Welcome to the first edition of Sarah Magazine for 2026.
The past year has presented many challenges, but through those challenges came growth, resilience, and strength. God has truly been good, and I am grateful that He has allowed me to see another year.
For many, 2025 brought loss, and the holiday season can be especially difficult when we are grieving loved ones or navigating emotional heaviness. My prayer is that, despite loss or moments of depression, God met you right where you were offering comfort, peace, and a reason to give thanks for making it through.
Focus for the New Year
As we transition into the second month of the new year, many of us have made resolutions about what we plan to change in 2026. My question is simple: Did we follow through with last year’s resolutions?
If I were to decree or declare anything for this year, it would be this to stay on the right path and continue following God’s plan. In a world filled with distractions, we must remain focused on what God says in His Word. When we lose focus, stress and overwhelm can lead to choices that bring harm rather than peace.
One truth we must always remember is this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
A Personal Reflection
In 2025, I allowed myself to take on responsibilities that God did not instruct me to carry. By saying yes to everything, I lost focus and it led me into a difficult situation. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: learning when to say no is just as important as saying yes.
I am still learning, and sometimes my heart leads before my discernment but the Holy Spirit gently reminds me to stay aligned with God’s direction. My prayer for you in this new year is that you take time to listen for God’s voice and refuse to let people or circumstances distract you. The consequences of ignoring His guidance are never easy but obedience always brings clarity and peace.
Our Featured Story
It has been some time since the last issue of Sarah Magazine, and I truly hope this edition makes up for the time missed.
We are beginning 2026 with a powerful and inspiring featured story one that is absolutely a mustread. If you believe it’s too late to start over, too late to launch that business, or too late to pursue purpose, this story is for you.
This month’s cover feature, Martha T. Wills, is a true reflection of what Sarah Magazine represents. Her journey will inspire, encourage, and remind you that it is never too late. After reading her story, I encourage you to reach out to her there is so much more to know than what we could fit on these pages.
So Much More Inside
This issue is filled with uplifting and informative articles covering health, encouragement, and personal growth, along with highlights of inspiring new books that are available or soon to be released. If you are facing a challenging season, take time to explore each article and allow yourself to be refreshed and encouraged.
In Closing
First of all, a big shout-out to my ride or die when it comes to this magazine. Antwan Beaden-Leach…my friend, my sister, you have stuck with me through thick and thin. Thank you so much! Love you!
To my writers and readers, thank you for taking the time to read and be a part of Sarah Magazine. I am incredibly grateful that we have all made it to see 2026. I know the
journey was not easy for everyone but take a moment to look back and thank God for sustaining you through it all.
Do not give up on your dreams or your goals. Stay encouraged, Stay focused.
From my heart, I wish you a Happy New Year and a Happy Valentine’s Day. Thank you for your continued support of Sarah Magazine. If this publication has been a blessing to you, please reach out and let our writers know.
Enjoy, and may God continue to bless you.
God bless,
Minister Sheree Carradine Creator & Chief Editor, Graphics Sarah Magazine
Antwan Beaden- Leach Staff Editor and Graphic Design
If you have questions/comments for our contributors, please feel free to contact them personally or send them to mysarahmagzine@gmail.com or shereecarradine@yahoo.com We would love your feedback and will post your comments/answers in the next issue of Sarah
Note: We are a Christian-based magazine but not limited to only Christians. BUT… we will not publish anything that is contrary to our beliefs, such as profanity or promotion of your sexual preferences.
The Book of Revelation, credited to the Apostle John, is a deep text that reveals visions concerning the end times and God’s ultimate victory over evil. The Apostle John wrote Revelation during the period of persecution and hardship.
It is my hope, that this Journal will help you understand the prophecy of Revelation. I enjoyed every moment of bringing this Wonderful Journal to your home.
Almost every prominent person in the Old Testament built an altar at some point. The first altars made to God in the Bible were made by individuals. Eventually, these altars were replaced by 2 more permanent altars (“The Brazen Altar” and “The Altar of Incense”), first in the Tabernacle, then in the Temple.
Solomon [For The Temple]:(1 Kin 6:20-21)(1 Kin 7:48)(1 Kin 9:25)
Elijah: (1 Kin 18:30-39)
Jeshua/Zerubabbel, And Their Brethren: (Ezra 3:2-3)
** Kings Asa (2 Chr 15:8) and Manasseh (2 Chr 33:16) both restored a destroyed altar( JesusAlive.cc).
These altars were physical altars in the Old Testament; God gave guidance about how to build altars where God’s name is remembered and to destroy pagan altars which were built to avoid worshipping God. In the New Testament the significance of altars is spiritual 9 Hebrews 13:10).
The symbolic altar in the New Testament is the heart as an altar “Altar of the Heart”, a spiritual place where you present yourself as living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, the altar of the cross is the ultimate sacrifice where Jesus offered himself for the sins of the world making it possible for humanity to have a relationship with God through Him (Ephesians 2 :11-13). We become an altar of worship and prayers, surrendering our lives to God’s control. Altars are where we engage and commune with God and invite the presence of God.
Some churches have replaced altars with communion tables because the Communion/ Lord’s Supper is celebrated connecting to the Last Supper. In church the Communion table is a covenant meeting place for renewal and encountering God. Altars today signify a holy place for prayer and consecration.
Altars hold deep spiritual significance as sacred spaces for divine connection, representing places of sacrifice, worship, covenant, and encounter with God, acting as focal points where the human and divine worlds meet for communion, atonement (pointing to Christ), and remembrance of God's faithfulness even in 2025. A consecrated life is the foundation of a powerful altar. Prayer, worship, and the Word are essential components of a godly altar. Psalm 141:2 likens prayer to incense before God. Colossians 3:16 exhorts believers to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in them richly.
Why Are Altars Important?
• A place for connection: Altars act as a physical and spiritual meeting place between people and the divine, representing a point of communion.
• A space for sacrifice: They symbolize the act of sacrifice, whether for atonement for sin.
• or for expressions of thanksgiving and worship. In a spiritual sense, this can mean "laying down" one's own will and desires to align with a higher purpose.
• A reminder of faith: Altars are often built to commemorate significant encounters with the divine, serving as a tangible and lasting reminder of God's presence and promises.
• A place for transformation: They can represent a place where one's old life is surrendered and a new one begins, allowing for transformation and spiritual growth. (AI Mode).
Oncetheclutteredhighwaytraffic ofourinternalexperiential memoriesbegintoclear, FIND GOD and IDENTIFYWITH HIM by ALIGNING yourpresent reality WITHHISPRESENCE!
LocatewhereHewasduringallof yourexperiences, EXISTING withintheclutter… DISCOVER HIM, RECOGNIZEHIM, and SEEHIM… especiallyinthe experiencesthatshoutatyou,“HE WASN’TTHERE”andtriesto convinceyoustill“HE’S NOT THERE”or“HE’STOOHARD TOFIND”...
IN JEREMIAH29:13-14a God promises, “Youwillseekmeand findme,whenyousearchforme withALLyourheart.Iwillbe foundbyyou,”saystheLord.
You’ve read the book, now it’s time to short video of what’s to come. https://youtu.be/367aoKr5ptM?feature=shared
When my parents divorced, I felt voiceless. I bottled up my feelings, trying to please everyone but myself. I didn’t realize until adulthood how that silence shaped my relationships, my insecurities, and my choices. Unresolved pain stays bottled up and it shows up in unhealthy ways. My prayer is that by sharing my story, this book helps you find your voice
Ladies and Gentlemen your story matters. Join me to share your story and connect with others who truly understand. It’s time to UNBOTTLE everything you’ve been holding inside.
to find when the first show will air or to
CliffToons Kids Books is a Kingdom alternative for children’s cartoons. Kids from all ages will be captivated by the stories of all the cartoon characters in the CliffToons’ family. Through all these books, children will enjoy the adventures, the humor, and the positive biblical messages that are taught to them at an early age.
Would you like the author to read a book to your school?
Would you like to schedule a book signing? Would you like characters designed for your book?
Check out my website: https://clifftoonskidsbooks.com/
Contact me: Clifford Jean @jesuschrist.cj@gmail.com
Being “too sensitive” wasn’t the issue.
“Overreacting” wasn’t the truth. And nothing was imagined.
A new book is coming one that puts language to what many have felt but couldn’t explain.
This gripping domestic suspense explores the realities of gaslighting and the struggles of a woman who dares to reclaim her story.
Erika Michelle - Founder Erika Michelle, LLC
In May of 2015, we featured this beautiful couple in Sarah Magazine. Martha and Williams Wills (AKAMom and Pop) told their story of how they met, their ministry, and their family. If you didn’t get the chance to read about this extraordinary couple, you missed a blessing.
Here we are in 2026, and Martha Wills is going to share her journey with you. But first, I will give you a brief history of the previous interview.
TheirStory, Ministry, And Family
Martha was born in West Memphis,Arkansas, on May 6, 1929. At age 5, her family moved from West Memphis,Arkansas, to Memphis, Tennessee. Martha attended Three Rooms Elementary School in Cordova.At age 10, she accepted Christ into her life. In 1947, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, and in 1951, she enlisted in the military and worked as an LPN. She met William Wills in 1952 at RandolphAFB in SanAntonio, Texas.
OnApril 4th, 1953, the two were joined together in Holy Matrimony. William was born in the Bronx, New York, on May 25th, 1932. He was raised in Borough Manhattan. He was educated in the public system in New York.
As a young child, William and his brother Thomas were included in a vision, “The Vermont Plan,” which brought together children from different backgrounds and races to interact with each other without prejudice.
MinisterA. Ritchie Low of the Congregational Methodist Church in Johnson, Vermont, contacted Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. of theAbyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, to share this vision. Together, the two created “The Vermont Plan”. The article “Hands across the Color Line” was in the August
Martha T. and William O. Wills Sr.
edition of Parents Magazine in 1948. They were also featured in Ebony and Reader’s Digest.
InAugust 1969, they moved toArizona, which is where they started their great ministry. They attended South Park Church Of God In Christ. Over the years, the Wills family continued to be faithful servants of God. William Wills retired from the military in 1971 at Davis MonthanAFB in Tucson,Arizona.
In 1980, they decided to start a bible study in their home. The ministry got so big that they decided to start their own ministry in 1981. They moved it from their home and taught in hotels; the ministry continued to grow.
In 1982, they started the Sunshine Ministry with their son, William Jr., as the teacher. Sunshine church continued to grow. For the first two years, they would do the traditional Church Anniversary. Approaching the third year of their ministry, William Jr had a vision to do a Reconciliation Conference instead of the
traditional ChurchAnniversary.
Now, the seed and germination of the Reconciliation Conference was to become a great and powerful ministry! They hosted the first Conference, featuring Meadow Lark Lemon, Bishop John Mears, and The Evangel Cathedral, Upper Marlboro Md. as their special guests
In 1987, they purchased their church located at 2145 S. Sahuara, Tucson,Arizona, with William Jr. as the Senior Pastor. Martha and William planted the seed in breaking down racial barriers; their son watered it and took a big step in founding the Racial Reconciliation Community Outreach Network (RRCON), as it is commonly called.
RRCON has and still is breaking down dividing walls that separate God’s people, bringing a clearer cultural understanding to the masses of ethnic believers all over the world.
Martha and William have 3 children, William Jr. (deceased), Regina, and Constance, one granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Candace Wills Hodge and Michael Hodge, 5 great-grandchildren, and one spiritual son, Dennis Freeman.
In May 2013, they suffered a great loss when their son, Bishop William O. Wills Jr., went home to be with the Lord. This was a devastating time for his family, friends, and so many people who had the honor of meeting him. He left such an impact and his legacy lives on through Martha and William Wills Sr. (Mom and Pop). They continued to devote their time, along with their two daughters, to RRCON every year. The year 2020 was when everything ceased for everyone. COVID shut down everything. They were not able to continue with the RRCON Conferences due to the shutdown of Covid. But that didn’t mean the ministry stopped. Martha and William Sr. continued to reach souls.
Martha Wills - Our Featured Story
Getting to know Martha Wills
Martha Wills is the Racial Reconciliation Community Outreach Network (RRCON) Conference Coordinator. Martha has been instrumental in mobilizing city-wide, state-wide, and even country-wide support for every conference since its inception over twenty years ago. Through her tireless efforts, we have been able to experience the many blessings of God as we gather together to do the work of the Lord in the areas of Reconciliation.
A Woman Of Prayer , Martha Wills is tireless in her efforts to ensure that whatever the conference needs were, they were met. She simply believes God will supply and thus goes after the resources to make it happen. If it's people, she gets them. If it's money, she gets it. Whatever the need, Martha firmly believes that God will provide. She boldly acts upon the belief that if you ask, you shall receive.
Martha, as Conference,Coordinator has been a travel agent (Planes, Trains and Automobiles). Has set up hotel accommodations and has worked with rental
agencies to accommodate their guests. She has worked tirelessly with catering to ensure the conference banquets are always a joy to partake.
Martha Is aWomanofDignity.
She is filled with poise and confidence with the knowledge that through Jesus Christ, she can do all things. She is the founder of the Eve’s Ministry (Mothers of Life) and is the leader of the Intercessory Prayer Group (Prayer Warriors) of Sunshine Training Center.
Martha was educated in the public schools of Memphis, Tennessee, and also attended Lemoyne Owen College. She served our country as a member of the United StatesAir Force and also has worked as a nurse in several community hospitals.
Raised in a Christian home, Martha received the Lord and was baptized in the Holy Spirit at the tender age of 10 in a home meeting. She has been affiliated with the church in some capacity all of her life. She’s taught Sunday school and is also a respected conference speaker.
Having experienced racism firsthand, Martha is a strong advocate for Racial Reconciliation. Martha worked diligently to ensure that the Racial Reconciliation Conferences were a great success!
While we understand that she hasn’t done it alone, we are grateful for her twenty-plus years of unselfish service to the cause of Racial Reconciliation in the Body Of Christ.
InApril 2025, Martha and William (Bill) celebrated 72 years of marriage. Their enduring union was recognized by KOLD News 13 onApril 4, 2025.
Afew months after this joyous occasion, she suffered the loss of her beloved husband.
On the following page is the article written about him.
County honors passing of former employee who served historic role
Article posted on 7/2/2025
Bill and Martha Wills at their 72nd wedding anniversary in 2025. Photo courtesy of Constance
Wills
Bill Wills Sr., a former Pima County employee who served for more than two decades, passed away June 26 at the age of 93.
Wills joined the county in 1973, when he became the firstAfrican-American to work as a management assistant at what was then called the Pima County Manager’s Office (now theAdministrator's Office)
In 1977, the county briefly merged 23 departments into five major departments, led by “Super Directors”, the equivalent of today's Deputy CountyAdministrators. Wills served as one of the five Super Directors overseeing a department of public services, which included Public Fiduciary, Public Defender, Personnel Division, Animal Control, Human Resources, Compliance, and Elections.
After the board of supervisors decided against reorganizing the departments, Wills returned to being a management assistant to the County Manager. He worked on a number of special projects that helped contribute to the setup of what was then called Kino Community Hospital (now Banner UMC South Campus).
Later, Wills worked as a budget officer for the Health Department, then was promoted to assistant public health director for Administrative Services, a job he held until his retirement. He served on several boards and committees while he was at the county, including the Pima Council onAging and the PAG Social Services Planning Committee.
Wills retired in December 1995, after 22 years of service to the County and the community. He and his wife, Martha, celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in April 2025.
Ret. MSgt William O. Wills Sr.
William Ollendorff Wills, Sr., known to family and childhood friends as “Billy,” and more widely in the Tucson community as “Bill Wills, Sr.,” passed away peacefully in Peppi’s House Hospice Care on June 26, 2025, at the age of 93. What a great man and a great loss, not only to the Will's family but to all who knew and loved him so much.
DealingWith Change
At age 96, Mrs. Wills continues to run the ministry as CEO and President of Sunshine Ministries Incorporated. When asked, “How are you dealing with the change of not having your husband here?” She responded that she misses him dearly, but the ministry has to continue. God has her here to continue what William Sr. and Jr. started. It’s all about reconciling -restoring family, a generational cohesion. This mighty woman of God has the energy of a young woman. To see her and the things she is still doing is amazing. Life has challenges and changes; we can choose to give up or continue in what God has called us to do.
Mrs. Wills wants everyone to know that Sunshine Ministries is still going strong and plans to start the RRCON Conferences once again. If you would like to know more about Mrs. Wills and the ministry, you can reach her through mysarahmagazine@gmail.com, and we will be happy to put you in touch with her.
More pictures on the following pages…
Her new book is coming soon, which will tell a more in-depth story of her life, ministry, and family. Stay tuned!
After reading our featured story, I hope that it has inspired you to keep going and never think that it’s too late. If Sarah birthed a baby at 90 and Mrs. Wills is still running a ministry at 96, what’s stopping you?
Martha Wills is the prime example of IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!
Thank you, Mrs. Wills, for being steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Know that your work is not in vain!
Proverbs 31:10
Daniel, The Boy With
As a young boy and later a teenager in the Bible, Daniel was a noble Hebrew from Judah.
As a young boy and later a teenager in the Bible, Daniel was a noble Hebrew from Judah. He was taken captive to Babylon around 605 BCE and selected for his wisdom and striking appearance to serve King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite undergoing rigorous Babylonian training, which included learning their language and culture and being given a new name, Belteshazzar, he remained committed to his faith in God. Daniel refused the royal food offered to him, excelled in wisdom, and successfully interpreted
dreams, ultimately rising to prominence in both the Babylonian and Persian courts.
KeyAspects of Young Daniel:
• Captive from Judah: He was part of the first wave of exiles from Jerusalem.
• Noble & Educated: Likely from a royal or noble family, receiving a good upbringing.
• Chosen for Service: Selected for his physical and intellectual qualities to serve in the palace.
• Forced Assimilation: Renamed Belteshazzar and trained in Babylonian ways to erase his identity.
• Faithful Choice: Refused to eat the king's rich food and wine, choosing a diet of vegetables, which pleased God.
• Gifted with Wisdom: God granted him understanding in dreams, visions, and knowledge, making him wiser than all Babylonian wise men.
Significance:
Daniel's story as a youth highlights his unwavering faith and integrity in a hostile, pagan environment, setting the stage for his life as a major prophet and statesman
Daniel 9:27 ►And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering.And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes
desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him." Cross References Matthew 24:15 So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination of desolation,' described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), Mark 13:14 So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Luke 21:20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. Isaiah 10:22 Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness. Isaiah 10:23 For the Lord GOD of Hosts will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole land. Isaiah 28:22 So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land. Jeremiah 7:30 For the people of Judah have done evil in My sight, declares the LORD. They have set up their abominations in the house that bears My name, and so have defiled it. Daniel 11:31 His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress.
They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation. Daniel 11:36 Then the king will do as he pleases and will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and he will speak monstrous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed must be accomplished. Daniel 12:11And from the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation set up, there will be 1,290 days. Hosea 3:4 For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol.
Resources, NIV, Bible, and parables in the Bible
The Importance of Minority Blood Donation During National Blood Donor Month
The Importance of Minority Blood Donation During National Blood Donor Month
January is National Blood Donor Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the lifesaving impact of blood donation and the ongoing need for donors across the country. The practice of blood donation has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, when scientists discovered how blood types work and how transfusions could safely save lives. Since then, donated blood has become an essential part of modern medicine, used every day to treat patients facing surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth complications,
traumatic injuries, and chronic blood disorders. Despite advances in medicine, one truth remains unchanged: there is no substitute for human blood, and it can only come from generous donors.
Blood donation is especially critical for individuals who require frequent transfusions, such as those living with sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and certain cancers. Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects people of African descent and some Latino populations. Many individuals with sickle cell disease rely on regular blood transfusions to prevent stroke, manage severe pain episodes, and improve overall quality of life. Cancer patients often need blood transfusions because the
disease and its treatments can reduce the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells or cause blood loss. Transfusions help restore red blood cells or platelets to prevent complications like severe fatigue, bleeding, and difficulty tolerating treatment. In emergencies such as car accidents, natural disasters, or sudden medical crises readily available blood can mean the difference between life and death. Maintaining a strong, diverse blood supply ensures that hospitals are prepared to respond quickly when these moments occur.
more likely to be shared among people of the same ancestry. When patients receive blood that closely matches these markers, they are less likely to develop complications, such as antibodies that can make future transfusions more difficult or dangerous. For someone who depends on lifelong transfusions, having access to well-matched blood is critical for long-term health and survival.
For minorities, donating blood is not only an act of service but also a powerful way to support their own communities. Blood from donors with similar racial and ethnic backgrounds is often better matched for patients who need repeated transfusions. This is because certain inherited markers on red blood cells beyond the common ABO and Rh types are
There are also meaningful benefits for those who donate blood.
Donors often report a strong sense of purpose and pride in knowing they have helped save lives. Blood donation can include a mini health screening, such as checking blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels, which can provide useful insights into one’s health. Beyond the physical benefits, donating blood strengthens community bonds and reinforces the idea that collective action can lead to better health outcomes for everyone. When people see others in their community stepping up, it
encourages a culture of care, responsibility, and mutual support.
Increasing blood donation among African-American and Latino communities is essential to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for patients who depend on transfusions. National Blood Donor Month is an opportunity to educate, inspire, and mobilize individuals to recognize the unique and vital role they can play. By donating blood, minorities are not only helping strangers in moments of crisis they are directly supporting children, families, and elders who share their heritage and experiences. One donation can save multiple lives, and together, diverse donors can help build a safer, stronger, and more equitable healthcare system for all.
If you are ready to take action, the first step is simple: contact your local American Red Cross or Vitalant blood donation center to find a convenient place and time to donate. These organizations make it easy to schedule appointments and provide information about eligibility, the donation process, and how your blood will be used. For those who want to make an even greater impact,
consider hosting a blood drive at your workplace, school, church, or community center. Organizing and or sponsoring a blood drive brings people together around a shared purpose and significantly increases the number of lives that can be saved. Whether you donate once, donate regularly, or help mobilize others, your involvement helps strengthen the blood supply and ensures that patients especially those who rely on frequent, wellmatched transfusions have access to the blood they urgently need.
Written by: Akilah Gilbert Licensed Community Health Worker Sickle Cell Warrior and Community Advocate
Caring for Our Bodies: Eating Well, Moving More, and Knowing When Medicine Can Help
God made our bodies with care and purpose. The Bible tells us that our bodies are a gift from God and that we should take good care of them. This does not mean we have to be perfect. It means we try our best to make healthy choices, ask for help when we need it, and trust God through the process.
Taking care of our bodies includes eating nourishing food, staying active, resting well, and caring for our hearts and minds. For some people, it can also include using medicine to help with weight loss. Using medicine does not mean someone is weak or lacks faith. Sometimes it is one of the tools God provides to help us stay healthy.
Our Bodies Are God’s Gift
The Bible says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). This verse reminds us that our bodies matter to God. He cares about how we treat them. So make it a priority to seek the Kingdom first, eat your vegetables, take your supplements, get a good nights rest, and do some kind of exercise every day.
Caring for our bodies is one way we honor
God. We do this through natural and spiritual practices. When we feed our bodies foods that help us grow strong and move our bodies in ways that keep us healthy, we are taking care of our physical health. When we read the Bible and pray to our Heavenly Father daily, we are taking care of our spiritual health.
Perhaps you would like to eat fast food or have a sweet tooth. Choose one of those categories and put a line in place to reduce your eating out or consumption of sweets. Choose a person to hold you accountable for meeting your goal. So you will find that you have control over that area of your life and can use that same method to address other areas of your life.
Honoring God does not mean judging ourselves or others. It requires that we do everything in balance. God is loving and kind, and he wants us to care for ourselves with the same love.
Eating with Care and Thankfulness
Mindful eating means paying attention to what we eat and how it makes us feel. Think about your food’s texture and temperature. Notice how it looks, tastes, and smells. If it is possible, eat with someone else at the table and put your phone away. These are a few ways to practice eating in a mindful manner.
Mindful eating also means being thankful for our food. Before meals, pray to thank God for His provision. This helps us remember that food is a blessing and is one more reason to be thankful.
Healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats help our bodies work well. They give us energy to learn, work, serve others, and enjoy life.
Eating well does not mean we can never enjoy treats. It is perfectly okay to have favorite foods in moderation.
Did you know that there also is a recommended order for eating your food? Each time you eat, it is better for your body if you start with your vegetables. The order below is especially useful for blood sugar control, digestion, and feeling satisfied.
1. Vegetables
2. Protein
3. Fats (often in the meat)
4. Carbs
By eating your vegetables first with each meal, your body will work efficiently. Those vegetables create a protective layer in your digestive system that allows the sugars to be absorbed more slowly. Problems can happen when people continually eat their sweets first and ignore the importance of eating a balanced meal. Please don’t feel guilty or ashamed about eating. Instead, make a decision to improve in some way. Shame does not come from God.
Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
When we eat with balance and kindness toward ourselves, we are following God’s heart.
Moving Our Bodies with Joy
Exercise is another way we care for our bodies. Moving our bodies helps our hearts, muscles, and bones stay strong. It also helps our mood and helps us feel less stressed.
Movement does not have to be hard or
painful to count. Walking, playing, dancing, stretching, or doing chores all help. The best kind of exercise is something we can do often and enjoy.
If you want or need to move your body more, try Get Fit with Rick. He is one of many people that has simple joint friendly exercises on YouTube. He even has his videos set to all different types of music. If you like to dance, you will enjoy Get Fit with Rick and will have a simple way to intentionally add movement to your daily routine.
God wants us to use our bodies in ways that bring life and joy. Exercise should not feel like punishment. It is a way to say “thank you” to God for the body He gave us.
Why Weight Can Be Hard for Some People
Not everyone’s body works the same way. Some people gain weight easily, even when they eat healthy foods and stay active. This can be confusing and frustrating.
There are many reasons this happens. Some people have hormone problems. Others have health conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues. Stress, lack of sleep, and certain medicines can also make weight gain more likely.
This does not mean someone is lazy or doing something wrong. God made each body different, and some bodies need more help than others.
When Healthy Habits Are Not Enough
Eating well and moving more are important, but sometimes they are not enough on their own. For some people, their bodies fight
against weight loss. They may feel hungry all the time or tired no matter what they do.
In these cases, a doctor may suggest weightloss medicine. This medicine can help the body work better by helping control hunger, balance blood sugar, or support the way the body uses energy.
Using medicine is not cheating. It is not giving up. It is using the help that God has made available through doctors and science.
Faith and Medicine Can Work Together
Some Christians worry that using medicine means they are not trusting God enough. But God often works through people, knowledge, and tools. Luke, who wrote one of the Gospels, was a doctor. The Bible does not teach us to avoid help. It teaches us to seek wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Doctors are one of the counselors God uses to help us.
Taking medicine for weight loss can be part of trusting God, especially when it is done with prayer, wisdom, and care.
There Is No Shame in Needing Help
Many people feel embarrassed or judged for using weight-loss medicine. They may feel like they should try harder or pray more. But needing help does not mean we have failed.
We do not feel ashamed when someone takes medicine for asthma, high blood pressure, or depression. Weight is also connected to
health, and it deserves the same kindness and understanding.
God’s grace covers every part of our lives, including our health struggles. He does not ask us to suffer in silence. He invites us to come to Him and receive help.
Using Medicine the Right Way
Weight-loss medicine should only be used with a doctor’s care. It is important to talk honestly with a healthcare provider, ask questions, and understand how the medicine works.
Medicine works best when it is used along with healthy eating, movement, rest, and prayer. It is not meant to replace good habits but to support them.
Some people may use medicine for a short time. Others may need it longer. There is no single plan that fits everyone.
Caring for Our Hearts and Minds
God cares about our hearts, not just our bodies. Stress, sadness, and worry can affect how we eat and how we feel about ourselves. Spending time with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and talking with trusted people can help heal these areas.
Some areas of our lives are guarded by demonic strong men. I don’t say that to scare you but to make you aware. Bad things happen to children and good people and they create soul wounds. It is not fair and it is not your fault, but it is your responsibility to not stay stuck.
One modern minister of the gospel, Nelson L. Schuman, guides people through deliverance sessions that free people from demonic influences and heals their soul wounds. He has a powerful personal testimony about how the Lord guided him to this path by going through his own unpleasant life experiences. He has been doing this work since 2017 and is training others to do the same. He has a few books on Amazon, but the one I think everyone on the planet should read is, Freedom from Soul Wounds and Demons. If you want to see lives changed, marriages healed, and sickness fleeing, then get free from the soul wounds and demons that have attached themselves to your life.
I participated in the August 31, 2025 live deliverance session on YouTube and saw one relationship in my life completely changed. I absolutely wanted nothing to do with a particular family member that will remain nameless. After going through the deliverance process, I can sit across the table from that person with no ill feelings and have a genuine conversation. Look at God!
Getting free can also help people feel more peaceful and focused. This can make it easier to listen to God and care for others.
A Loving and Wise Path Forward
God does not compare us to others. He looks at our hearts. Our goal is not to be thin, but to be healthy enough to live fully and serve Him well.
Some people will reach better health through food and exercise alone. Others will need medicine too. Both paths can honor God when they are taken with wisdom, prayer, and love.
Choosing Balance and Grace
Caring for our bodies is part of caring for the life God has given us. Eating nourishing foods, moving our bodies, resting, and trusting God all matter. Being open to medicine when it is needed is also part of being wise and humble.
God is patient with us. He walks with us through every step of our health journey. When we choose balance instead of extremes and grace instead of shame, we reflect God’s love to ourselves and to others.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of my body and the life You’ve given me. I come to You asking for Your guidance and wisdom as I care for my physical and spiritual health. Help me to make choices that honor You. Bring the balance, support, strength, and clarity that You desire for me. Give me discernment, self-control, and grace as I learn what my body needs. I trust You to lead me, and I thank You for walking with me each step of the way.
Amen
Venita
Freeman
This Christian journey can feel complicated hard to explain, easy to misunderstand. People overwhelm you with scriptures, making you feel like you’re not doing enough, like God has forgotten you. But in the quiet, He whispers something simple a Mini Bite, a reminder that Hi is still with you. Sometimes, that’s all we need.
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Therapy You isn’t a traditional journal it’s a mirror. It helps you explore why certain thoughts, reactions, and wounds followed you from childhood into adulthood. From then to now, it invites healing through reflection. I pray it blesses you.
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