"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like an eagle." Psalms 103:1-5

Every year I tell myself I am going to take better care of me.  I don’t.  If you are like me, you take care of everything and everybody better than yourself.  We have often heard the phrase or even said it to others, “You can’t take help anyone else if you don’t help yourself first.”  Remember the airline attendants’ message about the oxygen mask? If it falls down, take a breath out of it yourself first before even giving it to your child.  

As Christians we often think that taking care of ourselves is a selfish thing.  It isn’t. God gave us the gift of life and expects us to care for this body he gave us.  How can we care for the sick, feed the hungry, nurture our children, etc. if our bodies are sick? Even Jesus took time away from the demanding crowds to rest and pray.

Illness and aging comes to us all eventually, but many times can be delayed with proper care of our bodies.  What changes in your lifestyle need to happen for you to be physically healthier in 2012: develop an exercise program (and stick to it), eat healthier, get more sleep, cut down on the things that stress you out, take more time to smell the roses and enjoy the day, make needed doctor and dental appointments, etc?

What changes in your lifestyle need to happen for you to be spiritually healthier in 2012: regular attendance in worship and Bible studies, daily reading of God’s Word, family devotions, volunteering in an outreach ministry, more time spent in silence listening to God, etc.?

May God richly bless your efforts for a healthier you in 2012.
Deaconess Sharon