Juggling Priorities

No matter your age, balancing priorities is often a challenge.  When we try to put everything first, we end up constantly juggling and compromising our core values. To relieve the stress and strain of this predicament, keep in mind that there are five areas of priority that must be kept in proper order and alignment:

1.  Personal growing relationship with God.

2.  Quality relationship with marriage partner, if married.

3.  Developing Godly character in children.

4.  Vocation

5.  Ministry

Photo credit: garryknight / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

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Our Daily Bread

March 2013, National Nutrition Month, provides a great opportunity and incentive to focus on healthful eating habits that meet your nutritional needs. Over the last three weeks, in conjunction with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ national campaign, I discussed what “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” means to me and then focused specifically on “Eat Right” and “Your Way.”

Finally, let’s take a closer look at that third part: what “Every Day” implies.

In showing us how to pray, Jesus taught us to ask in faith for our daily bread. Set your health plan in motion by making a daily commitment and taking one step at a time. Commit to your health plan. Come every day prepared to be tested. Often your resolve will be tested and you may be tempted by a vast array of choices, time pressures, and conflicting priorities . Focus this day on the needs and choices you will make this day. This pathway to health is an ongoing process, not a time-limited project. Apply what you’ve learned each day and take it to heart.

“Knowing is not enough. We must apply. Willing is not enough. We must do.”
Johann Wolfgang Goethe

How to Stay Healthy Longer

He must manage his own family well and see
that his children obey him with proper respect.
– 1 Timothy 3:4 NIV

As a bread-winner and spiritual leader of your family, that question is critical and there are actions you can take now to help ensure your long term health. Half of the top ten leading causes of death for adults in the U.S. are chronic diseases with risk factors that are modifiable by nutrition. Modest changes in diet and exercise to reduce weight and change body composition can significantly lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension or high blood pressure. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fats and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and whole grains to reduce your health risks.

How can I stay healthy longer so I can take care of my wife and children?

Choose foods that provide adequate vitamins and minerals.

A preponderance of evidence indicates that your food choices may contribute to the development and progression of heart disease, cancer, and stroke, the three leading causes of death in the U.S. Your food choices also may help to reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease. For instance, diet-related obesity contributes to the risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer. A healthful diet reduces the risk of these diseases.

To promote healing of traumatic injuries such as wounds and burns, additional energy and more of specific nutrients may be needed. Nutrition and your immune system are also inter-related. A deficiency of nutrients impairs your body’s immune response. Without sufficient nutrients, you are more susceptible to infectious disease. The presence of infection can also alter the status of several nutrients. Under-nutrition, compromised immune function, and infection can become a vicious circle.