In 2023, God gave me the idea to start hosting 21-day challenges as a way to help individuals establish a firm foundation for achieving balance, or alignment, in the areas of their spirit, soul and body. This “roadmap” is designed to help you (1) identify your goals in each of those areas, (2) develop a strategy with Holy Spirit and (3) be able to implement that strategy using the S.M.A.R.T. method.

I’ve heard, several times, that you can often find your purpose in the thing that brings you pain or that frustrates you.

My Why:

Spirit

Over the years, I’ve encountered many people who rely solely on a pastor or church service for their spiritual growth. While teaching and community are important, this pattern deeply grieved me—because God desires a personal relationship with each of us. As I developed my own walk with the Lord, I came to understand how vital it is to know Scripture for myself and to personally experience God’s love, purpose, and direction for my life—things no one else can fully teach on my behalf.

While I will never claim to know it all (Philippians 3:9–14), I am committed to continual growth and pursuit of Christ. Like the Apostle Paul declared, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee…” (Acts 3:6). God calls each of us to learn of Him, grow in Him, and walk in the identity He designed from the beginning (Genesis 1:26–27). May we steward well what has been entrusted to us—our faith, our relationship with God, and our spiritual growth (Matthew 25:1–30).

Philippians 3:9-14 (AMP)

⁹ and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; ^11 [a]so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on ^[b]so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. ^13 [c]Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Soul

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor because it was the clearest picture I had of helping others. Although that path changed over time—leading me through Psychology and ultimately Social Work (MSW)—I eventually realized something deeper: the calling to help had never left. It simply expressed itself in different ways. I’ve always been driven to get to the root of things, often asking, “Why?” That curiosity eventually turned inward, as I began to examine my own life and recognize that things weren’t as “perfect” as I once believed. That was the beginning of deeper soul work.

Our soul encompasses our mind, will, emotions, intellect, and imagination—areas profoundly shaped by experiences, influences, and beliefs. I explore this more deeply in my book, Wellness Reimagined: A Beginner’s Guide to Stewarding Our Spirit, Soul and Body, but the heart of it is this: many influences shape who we become, and we must evaluate how they are affecting our lives on a daily basis.

Are these influences drawing us closer to all God has for us—or holding us back? Are we allowing God to cleanse what is not of Him so we can walk in the freedom Christ died for us to have?

God desires wholeness for us, and part of that process is sanctification—being continually refined as we submit our will to His. This transformation does not happen automatically. It requires partnership, surrender, and intentional reflection. When we yield our soul to God, He faithfully does the work of restoration and renewal.

Galatians 5:1

It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].

Ephesians 5:26-27

²⁶ so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God], ²⁷ so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless.

Body

In 2007, my life changed for the better when I attended a wellness program at my former church. Over the course of 90 days, we learned how certain foods impact the body and were introduced to healthier alternatives to foods that can contribute to disease. The experience was eye-opening—especially for someone like me who enjoyed meats, sweets, and other less nutritious options.

Although I wasn’t facing any major health issues at the time, what I learned stirred a desire to steward well the body God had given me. From there, the Holy Spirit began to deepen my understanding—not only about physical health, but also about compassion for those struggling with common health challenges.

This perspective is not meant to minimize anyone’s illness or experience. Rather, it acknowledges an important truth: we are accountable for the choices we make regarding what we put into our bodies—or choose not to. When nutrition and education are lacking, preventable or manageable health issues can more easily develop and persist.

As my awareness grew, so did my compassion. I began to recognize that many people are not unwilling to change—they simply lack the knowledge and support needed to apply healthier practices. When understanding increases, empowerment follows, and stewardship of the body becomes an act of wisdom, care, and obedience.

3 John 2 (AMP)

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].