Choosing Health Over Wealth: A Hard Lesson Learned

There was a season in my life when I thought success meant pushing through, no matter the cost. I skipped meals, sacrificed sleep, and wore stress like a badge of honor. I thought I was being responsible, even admirable—working long hours to provide and “get ahead.” But in reality, I was slowly running myself into the ground.

The truth hit me hard when my body started showing signs of exhaustion. Headaches became constant, my energy dipped, and my mood was a shadow of who I used to be. I didn’t feel like myself anymore. And all for what? Sure, perimenopause isn't helping but most of my ailments were the result of my paid work. A few more dollars in the bank, a sense of achievement that faded as soon as the next demand appeared?

That’s when I realized something had to change. Wealth, while useful, is fleeting. Health—both mental and physical—is priceless. When we burn ourselves out chasing money, we often end up spending that very money trying to recover our health. I didn’t want that to be my story.

My blog post When Job Stress Becomes Too Heavy to Carry was just the tip of an iceberg that I didn't know what coming.  Minutes before I was to start my vacation time for my son's wedding, one of my coworkers punted a ticket to me for resolution.  I did what I could to investigate before I logged off but I couldn't resolve the issue.  Of course, the next day and the day after that I proceeded to log into work resources breaking the vow I made to myself of not working during vacation.  After the wedding and on my final day of vacation, I logged in and found NOTHING had been done except for what I did when I logged in during vacation.

I resumed work the next day absolutely LIVID.  I grew up listening to classic country music with my late father and the song "Take This Job and Shove It" by Johnny Paycheck was going through my head.  Despite the temptation, no, I did not quit my job.  I shared my concern with our department director who attended a meeting we had to follow-up on the ticket.  He agreed the team could/should have done better but also indicated that I set a high standard for myself, a standard that others do not share.

I followed the advice that I wrote about in Take a Break, Take a Pause - Take Care of Your Mental Health and I took a sick day.  Yes, I just got back from vacation but my work experience robbed me of the ability to relax and enjoy that time. Rather, after three vacation days and a weekend, I found myself feeling angry and depleted.

So, I will begin making small but powerful choices: saying no to extra work when I needed rest, choosing a walk outside instead of scrolling through emails late at night, and giving myself permission to prioritize peace. It won't be easy. I know I'll feel guilty, over time, I hope to find a richness that money can’t buy: clarity of mind, energy in my body, and joy in the present moment.

I still value hard work, but I refuse to let it cost me my well-being. Because at the end of the day, no paycheck can replace peace of mind, no material possession can heal a weary heart, and no job title can bring true fulfillment.

Choosing health over wealth doesn’t mean giving up—it means choosing life, in its fullest, healthiest sense. And that’s the kind of richness I want to hold on to.

Resources:

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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Self-Sabotage: Nothing Changes If You Don’t Change

I began reading "The Mountain is You" a few days ago. The heart of the book is related to self-sabotage.  I didn't think too much of it until recently. 

Hindsight is always 20/20 so it wasn't until reflecting back on recent events that I could see writing on the wall.

There was a woman who I referred to as a "bossy bitch" numerous times.  Yes, that is embarrassing to admit as someone who blogs about scripture and encourages others to be kind.  As I read the book further and reflected on recent events, I realized that I am a "bossy bitch" and perhaps that is why my coworkers did not help cover for me during recent time off.  Instead, I found myself needing to work during vacation to take care of things to avoid a larger mess to clean up when I return from my time off.  I sabotaged my own time off!

My husband has been on a weight loss journey since the beginning of the year.  I don't recall the exact number of pounds he's lost but it has been significant.  He looks great and, more importantly, he feels better.  Jon likes to be active by walking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, shooting, etc. and his weight loss makes these activities easier.  A few times that we were together, people rightfully commented about how great he looks.  I felt like they were looking at me wondering when I might do something about my weight problem. Seeing pictures of myself from these events was an awakening. 

"John 8:32 ESV:  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I was the chubby child and the obese freshman in high school. I did manage to lose a significant amount of weight by walking and riding my bike as well as cutting portions along with binging and purging. My weight has been a yo-yo for most of my life. I'm the heaviest I've been since my freshman year of high school and when I was pregnant with my son Jon.  Of course, perimenopause hasn't been kind - "meno belly" isn't flattering.

Stress eating and poor food choices are self-sabotaging habits.  One of the Steadfast coaches began posting nutrition related videos on her personal Instagram and the timing couldn't be better.  I am using this information to improve my food choices and I'm trying to move more.  After my October powerlifting meet, I plan to re-evaluate my fitness goals.

I've only scratched the surface of this book but it's already inspired me to pause, reflect, and change.

Resources:

Quoted Scripture from "What Does the Bible Say About Self-Sabotage?"

"The Mountain is You" available at Amazon

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When Job Stress Becomes Too Heavy to Carry

There’s a certain weight that comes with job-related stress. It’s not just about long hours or deadlines. It’s the mental load you carry home with you — the worry that you didn’t do enough, the conversations that replay in your head at night, the projects that loom over you even when you’re trying to enjoy dinner with your family.

Before time off, the pressure often feels like it’s at its highest. The work piles up because you want to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. You push harder, stretch yourself thinner, and convince yourself you can carry it just a little longer. But eventually, it starts to spill over into your spirit.

I’ve felt that sharp edge of exhaustion — where your patience runs short, where even good things feel like a burden, and where joy seems harder to reach. It’s a reminder that we weren’t made to run endlessly without pause.

Scripture tells us this clearly. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Those words are both invitation and promise. We weren’t designed to carry the stress of our work alone. Rest isn’t a reward for finishing everything on our to-do list — it’s a gift from God, meant to restore us in body, mind, and spirit.

I've been trying to get my "ducks in a row" before I time off for my son's wedding.  Many times, I've had time off interrupted by work because of priority one incidents, phone calls from my boss, or other people not stepping up.  A major upgrade was scheduled right in the midst of my time off despite my clearly communicating that I'll be out of the office and WHY.  It feels like a slap in the face. While I'm uncomfortable with the circumstances, I have communicated with numerous parties regarding this upgrade.  Perhaps this is a good opportunity for others to step up and/or for management to see that others don't step up.  

As I step into this time off, I’m realizing that the world won’t fall apart if I pause. The work will still be there when I return. But if I don’t choose to rest, I risk showing up to life half-empty, drained, and disconnected from the very people and purposes God has entrusted me with.

Maybe you feel that same pressure building before your own time away. If so, let this be a reminder: it’s okay to lay it down. You are not defined by what you produce. You are held by the One who invites you into His rest.

Resources:

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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Food for the Body Is Not Enough: There Must Be Food for the Soul

We live in a world where food is everywhere—menus, recipes, health tips, grocery stores on every corner. Our bodies are constantly telling us when they’re hungry, and we listen because if we don’t eat, we grow weak. But how often do we pause to notice the hunger of our souls?

Jesus made it clear that the body alone is not enough to sustain us. In Matthew 4:4, He says:

“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Just as the body craves nourishment, so does the soul. When we neglect our spiritual hunger, we may feel restless, anxious, or unfulfilled—even if everything else in life looks “fine.” True peace and lasting strength come not from the food on our table but from the Bread of Life, Christ Himself.

In John 6:35, Jesus declared:

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

This beautiful truth reminds us that while breakfast, lunch, and dinner can fill our stomachs, only God’s Word and presence can fill our souls. Prayer, scripture, worship, and fellowship with other believers act like spiritual meals that give us strength to keep going.

Think of it this way: imagine feeding your body three meals a day but feeding your soul only once a week. Would you expect to thrive? Just as skipping meals leaves us drained physically, neglecting God’s Word leaves us weak spiritually.

So today, let’s ask ourselves: Am I feeding my soul as much as I feed my body?

Practical ways to nourish your soul daily:

• Start your day with a scripture verse before reaching for your phone.

• Whisper a short prayer while you eat, inviting God into your mealtimes.

• Listen to worship music or an encouraging podcast as you cook or clean.

• Spend a few quiet moments in God’s presence, simply resting in His love.

Food for the body keeps us alive. Food for the soul—God’s Word—gives us life abundant.

As Psalm 119:103 reminds us:

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Let’s not settle for bread alone. Let’s feast daily on the goodness of God.

Resources:

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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When You’re Tired, Bored, and Longing for a Spark

We all go through seasons where life feels… flat. The routines that once gave us comfort now feel heavy. My routine is work, lift, write,
walk, sleep, and repeat.  Even my food is boring - protein waffles, salad, beef or chicken, yogurt, and repeat.  It can blend into a dull rhythm that leaves us drained and searching for something more.

If you’re in that place of weariness, know this: you’re not alone. Even the strongest people in Scripture had moments of exhaustion and discouragement. Elijah, after a great victory against the prophets of Baal, collapsed in despair and prayed, “I have had enough, Lord” (1 Kings 19:4).

What did God do? He didn’t scold Elijah for being tired. Instead, He gave him food, rest, and His presence. Then He reignited Elijah’s purpose.

Sometimes, the spark we’re searching for isn’t found in chasing something new, but in reconnecting with the One who renews our spirit. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

If you’re bored or weary, it may be God’s gentle nudge to pause and lean into Him. Ask Him to refresh your heart, open your eyes to new opportunities, and rekindle your joy.

The spark you’re searching for isn’t out there somewhere—it’s found in His presence.

Resources:

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Psalm 27:4: Focusing on What Matters Most

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple." — Psalm 27:4

Life can get so busy, can’t it? Between responsibilities, appointments, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. Psalm 27:4 is like a gentle pause button for the soul. It reminds us that, at the heart of everything, there is just one thing that truly satisfies—being close to God.

David’s words here are simple yet powerful. He doesn’t ask for riches, fame, or even victory over enemies. His deepest desire is to be in God’s presence, to sit with Him, to marvel at His beauty, and to learn from Him. That kind of focus feels refreshing in a world full of distractions.

When we make time to “dwell in the house of the Lord,” whether through prayer, worship, or quiet reflection, we realign our hearts. We begin to see life through a clearer lens. Problems don’t disappear, but God’s presence gives us peace and strength to face them.

Maybe today you can take a few minutes to pause—breathe deeply, open your Bible, whisper a prayer, or simply sit in silence before God. Like David, let your heart say: “This one thing I seek.”

Because in the end, everything else fades, but His presence remains.

What’s the “one thing” your heart longs for today?

Resources:

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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The Rest Between Breaths: Finding God’s Peace in Stillness

 This blog post was inspired by this quote from the daily email I receive from grateful.org.

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.  - Etty Hillesum"

We often rush through life, moving from one responsibility to the next, barely noticing the quiet spaces in between. Yet even in our very breathing, God has given us a reminder of His rest. Think about it: every inhale fills us, every exhale releases, and between the two lies a moment of stillness. That pause is often overlooked, but it holds profound meaning.

In Scripture, rest is not just a suggestion—it is a rhythm woven into creation itself. After six days of forming the heavens, the earth, and everything within it, God rested:

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” — Genesis 2:2 (NIV)

The pause between breaths reflects this sacred rhythm. It’s not inactivity—it’s a divine space, a moment of being instead of doing. The psalmist captures this truth beautifully:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

That pause, like the Sabbath, invites us to remember who we are in God’s presence—not defined by our effort, but by His love.

When life feels heavy, when worries cloud the mind, try noticing the rest between breaths. Inhale God’s grace. Exhale your burdens. Rest in the stillness. This simple rhythm can become a prayer, a Sabbath moment hidden within the ordinary.

Jesus Himself extends this invitation:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Every breath you take is an opportunity to experience the rest only He provides—not just once a week, but in the very flow of life itself.

So today, pause. Notice the silence between two deep breaths. In that holy space, God is there, whispering peace.

Resources:

grateful.org - Quoted text

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