Prosper and Be in Health
Some ask God for a “word” or theme for the coming year. I didn’t usually do that, but in November and December, I did ask Him for a word and direction for life and business. He gave me three words (rest, re-cover, recovery) and said we would be pruning things back. By the end of December, I had started decluttering and purging my living space. I had also shut down 3/4 of my business before beginning a sabbatical.
During the last 3 months, I am, by necessity, learning more about health. Ironically, what seems to have triggered a massive amount of inflammation and pain was when I switched to a “healthier” diet, adding more fruits, vegetables, and grains. I would have never believed it, but when I asked God what was causing flare-ups, He would tell me honey, raisins, oatmeal. Lemon water for detox every morning was the real kicker. I didn't notice or connect the dots if I had any reactions against these things in the past. Now, I’m connecting the dots. I had no reason to have gained twenty pounds in just a few months. I was not eating junk. Within 4 days of stopping lemon water (and only lemon water), I lost 8 pounds of inflammation, and the pressure, pain, and glass shards in my joints began to ease.
This is an oxalate issue, but life stressors can also add inflammation. Anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine diets are elimination-type diets that add many digestive supplements. I considered going that route, but really, it left me wondering, What's left to eat that's safe?
Within the last three weeks, I have gradually stopped all vitamins and supplements, adopted the carnivore diet (truly anti-inflammatory), and eaten only red meat and water. The result? My pain level has dropped from 10 to 3. I have more clarity, and I feel like I’m finally recovering.
You may be thinking, wait, didn’t God heal you already? He sure did. His part of the process is finished. My part of the process is to receive the fullness of His finished works. Honestly, way back in November, when God told me to stop drinking coffee, I didn’t do it. I didn’t want to waste or throw out what I had on hand. Well, that was stupid. Ditching the coffee was a matter of will. I didn’t want to. I also didn’t imagine how much it was harming my body. (Now, this was for me, and you’ll have to hear from God yourself about what He wants you to do because we’re all different. But “coffee and Jesus” puts coffee equal with Jesus, and that made it an idol in my life.)
Last week, God gave me three new words for 2024. (What if that practice limits what God can and will do?) “Form, re-form, and reformation.” God is doing a mighty work within me, but it’s from a place of rest. Also, for the first time, He invited me to take a more active role in worship. I’m learning that there are many options for people who don’t have high-level musical gifts or abilities. They add a bit of fun to my life.
Curiously, I’ve accomplished very little on my sabbatical rest, but that was actually the point, I guess. Where I previously thought I was focused on God, I now see He was inviting me to experience so much more.
Peace out.
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
