HAPPILY MARRIED = HEALTHIER
“A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Familiar verse. Encouraging words. Perhaps some quasi-scientific connection? Not at all, the science is solid. White blood cells develop in yellow bone marrow, which is significant because “white blood cells are probably the most important part of your immune system. It turns out that ‘white blood cells’ are actually a whole collection of different cells that work together to destroy bacteria and viruses” (Brian Marshall, How Your Immune System Works).
According to marriage expert Dr. John Gottman: “Happily married men and women showed a greater proliferation of these white blood cells when exposed to foreign invaders than did other subjects” (The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work, pg. 7). The scientific evidence goes deeper: In one study, researchers gave volunteers a survey to measure levels of happiness. Then they injected them with a strain of the flu virus. A week later, the individuals who were happier before the start of the study had fought off the virus much better than the less happy individuals. They didn’t just feel better either; they actually had fewer objective symptoms of illness as measured by doctors – less sneezing, coughing, inflammation, and congestion (Psychosomatic Medicine, by Cohen, et.al., 2003).
Turns out Solomon was very wise: Happiness really is good for you.
Gottman further explains how unhappily married couples have a 35% greater chance of getting sick than happily married couples, and “couples who are happily married live 4 to 8 years longer than unhappily married couples or divorced people” (The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work, pg. 6). “If fitness buffs spent just 10% of their weekly workout time working on their marriage instead of their bodies, they would get three times the health benefits they derive from exercise class or the tread mill” (ibid, pg. 7).
According to Canadian Social Scientist Susan Pinkner, in her TED Talk on “The Secret to Living Longer”: “People who live the longest are those who prioritize and groom their relationships throughout their lifespans. People who set a high priority on their relationships create a biological forcefield against disease and decline.”
Whenever René and I share this information, the question arises: “How do I groom my relationships?”
When we conduct our “Prescription for Love” seminars, along with Marlon and Doreen Cliffe, we teach couples the key strategies for how they can become “masters” at transforming their marriages and consistently, actively improving all their relationships.
Throughout the year, we visit dozens of churches all over Canada sharing proven principles, and we receive literally hundreds of uplifting testimonies, some like the following: “When we were invited to attend your ‘Prescription for Love’ seminar, my wife and I had decided this would be our last chance. Thank you for helping us put our marriage back on track.” This is significant because apart from the couple, their children also suffer when they are caught in the crossfire of an unhappy marriage.
If you wish to learn more about “Prescription for Love,” or how you can have us to visit your church, please, call us at It Is Written Canada: (905) 404-6510, or email: information@iiw.ca, or write to: It Is Written Canada, Box 2010, Oshawa, ON, L1H 7V4, CANADA.
September 8–15, 2024, René and I, along with Marlon and Doreen and numerous health care professionals, will be conducting a “One Week in Paradise Couples’ Wellness Retreat” at the Stayner Retreat Centre in Ontario. For more information and to register visit: PARADISEFIELDS.CA/PAGES/COUPLESRETREAT or simply scan the QR code.
– Mike Lemon
Upcoming Episodes
AUGUST 3
Your Father Knows
Even though no one had yet conveyed those dreaded words, “You have breast cancer.” Karen Dobbin knew she needed to talk—and listen—to her heavenly Father that afternoon. God clearly spoke to Karen that day, and He continued to guide her onto a career path she could never have anticipated.
AUGUST 10
Beautiful Struggle
From a heart surgery when he was a year and a half to multiple surgeries to his legs and ears to surviving a tornado that collapsed the entire barn onto himself and his family when he was five, Clint Wahl kept getting up from one setback after another.
AUGUST 17
God Still Lives Today
Whether you are going through puzzling predicaments, dangerous dilemmas, or heart-wrenching hardships, we invite you to listen carefully and prayerfully to Don MacLafferty’s personal faith-building adventures that all point to the truth – God Still Lives.
AUGUST 24
Destroying the Devil’s Domain
When Don MacLafferty’s skeleton key finally opened that locked door in Zimbabwe, it led him on an assignment to destroy the devil’s domain.
AUGUST 31
Every Moment Matters
Don MacLafferty knows from experience how every moment matters when you risk your life to spend time in countries where practicing Christianity is illegal, and participants could face fines, imprisonment, beatings, or even death.
It Is Written Canada Celebrates 50 Years!
It has been 50 years since Henry Feyerabend launched his first TV broadcast in Canada. To celebrate It Is Written Canada’s 50th anniversary, we decided to stage several rallies at various churches across the country during the months of September and October, and we will soon let you know where these rallies will be. To enjoy our classic programs with Pastor Henry Feyerabend, please visit us at iiw.ca and click on IIWC Classics.
Upcoming In-Person Events
August 3:
BC Camp Meeting
– Hope, BC
August 24:
Preaching at Madoc SDA Church – Madoc, ON
August 31:
Love is Medicine seminars:
Newmarket SDA Church, ON
SCRUMPTIOUS SWEET POTATO BISCUITS
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups organic unbleached all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato, chilled (from about 1 large, sweet potato)
- 1/4 cup chilled cashew milk
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix the sweet potato puree, cashew milk, and maple syrup. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough just comes together.
- Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and use the heel of your hands to lightly press the dough together. If the dough seems a little dry and falls apart, add a little cashew milk one tablespoon at a time. Usually, about 2-3 tablespoons should do it.
- Flour your hands, add more flour to the surface if needed, and shape the dough into a rectangle that is about 1 inch thick.
- Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut the dough and place the biscuit rounds 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with full fat coconut milk.
- Place the biscuits in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they rise and are just barely golden.
- Enjoy immediately or let them cool to room temperature.