Increased Strength, Artificial Sweetners & Hiding vs Healing

1)

Increased strength increases love.

Here's how:

• Physically strong – I can help my wife with a house project; assist my neighbor with yard maintenance; carry groceries for the elderly, etc.

• Mentally strong – I can be fully present with others by removing mental distractions & slowing my mind.

• Emotionally strong – I can respond appropriately to a tough conversation by allowing my emotions to inform me, but not control me.

• Relationally strong – I can honor my spouse when she's not around by believing the best at all times.

• Spiritually strong – I can give others the real, authentic version of myself by reinforcing my identity in Christ each morning.

Stronger makes everything better.

Question: What area of health needs more strength?

2)

Studies show that artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Sweet'n Low, Equal, Nutrasweet) . . .

• contain aspartame (which the WHO claimed as "probably carcinogenic")

• are addictive

• are endocrine disrupters, meaning they negatively disrupt your hormones.

• lower testosterone levels when consistently consumed

• are 10x sweeter than natural sugar, causing the palette to change

The bottom line?

Some is fine, but draw the line.

(Remember Habit #2 is a tension to manage–eat clean but not extreme.)

3)

The more we hide, the less we heal.