Two announcements

First, I want to thank all of you who have been faithful readers — I’ve been writing these email newsletters for almost a year now (only the last couple of months on Substack). This newsletter has become, for me, a place to think about life’s big questions, although I started it with a more simple goal — to provide practical information for improving physical health.

But as I wrote, it felt less and less authentic to stop at the surface level of health improvements. The best supplements and blue light-blocking glasses in the world won’t do much for your sleep if your life lacks a deeper meaning. The most meticulous weight loss program in the world won’t do a thing if you’re eating to cover up a complicated relationship with your emotions or a life devoid of meaningful social connections. Most problems in life are nowhere near skin-deep.

But I won’t go too far down that road — that’s for a future post.

And now, for the two announcements.

Going back to school

First, I’m going to grad school! I’ll be starting my studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (their online program) in the spring quarter (just 3 short weeks away!). This has been the natural development of the transition I described above. The newsletter shifted its primary focus because it reflects a change, a deepening, that’s been happening in me as well.

I’ve come to see with more clarity that the issues I got into health coaching to help people resolve have their root in the God question — the issue of where we find ultimate meaning. And I think that historic, sacramental Christianity offers the best answer to that question. Theology has always been important to me — now more than ever.

Fuller offers robust theological training from a variety of perspectives, while also avoiding the body vs. spirit dichotomy so typical of other Christian institutions. I’m so excited to start studying there and seeing where it leads.

Paid newsletter subscriptions

Next, I’m going to be turning on paid subscriptions to this newsletter. As I progress through my studies, I’m planning to continue to write, most likely on topics covered in my classes. Consider it a mini Masters course in holistic Christian theology. :)

My goal is to make it through seminary without taking out any loans, and every little bit helps in this regard. If you’re willing and able, you’ll now have an option to pay to subscribe to this newsletter. If you’d rather not subscribe, that’s perfectly fine as well — you’ll still get access to some free posts every now and then.

To see the options for a paid subscription, click the button below — it will either say “Subscribe now” or “Subscribed” depending on your current status, but either way, clicking on it should take you to a page where you can see your upgrade options:

As always, please never ever feel obligated. You’re welcome here even if you never pay me a penny.

If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reply to this email or leave a comment. I appreciate you all!