For a little over three years I have been seeing Dr. Joel and Dr. Sam at Family First Chiropractic. I bumped in to their office staff while volunteering at a bird adoption event. The bird group I was with had a booth set up at a “green” event in town. I didn’t realize how that chance meeting would save my life.

I had been dealing with back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain for so many years that it was just “normal” to me. After all, I had diabetes, was inactive, severely overweight, on a bunch of medications to treat it all, and I had to transfer my kids in and out of their wheelchairs, or assist them walking in/out of the house, bathroom, etc multiple times a day. All this took it’s toll on me physically. I had neglected taking proper care of my body and it was falling apart. Enter Dr. Joel and Dr. Sam…

One of the things I love about Family First Chiropractic is it’s emphasis on dealing with the “whole” you and the priority they place on educating/training you. My initial X-rays were very eye-opening. I needed a lot of work. There were subluxations everywhere. The lines of communication between my brain and the central nervous system had too many roadblocks and that was causing dis-ease. We needed to clear the channel of communication through weekly adjustments (they were more frequent in the beginning) and changing of habits. I learned about better food choices, supplements, and the importance of exercise. Now don’t get me wrong, I knew much of this in my head before. But now I had people to walk this path with me. I had support. I had encouragement. And because of my adjustments, I felt good enough to start down that road to health.

Now I’d love to say that I’m down a ton of weight and only eat healthy food and I exercise every day for an hour but I’d be lying to you. I am still a work in progress. My eating habits are better than they were, but not perfect. And exercise is still my enemy, but I am walking more and being more intentional in being active. I haven’t stopped any meds yet, but I haven’t had to add any either, so I have no complaints there. And I do feel much better. But what does my going to a chiropractor have to do with the ministry of Crow’s Nest?

It dawned on me just the other day how similar the doctor’s adjustments were to my time spent with God. When I spend regular time with Him, he removes the subluxations (sins) in my life so that the lines of communication between us are opened up. Like with my bad habits, it’s a continual process, and its not always fun. I mean, who wouldn’t rather have cake than spinach? But as tough as the spiritual disciplines can be, they are necessary for my health. Dr. Joel has a saying he uses at the end of every visit, “Power On”. Spending time with God is how we access His Holy Spirit power. It’s what enables us to not only get through another day but to live life to the full. (John 10:10
New International Version (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.)

My life has changed by going to Family First and adopting some new habits. But this stuff, as important as it is to my physical health, is nothing compared to eternity. However, allowing the Great Physician to adjust the spiritual subluxations in my life and aligning my life with the Source of Power, brings about eternal change. If He will do that for me, He’ll do it for you. You have only to ask. So in light of that, Power On!