Tag: Health and Wellness

Health and wellness impact leadership development.  Research continues to connect health as a major component to sustained progress in organizations. People are the most valuable resource of any organization. Scriptures validate the importance of health. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers, John 3:2 NKJV.  You can learn more via the National Library of Medicine.

Wellness Warriors Take the Lead Interview

Gardenia Bulluck Pic

Featuring Rev. Dr. Gardenia Bulluck

Episode Summary

In this episode, we welcome Rev. Dr. Bulluck to discuss the heart behind the series Wellness Warriors: Taking the Lead as a transformative believer of Servant Leadership. Rev. Dr. Gardenia shares how the series was created to honor a global community of believers from more than fifty countries who are seeking to grow stronger in faith while pursuing spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness.

Throughout the conversation, Gardenia (as she prefers to be called in this interview) explores what it means for believers to actively live what they confess by acknowledging God first, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, serving others, and practicing gratitude. She encourages listeners to begin with simple, practical steps such as prayer, obedience, and inviting God into everyday decisions as they continue growing in their faith walk.

The episode also highlights common challenges believers face, including the need to think beyond “self” while still recognizing the importance of personal healing. Gardenia reminds listeners that serving others can be part of that healing journey and that helping people brings joy that supports overall wellness.

Podcast Interview Script Edited Version

Host: Today, we’re joined by Rev. Dr. Gardenia Bulluck, a true believer in Servant Leadership that is focused on serving others.

Host: Thank you for being here and sharing with us.

Gardenia: I’m glad to be here. Please call me Gardenia.

Host: Sure. Thank you, Gardenia. First, what inspired the series Wellness Warriors: Taking the Lead?

Gardenia: This series honors my audience and subscribers around the world, representing more than fifty countries. Though we come from different backgrounds, we share something meaningful: we are believers striving each day to grow stronger in our walk. Our faith matters deeply to us. Through shared experiences with other believers, I’ve seen a common desire to be well spiritually, emotionally, and physically to help bring others to Christ. In this series, I highlight thirteen episodes from my blog posts that speak to wellness as a servant leader. Because of the challenges we face each day, we are warriors. We strive to take the lead—and the responsibility—for actively living what we confess.

Host: That’s such a powerful way to frame wellness—as spiritual, emotional, and physical. When you talk about believers taking the lead in actively living what they confess, what does that look like in everyday life?

Gardenia: To me, actively living what you confess in everyday life means acknowledging God first, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, serving others as you are led, and always giving thanks and showing gratitude to the Lord.

Host: That’s a beautiful foundation. For someone listening who wants to grow in that kind of daily obedience and gratitude, what is one practical step they can begin taking today?

Practical Steps for Engagement

Gardenia: Of course. I would encourage listeners to start by asking God for help right where they are. I also invite them to read our blog posts, because my goal is to offer practical steps that engage and encourage both new and seasoned believers. My hope is that every person will find in us a supportive community, no matter where they are in their faith walk. And most importantly, read the word, every day.. Find a translation that suits you, easy to understand. There are many different versions. Find one that will help you in walking this journey.

Host: That’s a helpful starting point. Why do you think beginning with something simple can make such a meaningful difference?

Gardenia: I think it begins with something that truly is simple. Just come! Christ says, “Come. I would say that is the first step. Start with a simple first step. Accept God into your life. Sometimes we think growth has to begin with something big, but often it starts with a simple prayer, a willing heart, and one act of obedience. When we make space for God in our everyday decisions, He begins to shape how we think, how we respond, and how we serve others.

Host: I love that reminder that growth can begin with something simple. As you think about the wellness journey, what are some common challenges believers face when trying to stay spiritually, emotionally, and physically well?

One Difficult Challenge

Gardenia: I’m truly grateful for that question. Recently, I wrote a blog post about some of the challenges believers face. That blog included strategies based on my own personal experiences. The post is titled Overcoming Common Challenges Faced by Servant Leaders. One of the most difficult challenges for believers is learning how to think beyond “self.” In many ways, that goes against what we have often been taught. It is true that we must heal ourselves, but that does not mean we stop helping others. In fact, part of healing ourselves involves serving others. There is a natural joy that comes from helping people, and that joy supports our spiritual, emotional, and even physical wellness.

Host: Thank you, Gardenia, for sharing such meaningful insight with us today. As we close, I want to remind our listeners to check out the upcoming episodes in the series Wellness Warriors: Taking the Lead. Each episode will continue exploring what it means to grow in faith, pursue wellness, and take the lead in living out what we confess.

Gardenia: Thank you for having me. I’m excited for listeners to continue the journey with us and to be encouraged through each upcoming episode.

Host: And to our listeners, thank you for joining us. Be sure to follow the series and stay connected for more conversations in Wellness Warriors: Taking the Lead.

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    The Heart for Life Fulfillment: Not Self-Actualization

    A luminous scale with trophies on the left side and a glowing heart on the right side

    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    What Motivates Fulfillment

    Dictates means something you must do. There are two physical “dictates” that I take seriously and seek to endeavor in my personal life: (1) I read every day. Why? Because in our lifetime, once, the laws on the books, made it illegal for a person like me to read. (2) I sit at the front of the room whenever space is available. Why? Because it was also illegal for a person like me to sit at the front of the room or go through the front doors. Psychologically, I am sure there is a therapist, somewhere, who would care to analyze my behavior as a direct response to my need under non-threatening conditions. Still, these are choices which gives a degree of personal fulfillment.

    Besides this, just as I am adamant about these dictates, I have my spiritual dictates. Summative, I cannot afford to lose out on opportunities of choice which leads to obedience as a fulfillment. This is beyond self-actualization.

    What is Self-Actualization?

    In this modern age, there is much “noise” about realizing yourself. It is a popular topic for various reasons. Self-actualization is the focus on self-awareness. It is described as an understanding of who you are, your values, and your true potential (Britannica).

    Truly, there can be positive reasons for these concepts. For example, a movement toward recognizing how each person is unique.

    As a retired Educational Specialist, I remember the excitement in studying psychology courses. It was the connection between my two worlds of business and education theories that drove us to ask more questions than answer. Notably, from that time, our influencers still include the work of Abraham Maslow’s Theory and Kurt Goldstein.

    Quoting from Britannica, Maslow presented a hierarchy of needs that describes how a person’s “lower,” more basic needs must be met before “higher” needs emerge. At the bottom of this hierarchy are physiological needs, such as food. The need for a person to feel safe and unthreatened comes next; once safety needs are met, according to Maslow, a person moves next to the need to feel love, affection, and belongingness. What Maslow called esteem needs follow: a person seeks self-respect and the respect of others. Once all of these levels of needs are met, a person can pursue, and will be motivated to achieve, self-actualization. (Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.) Furthermore, according to Maslow, rarely does a person arrive at the self-actualization level.

    The Marketing of Self

    Higher on the charts of today, are top influencers from social media platforms. Across platforms, people are searching to realize themselves. The result is billions of dollars spent to promote self and values among social communities. It seems to be “the thing” that will bring peace and comfort among chaos or uneasiness.

    Admittedly, there are modern psychologists and others who now relay and reinforce some Biblical principles to support self-actualization strategies, i.e., the need for developing community relationships to dispel depression. But, that means, some techniques, studies, or influencers may have “caught up” with the Word of God!

    The Obedient Heart

    In me, this flesh, the Word of God says, “There is no good thing (Romans 7:18).” Even in the marketplace of today that promotes self-actualization as a business, self-actualization is not obedience. Only through the obedience of the heart will you become.

    First, there is only One who knows your heart. That is, of course, the One who created you. Consequently, to actualize who you are, is to trust God who commanded the light and drew us out of darkness. We are totally dependent upon Him to show us what is in the heart.

    The Good-Hearted

    Every day, I make choices, i.e., what to eat, what to wear, where to go, who to see, etc. To each individual, the choice is given “Who will you serve?” Who do you honor? God knows who honors Him with the lip or who honors Him from the heart. God knows the heart; a devised plan of His to purify the vilest heart (1 Samuel 2:9). God sees the heart through the cleansing of the blood of Jesus, that is the purification.

    Today, right now, in all the noise, the choice is simply between evil and good; obedience or disobedience. Obedience is a heart matter – the sum total of what we see, hear, think, feel, or go.

    For more on integrity of the heart, we invite you to browse and share:

    Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

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    Something Big is Coming on August 31st

    Group discussing mental wellness outdoors beside a lake; signs read “EMBRACE THE JOURNEY” and “MENTAL WELLNESS JOURNEY.”

    “Something is coming that will inspire, challenge, and move you. Thirteen powerful episodes. Real Warriors who seize every day and live it boldly. The author has been on this journey — and now it’s time to share it with readers across the globe. Are you ready for August 31st?”

    “Don’t miss a single episode — subscribe now and be the first to know when we launch on August 31st!”

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    The Role of Prayer in Healing and Wellness

    Man kneeling on grassy hill with hands slightly raised, facing sunrise over foggy mountains
    Rev. Dr. Bulluck connects leadership from the perspective of everyday living.

    Eternal Healing – The agenda of God is to bring everything, His creation, in alignment to His will. A new earth and a new heaven for His people.

    Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

    Understanding the Connection Between Prayer and Wellness

    Yes, prayer is a powerful tool in wellness. Do you sometimes shout as if God is deaf? Other times, speak in a whisper. And what about those unspoken words uttered within the mind? God knows the heart of the prayer. Prayer is a mighty weapon commanded by the Creator. Yes, I speak from personal experience.

    One of the most important things that you must do in this life for success is to have a prayer life. Yes, I make this statement from personal experience. This blog post is not to beef up those who identify as skilled prayer warriors. Rather, it is to encourage the everyday warrior to use the power of prayer daily. In as much, there is more and more scientific evidence about the connection of prayer to wellness, why not engage! Thus, is our purpose to develop an understanding of this connection between prayer and wellness to impact the way you operate in the physical and spiritual realms (world). Yours is a paramount decision for movement toward what God says who you are and what you can have.

    Why the Tool

    First, there is no doubt that God wants you to be a success (defined by Him). Secondly, God’s plans for each of us are uniquely designed. The blueprint is known by him. So, why not ask him to reveal and direct you in carrying out the plan? Thirdly, the plan exists for the Kingdom of God. Why? He wants you to have everlasting wellness with Him.

    The agenda of God is to bring everything, His creation, in alignment to His will. To do this, God’s wellness plan consists of prayer. Prayer is the tool of working out the knowledge and will of God in our lives (Luke 11:13).

    “Not my will, but Your will be done.” The Holy Spirit knows the will of God. Our human spirits do not know the will of God, but the Holy Spirit who lives within us, knows the Father’s will. As we relate in our blogs, God does not desire for you to have a sick mind and body. He wants you to be well.

    The Role of Prayer in Healing Practices

    There are many examples of healing in scriptures. But there are even more examples of healing, in this season, because of the Word of God spoken in faith. Exercising this type of faith and prayer for wellness is a continual experience. By example, I am learning the importance of how the words spoken out of my mouth must align with the Word of God. Psalm 91:11-12 is a personal reminder that I have angels to keep me from falling.

    Mine is to speak this Word continuingly, consciously and intentional. Even in situations when others speak something that is contrary to my prayers, I declare it not so. For example, recently a technician told me that she saw metal in my stomach during an examination. Prior to the tests, I had already prayed that morning before the lab visit. So, when she openly said that I immediately lifted up another prayer to counter-act her words. A follow-up exam showed no metal!

    As to time, there are several experiences that I can give where God immediately answered my prayer. Then, there are other experiences that it took more than a decade for my prayer requests to come to fruition. Just “Don’t quit.” You are a participant in the role of prayer and wellness.

    Building a Prayer Routine for Enhanced Wellness

    No one has the magic answer as to when healing or prayer requests will take place (instantly or over time) because we are each unique to God. What He wants is our faith in Him and obedience. Every day, He wants communication with us. Every day, He gives us new mercy. So, every day, be accepting of the grace that He gives. Do not “veer off the road” when the signpost says, “Just ahead, you will arrive.”

    As previously noted, science is now verifying the connection between the role of prayer and wellness. Recent studies show that prayer in the faith-community is not bound by culture nor region. For instance, in older adults, studies indicate that the routine practice of prayer is related to cognitive protection of the brain (Is prayer protecting the brain? Dr. Neal K. Shah). In addition, research about the practice of routine prayer contributes to a sense of focus, calmness, and emotional balance. Comparatively, there is a continuation of studies as to prayer and the treatment of mental disorders by Harvard from its Neuroscience of Spirituality Study.

    Communities and Support Systems in Prayer for Wellness

    Chiefly, the role of community and personal prayer supports wellness. The manifestation of healing in the physical body is a testimony of the power and grace of God. But God’s grace is more than that. It is the working of His power that He has given to us. To say that by his (Jesus’) stripes we are healed but refuse to walk in obedience is contrary to what God wants for us. God wants to deliver us from the power of darkness (enemy). His ultimate desire is our everlasting healing in mind, body and spirit.

    As a body of Christ, we are a community – a great support system. As a community, we are to develop the principles of God through prayer. Speak the Word of Truth in our situations for wellness. We are to prosper and be in good health as our soul prospers (3 John 2). Yes, through prayer, each one of us can exercise the Word in faith and put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the LORD our God fights for us; just as he has promised.one person can chase away two thousand and (Deuteronomy 32:30-31; Joshua 23:10). As prayer groups and community, we chase even more of the enemy. Obedience and prayer work in our favor. The Holy Spirit is present to guide, teach, and guide us in warfare. Finally, Psalm 91 says, “They will call upon Me, and I will answer them and deliver them (Psalm 91:14-15).”

    We invite you to share this message in love. For other blog posts, we suggest:

    Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

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    Prayer Time – Your Grace and Mercy

    Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

    Thankful for His Grace and Mercy!

    Prayer time is another opportunity to remember that God’s mercy is new today. Today, new mercy is ours. Today, you rise up with grace and mercy, no matter the circumstance. The lyrics and sounds of this video are that of Soulful Sounds. I hope it is a reminder of how faithful God is even in this moment.

    For more of Soulful Sounds background music

    Prayer Time – Saved by Grace

    Grace is unmerited favor. No, I did not deserve another chance; but God gave it me. I am thankful for that right now. It is wonderful to know that Jesus is presenting me before God’s throne of grace. What about you?

    The songwriter sang,

    "Your grace and mercy brought me through, if it wasn't for Your love,
    tell me what would I do?  Your blood redeemed me, made me brand new, it was Your grace and mercy that brought me through."
    Was it grace and mercy that brought you through?

    Renewed Strength

    Prayer will refresh the mind and spirit. It is a time that we can renew our strength in conversations with the Lord. We can ask for forgiveness of all my sins, (known and unknown). God, today, looked beyond our faults and saw our immediate need: MERCY. He understands that only the Lamb of God is worthy; so, God, in His love, extended mercy.

    Above all, the writer reminds of us of what Our Heavenly Father did:

    Thank You for saving a sinner like me
    To tell the world salvation is free
    There were times when I just didn’t do right
    But You watched over me all day and night
    Your grace and mercy brought me through
    I’m living this moment because of You
    I want to thank You and praise You too

    For that reason, we should desire to be obedient to God’s Will and God’s Way. Will you praise Him for His grace and mercy from where you are right now?

    For more opportunities of prayer, always available to you is our Morning Glory Prayer and listening meditation – DappyTKeys

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    Somedays – It’s Just About Music

    Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

    Music is part of our mental health as never before. Beyond conversations with God, today is one of the those days that only music seems to soothe the soul.

    I was a caregiver. Even today, there is nothing that I can compare with taking care of my Mom. February 23, 2021, she fell in love with instrumental gospel jazz. On that day, I wrote the following:

    February 23, 2021

    ,Some days, the stress can get to you. Not only is it stressful for me, but it is more stressful for my Mom.” Relying upon others for basic care is frustrating for her. It makes her angry. Lately, she has not been able to take an afternoon ride with me. Sightseeing! I miss it too.

    It has been one year since she has been outdoors. For decades, my Mom loved singing in the choirs. So, it is not surprising that music still delights her. Still, there are times that nothing seems to work. BUT TODAY….February 23, 2021….. she “fell into jazz.”

    She wasn’t a jazz lover before. She loved gospel music more than any other. But today, the sounds of Jazz is calming to her soul. She closed her eyes and listened for two hours!!!

    Dad and Mom#2 Left Us Too

    Just a year and half ago, Dad took his journey also. When my father was dying, my brother dealing with his own ordeal, would play my podcast for him in the late nights. He said hearing my voice soothed our Dad; especially Gardenia’s Garden Podcast Episode #6 Morning Glory. It gave him the sense that I was in the room. I guess that is what music can do. Give a voice to the voiceless. Within two years, three parents took their heavenly flight.

    Today, music and their favorite songs remind us of good times. It soothes and puts smiles on our faces.

    I thank God for the spirit of music that permeates across cultures and mindsets. God loves music. He loves the sounds that celebrate Him.

    “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, the shepherd body David, would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him,” 1 Samuel 16:23 NIV.

    Rest in peace, Mom and Dad.

    Today, this is the sound from my YouTube list of favorites that soothed my Mom’s soul: BGM Channel, Weekend Cafe Jazz. I hope it soothes your mind, body, and spirit.

    it is because of this, that I created a playlist of some of my favorites on the Servant Leadership NOW YouTube Channel. I hope you enjoy them. You can Subscribe and listen to Gardenia’s Radio for a great playlist featuring music from various genres.

    For related blog posts:

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