“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18                    

January is that time of year when we examine our lives and possibly make resolutions for the new year.  How is your wellness? Grace Place Wellness teaches the Lutheran Wellness Wheel (developed with LCMS partners like Concordia Plan and Lutheran Church Extension Fund).  Originally created for church workers the questions can also be asked by church members to answer the question, “How am I doing?” Let’s look at some of these questions now. 

Spiritual/ Baptismal Wellness: Do I, by my daily and weekly disciplines of scripture reading, prayer, and worship exhibit my receptivity to God’s gifts of grace? Finding comfort and security in my destiny as God’s child no matter what trials and challenges I may face?

Relational/ Emotional Wellness: Do my relationships in my family, my church, and my community reflect the Holy Spirit’s gift of unity that is intrinsic to the Body of Christ? Are the relationships characterized by harmony? 

Intellectual Wellness: Do I display a healthy curiosity about what I might learn from the wisdom of those whom God has brought into my life?

Vocational Wellness: Am I growing in my service of humility over God’s call for me to serve Him by serving others in my various vocations in life? 

Financial Wellness: Am I responding appropriately to opportunities that God gives me to show generosity just as He has been generous with me? 

Physical Wellness: Do my physical health choices regarding nutrition, exercise, and rest result in vitality for service to God, family, church, and community? 

More information can be found about the Lutheran Wellness Wheel at graceplacewellness.org

Heavenly Father, thank you for the wellness you bring in my life.  I pray that I will benefit from your promise of good health.  Your word says you will bring health and wellness to us, and you will heal us and will allow us to enjoy abundant peace and security.  Most of all, please make me whole and strong so I may live and fulfill my purpose on earth in excellent health.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Parish Nurse, 

Carolyn D. Pauling PhD RN