Most people in their lives have caught at least one episode of “Star Trek”. Just in case you haven’t, there is one line that Dr. Spock is famous for saying, and that’s “Live long and prosper”.

It’s funny that he would utter those words. Centuries before he made that line famous, there was written inside of a tiny little book, words of the same wisdom:

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. – 3 John 1:2

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. – Psalm 91:16

Here lies the difference in these two verses. The “Elder” John wishes that we would be in good health and that our souls will prosper. But in Psalm, our God promises that those who acknowledge Him will have long life (prosperous health).

There’s a lot to be said about living well…but what does it mean to “live well”, to “prosper and be in good health”, and to have “long life”? As a patient who is constantly barraged with bouts of illness, pain, and worry, this can seem out of reach for many. If you are a care giver, I bet you may feel that it’s a never ending battle and that “living well” is far beyond your reach.

Living well is not only a state of mind, but a state of spiritual health, a state of environment, a state of support, and a state of culture. That’s right, living well is just not a physical thing. Have you ever tried and tried to lose weight, eat healthy, or maybe exercise and take your meds like you are supposed to – but for what ever reason, it’s just not “clicking”?  Well, let’s quickly explore these few “states” shall we? Read the rest of this entry →