Welcome to a new blog site related to These Days devotional magazine. It is our hope that the site will maintain the enthusiasm that exists for this important resource for spiritual formation. The site includes articles, inspiring stories from Christians committed to living by faith, occasional meditations, and news and notes of interest to These Days readers.
Individuals interested in contributing articles to the blog site or writing for These Days devotional magazine should contact Vince Patton at vpatton@presbypub.com.
While listening to the radio on this slightly rainy morning, I was reminded that it was Friday, July 13, a supposedly unlucky day. Ironically, as I write this opening reflection, I am feeling especially lucky on this day. On Wednesday of this week my wife returned home from the hospital after having exploratory surgery last Friday. Our prayers and those of our pastors, friends, and families have been answered. Skilled nurses have cared for her, dedicated doctors have prescribed medicine for her to take, and after two days she appears to be on the way to a full recovery. On the evening of my wife's return home, our parents met each other for the very first time and appeared to enjoy taking time getting to know each other before my parents headed back for Cincinnati, Ohio, and my wife's parents settled into our house to help her in the early days of her recovery.
A section of Psalm 30, one of the recommended passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, reminds me of the thanks I want to express for my wife's much improved health. It is one of many passages in the Bible that help us understand God's ability to heal and deliver us from harm's way. More significantly, the psalm reminds us of God's providence and presence in our lives. The psalm has relevance for communities as well as for individuals who seek to experience life in relation to the God who is with us These Days and all the days to come.
God, let us remember that you are always with us. Give us the courage to share this part of our faith with others who doubt your presence. Amen.
by Vince Patton, editor of These Days
WHY SUBSCRIBE TO THESE DAYS
For more than thirty-five years, These Days devotional magazine has been the concrete expression of the love of Jesus Christ for Christians throughout the world. The magazine features devotions, Scripture passages, prayers, and practical action steps for each day of the year--all at incredibly low subscription prices.
These Days continues to make significant contributions to the larger church. In 2006 and 2007 These Days donated copies of the magazine to volunteer work groups from churches involved in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and hospital chaplains of New Orleans hospitals. In addition, These Days covered the costs of a mailing of free resources to more than 500 newly ordained ministers. A similar mailing is planned for the fall of this year.
News and Notes
Members of PC(USA) Committees on Ministry and Committees on Preparation for Ministry have written devotions for the month of July in the July/August/September 2007 issue. Individuals attending the "Rooted in Faith, Thriving in Ministry Conference," the national conference for Committees on Preparation for Ministry and Committees on Ministry will receive a free copy of the July/August/September 2007 issue. The event will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 26-29. Frances Taylor Gench, professor at Union-PSCE in Richmond, Virginia, author of Encounters with Jesus and Back to the Well and Eugene Petersen are two of the featured speakers at the event.
More about Jean Markham
Jean Markham wrote the devotions for July 14 and September 30 in the July/August/September 2007 issue. In addition, Jean wrote devotions for the July/August/September 2006 issue, which featured devotions from thirty-one Presbyterian Women. Jean is an elder of Grace Presbyterian Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. She is a member of the chancel and bell choirs and is the leader of the Presbyterian Women's Bible study group. She is the president of Johnson Auxiliary at The Med in Memphis, Tennessee. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Wings Cancer Foundation, sewing caps for cancer patients. She is the widow of Robert E. Markham, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister.
In Memoriam
Longtime These Days writer William Ramsay passed away in May. He was the author of The Westminster Guide to the Books of the Bible, The Layman's Guide to the New Testament(Westminster John Knox Press), and Church History 101 (Geneva Press). Bill taught many years at Bethel College and Memphis Theological Seminary. He is survived by his wife DeVere, another popular These Days writer.
About Our Cover Art
This delightful image of a smiling grandparent hugging their grandchild help us remember how important family relationships can be to nurturing us and preparing us for our journeys of faith. Our strong relationship with God and one another will help us put a new face on our faith for what lies ahead.
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Diet:
Drink more water. Aim for at least 64 oz per day.
Load up on fresh fruits and vegetables. They provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Choose whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa and whole wheat over refined grains.
Limit sweets and desserts. Satisfy cravings in moderation.
Reduce processed foods, fast food, packaged snacks, sugary beverages. These are high in calories, salt, sugar and bad fats.
Include lean proteins like poultry, fish, beans, nuts and eggs. They provide lasting energy.
Cook at home as much as possible so you control exactly what goes in your meals.
Take a quality daily supplement to help fill any nutritional gaps.
Exercise:
Aim for 30-60 minutes per day of moderate activity like brisk walking. Break it into smaller chunks if needed.
Challenge yourself with strength training 2-3 times per week. Use weights, resistance bands, or your own bodyweight.
If new to exercise, start slow. Even 10 minutes is great at first. Build up gradually to avoid burnout.
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Recruit a buddy. You will motivate each other to stay on track.
Drink water before, during and after physical activity. Stay hydrated.
Stress Management:
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Listen to music, create art, or immerse yourself in a hobby you enjoy. Express yourself.
Take relaxing baths with epsom salts, essential oils or aromatherapy.
Get massages and other therapeutic bodywork.
Talk to supportive friends and unload anything you’re holding inside.
Sleep:
Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
Avoid screen time and digital devices before bed. The blue light stimulates your brain.
Make sure your bedroom is completely dark, quiet, and cool. Block out light and noise.
Do relaxing activities before bed like reading, gentle yoga or taking a bath.
Limit caffeine, especially late in the day.
Write your worries and to-do's in a journal so they don't keep you up. Get them out of your head.
Go to bed when you're truly tired. Tossing and turning for hours prevents restful sleep.
Sustaining Progress:
Focus on how much better you feel as motivation to keep it up. Notice your improved energy, mood and health.
Mix up your routine so you don't get bored. Take a dance class, hike a new trail, try different healthy recipes. Variety keeps it interesting.
Deal promptly with slip ups so they don't spiral into giving up completely. Just resume your healthy routine the next day.
Track your progress with a journal, app, or fitness tracker. Seeing progress keeps you motivated.
Take before and after photos. The visual proof helps you continue.
Reward yourself periodically with a massage, pedicure or fun non-food treat to celebrate success.
Keep reminding yourself it's a lifelong journey, not a short term diet. Stay in it for the long haul.
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