Bones...

There are some who think I'm anti-structure. This bemuses me. For me, structure is akin to strong, healthy bones.   As I enter the second half of life, "strong, healthy bones" takes on new meaning with the diagnosis of osteopenia. For all my exercise, my bones are not as solid as they used to be. Apparently, I have not been lifting enough weights (something only boys did when I was growing up!).

Stress and renewal, my doctor and coach tell me. Lift those weights! And so now, I lift weights in addition to my stretching and cardio. The diagnosis has got me thinking about what makes for healthy bones and healthy structures. Below is my working list on how to build and maintain strong and healthy bones:

1. Be physically active. No other facet of your life has greater impact on the health of your bones. Your body is designed to adapt all of your organs - your bones included - to your specific needs. If you are physically active, your body will work to make your bones as strong and flexible as possible with its resources. In our faith lives, the parallel is to be committed to the inward and outward journey in Christ.

2. Stretch your largest muscle groups daily. A regular stretching program can help ensure that your muscles, tendons, and ligaments stay at healthy lengths. The parallel: Getting input from multiple sectors; not just seeking "like-minded" people.

3. Eat mineral-rich foods. Our bodies need much more than calcium supplements to build and maintain healthy bones. When you consider that your bones are comprised of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, silica, and many other trace minerals, it should be clear that eating mineral-rich foods is far superior. In our faith journey, the involves incorporating different forms of practice from prayer to study to service.

4. Ensure adequate vitamin D status. Adequate amounts of vitamin D must be present in your body for calcium in your foods to be optimally absorbed and used (sunlight and foods). The only way that I know to ensure adequate time with God is to go daily into the Word and to spend time apart with God in prayer!

5. Eat high quality fats and cholesterol. Consumption of high quality fats optimizes the absorption of vitamins A and D into your bloodstream. Vitamin A is needed to keep your intestinal lining healthy and readily able to absorb minerals in the foods that you eat. For these reasons, it's virtually impossible to have optimally healthy bones and teeth without including healthy fats in your diet. In my faith life, I translate this as God's invitation to celebrate, to delight myself in the One who grants me the desires of my heart.

6. Learn how to effectively manage emotional stress. Chronic emotional stress can elevate the level of cortisol in your blood. Cortisol is useful for combating stress, but if it remains elevated in your system over the long term, it can cause the matrix of your bones to weaken. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's warning in Galatians 5 not to "bite or devour one another" (v. 15), but rather nurture the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (vv. 22-23).

7. Avoid regular consumption of foods that may cause your bones to lose calcium. Acid-forming foods are foods that bring the pH of your blood down. In Paul's words, avoid the acts of the sinful nature which include discord, selfish ambition, dissensions, and factions (vv. 19-21), and instead:

8. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. Collagen is a long, fibrous protein that is critical to providing your bones with tensile strength. In short, the more quality collagen that you have in your bones, the more physical stress that your bones can tolerate before breaking. How do we do this? In Jesus' words: Jesus tells us that we are to: "Love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:27-40). It is as simple and difficult as that.

One final word: My mom recently went through series of bone density tests because they thought her bones were too solid. This sounded good to her. Isn't this better than too brittle? She asked. It can lead to bone cancer, she was told. Hmm, not good at all!

Anti-structure? No. I'm into healthy bones. In fact, they are a top priority for me. But structure must be in service to our shared vision, relationships, and ministry, just as our bones are to support our bodies in the living of our lives.

Prayers for healthy bones!

Holy Habit: Nourishment for Your Bones

The author or Proverbs has something to say to us about our bones. This next week, take time to pray through Proverbs 3:1-8 and receive God's invitation for you.

My child, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments;

for length of days and years of life     

\and abundant welfare they will give you.

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck,     

write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute 

in the sight of God and of people.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own insight.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will bring health to your body and

nourishment to your bones.

Stated Presbytery Meeting:  

September 17, 2013

Working for a Just and Peaceful World:  

Rev. Dr. Graham Standish

Noted author and lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Graham Standish, is leading a workshop for teaching elders, ruling elders, and other church leaders.

• When: Saturday, October 12, 2013
• Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Avenue, Warren, Ohio 44483
• Cost: $10, including lunch 

To register, complete this form and return by mail or send the registration information requested in an email to

International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat: October 6, 2013  

Matthew 25:40"And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'"

Together, we can lift up our voices in prayer and support of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Join faith communities around the world for a dedicated time of prayer and reflection for those in need of shelter. We aim to engage one million people in prayer in the state of Michigan alone. Join us and others from around the world in this same effort.

Get involved. We would love for you to show your support by signing up as a participant at http://habitatmichigan.org/register-day-prayer

Visit the website to register, or scan the QR code below with a smart phone to receive more information.

The 2014 Mission Yearbooks are now available.