GOD'S PLAN

“Now the Lord had planted a garden in the east, in Eden and there He put the man and woman He had formed. And the Lord God made all kinds of trees to grow out of the ground that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.”

Godly Trust

"Good health is not a pinnacle of existence.” at the root of our being is the need for greater purpose and meaning in life. “God has reserved a special place for Himself in every person's heart, as long as that space is vacant, everything this world has to offer will not fill it.”

“Trust in the Lord at all times. Listen to the voice of conscience. Love God and you will have his approving smile. What a thought, to have the great God, the maker of the heavens and the earth, to smile upon and love you, seek for this, pray for it, live for it.  You cannot be good, or do right, in your own strength. You must go to God and ask him for strength. Ask him that his grace may influence your hearts, and make you right. Believe the Lord will do it; trust him to do it. God loves to have [His] children put their trust in him, and ask him to help them...think what you most need to overcome. Acquaint yourselves with your failings, and then as you feel you cannot overcome in your own strength, ask God to help you.”

Open Air

“The strength of the system, in a great degree, is dependent upon the amount of pure, fresh air breathed.” Fresh air will purify the blood, refresh the body, and help to make it strong and healthy. The invigoration produced will be reflected upon the mind, imparting to it tone and clearness, as well as a degree of composure and serenity. It gives a healthful stimulus to the appetite, renders the digestion of food more perfect, and induces sound, sweet sleep.

Because pure, fresh air is important in helping to maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit, walking in forests and in nature early in the morning is great! Do deep breathing exercises  daily, in the morning. Even in winter have windows open a little and air rooms daily. Avoid smoke, chemical sprays and aerosol sprays.

Most people do not know how to breathe properly and some of their ailments are as a result of that. Deep breathing assists our bodies to have good blood circulation, it increases oxygen intake especially when we have been breathing properly, it will help our memory, our mental agility, as well as our ability to work more productively. A good respiration soothes the nerves, stimulates the appetite, and renders digestion more perfect, induces sound, refreshing sleep, reduces cholesterol and helps with the healing of wounds.

Many are the ways in which God is seeking to make Himself known to us and to bring us into communion with him. Nature speaks to our senses without ceasing. The open heart will be impressed with the love and glory of God as revealed through the works of his hands. The listening ear can hear and understand the communications of God through the things of nature. The green fields, the lofty trees, the buds and flowers, the passing cloud, the falling rain, the babbling brook, the glories of the heavens, speak to our hearts, and invite us to become acquainted with him who made them all.

Daily Exercise

"God designed that the living machinery should be in daily activity. For in this activity or motion is its preserving power. The more we exercise; the better will be the circulation of the blood." Healthful Living, pp. 131-132.

Exercise helps increase oxygen in the blood thus improving circulation, it helps us feel good, strengthens the heart, helps lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, strengthens bones by helping retain calcium as well as increases overall energy and helps maintain a desirable weight and improves circulation.

One of the best forms of exercise is brisk walking, however; other good activities include swimming, cycling, gardening, and yard work. Special benefits of exercising outside are that you combine at least three of the health principles: sunlight, fresh air, and exercise. A daily program of at least 30 - 40 minutes is best for optimum health benefit. Enjoy what you do and do it regularly!

“Those who cannot find the time for exercise will have to find the time for illness.”

The Earl of Darby

Sunlight

helps to:

• enhance the immune system
• alleviate pain from swollen arthritis joints
• relieves certain symptoms of PMS
• improve metabolism
• lower blood pressure
• improve sleep patterns
• make you feel better

"In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven's light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ." Steps to Christ pp. 68

Plenty of Rest

• allows your body to renew itself, waste products are removed
• aids in the healing of injuries, infections and stress
• strengthens your body's immune system
• can add length to life and reduces ageing

“Sleep, nature's sweet restorer, invigorates the weary body and prepares it for the next day's duties. Abiding peace, true rest of spirit, has but one Source. It was of this that Christ spoke when He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John 14:27. This peace is not something that He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it only by receiving Him. Christ is the wellspring of life.”

“Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare; and our anxiety and fear grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We should not indulge in a solicitude that only frets and wears us, but does not help us to bear trials. He invites the weary and care-laden, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Lay off the yoke of anxiety and worldly care that you have placed on your own neck, and "take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matt. 11:28, 29. We may find rest and peace in God.”

Lots of water

For optimum health drink 8-10 cups boiled or distilled water per day (avoid flavoured water). Drink 2 glasses warm water after waking up in the morning, 2 glasses 2 hours after breakfast, 2 glasses 2 hours after lunch and the last 2 glasses 2 hours after supper (supper should be as light as possible and should not be later than 18:00) Urine must be pale in colour, not light or dark. Water regulates our body temperature and acts as a cleansing and healing agent for the system.

Always Temperate

"Be temperate in all things” even when eating the most healthful diet you can get, too much can be harmful to you. Seneca said: "man does not die; he kills himself" balance is the key to good health. Learn to apply it in all aspects of your life. True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful, and to use judiciously that which is healthful.

The observance of temperance and regularity in all things has a wonderful power. It will do more than circumstances or natural endowments in promoting that sweetness and serenity of disposition which count so much in smoothing life's pathway. At the same time the power of self-control thus acquired will be found one of the most valuable of equipment for grappling successfully with the stern duties and realities that await every human being. 

Nutrition

Eating the right amount of food at regular intervals (5 hours apart) is what is needed. Your diet must be adequate and nourishing in order to form good blood. Avoid eating and drinking at the same time as it hinders digestion and dilutes the gastric juices. The food (bread, cereals, fruits and veggies, legumes, seeds as well as nuts) prepared in a simple, healthful manner will benefit you. Food should always be chewed properly in an atmosphere of cheerful, thankfulness to God for His blessings.

"The body is the only medium through which the mind and soul are developed for the up building of character" it is thus essential that we do all we can to take care of our bodies.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

~ 3 John 2 ~