman living in a world of social media, one of the most common questions I hear is, “How can I become more like Christ?”

There are many ways to answer this question, but one of the most robust ways we have is our own self-talk.

What we say to ourselves on a regular basis can have a significant impact on our thoughts, feelings, and activities.

That’s why I want to talk to you about the power of labeling yourself with godly traits.

When we label ourselves with godly traits, we are essentially speaking God’s truth over our journeys.

Instead of allowing negative self-talk to take over, we are intentionally choosing to focus on the positive attributes that God has given us.

This can include traits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which are the fruits of the Spirit.

Scripture tells us that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12: 2)

When we label ourselves with good traits, we are actively changing our minds and aligning our thoughts with God’s truth.

And we are reminding ourselves that we should strive to be more like Christ and the identity that God has given us as His children.

When we identify ourselves as patient, for example, we are more likely to exhibit patience in our interactions with others.

When we identify ourselves as loving, we are more likely to show love to those around us.

By focusing on these positive qualities, we are creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, where our thoughts and behaviors align with the labels we have chosen for ourselves.

Too many people nowadays think negatively about themselves.

They take on too much responsibility and blame themselves for everything.

But this isn’t what God would want us to do.

We should treat ourselves just like we treat the people around us, with love and patience.

As you go about your day-to-day, I encourage you to give more attention to your self-talk and the labels you are placing on yourself.

Are they uplifting, or are they negative?

Remember, becoming more like Christ is our goal.

Let’s choose to label ourselves with these godly traits.

And watch as God transforms us from the inside out.

God Bless

Jesus’ Stress Relief Manual

Have you ever stopped to wonder how Jesus would handle stress?

Jesus, our Savior, faced unimaginable pressures and hardships during His time on earth.

Yet, He always kept His peace, His focus, and His mission.

How did He do it?

The answer lies in His deep, unshakeable connection with God.

When we look at how Jesus lived, we see that He regularly took time away from His work and the crowds to pray and connect with His Father.

This was His way of recharging, gaining wisdom, and finding peace amidst the storm.

In Mark 1:35 we read that very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed.

How often do we imitate Jesus in this respect? 

How often do we retreat into quietness, away from the noise and the demands of the world, to find our center in God’s presence?

To combat stress, we must cultivate a regular practice of prayer and quiet reflection, just as Jesus did.

This deepens our relationship with God, allowing us to draw on His strength and peace in stressful situations.

But there’s even more to it, my friends.

Jesus also teaches us about the importance of trust.

When He was faced with the greatest stress, His impending crucifixion, He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

This shows His ultimate trust in God’s plan, even when it led to immense suffering.

Jesus knew that God’s ways are higher than ours and trusted that everything was unfolding according to God’s will.

Stress often arises when we feel the need to control every outcome.

Jesus teaches us to let go of this need and trust in God’s plan.

Stress is a part of our everyday experiences, but it doesn’t have to rule over our peace of mind.

By following Jesus’ example we can find the peace and strength we need to navigate our challenges.

Why God Wants You To Hurt People’s Feelings (Sometimes)

A fellow Christian that attends the same church as myself let me in on some of his troubles the other day.

He had this stressed look on his face.

Like he did something wrong, and no one else but him knew.

After a lot of dancing around the subject, he told me what was on his mind.

His spouse had gained a lot of weight lately, and he wasn’t attracted to her anymore because of that.

But at the same time, he was afraid that if he told her, he might hurt her feelings.

So he felt like he couldn’t do anything about it.

This might not come as a surprise, but I hear a lot of stories like that.

People hide their true feelings from their loved ones because they don’t want to hurt them.

They think they are protecting them.

But they are doing more wrong than good.

We often underestimate how strong people are.

Humans have survived tragedies, slavery, disease – the list goes on.

They can handle having their feelings hurt.

God has made us tough.

And through hardship is how we grow.

If we want our loved ones to work through their problems, we have to hurt their feelings sometimes.

It’s fine.

We usually make things worse in our heads than how they actually are.

If a loved one has gained weight, does something that bothers you, or wears clothes that don’t fit them, you should tell them.

It might be uncomfortable at first, but they will be thankful you were honest in the long run.

It is a much finer alternative than talking about them behind their back.

Hiding your true feelings can lead to resentment.

It slowly eats you up from the inside.

And it is how couples end up splitting up.

Honesty is crucial in any relationship.

If we constantly try to make people happy, then we can end up hurting them and ourselves in the process.

As well as causing THIS to our health.

But if we respect our loved ones and want them to grow, we should always be telling them the truth.

Even if the truth is uncomfortable.

God Bless

God’s Answer To Anxiety

An increasing number of people have been asking me about anxiety lately.

Anxiety has always been a concern.

But nowadays, more and more people feel like they can’t escape it.

They tell me it exhausts them.

And that it’s stopping them from doing the things they want.

Like socializing, driving, or simply living their day to day.

I don’t know what caused this uprise in anxiety.

Perhaps social media, inflation, or everything going on around college campuses with those protesters.

But I knew that if I searched for a way to support my fellow Christians, God would assist me with finding it.

I wanted to provide people with a natural way to eliminate anxiety. And keep it that way for years to come.

I initially thought about praying and meditation.

And while these things can be very helpful, most people in my Church were already doing these.

And despite their efforts, their anxiety wouldn’t go anywhere.

I couldn’t find anything and had almost given up on my search.

But on February 9, Stanford released a study about this very subject.

It was as if God had answered my prayers.

Researchers from Stanford tested something they referred to as “cyclic sighing.”

 Source: https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2023/02/09/cyclic-sighing-can-help-breathe-away-anxiety/?fbclid=IwAR0Ka-P1S2qNsPXhOlKzBrLRkrKaevtfqnDQfnWLaRVIqWSYOjQGlOYKwGc

Researchers from Stanford tested something they referred to as “cyclic sighing.”

The concept is very simple.

You take a deep breath through your nose.

Once you’ve fully filled your lungs, you pause for a moment. And then, you “sneak in” another smaller breath through your nose.

After that, you fully exhale the air through your mouth.

If you do that, you will quickly see that your heart beats slower, and you feel calmer.

Just one or two deep sighs are enough.

But if you suffer from anxiety, the scientists from Stanford recommend you do this for 5 minutes.

They actually had 111 healthy volunteers try this for a month.


And the results were incredible.

The participants felt happier and more peaceful.

That by itself should be enough to convince everyone to try this.

But the scientists also measured people’s heartbeat, as well as how quickly they breathed, which are signs of high anxiety.

And they found that the participants’ heartbeat and breathing were slower.

So Stanford had undeniable evidence that cyclic sighing works.

It’s more beneficial than meditation.

And you can do it quicker.

Isn’t that awesome?

If you know someone who has a lot of anxiety, why don’t you forward this post to them?

You will be doing them a massive favor.

Is Obesity A Blessing In Disguise?

Some people have a predisposition to obesity.

Up until recently, we considered these people to be unlucky

That if they want to be healthy like “regular” people, they would have to do more work.

However, a study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden may have just flipped the tables.

The researchers found that people who are prone to being obese are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

The researchers observed over 15,000 twins who had high BMI.

And they discovered that the ones who were obese due to genetic factors had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than the ones due to lifestyle factors.

This means that they had fewer strokes, coronary artery disease, and other heart health concerns.

Anyone who reads this is going to wish they had a predisposition to obesity.

This does not mean that we can neglect our weight.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise is crucial for fighting disease.

But it makes you wonder

What are some other things that are good for us, even though we might think they are bad?

When we come across problems, we may be tempted to ask

“Why me, God? What did I do to deserve this?”

We often can’t comprehend why something is happening to us.

But we have to remember

Every challenge we encounter is another one of God’s tests.

One that we have to overcome to become more resilient and wiser.

And while it may not seem like it, it might be a blessing in disguise.

This time, we found out that having a predisposition to obesity means a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.

Tomorrow, who knows, we might find out something else.

God works in mysterious ways.

In the future, you might be looking back to a challenge you are dealing with as a happy memory.

So let us put our trust in God, and He will reward us when the time is right.

Are Carbs The Devil’s Food?

There is a trend going around lately.

People who are trying to slim down treat carbohydrates like the Devil.

They stay away from things like bread, pasta, or fries

But the truth is, carbohydrates are essential for our health.

They are one of the major energy sources.

Why do they have such a bad rep?

Well, that is because there are good and bad carbohydrates.

You may have already heard about them.

Good carbohydrates provide us with essential nutrients and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

They are also referred to as complex carbohydrates. 

These carbohydrates take longer to break down in our stomachs, resulting in a slow and steady release of energy. 

They provide a feeling of fullness and satiety.

So they aid us in controlling our weight.

They also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for our overall health.

On the other hand, bad carbohydrates are those that are processed, refined, and contain added sugars. 

These carbohydrates are also known as simple carbohydrates. 

They provide quick energy. But they are also responsible for spikes in glucose levels, leading to a crash later.

They are often found in processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks. 

These types of carbohydrates can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

So, what can you do to be healthier?

Simple. Choose good carbohydrates over bad ones. 

Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your nutrition. 

Opt for brown rice instead of white rice, whole-grain bread instead of white bread, and whole-grain pasta instead of regular pasta. 

Choose snacks that are low in added sugars, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or popcorn. 

And try to stay away from processed foods and sugary drinks.

By preferring good carbohydrates over bad ones, we can improve our overall health and well-being. 

So, the next time you reach for a snack or plan your meals, think about the type of carbohydrates you are consuming and choose wisely.

Why You Should Assist Others With Finding God’s Path

Every time I assist someone to come closer to God, something odd happens.

I feel more centered

Happier

And wiser.

At first, I thought this was because of people’s gratitude.

And while I appreciate that, that wasn’t it.

I’ve come to realize that when I aid others with listening to God’s Will, my faith deepens.

By helping others, I walk a step closer to God.

One person at a time.

And this is something that every Christian can do to deepen their faith as well, no matter their profession, age, or gender.

God’s generosity is boundless, and He has graced us with countless blessings.

Among these blessings lies our capacity to uplift and encourage others in their spiritual journey.

As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5 11, we are reminded, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

When we invest our hearts in the spiritual well-being of others, our own faith flourishes and grows.

As we provide our support, we become a living testimony to God’s transformative grace.

We show that faith is not a lonely endeavor.

But a shared experience of divine love, uniting us in a wondrous and mysterious way.

This interconnection is the essence of our Christian faith, and it unveils the true meaning of fellowship, community, and love.

Everyone can engage in uplifting and encouraging others.

Whether it’s simply by listening, praying for someone, or sharing words of wisdom, encouragement can take many shapes.

By embracing this divine calling, we can connect with God and express ourselves in a way that serves Him.

That’s why I highly encourage you to make it a priority to uplift others in their spiritual journey.

And use these simple ideas to support those around you.

And I promise you will feel the same fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment that I did.

How A Bible Verse Can Help You Retire Earlier

When planning for retirement, most people focus on strategies like saving, investing, and budgeting. 

And while these things are good (and sometimes necessary) they have a flaw.

They are just focused on one’s self.

And they lack generosity.

Take a look at this verse from the BIble:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” ( Luke 6:38)

At first glance, this may seem like it’s just about spiritual blessings or rewards.

But in reality, it also contains some important wisdom about building wealth.

Practicing generosity can help you retire earlier in more ways than one:

  1. Giving can increase your earnings.

When you’re generous with your time, talents, and resources, you may build a reputation as a helpful and trustworthy person. 

This can lead to more opportunities, referrals, and connections that can help you advance in your career or business. 

  1. Giving can reduce your expenses.

When you’re generous with others, they may be more likely to reciprocate by being generous with you. 

This can mean that you receive gifts, discounts, or other forms of assistance. 

Practicing generosity can also help you cultivate a sense of contentment and joy.

These are very important motivators that will reduce the temptation to overspend or indulge in material possessions. 

  1. Giving can increase your sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Ultimately, retiring early isn’t just about having a certain amount of wealth. 

It’s also about having a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

Giving to others can help you achieve this in several ways.

It can give you a sense of connection and community, as you work together with others to achieve common goals. 

It can also give you a sense of satisfaction and joy, as you see the positive impact that your generosity has on others. 

By cultivating these qualities, you are in much better position to stay grounded and happy in retirement.

Of course, it’s important to note that giving shouldn’t ever be done solely for the purpose of getting something in return. 

True generosity comes from the heart.

And we should be motivated by a desire to help others and make the world a better place. 

However, when you practice generosity with this mindset, you may find that the benefits come back to you in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Because this is how God works.

As it is clear from the Bible, giving gets rewarded in many ways.

And we should not neglect it.

Why Atheists Age Quicker

Have you noticed that some people age quicker?

They are in their 30s and they have gray hair.

Or they are in their 50s and they have trouble walking

When people are constantly anxious, they damage their health and their souls.

(Even if they don’t realize it).

However, the opposite is also true.

Some people don’t seem to age.

They stay young even in their 70s or 80s.

They move around easily

And their minds work as well as when they were younger.

Why does this happen?

Well, it’s no secret.

People who remain youthful have let God into their existence.

Take, for example, the story of Moses. 

Despite his age, he remained strong and vigorous as he led the Israelites through the desert.

His unwavering faith in God and his commitment to fulfilling his divine mission kept him energetic and strong.

Most people nowadays focus solely on their physical health.

But what they don’t realize is that you can’t stay healthy if your spirit is sick.

As Christians, we don’t fall into this trap.

When we live according to God’s design, everyday problems don’t seem so difficult anymore.

We can just pray to God and ask for guidance.

Philippians 4:6 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”

We know that we are not alone.

We don’t stress over every little thing.

So our systems function at their optimal level.

Our heart becomes filled with love, joy, and forgiveness.

And we feel young and alive even in older age.

By letting go of bitterness, anger, and resentment, we make room for the healing power of God’s love to flow through us.

The key lies not in chasing after fleeting, superficial results, but in embracing spiritual depth and inner peace.

Let us strive to live in accordance with God’s plan for our paths.

We will be happier.

We will age slower.

And we will help our friends and family experience God’s grace and love.

The Christian “Secret” To Healthy Living

Every day, as I’m on my way to church, I witness something unusual.

People around me are frowning.

They look at their phones to make sure they are not missing anything.

And they walk like they’re running away from something.

Everyone in the street seems constantly concerned.

This transforms once I step foot inside my church.

The Christians around me are joyful.

They are more relaxed.

And they laugh with their whole hearts.


It is like a whole different world.

Laughter is something that’s almost gone extinct in the modern world.

But it is an essential aspect of our health.

One that we should strive to maintain.

As Christians, we live with joy and gratitude, no matter what challenges we may face.

God has given us the present of laughter, and He wants us to use it to lift our spirits and those of others.

It naturally reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts the immune system. 

When we laugh, we release endorphins, which are natural painkillers that promote feelings of happiness and well-being.

It is so important.

And yet, a lot of people nowadays have almost forgotten about it.

They focus solely on everything that goes wrong.

And they neglect to care for their mental and spiritual health.

As Christians, this is something that we have to support everyone with.

Everyone should be able to laugh and appreciate what they have.

Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When we cultivate joy and laughter, we are tapping into the strength and joy that come from God.

Laughter can allow us to feel more connected to God and His creation.

When we laugh at the absurdities, we are reminded of God’s sense of humor and His ability to turn even the most difficult situations into blessings.

Taking everything too seriously can have a lot of negative consequences.

Remember, we are on this earth for a finite amount of time.

Having fun and living happily should be a no-brainer.

So let us remember that laughter is a present from God.

And that He wants us to use it to lift our spirits and those of others.

May we always find joy and gratitude amid our challenges.

Biblical “Secret” For Improved Health

I have noticed a positive trend lately.

Regular folks across America are trying to be healthier.

That’s good! It means that people are starting to realize the importance of self-care.

However, most of them run into a significant matter.

They don’t know what to do.

No matter where you look nowadays, there is someone giving different advice.

How are you supposed to know which one is the right one?

Well, no matter how chaotic things become, there is always a place where we can find answers

Our Holy Texts.

Biblical figures show us how to go through our journeys.

Some advice is obvious

But the Texts often talk with symbolism. 

So many people don’t recognize some of these symbols when they see them.

In Proverbs 31, a woman is described as being active from before dawn until after sunset.

She works with eager hands, brings food from afar, wakes up while it is still night to provide for her family, and her lamp does not go out at night.

These simple sentences underline some very important messages.

Firstly, she is a woman of constant activity. 

She’s not sitting idle, she’s working, moving, using her hands, her feet, her strength.

Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the heart, reducing the risk of many diseases, and promoting mental well-being.

Secondly, she is conscious of her family’s nutrition.

She brings her food from afar, suggesting she searches for the finest, most nutritious food for her family.

In an age of ultra-processed foods and quick meals, this is a reminder to us of the importance of balanced and thoughtful nutrition.

Of course, this is not just about physical health. 

She also shows us the importance of mental and spiritual well-being. 

“She speaks with wisdom, fears the Lord, and extends her hands to the needy.”

This is not just a story, these are guidelines.

Modern science confirms what Christianity hinted at millennia ago. 

Physical health is intertwined with our mental and spiritual health. Optimal physical well-being can nurture a flourishing spirit, and vice versa.

So if we want to care for our health, let us strive to be like the Proverbs 31 woman.

How To Perform A “Holy Detox”

Have you ever heard of a detox center?

Where you eliminate the harmful toxins from your system?

What if you did the same for your spirit?

I will show you how to perform a Holy Detox.

Rather than focusing solely on physical cleansing, this divine approach provides you with spiritual renewal and emotional healing. 

It’s a holistic practice that encourages us to pause, reflect, and rekindle our connection with God.

The core of the Holy Detox is prayer. 

Prayer is our direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father.

And it plays a pivotal role in helping us purify our minds, systems, and souls. 

Through prayer, we let God in and ask for His guidance, forgiveness, and strength.

By releasing our fears

Our doubts

And our resentments, we create space for His love, peace, and healing to enter our existence. 

This process of surrender is essential for the Holy Detox.

It allows us to shed the spiritual toxins that impede our growth and well-being.

When you perform the divine cleanse, you also need some moments of solitude and reflection in nature.

By immersing yourself in the beauty of God’s creation, you can quiet your mind.

You will not be distracted, so you’ll be able to foster a deeper connection with our Creator.

These sacred moments in nature help to revitalize our souls and remind us of the grandeur and majesty of the Lord.

So for a few weeks, or however long you need to, take a few hours of your day to connect deeper with God in solitude.

The Holy Detox is a transformative journey that invites us to experience the fullness of God’s love and healing.

By committing ourselves to this divine practice, we can cleanse our spirits and emerge as renewed, vibrant, and spiritually-centered individuals.

I invite you to embark on this sacred journey of renewal.

And experience the power of the Holy Detox for yourself.

And if you want to invite a fellow Christian to perform this with you, why don’t you forward this Christian article to them?

How To Plan Your Meals According To The Holy Texts

There is no question about it

Our eating habits are essential for our health.

However, eating right consistently, and consuming every nutrient you need can be tough.

Especially if you don’t have any guidance.

That is why I want to give you easy ways to plan your meals in a way that serves God.

First things first, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat.

When you eat with intention and gratitude, you acknowledge the blessings God has given us.

And by making thoughtful food choices, you demonstrate our commitment to stewardship of the environment and compassion for others.

In faithful meal planning, we strive to select wholesome, natural ingredients that benefit our health but also reflect our values as Christians.

Such foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, which are mentioned and recommended throughout our holy texts as healthy and nutritious.

Incorporating these foods into your meals will nourish your health and strengthen your spiritual connection with God.

Additionally, it’s important to steer away from processed and artificial foods, as they often contain harmful additives that can be bad for your health.

So this is what you should or shouldn’t eat

But what about how much you should eat?

Well, this is why mindful eating is so important.

Gluttony is a sin.


And we shouldn’t ever overindulge in food.

You have to listen to your natural hunger and fullness signals and quit eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.

This seems simple, but a lot of people forget to do it.

And they eat too much without realizing it.

Our hunger levels are controlled by hormones such as ghrelin, and leptin.

God has put these in us for a reason.

To be able to tell when we should eat and how much we eat.

We have to pay attention to our hunger signals and eat in moderation.

We could be talking about the subject of nutrition for days

But in the end, everything boils down to eating whole foods in the way that God has given them to us

And listening to our natural instincts.

So stay mindful of what you eat and prefer natural, wholesome foods over processed ones.

God’s Answer To Overeating

Stress often leads us to seek comfort.

In our relationships. In our households. But most importantly, in our food.

Yes, comfort food is a lot of regular folks’ go-to when they feel anxious. A large bowl of ice cream or a large bag of chips may seem like an excellent remedy for a rough day. 

But before you reach for that snack, there’s something you should know.

A recent report from the Garvan Institute in Sydney has revealed something concerning.

Stress, combined with indulging in high-calorie comfort food, is very dangerous.

It doesn’t just make us gain weight. It also alters our cognitive abilities.

These alterations amplify cravings for sweet, unhealthy food and foster a cycle of overeating.

Once you begin indulging in that behavior, stopping becomes more and more difficult.

You keep craving ultra-processed, unhealthy foods that you find in the supermarkets.

Even though you know it is bad for your system.

It’s a startling finding.

But as followers of Christ, we hold a potent tool to combat this cycle. Prayer.

Scripture encourages us to cast our anxieties on God, for He cares for us. 

When the stress of everyday concerns starts to weigh us down, we shouldn’t instinctively reach for that box of cookies.

Instead, we should reach out to our Heavenly Father in prayer.

Prayer transfers our worries and stresses onto the One who can carry them for us.

The calming effect that this transfer brings reduces our stress levels and curbs the urge to seek solace in food.

The next time you feel the burdens piling up and the pull of the kitchen growing more intense, I challenge you to try a different approach.

Breathe. 

Take a moment. And reach out to God in prayer.

This prayer doesn’t need to be an elaborate ritual. 

A simple conversation with God, sharing your anxieties, and asking for His peace to fill you is more than enough.

You will quickly feel calmer, and the urge to overeat will subside.

Let us remember that the next time we become stressed.

How Your Backyard Can Aid Your Fight Against Diabetes

God’s creation is a grand testament to His love for us.

He has given us every tool we need to remain healthy at any age.

I want to talk to you about a profound way to prevent diabetes naturally. Without spending a fortune on medication.

I came across a study from the University of Sydney on a quiet evening after I came back from my church.

I had been praying to God for ways to support my fellow Christians in my congregation.

Diabetes cannot be cured. And once you have it, it can lead to severe health challenges.

I had always been on the lookout for ways to fight it before it even happens.

And last week, our Lord brought this excellent piece of knowledge from the University of Sydney my way.

According to a study they performed there, activities as simple and pleasurable as gardening, brisk walking, or dancing can reduce the risk of diabetes.

By how much?

Well, this is the exciting part.

It minimizes diabetes risk by an astounding 75 percent.

This is what the researchers found when they observed 59,325 adults for seven years.

The author of the study and Associate Professor Melody Ding said his father was also suffering from type 2 diabetes.

So he was especially motivated to find a way to support him and every other person who has this terrible disease.

And his 7-year-old precision bore fruit.

He found that anyone can reduce the risk of diabetes, by simply doing activities like gardening.

Gardening is an excellent way to take care of our health, while also caring for God’s beautiful creations.

As we embrace the physical capacities God has gifted us, we can reduce our risks for diabetes and experience healthier, fuller journeys.

Let us keep this wisdom in mind, and stay active.

Is There Such a Thing As “Too Much Sleep?”

One of my Christian BFFs approached me after Church this past Sunday.

I could tell something was troubling her.

“I think I sleep too much,” she whispered, almost as if she were embarrassed.

At first, I couldn’t figure out why she was even mentioning this to me.

But she told me that she felt that she had to sleep more than 7.5 hours, which is what everyone recommends.

And if she slept less than that, she would always feel tired.

“Isn’t this too much sleep?” She asked. “Does this mean I’m too lazy?”

I will tell you what I told my BFF, and what I tell everyone who thinks that getting too much sleep means they are “lazy.”

The truth is, you have to sleep as much as you feel like you need to. Period.

There was a study in Japan where they had people sleep for however long they wanted to.

And they did that in a controlled environment.

With no technology, social media, or anything else that disrupts people’s sleep.

After they got used to it, the participants slept for 8.7 hours on average. This was what was most ideal for them.

When I first read about that, it felt like too much to me as well.

But then another study came out, that was done in collaboration with Stanford (in the US), and the University Of Siri in the UK.

They followed the same process.

And they found that if they let people sleep however long they want to, with no distractions

They would sleep for 8.6 hours on average.

How did 2 different studies from across the globe, with different people, end up at almost the same conclusion?

Well, the answer is simple.

We have to sleep for however long we want to.

I am not saying that we should aim for 8.6 or 8.7 hours of sleep per night.

The participants in the study were youngsters, and this is what was right for them.

What I am saying is that sleeping more than 7.5 hours does not mean we are lazy.

Sleep is essential for our health.

Everyone nowadays likes to glorify work, looking down on people who like to rest

But our minds and our spirits need it.

So let us rest without guilt.

You Will Not Ever Wake Up Tired Again If You Do This

Have you ever woken up tired, even though you slept for 8 hours?

You are not alone.

Dozens of people have opened up to me about this very reason.

They have a strict bedtime routine, they reach their recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep, but still, they wake up feeling drained.

So much so that no amount of coffee can make any difference.

If you also have energy challenges, let me assure you. There is nothing wrong with you.

God created our systems with a remarkable ability to restore and heal themselves.

But for that to happen, the amount of sleep we enjoy is not enough.

The quality of our sleep is equally important.

In other words, how much deep sleep we have.

It is during this deep sleep stage that our systems actually rejuvenate.

But there’s a catch.

As important as deep sleep is, it compromises less than a third of our overall sleep.

Meaning that if you sleep for 7.5 hours, the deep sleep part would be less than 2.5 hours.

And a multitude of factors, including stress, nutrition, and lifestyle, can reduce this percentage even further.

This explains why you might wake up feeling tired after sleeping for 8 hours. You’re getting sleep, but not enough deep sleep.

But fear not, because our gracious Lord has designed our systems to respond and adapt. 

The answer to sleeping sounder is found right within our Sacred Texts.

Psalm 127:2 says “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is the Notthing you can do to improve sleep quality.

God designed us with a natural sleep-wake cycle, often referred to as the circadian rhythm. 

Following a consistent sleep schedule regulates this rhythm and improves sleep quality.

This means that we shouldn’t stay up late worrying about our concerns, watching TV series, or even working.

God has generously blessed us with the ability to rest. We should honor this present by ensuring we sleep properly, and at about the same time each night.

If you’re also facing energy challenges, why don’t you try it?

My 2 Favorite Prayers to Say at Night to Help me Get a Good Night of Sleep

If you need help finding some prayers to say before you lay down for the night,

then here are two of my favorite prayers I say before I journey off to my dreams.

Prayer Before Bed

Lord God, many things have happened today. Some good, some bad, some hard, some joyful. Before I go to sleep, I want to entrust all these things to You. Honestly, there are many things I can’t figure out. Many circumstances are confusing. Many situations are just plain hard. Even though I can’t figure out how all these things will work out, I know that You are good, and I know that You will do good for me. Ultimately, I know that I can completely trust You. As I go to sleep, I declare that I trust in You. I may not know how all things will work out, but You do, and because You are good, I proclaim my trust in You. Amen.

Night Prayer to God

Holy Spirit, sleep is a reminder that I am totally and completely dependent upon You. I don’t have infinite strength. I cannot keep working indefinitely. I need sleep to refresh me. As I drift off to sleep, it’s a clear reminder that I am not in control. I need You to sustain me through the night, and I need You to sustain me through my life. Please give me the grace of sleep. Give me the grace of strength. Allow me to wake refreshed in the morning. I depend on You, my good and gracious Father. I trust You to sustain me and to wake me with fresh energy for a new day in the morning. Amen.

God Would Hate This Food

I was just at the supermarket grabbing the weekly groceries.

I usually shop for the same things every time.

But this time, something odd caught my eye

A “low-fat, veggie-packed, healthy microwave pizza.”

This is what it said on the box.

And since I like pizza, and I like eating healthy… I bought it. And it was very tasty.

“I can’t believe it’s healthy!” I told my roommate.

“That’s because it isn’t.” She replied. “Take a look at the ingredients.”

That’s when my heart sank.

I flipped the pizza box over, and there was a whole list of unpronounceable names with tiny letters.

Monosodium glutamate, hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, artificial flavors

The list went on and on.

I kept the box so that I’m able to tell this to you.

What I had initially thought to be a healthier option was in truth a heavily processed food product.

This discovery led me to a profound reflection.

Would God be pleased with us feeding our systems, His beautiful, intricate creations, with such foods?

I don’t think He would.

Let’s cast our minds back to Adam and Eve, our ancestors in faith, and their time in the Garden of Eden.

They enjoyed a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Food provided directly by God.

There were no chemical additives, no preservatives or artificial flavors.

Their food was pure, wholesome, and naturally nourishing.

Nowadays, however, more and more people are opting for ultra-processed foods.

These foods are often sold to us as “healthy” but they have been altered from the way that God gave them to us.

And they carry a lot of health risks.

Ultra-processed foods can cause obesity, heart disease, and even cancer.

While these foods might be inexpensive and convenient, the question remains

Are they worth the risk to our health, our well-being, and the physical vessels that God has gifted us?

Of course not.

I fell for it just a few hours ago with this “healthy” pizza I bought

But this could be a nudge from God.

To aid me in warning my fellow Christians about this type of food.

I am grateful I have the power to do that with my Christian blog.

And I am grateful to you for reading this.

The next time you’re grocery shopping, consider opting for a bag of steel-cut oats instead of a box of sugary cereal. 

Or perhaps choose fresh chicken breasts rather than the breaded, frozen variety. 

These small adjustments can add up to significant health benefits over time.

So let us remember to steer away from those “sneaky” ultra-processed foods.

Don’t Fall For Our “Woke” Politicians’ Lies

When was the last time Biden spoke the truth?

If he’s not blabbering, he is always saying that we are “our economy is thriving.”

Meanwhile unemployment has skyrocketed.

Children are either starving or about to starve.

And homeless people have swarmed the streets.

If there is one thing that our “woke” politicians can do well, it’s lying.

They lie to the public to make it seem like they are doing a good job.

They purposely spread false information to distract us from the truth.

And they control the major media.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction.

But this doesn’t mean we are doomed.

There is an easy way to shield ourselves from misinformation, and that’s with fact-checking.

Fact-checking is an essential step in ensuring that what we see is accurate and reliable.

To become a more effective fact-checker, it’s essential to diversify your sources.

Establish a go-to list of reliable media outlets, resources on the web, and expert organizations that can allow you to verify the accuracy of the information you come across.

And always question what you find out.

Next, pay close attention to the details of what you’re reviewing.

Are there any inconsistencies or discrepancies? 

Do they show where they found their info?

If something seems odd or unsupported, take the time to investigate further.

Misinformation evolves and adapts.

Media are becoming sneakier and sneakier.

It’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and strategies they use.

Continuously educate yourself on fact-checking methods.

And make it a habit to verify the information you consume.

(Even if it comes from a source you trust).

If we stay vigilant, then there is no way to be taken advantage of.

Can Trump end “wokeness” in 2024?