The Last of "Preparation H!" Series

​This is my last writing in the Preparation “H” series.  What I thought would be my third point has been pushed to the last.  In fact, I’m waiting until the very last second to write about it…and I sought a little help, too!  I ask myself why I have neglected and procrastinated this subject and quite frankly, there is no good answer except it hits a nerve!  Health!  This one little word opens the door to a room full of discoveries that ensure a richer and happier life as I think about it’s four quadrants. What seems so easy and simple to maintain, is my most difficult. Honestly, there’s not much to say other than get it in order and balance it! Exercise discipline…in each area!  You know what to do. Just do it and get a friend to help keep you accountable.

We all know the importance health plays in our life!
I could spend a few pages on each of these areas but I’ll leave you to ponder, pray, and position yourself to get back on track in the area of Health!  I’m sure we all struggle in one of these quadrants and maybe some more than another.
 
I have asked my friend Suzanne Audiffred to pen her thoughts about health.  She is passionate about a healthy body in all of these quadrants, and she is disciplined in exercising not only her physical muscles but also the muscles of her faith!  Here is what God has put on her heart to share with us:

One can hardly turn on the TV these days without getting bombarded with drug commercials.
There is a drug for everything that ails you - even conditions you would rather not hear about!
You would think we would be the healthiest generation ever, but the CDC stated in an article
from August 24, 2016 that US deaths from heart disease and cancer are on the rise.
 
What’s going on!?!?
 
Just as James wrote to the Jewish Christians that their outward behavior reflected 
their inward condition, so the “symptoms” that the drug companies claim to “cure” are only
a reflection of a deeper problem.  Something is causing the symptoms.  It is a deeper issue that we
would rather not deal with. We want a quick fix. 
 
Spiritually we feed on God’s Word to grow strong and mature.  We don’t just change our
behavior which are only symptoms of our inward condition. Change in our inner man will automatically
reflect change on the outside.  The inner work must come first.
 
In the same way our physical bodies need to be properly cared for to manifest good health. We need to
do our homework and learn proper nutrition, exercise and care for our bodies.  I promise you,
the drug companies will not give you that information.  Spiritual maturity,  is a process and so is
working towards achieving physical health. It requires work in changing our diet, exercise, etc.  It is a journey - one step 
at a time continually looking to God for His wisdom and strength. It takes prayer that comes from a grateful heart.
for the incredibly complex and beautiful body that God has given us. This is truly HEALTHcare.
The world only offers us Sickcare.  We have the choice to fix the deeper problem and take care of our 
temples of His Holy Spirit. It is not an impossible task.  We have the power of God behind us and He lives 
within us! Oh Hallelujah!
                        ~Suzanne Audiffred
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple   
                  and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
                                              1 Corinthians 3:16

At the beginning of this month, I took a very quick trip to Tennessee to help my sister acquire furniture from my aunt.  My sister was a victim of the 2016 LA Great Flood.
We borrowed my dad’s truck and rented a U-Haul trailer to pull.  On our way home, it was my time to drive.  I’ve pulled a trailer just a few times in my life and was a little nervous since it wasn’t my vehicle and I had others in the truck with me!  The rain poured and warnings of tornadoes kept alerting my phone!  Everyone was slept as I cautiously made my way down the highway.  You know, it’s a really good time to think when you travel!  So I played “Family Feud” in my head!  Not really sure why because I never watch that game show, but somehow, those random thoughts took over!  I am the host and I asked myself this question.  What are the five most popular questions?
My response:
1- Are we there yet?
2. Where is the restroom?
3. What time is it?
4. How long do I have?
5. Will you marry me?
 
Three out of five of these questions deal with time. The other two questions are asked because there is an urgency of time.

​I thought about the road signs as I traveled and kept noticing the miles until…
Having this theme of Preparation H in my heart, and knowing that it would soon be my turn to post, my silly game became one of spiritual significance.
How does health relate to time?
I wondered how many more miles I have left on this journey of life.  What are my planned stops along the way?  Those moments to “stop and smell the roses” so to speak!  I pondered the stops to exercise my legs and get out of a cramped position and how that relates to stopping and exercising faith muscles to build spiritual strength.
 
And what happens when you run out of gasoline! (This actually happened on this trip but it wasn’t in our car!)  There is nothing to do but wait until someone comes to your rescue!
I have been there spiritually!  You feel so handicapped.  Stuck!  Embarrassed.  Ashamed.  Then God moves the heart of someone to tend your need.  Ahhh!  Just the boost needed to get the ole engine cranking again! (Thanks again to those who have done that for me!)

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​As I drove, I saw others pulling heavy loads.  Often, I was behind them and couldn’t get around.  I was being held back!  ...Beware when helping others that you don’t get sucked into an unhealthy situation. When others slow you down because their load is heavier than yours, this can cause prolonged advancement! 

Of course, this thought led me to the question...
 
“What happens when you pull a trailer… Extra baggage?!” This slows you down, makes you become more aware of your inability to progress...dependent on others, life in the slow lane, drudgery.
What do you do when situations cause you to slip and collide? While on this journey home, pulling the trailer of furniture, we slightly hydroplaned nearly landing us into an 18-wheeler.  Glad I wasn’t driving.  Brian, my dear husband, knew how to navigate and handle such a scary event!  In a spiritual sense, are you well prepared for your journey?  Can you navigate the unseen events that arise?  Who is your source of strength?

As we nearly wrecked, I thought, is that truck driver even concerned that we nearly landed under his wheels?  Could he see what was about to happen because he didn’t warn us by blowing his horn?
Are other people interested in you along your journey? Are they sounding alarms to alert you and if so, are you listening?  What changes and precautions do those who love you demonstrate? How does this change you from traveling so low (spiritually depleted)…off course…or dangerously reckless?

The healthiness of these four quadrants of a Christian's life is important.  When there is balance within each quadrant, I believe we are better prepared to be the vessel of love and compassion this sick world needs.  We hold the elixir of Truth to help heal, restore, and maintain fitness.  This elixir is God's word and His spirit in our heart.  A healthy helping each day is the prescription needed to be fit for His service...for His Kingdom purposes!  We must help ourselves first to be better prepared to help others.

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do
and does not do it, to him it is sin.  
James 4:17

​As an overview of these blogs, Preparation “H” has asked the question: How is God calling us to prepare our Home, Heart, Health, Heirs, and Huddles for His Kingdom purposes?
 
I think God has much to say, whether you read it here, or simply as you contemplate this question. There has been so much spinning in my heart and head to help us conquer each aspect with hope, scripture, and God-size resilience as we respond to His calling of preparedness. If you are just joining us and have missed part one (Home) or part two (Heart), or part three (Heirs & Huddles) you can find it clicking the title of each.

Working on my overall health and hope you are too!
​Sherry

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