This Sacred Body

Image from Unsplash.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

This, to me, is one of the most amazing verses of the entire New Testament. That this body, is this temple. I look for a long minute at my unevenly tanned arms and very ordinary body. Poke the soft rope of muscle. And look again, bemused. This is the TEMPLE, the dwelling place of Almighty God.

The temple is a holy place. A sacred space, open only to the privileged few. And now, WE are the Temple. We are the dwelling place of the Spirit of God. Our bodies house the living God, in some mysterious and incomprehensible way.

This being so, it seems to me that we should give a little bit of attention to how we feed and clothe and care for these bodies. Not because our bodies are so important, but because these short-lived bodies are the temporary temple of the most Holy.

This premise, that we are the temple of God, is the foundation for all the rest of what I do and write about health. This is the primary reason, really, why taking care of our bodies actually matters. Every other reason is secondary and of little importance, compared to this.

This thing of being the temple is quite practical, too. You are created to worship the King, to be an ambassador of the Kingdom, and to make His name great. There are some everyday implications from these realities.

Obviously, a temple should be clean. Dedicated to worship. But this doesn’t mean becoming a monk or a nun who lives in a cloister and avoids the mess and hustle of real life. Worship extends far beyond contemplation and music making. Worship includes the entirety of your life; work and play and relationships and everything else. Worship includes the everyday ordinary actions of your life.

“Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do” (Psalm 139:16). “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

God knows everything I will do. And he prepared specific good works for me to walk in. I started asking Him what those works are, what the things are that He has prepared for me to do. I have been amazed at the simplicity and directness of His leading, in response to those questions.

I suggest taking an afternoon, or perhaps all day, and finding a quiet spot where you can pray aloud without hindrance or distraction, and asking God to show you the paths that He has laid out for you, the things He wants you to pursue next, the educational opportunities and training that He intends for you to have. Write down what you think He is showing you. Do this every few months, or at the least, once a year.

Continue to seek God. Ask Him to show you what your specific next steps and bigger role is within the Kingdom. Ask Him to give you a burning passion to see your work fulfilled.

This burning passion, this work that must be fulfilled (for it is yours alone and you are commissioned thereto by the King Himself); this will lead to a desire to have a body and soul and spirit that is capable of fulfilling this work. Pursuing good health becomes both an act of worship and a practical means to walk in your particular calling within the Kingdom.

Appendix 1: Resources

First, my own blog: The Gesundheit Ministry Blog. You are already here, reading the Resource section with clickable links, as promised in the print version of my book, As Your Soul Prospers.

The rest of these resources are from people a lot smarter than I am. I have read or listened to all of these, and their ideas, principles, and information have shaped the way I live, think, and teach. However, most, if not all, have some areas, ideas, or interpretation with which I disagree. Note that not all are “Christian” resources, particularly when it comes to dietary and nutritional information. All authors do, however, have a commitment to truth as observable and verifiable by science rightly used and/or in scripture, and all offer valuable information. Read with discretion and the realization that all human knowledge and understanding is incomplete and contains at least some errors.

How to Live Like a King’s Kid, by Harold Hill. Bridge-Logos, Alachua, FL. 1974. https://amzn.to/2WG3WtQ If you are only going to read one book from this list, I recommend that you start with this one. In simple words and with great joy, this is the story of one man who decided to live as if the Manufacturer’s Handbook [the Bible] was meant to be taken as truth.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing (2nd edition and up), by Phyllis and James Balch. Avery Books, New York, NY. 2000. https://amzn.to/2BkqxF4 This is my go-to resource for non-pharmacological treatment. You will find it well worth the cost. Currently, I believe the fifth is the latest edition, but previous editions are also worthwhile.

Exploring Emotions by Martha Ann Shirk. Carlisle Printing of Walnut Creek, OH. 2017. Author Contact: 794 Gristmill Road, Ephrata PA 17522. Phone and fax: (717) 445-5517 [Note: not available through online sellers. Check your local bookstore or contact the author.] This simply written book provides children with the vocabulary to recognize and express their emotions. I found it useful as an adult too!

Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rinehart. https://amzn.to/3fMAtWS Thomas Nelson, Nashville TN. 2001. Highly recommended for women who struggle to open up emotionally. This book contains a workbook section in the back, which was instrumental in my own journey of recovery from abuse.

A More Excellent Way, Revised Edition, by Henry Wright. Whittaker House, New Kensington, PA. 2009. https://amzn.to/39bVlEi This is the only book on health that I have found that is totally biblically based. The author focuses almost solely on the spiritual roots of disease and does not sufficiently address the physical components. I do not recommend this book as a sole reference, but as part of a larger library.

Boundaries, by Cloud and Townsend. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1992. https://amzn.to/2CQDiaQ The authors address the challenging and much needed topic of boundaries in this classic book. As you begin to walk more fully in your calling in the Kingdom, it is absolutely crucial to be able to say no to anything that is outside that calling. Many Christians, especially women, find it very hard to say no. This book can help you learn why it is so hard and give you tools to begin to say no (and yes!) at the appropriate time.

Victory Over the Darkness, 2nd Edition, by Neil Anderson. Regal Books, Ventura, CA. 2000. https://amzn.to/32BBkWx Besetting sin. Habitual sin. Strongholds. Whatever you call them, this book is one of the simplest and most direct handbooks for spiritual warfare that will enable you to get and stay free through the power of God.

Land of Promise Seminar. https://www.straitpaths.com/land-of-promise-conference This four-day experience is well worth the (incredibly low) price tag. This event focuses almost entirely on spiritual health and connecting to God, but the impacts on soul and body are often quite dramatic.

When Pigs Move In, by Don Dickerman. Charisma House, Lake Mary, FL. 2009. https://amzn.to/2CyF6Fo In simple story form, this engaging and easy to understand book outlines the principles of freedom from demonic influences.

Gripped by a Dark Hand, by Paul Weaver. Ridgeway Publishing, Medina, NY. 2014. https://amzn.to/2ZHPCTA Revealing occultic connections in some alternative medical practices, this book specifically targets the plain Anabaptist audience.

The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine, by Anderson and Jacobsen. Regal Books, Ventura, CA. 2003. https://amzn.to/3eNg82n This resource helps you decide among holistic treatments through a biblically based, medically authoritative lens.

The Maker’s Diet: The 40-day Health Experience That Will Change Your Life Forever, by Jordan S. Rubin. Siloam, Lake Mary, FL. 2004. https://amzn.to/2Cv2DqT Biblical health from a Messianic Christian perspective. While this book does not fit into the grace-based perspective I advocate, it does provide valuable information, especially for those dealing with serious health issues who need to take a more stringent approach to regain health.

Anatomy of the Soul, by Curt Thompson. Tyndale House, Carol Stream, IL. 2010. https://amzn.to/39cfmuo One of the best resources I have yet found for explaining the body-soul-spirit connection from a medical/psychological/Christian physician perspective. Dr. Thompson is a better speaker than writer, so I recommend attending a live event if possible. Alternatively, you can find excerpts from his presentations on YouTube. For example, this one: https://youtu.be/dBBsNoC1D50

Switch on Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, by Caroline Leaf. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. 2013. https://amzn.to/2CTidwc Recommended with caution. Lots of good information, but occasionally deviates from Scriptural truth.

Authentic Happiness, by Martin Seligman. https://amzn.to/3fWjS2Y This book provides a though-provoking secular look at the need to be serving “someone or something larger than ourselves.” The appendices are particularly worth reading.

It Will Never Happen to Me: Children of Alcoholics, by Claudia Black. Ballantine Books, New York, NY. 1981. https://amzn.to/2OX3Euq This is the classic book for understanding the roles that children learn to play in dysfunctional families. Based on the three unspoken rules of don’t talk, don’t tell, don’t feel.

World Health Organization definition of health. https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/constitution.

Truth Study. For a comprehensive study of all Greek words translated as “truth” and it’s variations, see this document: https://www.ekklesia4him.net/Truth_study.pdf

A Jewish perspective on entering the Holy of Holies. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/571614/jewish/Enter-the-Holy-of-Holies.htm

Weston Price and Wise Traditions

The following resources are from the Weston A Price Foundation.

The Broken Food System (a good overview of foods and non-foods)  https://www.westonaprice.org/journal-summer-2013-our-broken-food-system/

ABCs of Nutrition (a compilation of links to articles, podcasts, and slides on various aspects of nutrition) https://www.westonaprice.org/abcs-of-nutrition/

Healthy Traditional Diets (slides with notes, from a seminar in 2018. Lengthy, but perhaps the easiest way to get an overview of the Wise Traditions principles) https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/healthy-traditional-diets/

Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats, by Sally Fallon https://amzn.to/2WDn38a

And, just for fun: Peterson’s Bird Guide https://amzn.to/2CYuRdk, which gave me hours of education and enjoyment as a child.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics is a complex topic, and the scientific literature is sometimes nearly incomprehensible. I include here a few of the many peer-reviewed journal articles that address the heritability of epigenetic changes, as well as the many variables. What this proves, simply put, is that epigenetic changes can be passed from parent to child, and there are many things that affect epigenetic changes.

The first article is relatively easy to understand, and is recommended reading for all, especially parents or those who are going to be parents. The others are more technical and therefore more difficult to understand but are included for the science geeks among us.

Epigenetics across the human lifespan. 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207041/

Environment-Sensitive Epigenetics and the Heritability of Complex Diseases. 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3241426/

Epigenetic inheritance and the missing heritability. 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517414/

A Candyd Confession

Confession time.

This photo, right here, represents an addiction.

For more years than I care to number, I have made sure never to run out of two things: coffee and candy. My absolute favorite is the fruit gummies, especially Welch™ brand fruit snacks. But almost anything will do, even these chalky lollipop things.

I tried not to admit how much I needed them. But without fail, if the candy stash was getting low, I found a reason to go grocery shopping. I would barely even admit it to myself, but there was a definite sense of panic that I might run out.

I mean, it was so bad that when the shutdown hit, back in late March, my pandemic shopping included a large bag of fruit snacks. In addition to the two I already had. Just in case.

Ah, but the story doesn’t end there. It would have. Or I should say, that chapter would still be continuing, except that Author ended it. In His gentle way, he started a new chapter, and invited me to join in.

The new chapter actually began a good ways before the old one ended. For around two years, I’ve been sporadically studying the New Testament in search of God’s ways for health. And the things I found there have been steadily changing me, down deep inside.

I discovered, as I read, that Jesus heals. A lot. Just start skimming the Gospels and you’ll see what I mean. But the other thing I discovered was maybe even more important. God cares about things being real. He hates fakeness, pukes it out even.

And I began to be convicted that this hatred of fake things should permeate every aspect of His people’s lives, too. Not in the sense that we will only have the best name brand clothes, or only “real” Louis Vitton or whatever the current cool brand is to have. Not at all. But rather that we care about things being what they say they are. Including food.

As I said, I’ve been seeing this for going on three years. Jesus heals. And He hates fake stuff. But it is only in the last two weeks, as I’ve been praying and working and wrestling with writing a book of these things, that I’ve been convicted as never before. Eyes opened to just how much fake food I eat.

Three different people messaged me, this week alone, asking about inflammation and gut health. I told them all the same thing. Eat real food and cut the sugar. And I didn’t admit how much of a problem I had, doing the same.

Because, candy. It’s been a week, I think, since I had one. The last few lollipops just sit there in the cupboard.

In this week, I’ve been fighting a sore throat, and deliberately avoiding all sugar. And I feel better, even though whatever-it-is is still stubbornly hanging on in my throat.

Today, I opened that cupboard door to retrieve something else and stood there for a minute, looking at those lollipops. And my hypocrisy and stubbornness hit me in the face. I pulled them out and carefully arranged them on a white piece of paper to have their picture taken. Then I sat down and wrote out this confession.

I’m gonna go throw them in the trash. And then I’m going to put some meat on the grill. Real meat. I’ll eat it with a real salad.

Oh, and one last thing. If you want to join me in intentionally living like this, eating real food and throwing out the fake, I’d love to hear about it. I have a feeling I’m going to need all the accountability I can get!

PS: One last, last thing. If you do decide to join me, this ain’t any all-or-nothing challenge. This is direction, an intentional moving toward a goal. And for sure, this is not a diet! This is not about no sugar, no Cheetos, no snack foods, no whatever. This is about what we choose MOST of the time, not about a treat every once in a while, or eating the candy some sweet little kid wants to give me. Because food freedom is very clearly also a part of the New Testament life of the Church, and I want to embrace that too. But for right now, that addiction must go, so I’m throwing out the candy. Yours will look different, if you choose to join in. And that is more than okay.

PPS: The book I mentioned in passing is about two weeks from printing. As Your Soul Prospers: Biblical Principles for Wellness. The book will be available immediately through Amazon, and plans are that it will be both print and ebook, for your reading pleasure. I’m super excited and can’t wait to share it with you all!

Grace, Food, and Food Diaries

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Acts 11:9 says, “What God has cleansed, do not call common or unclean.” (See also Acts 10:13-15) Of course, this is about so much more than food, but I believe it applies to food as well. The opposite of common is sacred. This points toward intentionality, in food and in eating. This is grace and sacredness, grace-filled eating.

The other day, I had pizza and a green smoothie for breakfast. Pizza because that’s what I felt like eating, and a green smoothie because I knew that’s what my body needed. There was no condemnation or guilt, just joy. Choosing my consequences and honoring my needs. That is grace-filled eating.

I think Michael Pollan said it well in his book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma". He said, "Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much." That first phrase is important. Eat food. Real food. Not just food-like substances. Simply choose to eat real food, as close to the way that God made it, as much as you can. This does not always mean raw, although some foods are delicious and digestible without cooking. Eating real food is one of the best things that you can do for your body and for your health.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you, because it will not be the same for everyone. Pay attention to whether a food makes you feel well or ill. Whether it makes you feel your best or just okay. When you've identified that, there is no condemnation for making the choices that don't make you feel well. But choosing the foods that do make you feel well is honoring your body. It's treating food as something that is not common.

Certain foods that have been identified as very commonly making people feel less than well, and these are known as “The Big Eight” of food allergens. Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy are the eight most common food allergens in modern times. While those foods are not inherently bad, some bodies react negatively to the food and those individuals will feel much better if they avoid the offending food. I'm not going to get into why those foods don't work for us, but I want you to be aware that those are foods that many people simply don't feel well on. And if that's you, it's okay to avoid them. In fact, avoiding those foods is honoring what your body needs.

Certain stressors can make food intolerances suddenly appear, or at least become severe enough to come to attention. Chronic illness, like Lyme disease, will often trigger gluten and dairy intolerances or other food allergies. Stress, chronic inflammation, and lack of sleep can often trigger an allergy or make it worse.

Our bodies are incredibly complex and amazingly engineered. Gut health is intricately linked to brain health, and indeed to the health of the entire body and soul. We actually have more neurons inside our guts than inside our skulls. Which kind of blows my mind.

But it helps us make sense of how the foods that we eat affect the way that our brains function. When I was a child, my mom would not allow us to have Kool-Aid or anything with food coloring, because she realized that we would become so hyper that she couldn't control us. But when she cut out the Kool-Aid, and other foods and drinks with food coloring, we wouldn't be hyper. I had, and to some extent still do, a gluten intolerance from Lyme disease. I used to become quite grumpy when I accidentally got any food containing wheat or gluten. What we put in our stomachs affects the way that our brains work.

The gut neurons are responsible for producing a large percentage of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that affect mood and brain function. There is a direct connection between gut health and brain function, between the foods we eat and the emotions we feel. It may take some extended times of observation and connecting the dots to find out what works best for you. But if you choose to put in the effort, it will pay off.

You can find a food diary form here. Feel free to download and print for your personal use.

An Update on COVID

The actual risk of getting COVID-19 is probably higher now than it's ever been. Thankfully, the irrational fear seems to be abating.

In light of this, here is a protocol that has been used with good success by many of my friends. The story is that it comes from a doctor in New York.

50,000 IU of Vitamin D3, up to 4 times a day, for 5 days ONLY. Its recommended to take this with food and good fats, like butter.

1/2 lemon juiced in a cup of water morning and evening with 1 tsp Himalayan salt.

100 mcg Vitamin K2 a day. I really like this one.

200 mg magnesium citrate a day. (Or to bowel tolerance, which may be higher.)

100 to 500 mg of Vitamin C 4 times a day.

15- 30 mg of zinc a day.

Moist heat applied to the chest, breathing in a steam tent, saline nebulizer, hot soaks, and hot showers are all recommended, but be aware of the risk of fainting and weakness with soaks and showers and have someone nearby.

To loosen up the phlegm in the lungs, lie face down for at least fifteen minutes, several times a day. Have someone run a massager over your upper and mid back for 10 to 15 minutes, or pound with cupped hands.

50 to 100 mg of aspirin daily is showing some promise in studies. Apparently, the blood becomes hypercoagulable (sticky), and the aspirin is an over the counter blood thinner. Don't use if pregnant. And as a fellow nurse pointed out, be aware of the potential for stroke with the hypercoagulation, and if you see signs, treat it like the emergency that it is. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)

Oregano oil capsules, taken with food, are a potent immune booster. Ginger foot soaks, and Unkers salve on the feet, help with circulation and improves breathing. See the instructions here: https://tinajewelscreations.blogspot.com/…/how-to-do-hot-fo…

After the first five days, many report that 10-15,000 IU of Vitamin D3, 100 mcg of K2, Vitamin C to bowel tolerance, zinc, and extra salt, has been helpful for quicker recovery and better energy.