What is a "Lifestyle" Anyway?

A lifestyle is of course, THE WAY YOU LIVE! That includes material surroundings, attitudes, behaviors, or whatever might characterize an individual or group by their given way of life. It’s as simple as that. The question is whether the lifestyle you find yourself in is satisfying to you or not. Many of us would like to see significant changes in this area and don’t have a clue how to make that happen.

That is the reason this lifestyle community is built, so that we can encourage one another in effecting the kinds of changes we need to create the lifestyle that enables us to be our happiest best. Since we are all unique and each circumstance is also unique, that means something different for everyone. So I will be writing in upcoming blogs about tips and tricks that have been empowering for me and also soliciting ideas from readers and those who join the community.

I am a follower of Jesus and I like to call Him Yeshua because He is Jewish and that is the name He used when He was here in person on Earth. You don’t have to be one of His followers to enjoy the site or any of the tips and tricks, but you will find me using lots of Bible quotes and examples from my journey with Him which began in 1978. At that time, I was definitely not content with my own lifestyle and I know that without that connection I would not be who I am today.

We often hear that wholeness is a mind, body and spirit affair, and I will be quick to acknowledge the truth in that perspective. Unless every part is well connected and in touch with the other, things just aren’t going to work properly. For example, I met a woman who was completely severed in her mind and body from her emotions. On the outside, she seemed happy go lucky and loads of fun to be around but the inside was a different story. She revealed to me one day that in her youth, no one in their home could be caught at the dinner table without a smile. Noisemakers were kept beside each plate. If anyone caught someone not smiling, the noisemakers would be put into action.

I do believe that smiles are important and that they spread joy, but when the outside is disconnected from what is going on inside, there is bound to be trouble and it did indeed find her. At one point she confessed family problems showing up and it didn’t stop there. She developed breast cancer. While proper medical care should never be neglected, I am aware of many people who have been healed from terrible diseases like that simply by getting to the root of the emotional issues that were buried in forgotten times.

My walk with Yeshua continues to be about dealing with those kinds of issues and more; about getting in touch with the truth.

John 4:24 – God is Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.

John 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth: for He will not speak of Himself, but whatever he hears, that He will speak: and He will show you things to come.

Those two Scriptures say so much to me, that God is the Spirit of truth and that I need to be in connection with Him to know the truth. He extends an open invitation to connect with Him through His Holy Spirit:

Revelations 3:20 -- Behold I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him and sup with him, and he with me.

I have also heard this called the inward, upward and outward journey meaning go inside, let your heart speak to you from within about looking upward to God and so go outward in love toward others, but like a true gentleman, He won't come in unless you open the door of your heart and ask.

The idea of connecting with God can be scary for a lot of people, so I want you to know that there are many wonderful things that can help you to unpack your emotions as you journey toward wholeness in mind, body and spirit. One of my favorites and something you will find me writing about a great deal is essential oil. That incredible fragrance that fills the air when you walk past those amazing spring blossoms is the essential oil of that particular plant. The reason essential oils can be a big help in getting in touch with your inner you is that the sense of smell actually has a rather direct connection to those parts of the brain that have to do with memory and emotion. Just like the smell of baking bread, cookies, or maybe pizza, can trigger a smile or perhaps a fresh out of the oven loaf when you were at home can take you back to your childhood, the essential oils of many plants can help tap into those tucked away things that may have been keeping you from being your best you.

I wasn’t aware of the frequent mentions of essential oils in the Scriptures until over 30 years after the experience that led into my relationship with Yeshua. Then a wonderful Chinese friend brought it to my attention. Funny how we can miss so much! Kings from the Orient brought Yeshua gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) Solomon also had lots to say about them.

I Kings 4:33 – He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. . .

From then on, essential oils have played an important role in building the lifestyle that is so important to me.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hope that you will join me in search of your own special Divine Design..