So, guys, remember how two days ago, I mentioned my 2014 resolution here and then slyly hinted about what February was going to look like? Well, in case you didn’t read the post or it was simply too long ago for you to recall, I’m going to share it with you today, what with it being February Eve and all. OK, here goes: for the entire month of February, I am going to (try my darnedest to) honor God by treating my body as His temple, and I will do so by observing seven healthy/mindful practices that I’ve outlined at the bottom of this post.

So, I know what you might be thinking right about now. “Chelsea, this sounds like your sneaky way of dieting and attempting to make it seem spiritual.” And I know that you’re thinking this because it’s the first thing that my dear friend, Danielle brought up as soon as I told her about it. But let me explain. I’m not going to lie and tell you that I have absolutely zero health/nutrition/fitness goals because, let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure everyone has at least one. What I will say is this: there are too many days that go by, where I don’t even consider what I am putting into my body and the way I’m treating it. And quite frankly, how can I expect myself to do great things for the Kingdom of God if I’m not at my best, mentally, physically or spiritually? So, instead of mindlessly filling my body with garbage, pounding back the caffeine, working myself beyond exhaustion, and all of those other wonderful (read, horrible) things I do to my body, I am going to spend the entire month of February being intentional about taking good care of myself. And the hope is that, by the end of February, these practices will become habits and I be able to will carry them over into the months and years to come. (I said, “the hope,” guys. No one’s perfect…)

And, yes, I do realize that Sunday is the Superbowl, AKA “Eat Chips and Seven-Layer Bean Dip Until I Explode” Day, so please keep me in your prayers…Anyway, I’m super excited to see what this month has in store. I’m also looking forward to getting to be creative with meal planning, and finding fun ways to exercise, as well as decompress. I will be sure to keep you posted!

1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Guidelines for Treating My Body as God’s Temple

1. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night (This one won’t be too hard for me. I love sleep.)

2. Take a daily multivitamin

3. Limit 1 cup of coffee per day

4. Eat real food (fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy), drink plenty of water, and no processed junk

5. Get moving at least 3 times a week (dance, run, walk, skip, jump…dealer’s choice)

6. Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy (This one might be the most difficult for me!)

7. Stress less (prayer, mindful meditation, relaxation exercises, be in the Word daily)