Design for Health is one of the buttons in the right sidebar (in case you didn’t notice ). So, what in the world does health and nutrition have to do with discovering contentment and purpose in our roles? Well, since the premise of this blog is that it’s important to have a Biblical foundation for everything we do in life, health and nutrition is included. Since eating, sickness, and medical decisions are all facts of life, and a very big part of it, we should seek to live out our decisions related to each, by faith.
“For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)So, what does the Bible say about health anyway? We know it doesn’t say: “Don’t eat Cheetos, but do eat spinach smoothies.” There are, however, principles which, when practically applied, can lead to very specific decisions and convictions.
So, why is health and nutrition so important?
Again, every area of life should be lived in submission to the Lord. As believers, many of us don’t stop and take the time to think about what God’s heart about particular matters is. While the Bible may not speak specifically to certain issues (think: the controversial ones), His heart is communicated clearly in Scripture for us to know and see. As we prayerfully seek the Lord and ask for the Holy Spirit to teach us, He will lead us into convictions that will be consistent with His character, not with our fleshly desires. This is important to remember!
Please also read here about why it’s important to me.
Can this become an idol?
Of course. Just like anything else in life, the potential for food, nutrition, health, etc. to become an idol is there. The key to preventing it from becoming an idol is to remember that this is just one aspect of life, and not the most important one. We should be devoting attention to the Gospel and seeking to understand how it affects each area of our lives. Our stewardship of our bodies, families, and resources should reflect a desire to please God.
We should strive for freedom, health, and most importantly, faith in our decisions. For this is what pleases God, not necessarily that we consumed a green smoothie for breakfast.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. “ Hebrews 11:6
So, what topics will be covered?
There will be a wide variety of topics discussed in this category. Some may be controversial. But, as I mentioned on Monday, my desire is NOT to shove my own convictions and opinions down anyone’s throat. It is my desire to encourage other women to seek the heart of God in all of their decisions and develop their own convictions. I hope that you will consider what I write as you read it. Think about what I share, and even respectfully challenge me if you believe I’m in error. I welcome that!!
We women have so much to learn from one another, and, with the desire to see God glorified, we can be encouraged, challenged, and edified by one another. I want to have a teachable heart, don’t you? I plan on being very real about my own journey toward the convictions I do have. I am a real person. I have real problems. I have dealt with very real sin in the process of developing convictions about health issues. So, I hope that I don’t ever come across as condemning.
It is not my desire or intention to convince you to adopt any legalistic or dogmatic ideas about your health or dietary habits. Instead, I desire to encourage you to simply think responsibly about these things in light to Scripture and consider the consequences, ramifications, or benefits from each decision that you make, whatever it may be.
With the aim of seeing God glorified in our pursuit of holiness, this can be a wonderful place for growth and edification! And if we differ about how we view food, we can still have fellowship!
For what it’s worth, I will not talk about food, health, etc. ALL the time here. There is so much more to this life!
So, today I have another two giveaways for two different readers! I am so excited that Laura from Heavenly Homemakers has offered her ebook, Breakfast, Think Outside the Box. You will be pleasantly surprised to see so many delicious recipes in this book! Eating healthy can taste so good, too!
If you haven’t visited Laura’s blog yet, hurry on over because she is wonderful! She has such a great sense of humor, and I think she lives a very balanced life. She is a mother to 4 boys and is quite the entrepreneur. I have a lot of respect and admiration for her!
The other giveaway is my very own ebook, 12 Steps to a Nourishing Diet. I mentioned a few weeks ago that we’ll be starting a series on Monday called just that: 12 Steps to a Nourishing Diet. I have turned the entire upcoming series into a 47 page ebook that will soon be in my store. If there’s one thing I’ve encountered, it’s people who do have lots of questions about nutrition but have no clue where to start. So, after a few girls in Kentucky asked me to teach a class about it, I got to work (thanks ladies! you know who you are!). I’m so excited to offer it to you!! This will be great to give to someone who has lots of questions but doesn’t want to wade through a blog. Or, it is a great tool just to have on hand for reference. But, you can’t get any sneak peaks until Monday, sorry!
Just like our giveaways on Monday and Tuesday, just leave a comment and let me know which one you’d like to win. The giveaway ends Saturday, October 9th at midnight (EST). I’ll announce winners on Monday, October 11. And, come back tomorrow for: another giveaway! We are partying here this week.
Kelly, your new design is great! You’ve really put a lot of thought and time into this endeavor. Congratulations on the launch I’d like to be put into the running for your ebook!
I’d also like to be put in the running for your e-book. I am excited to see everything you will be talking about in this series!
I LOVED attending your class that included the 12 Steps to a Nourishing Diet… and I have your papers about hidden MSG sources on our fridge/grocery store list! I am looking forward to learning more about health/nutrition… and with the warmer weather, just made homemade soup- but we’re missing one thing.. your amazing bread to go with it!
Your website looks great! I want to win an ebook too!!!
Hey Kelly!! I’m super-excited for your blog launch. I also would love to be in the running to win either book. I teach nutrition to high school students so the more I can learn, the better! Have a great week.
With all of the emotional eating going on at my house lately, I need both books!
Neat giveaways! This year is my year to get fit and healthy. My weight was reaching an all-time high and I was experiencing several health issues that were starting to get more than just annoying. It was time to take action! Since February, I’ve lost 62 lbs., and a balanced diet and exercise are a daily focus.
Kelly, I like that you are aware of the potential for anything other than Christ to become an idol. I have observed, over the years, too many well-intentioned friends become obsessed with organic/healthy eating diets to the point that it consumed family life and became an obstacle with regard to even eating at a friend’s house or their children enjoying a snack at school or church, etc. Having said that, I have also observed the benefits of eliminating unhealthy items from our diets and eating more whole food sources the way God intended. Certainly there is much we can learn about eating well (and I have to tell you I chuckled at how you started your post….I actually….yes….made a strawberry spinach smoothie for lunch after a friend gave me a recipe to try. HA!). I would love the breakfast book, because that is always a battle in my home, with kids wanting “fast and easy” carb sources that are not healthy.
Wow, I’m excited about both books. I am that person that has no clue where to start & I have tried finding blogs but so many to search through! I’m so excited about your blog. I think I have found what I have been praying to find. Wonderful God driven information & wonderful ladies that are like me (stressed out mother of 2) or who have been where I am & have so much to share! Thanks again for your site!
We’re opening up doors to healthier eating in my home right now, too! Seriously, where did you come from?! Lol. The Lord provides encouragement JUST when we need it! We’d love your book, or the breakfast one too!