"Faith, Fitness, and Finances: Making Wise Choices for a Godly Life"

FAITH

Faith: Preparing the Path for Future Spouses As parents, one of our deepest desires is for our children to grow in faith, make wise decisions, and find a life partner who will walk alongside them in a Christ-centered marriage. Dr. Scott Thomas beautifully expressed this sentiment, sharing how he prays for his children’s future spouses.

Marriage is more than companionship—it’s a sacred covenant designed by God. The person our children choose to marry will shape their faith, family, and future. While we cannot make the decision for them, we can intercede on their behalf, asking God to prepare their hearts and their future spouse’s heart for a union grounded in Him.

Here are five characteristics to pray for in your children’s future spouses:

1️⃣ A Genuine Love for Jesus – A spouse who loves Christ first will love your child with sacrificial, grace-filled devotion (Matthew 22:37).

2️⃣ A Complementary Spirit – A godly spouse should complement strengths and weaknesses, bringing balance and encouragement (Genesis 2:18).

3️⃣ A Shared Mission to Serve the Lord – Marriage should have a united vision for glorifying God, whether in ministry or marketplace work (Amos 3:3).

4️⃣ A Commitment to Purity – Honoring God with their body, heart, and mind before and throughout marriage protects against compromise (Hebrews 13:4).

5️⃣ A Heart of Friendship – A marriage should be rooted in deep, joyful friendship, sustaining love through life’s seasons (Proverbs 17:17).

As parents, we must trust that God is already at work in our children’s lives. By praying with faith and expectation, we can entrust their future marriages into His capable hands.

FAMILY

Family: Building Relationships That Last

As we approach Valentine’s Day, love and relationships are at the center of many conversations. But beyond romantic love, this season reminds us of the importance of family relationships that stand the test of time.

This year, we’re celebrating with the grandkids—creating joyful moments and memories. These small traditions help build the relational foundation that allows us to speak into their lives as they grow.

💡 Key Thought: If we want to guide and influence our family in faith, we must first invest in relationships that earn the right to be heard later.

What are you doing this season to strengthen family bonds?

FITNESS

Fitness: Understanding Fructose and Its Impact on Your Health

We often hear that sugar is harmful, but not all sugars affect the body the same way. Fructose, a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits, honey, and vegetables, has become a topic of concern due to its excessive presence in processed foods.

🔹 How Fructose Affects the Body:

• Unlike glucose, fructose is primarily processed in the liver, where excessive intake can lead to fat accumulation and insulin resistance.

• Modern diets include high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a major contributor to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

🔹 Negative Health Effects of Excess Fructose:
🚨 Liver Fat Accumulation – Can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
🚨 Increased Uric Acid – Associated with hypertension and gout.
🚨 Leptin Resistance – Disrupts hunger signals, leading to overeating.
🚨 Inflammation & Gut Health Issues – Weakens immune responses and alters gut microbiome balance.
🚨 Elevated Triglycerides – Raises the risk of heart disease.

🔹 How to Reduce Fructose Intake:
✅ Avoid sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice.
✅ Choose whole fruits instead of processed snacks with added sugar.
✅ Read food labels for hidden fructose sources in packaged foods.
✅ Cook at home with fresh, unprocessed ingredients.
✅ Use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit in moderation.

💡 Key Takeaway: Fructose in moderation (from whole foods) is fine, but excessive intake—especially from processed foods—poses serious metabolic risks. Being mindful of sugar consumption is one of the best ways to prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

FINANCE

Finance: What Tariffs Mean for Your Wealth and Future

A hot topic in economics lately has been tariffs—but what do they mean for you, your finances, and long-term wealth-building strategies?

🔹 What Are Tariffs?
A tariff is a tax on imported or exported goods, designed to regulate trade and protect domestic industries. Businesses that import goods pay this tax to their government, which can impact consumer prices, corporate profits, and investment opportunities.

🔹 How Tariffs Impact You:

• Higher Costs for Consumers: Prices on imported goods often rise.

• Boosts Domestic Manufacturing: Encourages companies to produce goods locally.

• Investment Shifts: Certain industries may benefit while others struggle.

• Trade Retaliation Risks: Other nations may impose counter-tariffs, affecting exports.

🔹 Opportunities and Risks:
💰 Potential Benefits:

• Increased U.S. manufacturing investments could create economic opportunities.

• Certain industries may receive strategic tax benefits.

• Investing in inflation-resistant assets (real estate, commodities) could help protect wealth.

⚠️ Potential Risks:

• Higher prices reduce consumer spending.

• Businesses that depend on imports may suffer lower profits.

• Global trade tensions can make international investments riskier.

🔹 What Should You Do?

• Monitor policy changes—they directly affect business and investment opportunities.

• Consider investing in U.S.-based industries with strong tax incentives.

• Hedge global exposure by diversifying assets across different markets.

💡 Bottom Line: Tariffs can create financial challenges but also opportunities for those who plan strategically. Being informed and adjusting your investment approach accordingly can protect your wealth and help you navigate economic shifts wisely.

(Received this in an email)

Housekeeping

Faith, family, fitness, and finance all impact our well-being. From praying for future spouses to reducing sugar intake and navigating financial changes, this article offers wisdom on living with intentionality and balance.