Pro-Fess-Ional Christian?

“God bless you,” he said time and again. “Read this, you’ll be glad you did.” He wore black sweats, purple and white tennis shoes and a green windbreaker. He stood in one place rather than pursuing people with an outstretched arm as many street evangelists do.

He handed me a salvation tract. In turn, I told him I was a Christian. He gathered his literature in one hand and gave me a high-five.

“Good to meet you, Brother” he said. “My name is Wayne.”

I admired Wayne’s humility and passion for reaching people for Christ. He wasn’t interested in having his face on Christian television, owning a big title in front of his name, or collecting huge offerings from churches. I even sensed his discomfort when I slapped him on his back and praised his ministry. He was simply grateful for God saving his life, and he wanted to show his appreciation by working for god to reach others. Wayne didn’t own a business card or DVD trumpeting his ministry. He said God hadn’t called him to establish a ministry-business; He had called him to tell others about the Savior’s love. So all he needed was a Bible, some gospel tracts, his testimony, and a genuine smile.

I was thankful God had introduced me to Wayne before I left Seattle. In a few short hours, like an angel delivering a personal message, a total stranger had shown me the difference between a professional Christian and an authentic follower of Christ. Wayne, I decided, didn’t need business cards that bore his name and a lofty title after all. He had “Follower of Jesus” written all over his life.” (Pp. 98, 99)

Taken from Hal Donaldson Midnight in the City- To purchase book please select link to you left.

Proverbs 14:20,21 NIV
20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” 21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

Health Care

Recently I’ve been battling a health concern. At a glance, I thought my health was not so bad, but shortly after these thoughts of disregard, I made myself set an appointment with my primary care physician. My anxiety levels were low because I expected to receive a great report from my doctor. In addition, I was confident since I had lost at least some weight.

One week passed and I kept my appointment. Dr. Thacker greeted me with her friendly demeanor, and welcomed me back to her office. She checked my weight and proceeded to check my blood pressure. Dr. Thacker compared my stats against my last visit, which I would later find were not all good.

I could sense her relief by the smile that she candidly displayed. Dr. Thacker said to me that I had lost 19 lbs since my last visit. She reached over for the blood pressure instrument and said with assurance, Darrin I am sure you are going to be ok. I was anticipating hearing a positive result from my blood pressure test, but then Dr. Thacker said we need to retest you Darrin. The results from the first test were pretty high. She readjusted the reader on my wrist and we waited for the second result. To both of our surprise, my blood pressure had not gone down at all since my last visit. Could this mean Hypertension? Out of concern, Dr. Thacker ordered a complete blood count and prescribed medication for my high blood pressure.

I now take one tablet daily as a trial for the next 30 days. Dr. Thacker prearranged for me to have 3 refills of this medicine. I was thinking all along, why she would prescribe refills if this were just a trial. Sometimes I worry about my health, but most times I meditate on what I can continue to do to regain control. Nevertheless, I decided that I should continue healthy habits. If you are struggling with a health concern, you should first see a doctor; I am not speaking about Dr. Jesus. Then you need to do what you know can effect change concerning your health.

For Instance, I read my bible or pray everyday. The scripture says that physical exercise is not the chief thing, but rather spiritual. 1Timothy 4:7-9.

Furthermore, my health routine involves eating correctly and exercising. My meal includes large amounts of fruit and veggies. By eating the fruit or vegetables first, I hope to have very little room for unhealthy foods.

I refuse to eat any meal after 6:00 PM. I realize that I can load up a salad to make it feel like a steak. I shop at organic foods stores to buy the best foods available for my body. Even though these foods are expensive that’s the price for healthy living : ( I purchase nondairy milk substitutes such as Almond Breeze. I enjoy the vanilla, chocolate, and the regular flavors.

I jog on a regular basis at different times every other day. I try to keep my body confused so that the same tasks don’t become mundane. Of all the exercises I do, I enjoy running the most. Every other day I jog 3 miles. When I am not running I usually lift weights and do sit-ups. When I feel good I run and lift weights.

Another tip I can offer is from Steve Harvey. I heard Steve say that one should eat for what they are about to do, not what they have done. For instance, if you are about to do a task, based on the task one should consider how much energy is needed. Once this is determined use food for fuel not for pleasure.

God knows I love popcorn. But the truth is, when I go to a cinema I really don’t need food for this task; after all I am mainly sitting. I tend to want food because I see it, not because I need it.

I like this simple tip, because it makes sense. You need gasoline in your car for the distance you are about to travel; we never fill our car after a trip usually we place gas in our vehicles before we travel. By overeating we tend to not burn the fuel/food in our bodies and of course it becomes fat.

I would love to have an exercise partner to join me, but I only have my Ipod. I like my Ipod because it only does what it is designed to do; strict instructions to only play my favorite music…LOL.

It’s good that I exercise alone because I can pray and meditate. I can also be my miserable self physically. Being alone keeps pressure off of me from having to impress anyone. Working out alone I can freely be weak and get strong.

I hope this helps you enough to know that health care is not a government policy issue alone. Each of us is required to take care of our lives.

Carter with a ‘K’