Most of us Christians go to work every day. We are teachers, ambulance drivers, farmers, self-employed or maybe work for a huge corporation.

Most of us also attend church and try to grow in our understanding of God and his ways.

But many of us live in two separate worlds.

Faith is personal – it doesn't really "fit" when we are programming a computer or clearing a clogged drain. I learned the importance of bringing my faith to work the hard way.

But God took the initiative, graciously granted me grace and brought me to salvation. This must have been what John Wesley meant when spoke of being "strangely warmed." It seems there was a point for him (and now for me) when a special transaction took place. I sensed an inner joy that went beyond just being happy. I felt whole.

I began to view my problems at work through the lens of biblical truth, and my two worlds converged. My faith grew as I applied it to my daily challenges at work. And the workplace flourished as God's principles became imbedded in the company's policies and practices.

Thirty years later, my colleagues and I oversee a much larger and more prosperous company. For most of our more than 500 employees, the emphasis on faith is a welcome distinctive. It translates into a workplace where each person is profoundly respected, where integrity and excellence are not just company goals, but deeply held values. We love Mondays.

– John Beckett is president of R. W. Beckett Corp., Elyria, Ohio, the world's largest manufacturer of residential oil burners; co-founder of Advent Industries, which offers job training for the hard to employ; and author of Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul [InterVarsity Press, (630) 734-4000].

Body-Mind-Spirit

Put Feet to Your Faith

When the alarm rings at 4:55 a.m., I put on my walking shoes and head out the door. I pray for my community while I walk for an hour.

It started three years ago. I was overweight, exhausted, achy and depressed. I was also spiritually needy; I knew I needed to pray more.

I decided that I'd get up earlier in the morning and pray while I walked. This simple physical and spiritual exercise has changed my life.

The physical symptoms, along with the depression, lifted within a few weeks. I now have a sense that you can, as the apostle Paul wrote, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). To prayer walk:

• Get your doctor's approval before you start any exercise program.

• Set aside specific times – at least a half hour three times a week – to see physical benefits.

• Enlist a partner for accountability, safety and to agree with in prayer.

• Invest in a good pair of walking shoes.

• As you walk throughout your community, pray for: your neighbors by name; local business people; church leaders; teachers, students and school administrators; city workers, including police officers and fire fighters; hospital workers and patients.

• Be aware of larger problems in your community – gangs, drugs, hate crimes – and pray against those influences.

• Stretch when you finish walking.

As you walk, allow your Personal Trainer's beautiful creation to inspire your prayers and your praise and strengthen your body.

– Janet Holm McHenry, Loyalton, Calif., is the author of PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline [WaterBrook Press (800) 603-7051]. She teaches high school English and leads a prayer-walk ministry in her community.

Relationships

Find a Spiritual Mentor

Just as a professional mentor can enhance your career, so to can a spiritual mentor be invaluable in your faith development. But how do you find a spiritual mentor? Use some of the same criteria that you would when looking for a professional mentor.

• TRUST. Do I trust this person? Am I comfortable sharing my deepest faith concerns, fears, and questions with this person?

• SPIRITUAL MATURITY. Is this person spiritually grounded – not given to extreme faith highs and lows? Do I sense that he has a spiritual center and exhibits a sense of calm and confidence about his faith? Can this person guide me in how he found that center?

• RESPECT. Do I genuinely respect this person? Does his lifestyle match what he professes? Can she advise and counsel me without being judgmental?

• RELATIONSHIP. Is my mentor willing to share this journey with me? Will she see this as a give- and-take relationship, where we each offer and receive? Am I able to establish clear relationship boundaries, (mentor-student) with this person?

• TEACHING AND LISTENING SKILLS. Is this person a good teacher who can provide feedback and encouragement? Will she be willing to share her own faith struggles and doubts?

• PATIENCE. Will he be patient with my pace of spiritual development and allow me to come to my own faith understandings in my own time?

A spiritual mentoring relationship can provide opportunities for faith learning, faith sharing, spiritual growth and nurturing. So choose wisely.

Family

A Letter to My Daughter As She Prepares for College

Dear Megan:

That first college-acceptance letter just arrived, and we are excited. What does a mom say to her daughter who is about to leave for college?

Remember your faith. Let God guide you. Know the power of prayer, and thank God for the blessings and the challenges in your life. Find a faith community that believes as you do, embraces you and challenges you to reach out to others. Read and study your Bible daily, and join a Bible study on campus.

Choose your friends wisely. Find people who share your values and who will stand by you no matter what. Nurture relationships with those whose gifts and graces complement yours. Don't expect all your high school friendships to continue. Some old friendships will last a lifetime, but some of them will fade as each of you seeks your way in life. You may find that many of your new college friendships will be the ones that last throughout your life.

Seek mentors, and be a mentor. Learn from others, and set a positive example for those who look to you for counsel. Pray for discernment as you seek advisors and advisees.

Expect temptation, but know that faith and discipline will sustain you. You are a beautiful, healthy young woman, created in God's image. Don't give in to things that offer temporary pleasure. Take care of your spirit, mind and body. God has important plans for your life and, believe it or not, meeting your future mate on campus may not be one of them!

Save and spend your money wisely. Don't fall for those credit card offers that will flood your mailbox.

Study hard, and take advantage of opportunities to branch out. Focus on your college major, but learn something new and unexpected – dance, drama, music or sports. You may discover an untapped interest or ability.

Act lovingly toward others, and always remember you are loved. You are a child of God. Like your parents and everyone else, you will make mistakes. But no matter what, your Dad and I – like God – always will love you unconditionally. Nothing you do will cause us not to love you. You can call upon us anytime.

Believe in God, and believe in yourself. With God at your helm, you can do it. Spread your wings. Go into the world, confident that the love of God, your family and your friends will support you.

Love,