Joy's Blog

The 70s Ab Workout That Still Rocks

Joy M — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:58:28 GMT

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

I'm in the process of launching the GospelFit Challenge at my church. The date is a little in flux as I work to coordinate around the activities of the church. This Sunday we celebrate Women's Day. The Saturday celebration was a day of pampering. Messages, facials, and reflexology appointments were available all day. There were also vendors selling skin care products, aromatherapy, and other personal pampering items.

One of the most exciting parts for me was the display Cathy set up. Cathy is a science teacher and highly energetic GospelFit team leader. She always has a ton of engaging content to share. I really think more health displays should take the approach of being interactive, entertaining and engaging for younger students. One of Cathy's most informative displays made it easy for everyone to see how much sugar was in a number of beverages they regularly consumed. Cathy used her science resources and the information on theside of the can or bottle to measure out the appropriate amount of sugar shethen put in a plastic cup in front to the beverage. (Cathy is pictured below in a 25 lb fat suit.)

One of the most exciting parts for me was when Cathy brought out the exercise wheel and went to work. Her husband got her to use the exercise wheel and she couldn't do one the first time she tried. Now, she does 40 - 50 a day. Imagine that!! If you've ever tried the exercise wheel, you know that 40 - 50 is incredible. I did 5. It was so hard that I was holding my breathe with each roll. It is really important to breathe the entire time. If it works for you like it did me, you'll be able to feel this working your abs from top to bottom.

I have one of these in a closet. I will be pulling it out and adding it to the plan starting Monday. If you want a demonstration, click on the picture of Beatrice trying it out and you soon will be ready to add it to your workout. If you don't have one from the 70s like Cathy provided, you can buy a new one for under 20 bucks. The new ones have two wheels and will give you the same results. You may really need the strength of the Lord to get through this. Keep it up and you'll be stronger and have 6 pack abs.

You're a Speci-woman of Health

Joy M — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:11:00 GMT

I went to yet another company health screening. After my finger was pricked and my blood pressure taken, I was told that I am a speci-woman of good health. I'm happy that my numbers are making a positive move. However, I'm not certain I'm a happy as the health care worker who analyzed my numbers. For the record, my numbers are:

Blood Pressure - 109/65
Pulse - 63
Total Cholesterol - 189
HDL - 49

If you read my two previous entries on my HDL, Getting My HDL Healthy and Restoring My Healthy DL (HDL), you know that I'm working toward an HDL number above 60. My research tells me that 60 is the number women should work to achieve. Since my HDL had dropped to 19, I'm making good progress. My fatty fish, flax seed and berry eating ways have been helpful. Now, I need to determine how I can fine tune my plans even more. Let me just say that Salmon is my friend. Of course, that is wild salmon. We need to limit our consumption of the farm raised version.

Sugar Reduction - Monday and More

Joy M — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:46:00 GMT

We're drowning in added sugar. I mean sweeteners not the sugar naturally found in food before it is processed. Added sugar is not only found on dining tables and deserts, it is frequently found in sauces like Ketchup and it is guzzled in soda. Even alcohol has sugar adding to the daily diet. In fact, the average American eats over 120 pounds of refined sweeteners per year. On a daily basis, we are eating 20 teaspoons a day, twice the USDA's recommendation.

Even if you're not trying to lose weight, you should be pay attention to the amount of sugar in your diet. Sugar can suppress your immune system making you more

susceptible to infection and disease. Too much sugar can lead to hypoglycemia, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic tiredness.

I named this past Monday, Sugar Reduction Monday. I'm going to have to continue to cut down on the sugar intake. I'm hoping you'll join me. I'll be supplying you with some additional information about sugar and strategies to reduce your intake. Get ready - next Monday will be another sugar reduction day and the beginning of a sugar reduction week.

What is it about racism that makes you want to eat?

Joy M — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:01:00 GMT

Makani Themba-Nixon, Executive Director, The Praxis Project is one of a panel of women discussing the social determinants of health. I completely understood her when she said, “What is it about racism that makes you want to eat?” We are fighting stress. We don't talk much about the impact of stress in how we remain healthy and we certainly don't talk about the stress that the racism we are facing impacts us on an almost daily basis. Despite the fact that many in the post-Obama America want to claim that racism is gone, we know that it is not true and we need to deal with it.

Class, income, geography and access to exercise are all factors impacting the health. Disproportionally, people of color are negatively impacted. Gina Eleane Wood, Deputy Director, Health Policy Institute, Joint Center for Economic and Political Studies notes that “poor people live shortly lives and are more ill.”

Eat Right -- It's National Nutrition Month

Joy M — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:04:00 GMT

Genesis 1:29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.

God gave us all the options we need to nourish ourselves; our job is to decide which choices are are the best for us each day. The American Dietetic Association has determined that during March we should "focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits."

Who knew? This isn't a new initiative. This has been a month-long observance since 1980. It started as "National Nutrition Week" in 1973. Sort of the same transition that Black History Month made only much faster. Carter G. Woodson started Black History Week in 1926 and it became a month-long celebration in 1976. (I had to inject a little Black History month fact. I'm still celebrating.)

If you're like me and just finding out about National Nutrition Month, I'm sure we have more to learn. I'll be checking out the site and I recommend you do too. Isn't this little girl cute? She's from their site. Click on her and be directed there.

Working Hard With Little Results

Joy M — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:03:00 GMT

Have you ever worked out hard over a period of time and improved your diet and the scale just doesn't show it? I have. I completely understood how Miggy felt tonight on The Biggest Loser when she "only" lost 4 pounds. Actually, I typically lose less than even when it feels like I must have done more.

Do you remember the last pre-Olympics Biggest Loser when Melissa got kicked off? She had one week of 1 pound loss followed by a week of a 1 pound gain. I get that Jillian thought she was gaming. I thought she was playing the game weeks earlier, but I know the low pound thing can happen. I'm going through it now even adjusted for the amount of weight I'm trying to lose, it feels like too little.

I started a weight-loss challenge with a gym friend. He weighs about 200 pounds more than I do which means I'm expecting huge weight loss from him. I just wasn't expecting to gain weight my first two weeks on this challenge. The first week I gained 1.2 pounds and .8 pounds the second. I was a little disturbed because I figured that I could have eaten the ice cream that I passed up and had the same exact results. Since I know that this happens, I adjusted my diet and exercise plan more and just kept going.

Really, I shouldn't have let myself get to the point where my clothes barely fit. But, it happened and I need to get it under control. Because this has happened before, I know I need to simply stay focused, work harder and continue to eat better. After the first month, my friend has lost in the higher double digits and it seems like I'm playing at losing weight. While I won't claim to have been perfect, I was doing a good job with the eating and a great job on exercising. I've even done a ton of two-a-day. Really, I have gone to the gym twice in one day and worked out hard both times.

The Biggest Loser never really explores why someone might not be losing. You could simply have some other changes in your body that counter the weight you might be losing. Without TMI, let me just mention that the monthly change in the hormone level of a woman can impact her weight on the scale. I suggest using a tape measure to help track changes. I know my clothes are much more comfortable. I'm still working hard and seeing little results. The little results will add up all the way to my goal.

My Desk Stabbed Me In The Back

Joy M — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:27:00 GMT

I was sitting at my desk and it just seemed that my back got tightened up to the point of pain. Fortunately for me, I had a mid-day massage scheduled. (I know -- having a massage in the middle of a work day is so wonderful, even if it is only 15 minutes.) My 15 minutes of heaven where such a help today. My massage therapists recommends that I regularly take a little stretch break, push myself away from the desk and push my elbows toward each other behind my back. It felt pretty good when I tried it. I recommend it for you too.

Cooking With Gas

Joy M — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:03:00 GMT

Psalm 78:25 Men ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.

Have you ever seen Just Cook This: With Sam The Cooking Guy? Well, he's on FitTV on Monday nights. There are two episodes back to back. I dvr it and watch it later. When I work up early this morning, I knocked out both shows...because I had seen them both before. Really, I just recently started watching this show and I'm already seeing shows I've already seen. Does this happen to you? Usually it is very annoying, however, it is good to get the recipes again.

It does seem that all of these shows are old. The date on the ones I watched this morning was 2007. It's not that their dated. It does mean that the number of shows FitTV has is very limited and I'm likely to see these same episodes yet again. Sam the cooking guy does have his own website if you're looking for more.

For those of you who know me, you're probably thinking it is odd that I'm watching a cooking show. I don't even claim to like cooking. I just have to do it and I think Sam give a ton of good healthy ideas. His first show yesterday was about fast food that you make for yourself. This was the perfect show for me and can help solve my biggest cooking problem. My issue is when I start cooking, I typically want to eat at that precise moment. Sam made a 5 minute tortilla soup that I think I can make from memory. He also made a pizza that is a healthier and faster version than what you can order. The third selection of the show was a sandwich wrap and it was the least inspiring to me. 2 out of 3 is a great success and I think I may actually cook these selections or variations of them. Any other cooking show I watch is simply entertainment. I'm planning on spending more time in the kitchen. I will be cooking with gas!

Loving Your Enemies

Joy M — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:40:00 GMT

Matthew 5:44-45 44But I tell you: Love your enemiesand pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

I was on my morning prayer call with Girlfriends Pray and there was a good amount of discussion on forgiveness. We know and the word tells us that we need to forgive because God first forgave us. Sometimes we harbor on to the feeling, the hurt for so long, we don't even really remember what it feels like to live with in a state when all is forgiven. Just think for a moment what that pain, hurt and anger is doing to us. It is robbing us, every day, each moment. Our minds are occupied not with Praise for Him, but pain and destruction. Our hearts are heavy and burdened and all of this impacts our bodies. Our bodies, our temples to do God's work, then do not operate as they should and our health is compromised as is our communion with the Lord. We certainly don't want hamper our fellowship with God, but often we do. This happens even when don't forgive ourselves.

Claiming forgiveness and actually getting to forgiveness can take some time. The need to forgive often comes for a real and genuine hurt. Forgiveness doesn't deny that this happened. It is a chose that helps you to move to a higher point and will help the individual realize the immediate and everlasting benefits of forgiveness. Let us start today on a path to forgiveness. First, let us forgive ourselves. Remind yourself that nothing can separate us from the love of God. This is a powerful love that causes me to Praise the Lord to live in his grace.

For a practical guide on forgiveness, check out what the Mayo Clinic has to say on the topic. In addition, as you go through your day remember how you have been forgiven before. If you can find no example in the world, know that God has forgiven you and me. Praise the Lord for your forgiveness and continue is prayer for its increase.

Don't Fear The Good News

Joy M — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:10:00 GMT

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

We have been so blessed everyday and especially because the Lord came to earth for us. We have power to do as Jesus has done. ( John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.) This is truly good news. You would think that because we have the ultimate Good News of Jesus coming and giving up his life for our live everlasting that we would be fearless and powerful everyday.

I don't think this is always the case. Even if we only talk about our quest for Divine Health, we are not as bold as we should be. Being fearless and bold doesn't mean that we won't have difficult work to do. Transforming ourselves into better vessels of God will take some work. We shouldn't think that everything will come easily even though everywhere we look we are promised quick and fast. Even if we get some good results early on, maintaining requires some effort.

I'm working on increasing my effort in all areas without fear. What good news.

Living Hope

Joy M — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:03:00 GMT

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

The holiday time is all about love. The love of God who sent his only son for us to be our hope and redeemer through the ultimate sacrifice. We do have the promise of everlasting life as well as abundant life while we are in our bodies. This is something we should celebrate during the holiday season and all year.

The problem we have is during our season of Christmas celebration is that we frequently enjoy in excess. We consume more frequently. It is typically not just an issue of calories. We tend to eat and drink more of what is not healthy and we even cut back on our exercise. Parties even get in the way of taking care of ourselves. The unfortunate part is that we give ourselves the excuse that it is Christmas time and we should be acting this way.

What are we thinking? Why would God who provides us with the living hope want us to completely stop taking care of ourselves? God couldn't want that for us. We are putting our overall well being at risk for some superficial moments. Let me be clear, the celebration is not superficial. The excess is. I cannot even suggest that getting through this period and maintaining our current weight is easy. We have to develop more tools to stop the madness.

We've heard some simple things before, but what are we really doing? I know I've eaten more ice cream, chocolate and other junk than I should. I need to be prepared for the next time I have the opportunity to overindulge. I shouldn't go to anything hungry. I should give myself a limit and I need to stick to it. I need to commit exercise to my schedule and not give myself an excuse to stick to my plan.

Losing Big On The Couch

Joy M — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:10:00 GMT

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I watched The Biggest Loser finale on Tuesday night sitting in the same spot on my couch where I watched all season. It's been about three months of watching. I've loved this season and to see the triumph of the participants was exciting. Some clearly have more steps to take in their weight-loss journey, while a couple should probably gain a couple of pounds to fill out the shallows in their faces. The largest challenge, however, will be figuring out how to maintain a healthy weight in their everyday environment.

It was really exciting to see winner Danny Cahill and his 239 pound loss. He seems well on his way to creating a life to maintain his new weight. He has inspired his family. His wife, once 217 pounds, has lost 60 pounds. They have plans to keep each other accountable. And I believe accountability is key.

As I sat watching, I realized that in seven months Danny lost more than a person and I'm only working on the same 25 pounds. This season was only air for 3 months and I've been dedicated and committed to following it the entire time. Has my dedication, commitment and accountability to myself been the same. I'd have to say no. While I have made some progress, I need to make more and I'll be using this season of celebration, thanksgiving and change to get me on my way. I'm hoping to inspire others along my journey as well.

I'm listening to voice of the Lord and and committed to follow. It is easy to let other things get in the way. I'm going to need daily focus to make sure that I stay on track. My cold, which is just about gone, was the latest set back. I know this set back will not keep me back.

A Morning Prayer

Joy M — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:48:00 GMT

Psalm 88:13 But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

I've been sick for awhile. Most days my major complaint is a sore throat. This Saturday morning I feel a bit worse and had a more disturbed sleep. My normal routine was completely off, but I decided to call my mother for a little chat. When she answered the phone she let me know that I had interrupted her bible study with my father.

Somehow, prayer and bible study had completely escaped my mind. You would think for a person who has been sick for more than a week, prayer would be my first thought. Not today. I simply jumped to the activity of the day. I really needed to focus on what I should be doing and how I should approach my day. Fortunately, I have parents who focus on Jesus and have prayer and bible study as part of their daily routine and their routine influences my patterns.

Since I've been less than 100% for several days now, I've spent a great deal of time sleeping and thinking about how I will order my day once I'm back. My Divine Health routine needs to include more than simply diet and exercise. I need to start with prayer, meditation and bible study. To be most effective, I need to start my day off right and eliminate all excuses that I let to stop me from getting the important agenda items done. I do know that I can call on other believers to help me stay on track. I need my Christian family to help keep me in line.

The Countdown

Joy M — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:31:00 GMT

Leviticus 26:10 You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new.

Now that Thanksgiving has past, it is time for us to prepare for the celebration of Christ's birthday and for the New Year. God is continuing to bless us with each step that we take. We need to make the most of the blessings as we glorify the Lord in this season and prepare for our continued renewal.

The busyness of the season can leave us distracted from the real reason of the season and for properly taking care of ourselves. We need to remind ourselves of how much God loves us and use that love to motivate us to love each other and to love ourselves. Self love is critically important. At this holiday time, we often find ourselves in a position to indulge almost daily in a manner where we feed ourselves without thinking. We often put off doing the right thing for ourselves during this season and are waiting until tomorrow's tomorrow to begin living life the way we should.

What we need to do during this time is to reflect on how our Lord would have us to show God's love for ourselves and for others. We would probably still treat ourselves well, however, there is likely to be considerably more self control. As we prepare for the countdown for the year, let us prepare for an even better journey next year filled with dedication and love as we continue to strive for Divine Health.

Human Effort Multipled With God's Power

Joy M — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:15:00 GMT

Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

This morning I before going to church I read Our Daily Bread. The portion of day's message that spoke to me was that I cannot please God through my own efforts alone. I cannot develop spiritually with only my own strength and I cannot reach my goals without the Lord. Going to service confirmed that I need to sharpen my focus on God's plan. My family was my aunt for thanksgiving and visited Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Washington D.C. One point from the pastor was that God sets up circumstances to draw us back to him. Clearly, the opportunity ahead of me is to be drawn closer to the Lord and accelerate my path toward the goals. By focusing on what God wants for me to do with my time, talent and treasure, I may refine my short and long term goals and I will celebrate on earth and in my life everlasting as I partner with God to show the world his glory. His grace has always been with me and I know with my increasing focus and action, I will bear fruit of my developing relationship with Jesus. My effort will be multiplied by the supernatural effort of the Lord.

A S.M.A.R.T. And Committed Plan

Joy M — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Acts 20:32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

At this time of being thankful, I recognize so many of the blessings that I have received simply by arriving to this date. God is always with me and will never leave me nor forsake me. The question I have to ask myself is how committed have I been to God and the plans he has for my life.

Simply looking at my health and fitness goals demonstrate that I have stepped a little off track. Fortunately, the path is clear. There is no real secret, I need to make sure that my diet and exercise plan move me toward my goal. An important part of the plan has to be my time in prayer and meditation.

The most appropriate plan is one that is S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. I need to write out my goals, not simply the tasks. The accomplishments I wish to achieve are attainable. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I also know that I need to seek God first as I use my gifts and talents for His Glory.

This thanksgiving time is my time to re-commit to my S.M.A.R.T and Divinely inspired plan.

Thanksgiving Weight

Joy M — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:54:00 GMT

Psalm 69:30 I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Thursday begins our opportunity to eat tons of turkey and to focus on the blessings we have received while spending time with our families and eating. In fact, during this time our meeting may seem more like grazing or eating non-stop. Information suggests that we are likely to gain weight during the holidays. Some believe that the weight gain is in excess of 5 pounds, while others provide statistics that it is closer to one pound. While one pound doesn't seem like a tremendous amount, it can become a yearly addition.

In order to fight the potential weight gain, we should develop a plan. Keeping a focus on diet and exercise is the first step. Knowing how to handle the holiday gatherings is the second. Know how you behave in the variety of situations to determine what you need to do. Frequently, advice is given for those attending parties. The idea usually revolves around making sure you eat before attending events and choosing the best food to eat while only indulging in small amounts in others. However, if you're like me, the worst times are the days spent with extended family with tons of food readily available. Figuring out what works for you in these situations is important. It may mean that you make sure that you have options for yourself and limit yourself to some reasonable amount.

It is also key to make sure that you get some exercise in during this time. If you can commit to 30 minutes on most days, it will help keep you on track. These 30 minutes might not be as intense as typical and a 30-minute walk can be the perfect activity. A walk is something that many in the family can do together.

Keeping focused today will help the focus tomorrow. Even if you're not perfect today, you can be thankful and make a better day tomorrow.

A Thanksgiving Partnership

Joy M — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:11:00 GMT

Daniel 1:15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.

My family decided to trek south to my aunt's house a couple of days in advance of Thanksgiving. The goal was to avoid the heavy traffic. It was a late night ride that we followed by watching a marathon of "Good Times." Somehow, it was as if we never saw these episodes with Janet Jackson before. We all had and found them just as good in the early morning hours as the first time I saw them when I was a child.

This late night driving and TV watching translated into getting up extra late. My one plan for this holiday trip is to exercise most every day. I'm not setting lofty goals. I simply want to make sure that I move my body for at least 30 minutes each day. Today, my plans got off to a late start. The important part is that they did get started. I even took on a new partner for the day. My mother decided to alter her plan and come to the track with me.

Neither of us had the best work out, but we each had a decent one at the local track. It was mostly walking with some faster, some slower and a little running. I'm happy that I'm on the right path even if it not a perfect path. Now, I'll have to pay attention to my eating on Thanksgiving and every day after if I have plans to reach my goals any time soon. Really, my goal is to start my life long maintenance stage. Thankfully, I have a ton of options and Thanksgiving will give me a few more.

The Experts Disagree On Mammography Guidelines

Joy M — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:03:00 GMT

Proverbs 28:11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

You've probably heard the latest recommendation for mammography for breast cancer screenings and breast self examination for women. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines suggest that women begin to get regular screening mammography at 50 years of age. The Task Force says that the benefits are small. In addition, the Task Force finds that major concern against recommending that women get these tests early is that it will cause unneeded anxiety along with some false positives. The anecdotal stories of women who have been saved along with data that says some women have been saved with mammography in their 40s has caused people loudly express their disagreement. Somehow, the Task Force was surprised that women and others immediately were in an uproar as we fight the number 2

We need to closely examine this information. In fact, we need to pray for wisdom and discernment as we analyze the what we are told. My first recommendation is to read the actual recommendations of the USPSTF that can be found in the link above. The guidelines that American women have been given before this task for report are those supported by the American Cancer Society that direct women begin to get mammography screen at age 40 and every year following.

Below, I put a couple of links to provide you with a variety of perspectives.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/18/mammogram.guidelines/index.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33973665/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575428,00.html

I know that this conversation will continue. If you are looking from a recommendation from me, I suggest that you follow the old guidelines. The more knowledge the better. John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Instant Improvement

Joy M — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:47:00 GMT

Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

If you watched Oprah's Karaoke Challenge, you witnessed 8 people who had instantly received some improvement in their lives. Granted 5 didn't make it to the finals, but they too benefited from the experience. Clearly, being on Oprah is benefit to most who stand on the stage. These folks had a chance to perform in front of a national audience which provided exposure and the potential for others to want to share in their gifts. In addition, they received some critical feedback that may help improve their performance skills. While there was only one winner of the $250,000 prize, each other participant receive a monetary prize of at least $25,000. Each one that appeared on the show has the potential to take that moment to translate it into an improved life.

This transformation reminds me of the salvation and abundant life the Jesus offers each of us. There are keys to salvation that will provide us ever lasing life. However, that is not the end of the story. When we first accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we have maturing and growth to experience. While our salvation is granted to us in an instant, putting childish ways behind us, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 13:11, takes some time for most of us. Jesus also came to give us an abundant life. John 10:10 reminds us that our Saviour came to give us a full life. It is not the riches that are the focus, however, money is not excluded from the blessings that God will help to manifest in our lives.

Just as the winner and participants in Oprah's Karaoke Challenge need to act to realize the full benefit of sharing in this contest, we need to act to demonstrate the faith of God in our lives. James 2:15-26 discussion the intersection of faith and action. We know as James 2:26 says As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

In our Divine Health journey simply wishing and praying for Divine Health is not enough, we need to be good stewards of our bodies. Our diets and exercise plans need to be aligned to creating a life that demonstrates the faith we have and the faith we will build. In an instant, God has blessed us with eternal salvation and promises a full life. We need to make sure we are conspiring with the Lord, not against the efforts of God.

Abraham McDonald, the winner of Oprah's Karaoke Challenge, is truly blessed with talent and now opportunity has presented itself. I certainly expect that he now has a fruitful career in front of him. Of course, he will have to work to make the career happen. He has an instant improvement that can be transformed into sustained improvement if he makes use of what has shown up in his life. I have great expectations for him, for me and for the rest of us in pursuit of our divinely inspired lives.