Nutritionists and Doctors tell us that eating fruit is necessary for a healthy body. That is pretty easy for those of us who have access to supermarkets. No matter what the time of year we don't have to worry about getting scurvy or rickets - whichever one comes from not getting enough Vit. C. And some of us are such fruit experts that we can pick out the perfect banana or apple or pear or orange because of our daily intake.
However, as I thought about this health tip I began to wonder how the Body of Christ gets its appropriate servings of fruit. Fruit of the Spirit that is. What is the level of joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in your congregation? What is it in you? Which ones need a boost? What Spiritual Discipline needs to be visited to replenish your fruit cupboard? Which ones are well within the RDA? Would your leadership agree with your assessment?
With the absence of this kind of fruit the health and wellness of the Body is at risk for more than just scurvy or rickets.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Get On Your Feet
Did you know that sitting can cause stress? Recently, I heard a chiropractor talk about three kinds of stress. He cited chemical (pollution), emotional (family/relationships, job), and physical (sitting or lifting). So sitting in a chair or at a desk all day can put undo stress on your body. Instead of writing about the merits of exercise, which you all know about, I'm going to focus on one simple aspect of overcoming this physical stress. GET ON YOUR FEET. That's right, just get on your feet. It's the first step to relieving the stress of sitting isn't it?
And let's push this metaphor beyond the physical, shall we? What would you be doing if you were on your feet? What would you be doing if your church were on its feet, out of hiding, out of stressing about budgets or attendance, out of doing things the same way year after year, out of their pews and on their feet? What will it take to get on your feet? What will it take for the congregation to get on its feet?
Another year of sitting will only add to the stress that has built up from years of sitting. Getting on your feet might feel stressful at first AND if the chiropractor is correct, the longer you are on your feet and moving about the less stress your body will experience.
So how about playing the What If Game with yourself, with your boards. Write down a dozen or more unreasonable, audacious, bold, daring, wild and crazy possibilities for getting on your collective feet in 2011. For example, What if we began that ministry without having all the funds upfrong? What if we filled the sanctuary with twelve new families? What if we offered 4 free dinners this year to the community? Get the idea.
Consider the possibility this Epiphany that the Magi looked at each other and said "What if we get on our feet and follow that star and see where it leads us?"
Check out a website that is sponsoring a Get On Your Feet Movement for 2011 for more ideas. Lisbeth Phelps is a coach and trainer who had a dream to begin this. She can be found at www.getonyourfeet2011.com.
Happy Standing!
Nancy
Nancy Leport is an ordained American Baptist clergyperson who is also a certified life coach and PeopleMap Trainer. She can be reached at 585-768-4684 or on the web at www.churchhealthandwellness.com
And let's push this metaphor beyond the physical, shall we? What would you be doing if you were on your feet? What would you be doing if your church were on its feet, out of hiding, out of stressing about budgets or attendance, out of doing things the same way year after year, out of their pews and on their feet? What will it take to get on your feet? What will it take for the congregation to get on its feet?
Another year of sitting will only add to the stress that has built up from years of sitting. Getting on your feet might feel stressful at first AND if the chiropractor is correct, the longer you are on your feet and moving about the less stress your body will experience.
So how about playing the What If Game with yourself, with your boards. Write down a dozen or more unreasonable, audacious, bold, daring, wild and crazy possibilities for getting on your collective feet in 2011. For example, What if we began that ministry without having all the funds upfrong? What if we filled the sanctuary with twelve new families? What if we offered 4 free dinners this year to the community? Get the idea.
Consider the possibility this Epiphany that the Magi looked at each other and said "What if we get on our feet and follow that star and see where it leads us?"
Check out a website that is sponsoring a Get On Your Feet Movement for 2011 for more ideas. Lisbeth Phelps is a coach and trainer who had a dream to begin this. She can be found at www.getonyourfeet2011.com.
Happy Standing!
Nancy
Nancy Leport is an ordained American Baptist clergyperson who is also a certified life coach and PeopleMap Trainer. She can be reached at 585-768-4684 or on the web at www.churchhealthandwellness.com
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