A Word About
Worshipping God With Our Bodies
If you have been following my story for any length of time, you know that healthy eating and attentiveness to general physical fitness has always been – and may always be – a bit of a challenge. I wish it weren’t so, but it is… And yes, I am still working on it!
Looking back, I realize I spent far too long neglecting the sacred temple that is my body. For too many years, I hid behind well-intentioned but ultimately flimsy excuses, often twisting and flat-out ignoring scripture to justify my sedentary lifestyle. My wake-up call came in the form of a cancer diagnosis. It was an abrupt confrontation with my mortality, underscoring the profound responsibility I have to be a better steward of this incredible body entrusted to me. To be clear, for me, it wasn’t just about losing weight or looking better; it was about honoring the gift God had given me.
In trying to get better at this ‘reasonable act of worship” (Romans 12:1), I knew I needed to find a “why” that resonated deep within, and after much prayer and reflection that “why” became crystal clear: I want to maximize my potential for effective service and to be a faithful steward of the talents and opportunities God had entrusted to me (as long as possible). This wasn’t about vanity; it was about extending my “health-span” so I could stay fruitful in my later years – when I actually have the most to give! This became (and still is) very compelling.
However, the shift from knowing what to do (and why to do it) to actually doing it remained a monumental challenge. To put it plainly, I had to ditch the abstract goals and embrace concrete systems. James Clear’s Atomic Habits became an invaluable resource, teaching me the power of habit-stacking and the cumulative effect of small, consistent improvements. Over time, I started building routines, pairing enjoyable activities with the less desirable ones. It wasn’t about grand gestures; it was about the daily grind, the 1% better that, over time, eventually bringing about improved results. I learned that consistency trumped intensity, and that even the smallest steps, taken regularly, could lead to lasting change.
But physical transformation wasn’t enough. I recognized that true, holistic well-being required a deeper connection with God as well. My prayer life, once all too sporadic, became a daily discipline. I developed a “pocket prayer” routine, reflecting on scripture and crafting a personal prayer for the day. This simple practice transformed my perspective, not just on fitness, but on every aspect of my life. I learned that prayer wasn’t just about asking for things; it was about inviting God into the nitty-gritty of my daily health/fitness routines – hoping and believing for the strength to persevere when I was weak and for the power to say ‘no’ to things that would impede my progress. I know this sounds super-basic, but I discovered (afresh) that the power of consistent prayer, not only touches the heart of God, it changes my own too.
Ultimately, my journey has been one of redemption. God took what the enemy meant for evil and turned it into something beautiful. My cancer diagnosis, which initially felt like a death sentence, became a catalyst for transformation. I’m healthier and more productive now than I’ve been in years, and I’m able to share my story with others, encouraging them on their own journeys. Throughout this whole ordeal, I’ve learned that God can be trusted in all things AND that he specializes in redemption. He redeems it all. He doesn’t just mend our broken pieces; He creates masterpieces. Even in our deepest discouragements, He’s there, not only to meet us, but to guide us into the fullness of who are meant to be.
Soul Care with
Pastor Jenn
To Pastor (verb): to shepherd, advise, and guide into a place of deeper spiritual understanding
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he wlll give it to you.”
James 1:5
Have you noticed how much information is available at your fingertips? It’s honestly all the knowledge that has ever been shared on the internet. If you really want to succinctly search it, you can even ask an AI app for specifics on nearly any topic, and it will do the heavy lifting and provide you with a remarkably clear, concise and mostly accurate answer. I saw a video of someone last week using one of those AI apps to interpret the results of a series of medical tests they recently underwent. It’s honestly wild. And I’d be lying if I said I never used the internet to diagnose my latest physical illness.
But with all the information available at the touch of the button, there seems to be very little wisdom or common sense in the world at large. Free access to information has done relatively little to improve the wisdom of the masses. If anything, the amount of information is so overwhelming that it either dulls the senses or creates chaos.
That’s why the scripture above is so encouraging to me. I’m grateful to know that God is generous. He doesn’t withhold wisdom, and he doesn’t hide wisdom away where no one can find it. He gives it freely. All we have to do is ask Him for it. It seems too easy right? What’s the catch? But there isn’t one. Our Father is a good, kind and generous God who desires to give wisdom to all those who ask. And, best of all, His wisdom brings clarity and peace.
My prayer for you this week is in those moments when you need direction or clarity and feel tempted to search the information of the internet, that you ask God for wisdom first. Let His wisdom guide and direct you and bring you peace.
Caregivers Corner with
Lori Smith
To Support (noun): to provide assistance that enables one to function or act.
We’ve all said it, and we’ve all heard it. “I’m doing my best,” or “I’m trying my hardest.” These sentiments are well meaning. They’re our way of showing that we care about the legacy we are leaving behind in the people we love the most. I think, too, that our desire to be perfect can also hide underneath these phrases. What we easily forget is that our best can change from day to day. Sometimes, when walking through a really difficult season, like cancer, our best can change from moment to moment. Yet, we feel like because our “best” isn’t perfect or even what it was the day before, we are not enough. We aren’t caring enough, loving enough, patient enough, good enough, and we are failing our person as their caregiver.
I’m here to encourage you that that isn’t true. We all get tired. We all get cranky, short-tempered, and snippy at times. We all get weary. Jesus said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) We will get weary at one time or another, and we will need rest.
Our best is only as good as our rest.
The good news is that not only can we come to him and find rest even in the midst of the hard, but out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. (John 1:16 AMP) In other words, HIS best never changes.
This week, go a little easier on yourself and believe that Jesus will stand in the gap. You’re doing a good job! You are everything your person needs in this journey. Believe that your best for the day is enough.
Worship Moment with
Joel Salabarria
To Inspire (verb): to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Song: The Wonderful Blood (Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music)
Band: Tiffany Hudson
From: The Wonderful Blood (2024)
I just honestly love the simplicity of remembering what Jesus did for us on the cross!
My precious Jesus
Oh I’m so thankful
For the day You saved my lifе
As I remember
My hеart grows tender
Tears begin to fill my eyes
The blood, the blood, the blood
Oh the wonderful blood
Your love, Your love, Your love
Oh the marvelous love
Let the redeemed sing a song
Praises belong to the Son
The blood, the blood, the blood
Oh the wonderful blood
Poetic Encouragement with
Julie Clarke
To Encourage (noun): to give support and hope to someone so that they will do or continue to do something.
The Healing
When you’re sick I’ll shelter you
It’s just the thing that love would do
I’ll hold your hair, and bring you soup
And keep you in the family loop
I’ll wash my hands and protect my heart
From flying germs or off remarks
I’ll trust the promise that’s been given
That all who believe will soon be risen
I’ll let his hands do the healing
and trust his timing in the revealing
I’ll look at you with love struck eyes
And whisper “you can!” to “you can’ts” demise
I know we’ll loose the skin we are in
And I pray for the day when I see you again
Fully healed and pure as light
So Precious in your Father’s sight
Nutrition Nuggets with
Suzanna Hake
To Nourish (verb): the act or process of being nourished.
Being addicted to cortisol feels GOOD!!! (until it doesn’t!)
When our body has healthy cortisol levels, a short-term uptick in cortisol feels good, it helps our body be resilient and take on our day with ease!
But, you can only run off of cortisol for so long until your levels drop low. Think of it like speeding until you run out of gas!
If you’re chronically in a state of fight or flight, eventually your body will burn through it’s resources.
Some ideas to consider:
1. Make sure your circadian rhythms are being supported. Are you seeing the sun first thing in the morning? Do you avoid blue light before bed? Are you eating your meals around the same time each day?
2. Let’s make sure your meals are nourishing vs cortisol-inducing. Make sure coffee isn’t the only part of your breakfast. Don’t skip meals. Pair a source of protein and/or fat with your carbs.
3. Make sure you have boundaries. You’re not meant to be “on” 24/7. Start looking forward to and enjoying your times of relaxation.
Cortisol’s temporary boost is addictive, but prolonged reliance leads to a crash; cultivate sustainable energy through consistent routines, balanced nutrition, and prioritizing rest and renewal.
Piet's Ponderings
To Ponder (verb): to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion
We have had this practice in our family for as long as I can remember…
With our family members (and we now do it with our friends as well), we ask a couple of birthday questions:
1. What were three highlights from the last year?
2. What are three things you hope to do in the year ahead?
And then we go around the table and everyone has a chance to share something they appreciate about the birthday honoree. One of us takes notes on what was said and we send it to them later.
It’s one of those simple (yet profound) ways to honor our friend/family member. It takes maybe 15-20 minutes, but it’s such a beautiful way to mark a birthday celebration with something meaningful.
A Lenten Prayer for the Week
Greek Orthodox
To Pray (verb): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer ad petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God )Philippians 4:6)
O Lord our God, Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the kinswoman of Peter, You Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your goodness; Who are able to put aside every malady and infirmity, do You Yourself, the same Lord, grant aid to this Your servant (Name) and cure him (her) of every sickness of which he (she) is grieved; lift him (her) up from his (her) bed of pain, and send down upon him (her) Your great mercy, and if it be Your Will, give to him (her) health and a complete recovery; for You are the Physician of our souls and bodies, and to You do we send up Glory: to Father, and to Son, and to Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
This week’s podcast:
Carly Loves Kale
Carly shares her powerful journey from cancer diagnosis to healing through an integrative approach that honors both conventional medicine and holistic therapies, all while staying true to her entrepreneurial spirit and faith.
- Diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 33 after having her first baby
- Discovered the root cause was a dental infection from a college accident years earlier
- Took an integrative approach at Hope for Cancer clinic focusing on dental work, emotional healing, and cellular detoxification
- Achieved 80% cancer reduction through holistic methods before choosing surgery on her own terms
- Created “Carly Loves Kale” Instagram platform to share detoxification methods and mindset techniques
- Uses dance as therapy to embody joy and prepare her body for healing
- Combined modern medicine with holistic practices to create her own healing path
- Emphasizes the importance of agency in health decisions rather than being rushed by fear
- Now has two children and runs multiple successful health-focused businesses
- Believes everyone has a unique light to shine and encourages others to live freely and authentically
You can catch it on apple podcasts or on YouTube.
Find Carly on Instagram HERE.
Support the work!
The Van Waarde Foundation underwrites and supports a variety of projects related to supporting, educating, and encouraging fellow cancer warriors and their families.
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration.
https://www.patreon.com/c/pietvanwaarde
