Did Jesus Really Turn Water Into Wine?

John 2:1–11

What people often forget is that if Jesus created the world (see Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:15–17), not only are miracles possible, but miracles are actual, because the biggest miracle has already happened—making something out of nothing. 

What’s harder: for Jesus to take water and turn it into wine or for Jesus to take a handful of nothing and make water? It’s a lot harder to make water out of nothing than to make wine out of water.

The evidence of modern cosmology points toward a supernatural Creator. And if you’ve got a God who can make something out of nothing, then the other miracles of the Bible would be like child’s play for him.

Adapted from interview with Dr. Norman Geisler



http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDEzODQyMzMS1&r=MjY5NDg1OTQ3MzgS1&j=MTg2MDExOTY3S0&mt=1&rt=0

Hallelujah!

“He brought out His people with rejoicing,
His chosen ones with shouts of joy;
He gave them the lands of the nations,
and they fell heir to what others had toiled for –
that they might keep His precepts
and observe His laws.
Praise the LORD [Hallelu Yah].” — Psalm 105:43–45

Hallelujah is an amazing word. It spans continents, cultures, and languages. Hallelujah beautifully expresses our praise of the Lord. Yet, the only place that it actually appears in the Hebrew Bible is in the book of Psalms. Even then, it isn’t introduced until the last third of the book. It first appears in the last line of Psalm 104, or according to some, the first line of Psalm 105. And it is in Psalm 105, which concludes with “Hallelu Yah” that we can understand its full meaning.

What does hallelujah really mean?

Facing Marah?

"Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore, it was named Marah. So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" Exodus 15:22-24

Bitter things. No one likes bitter things. But bitter things are part of life. Life is not all honey and no bees. Roses do have thorns ... and all people face "bitter waters" from one degree or another.

The Marah story in Exodus 15 is especially significant. You see, in Exodus 14, God's people had just seen and personally experienced the greatest Old Testament miracle: the parting of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh and his armies. The people take the first 21 verses of chapter 15 to rejoice and dance and sing over the great power of God. Life is good, and God is awesome! Hallelujah!

Rivers Of Living Water

Several countries in Southeast Asia celebrate the regional new year with a water festival. Traditionally, people sprinkle each other with water as a sign of respect and blessing, but many people intensify it with wild, joyful, boisterous dousing of anybody and everybody with water. Walk or drive down the streets during those days and you might be accosted with garden hoses, water cannons, water pistols, or even bowls and cups filled with water. It is raucous. It is fun. It is vivid. Everyone knows it is out with the old, in with the new.

Water was a key feature of the ancient Jewish festival called the Feast of Tabernacles. For the first seven days of the festival, with trumpets blowing, a priest would take water from the Pool of Siloam and carry it through the streets in a golden vessel, eventually delivering it to the altar in the temple.

Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, when, on the climactic day of the festival, he stood up and shouted out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37–38). The Gospel of John then has this explanation: “By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive” (John 7:39).

Thirsty

Written by Julene Uganecz

If your life feels dry you may not be experiencing a life equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Come and experience the Spirit-filed Life.  

“Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.”  (John 4:14a)

In my early years of mothering, I found myself in the middle of Borneo, Indonesia.  My husband flew floatplanes there, and our children and I spent long days in our hot humid home. On one particular morning, our well’s water pump sprung a leak. The pump was damaged, so I had to shut down the pump and turn off the pipes to our well.

The laundry in the machine sat wet, the kids came in dirty needing to bathe, and ants began to nibble on the dirty dishes. Wet wipes became my best friend. If you’ve ever been temporarily without water you know how inconvenient it is.  For people who struggle to find clean water at all, it is a matter of life and death.

Humor : Location, Location, Location!

submitted by: David Minkoff

An Arab was walking through the Sahara desert, desperate for water, when he saw something, far off in the distance. Hoping to find water, he walked towards the image, only to find Hymie sitting at a card table with a bunch of ties laid out on it.

The Arab asked "Please, I'm dying of thirst, can I have some water?".
Hymie replied "I don't have any water, but why don't you buy a tie? Here's one that goes nicely with your robes."

The Arab replied, "I don't want a tie, I need water."

"OK, don't buy a tie. But to show you what a nice guy I am, I'll tell you that over that hill there, about 4 miles, is a nice restaurant. Walk that way, they'll give you all the water you want."

The Arab thanked him and walked away towards the hill and eventually disappeared. Three hours later the Arab came crawling back to where Hymie was sitting behind his card table.

Hymie said "I told you, about 4 miles over that hill. Couldn't you find it?"

The Arab rasped, "I found it all right. But they wouldn't let me in without a tie."

http://www.aish.com/j/j/87320727.html

Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding

Bible Study Lesson:

• John 2:1-11: The Miracle of turning Water Into Wine

Q. How were wedding celebrations like in eastern cultures? Who were invited? How long do the celebrations last?

• In Eastern cultures, weddings are like social events, where family, friends, distant relatives(extended families), neighbors are all invited. (Parable of the Wedding Banquet)
• Wedding celebration can last for 2-3, even 7 days or more.

Q. The passage begins with 'On the third day', So what was is it referring to? What was Jesus' schedule like?

Let us trace back to Jesus' schedule for that week. Take a note of 'The next day' at the beginning of each verse.

What Are the Keys to God's Blessing?

I believe that the key to God’s blessings starts with obedience to His Word. We see this theme borne out through the Scriptures time after time where the Lord promises to bless those who will obey what He says.

Psalms 1:1-3
 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Proverbs 3:1-4
 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Jeremiah 7:23
 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. 

Joshua 1:8
 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 

James 1:22-25
 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Jeff Newman

gotquestions  http://www.learnthebible.org/what-are-the-keys-to-gods-blessing.html

Bethlehem – the House of Bread

Scripture Passage  :  Genesis 35:15-20

INTRODUCTION : Genesis 35:19 is the first mention of Bethlehem in the Bible. The name means house of bread. This could mean a place where one could come and eat when hungry; a place of supply for the hungry (Isaiah 58:6-7). Historically, Bethlehem is just such a place. We will look at Bethlehem as a type of God’s supply for the hungry in five different incidents in the Bible. But first, let us visit the town of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is located five miles south of Jerusalem (the distance from Antioch Baptist Church to downtown Knoxville). The mountains and valleys between the two cities make it impossible to see the one from the other. Bethlehem is located on a ridge one hundred feet higher than Jerusalem. It has a deep valley to its north and another to its south. This explains why the Philistines put a garrison there. 

To the east of Bethlehem, the land drops quickly down to the Dead Sea. To the west, there is a slightly milder drop to the Plain of Philistia. These slopes are known in ancient times for their terraced gardens. Bethlehem was normally a fairly small town. Biblically, it is the place of the death of Rachel, the birth of David and Jesus, and the marriage of Ruth and Boaz. We will see it as the house of bread.

1. A PLACE OF WEEPING
1. The Death of Rachel (Genesis 35:15-20
   )
2. The Weeping of Rachel (Matthew 2:16-18
   )
3. The Hope in Weeping (Jeremiah 31:15-17
   )
4. Jesus: the Rest for the Weary (Matthew 11:28-30
   )
2. A PLACE OF BLESSING
1. The Loss of All (Ruth 1:1-5
   )
2. The Return in Sorrow (Ruth 1:19-22
   )
3. The Blessing for Ruth (Ruth 2:1-12
   )
4. The Kinsman- Redeemer (Ruth 4:9-11
   )
5. Jesus: Making Us the Sons of God (John 1:10-13
   )
3. A PLACE OF ANOINTING
1. The Choice of a King (1 Samuel 16:1-3
   )
2. The Choice Not Expected (1 Samuel 16:6-13
   )
3. The Promise of a Seed (2 Samuel 7:8-13
   )
4. Jesus: the Son of David (Matthew 1:1
   ; Luke 1:31-32
   )
5. God’s Choice Today (1 Corinthians 1:26-29
   )
4. A PLACE OF REFRESHMENT
1. The Thirsty Soul (2 Samuel 23:14-15
   )
2. The Three Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:16
   ); as the Trinity
3. Jesus: the Source of Water (John 4:10-14
   )
5. A PLACE OF SALVATION
1. A Place of Taxation (Luke 2:1-7
   )
2. The Birth of the Saviour (Luke 2:8-11
   )
3. Jesus: the Saviour of the World (John 4:42
   ; 1 Timothy 4:10
   )

CONCLUSION:

Are you weeping? Are you heavy?

Are you burdened down with sin?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

And let the Christ child in.

Are you thirsty? Are you hungry?

Seeking bread that satisfies?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

To Christ—the One who died.

Seeking purpose and direction;

Are you wandering in a maze?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

And let Christ show the way.

Have your dreams gone up in smoke?

Have you lost a loved one dear?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

Where Christ will make things clear.


by David F. Reagan

David Reagan

http://www.learnthebible.org/sermon-outlines/bethlehem-the-house-of-bread.html

Should A Christian Celebrate Birthdays?

by Dr. Ray Hermann

   Some Christian religious organizations frown upon birthday celebrations. Often cited as a reason for this attitude is the thought that only two instances of birthdays are mentioned in the Bible; both represented pagan situations and were related to the killing of people.

    The first mention of a birthday is in Genesis when Joseph was in Egypt and he interpreted the meaning of a dream. The dream included, among other things, the hanging of the chief baker on Pharaoh's birthday (see Gen 40:20-22). In the New Testament, the other mention concerns the beheading of John the Baptist when Herod was celebrating his own birthday. During the party, Herod promised Herodias' daughter any gift she wanted, because he was so pleased by her dancing. At her mother's urging, she asked for John's head and she received it on a platter (see Matt. 14:6-10).

    Some religions make a big thing of these events to demonstrate to their members the importance of not celebrating birthdays. Another scripture they use, to persuade belief in their attitude, is Ecclesiastes 7:1,8: ...the day of death [is better] than the day of birth...[and] the end of a thing is better than its beginning...(RSV). To be sure, this sentiment was felt by most of the Old Testament Hebrews. And to the early Christians, the birthday revelry of the Romans was looked upon as pagan orgies.

Birthdays of Gods

    Early Greeks and Romans celebrated the birthdays of the gods, but not those of men. However, as time went on, and some men became powerful political figures, it is understandable that prominent men felt that their own birthdays were as important as those of the gods. The Romans kept accurate birth records, therefore they not only knew when people were born, but knew their ages, too. But, as the Roman Empire declined, so did birthday celebrations.

    During the Dark Ages, few people knew how old they were, much less the exact date of their birth. And those that did know when they were born were not allowed, by the early Catholic Church, to celebrate it. The Catholic Church was the final authority in secular matters as well as those of a Holy concern. Origen, the distinguished early Christian writer and teacher (c.185-254), stated that it would be a sin to consider celebrating the birth, even of Christ.

Birthdays Have No Christian Background

    If the birthday doesn't have a Christian background, why then is it celebrated by so many Christian people?   By the twelfth century, the Catholic Church began keeping birth records and , sometimes children were given the name of a patron Saint at baptism. And by the fourteenth century, this idea was considered an official ritual of the Church. The Saint whose name the child had, would be his guardian throughout life and would be thought to give protection from evil. (Consider the many references to "guardian angle" and "fairy godmother" in literature for children.) This ceremonial custom was called the "name day" and celebration was considered proper, because it was a day sacred to the Saint - the day of his death. 

    In the Dark and Middle Ages, superstition suggested that evil spirits wanted the souls of newborn infants and were, therefore, a constant danger. Only baptism was an effective deterrent. For this reason, early baptism was important and baptism on the day of birth was considered the best defense. As the baptism of infants on their day of birth became common, it is easy to understand how celebrating a person's birthday became so popular.

Is It Proper?

    Considering this information, is it proper for a Christian to celebrate birthdays? There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that the celebration of birthdays is wrong. True, the two birthdays of the Bible, mentioned above, concerned only pagan practices, but Christians use other pagan habits which have been accepted as genuine Christian practices. Take baptism, for example. Although there is some early biblical mention concerning immersion of Gentile proselytes, most historical references to baptism practices are not biblical in character.

    Water played an important part in most primitive religions, because of its importance to life; birth and purification ceremonies involving water were not uncommon. Cultures that incorporated religious water rites included those of Greece, India, and Egypt. It is also known that the Teutons and Celts practiced such rituals, as well as did the Maya civilization of the Yucatan, before any Christian influences reached them .

    The history behind pagan baptism does not make Christian baptism any less proper. And, although birthday celebration was not a practice observed during Christ's ministry on earth, it is not fitting to attack the practice just because of its pagan background. Observing a birth on its annual occurrence can be proper for Christians and does, indeed, have a scriptural basis. It is in the book of Job that we find this evidence.

Job's Sons Celebrated Birthdays

    Job was a blameless and upright man (see Job 1:1) and, therefore, raised his children properly. and the evidence indicates that his sons - and most probably Job, as well - celebrated birthdays.

And his sons went and rested in their houses, everyone his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and drink with them. (Job 1:4, KJV)

    Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible indicates that the word interpreted as "day" (yowm) in this scripture can be used figuratively as a space of time and can be rendered, with other Hebrew words (such as "his") to mean birthday. The Revised Standard Version is a better translation of this verse:

His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each on his day; and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

    But, The Living Bible probably gets to the meaning, of what is meant, best of all:

Every year when each of Job's sons had a birthday, he invited his brothers and sisters to his house for a celebration. On these occasions they would eat and drink with great merriment.

    Needless to say, today, birthdays are important in our culture and a yearly celebration is quite proper for friends and family. There is no need to be filled with guilt brought upon by well-meaning, but wrongly informed members of religious organizations who add extra meaning to the scriptures.

†   †   †

© 1991, Ray Hermann(Any use of this article must contain the "by-line" and proper copyright information; a link to this site would be appreciated.)

gotquestions  http://www.ffpc.com/new-world/birthdays.htm

Don’t Hold Your Breath

by Pastor Colin S. Smith


“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:9 (NIV)

The person born of God will not continue to sin. They cannot go on sinning. Really? How can this be? The reason why the Christian will not and cannot continue in sin is because he is born of God and God’s seed remains in him. The new birth makes continuing in sin impossible.

If sin is your friend, God is your enemy. If God is your friend, sin is your enemy. James says“Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God”(James 4:4). But the Christian is never wholly free from sin in this life. Indeed anyone, [including any Christian], who says or even thinks he is without sin deceives himself (1 John 1:8).

You can’t live under water

When a child is in the womb, that life is surrounded by water. The child lives in the water, not in the air. As soon as the child’s first breath is taken, the nature of its life is changed. From that moment on, the child can no longer live in the water. The child has a new life that’s lived in the air.

The child can go in water, swim though water, and even go under the water. You can hold your breath and stay under water for 30 seconds or a minute, or more. But you cannot continue under the water.

What once was your life is no longer possible for you. You cannot go back to it. Being born has changed the nature of your life. What used to be natural has now become, not just difficult, but impossible.

You can’t live in sin

That’s what it is like when you are born again. When you are born again you cannot continue in sin. The sinner is comfortable with sin. It doesn’t bother him. But when you are born again, your conscience is activated. You can’t settle with something that you know is wrong in your life. Holding onto a sin for a Christian is like holding your breath under water. It takes a great effort and you can’t do it for long.

In the new birth God becomes your friend, and sin becomes your enemy. You can’t live with sin like you did when sin was your friend. You turn from it. And when you fall into sin you turn from it again.

Repentance is a life-long process. We learned before that repentance is: turning from as much as you know of your sin, to give as much as you know of yourself, to as much as you know of God. That’s a lifetime pursuit, and it begins with the new birth.


This LifeKey is based on the message “Signs of Life,” by Pastor Colin S. Smith on May 10, 2009, from the series “Regeneration: How Christ Changes Your Soul.”

http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/unlocking-the-bible/articles/dont-hold-your-breath-13257.html

Why Thirsty Christians Don’t Drink

by Pastor Colin S. Smith
“Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on…” Philippians 3:12 (NIV).

You want to be better. You are stretching yourself out in pursuit of a more godly life. Do you sometimes find that you’re discouraged by the progress that you’re NOT making? You want to be a better Christian, but you’re not there yet, and you’re painfully aware of it.


That’s what the doctrine of sanctification does: It promotes humility and effort. It says to us “You haven’t arrived yet. You have a long way to go. Press on.” I need this great truth in my life and so do you. I need to apply myself to become more holy. With God’s help, I need to work on being less selfish, less critical, more generous, and more thankful.

Are you as holy as you want to be? The first sign of holiness is that you want to be more holy than you are. The problem we face in sanctification is discouragement. If sanctification is the only truth you have grasped, the Christian life will always seem beyond you.

Strength for the journey

That’s why alongside sanctification, we need regeneration that reminds us of what God has already done, so that we find strength and joy to continue the journey:

A man goes on a journey through a desert. He has a backpack and a cloth over his head as he trudges through miles of sand. In his backpack he carries water to sustain him on his journey. And whenever he drinks, he’s reminded that he needs to find more water, because without it he cannot go on.

Regeneration is the oasis for your soul. It tells you that alongside the work that Christ continues, there is the work that He has already done. That’s water to a thirsty soul!

Imagine the same man, now tired and thirsty, coming to an oasis. His flask of water has been empty for hours. He sees a spring of water ahead of him, and a cool lagoon to swim in. You see him coming, so you go out to welcome him. But he tells you he cannot stop. He must press on.

You plead with him “But you need to renew your strength! You will never survive, unless you refill your water.”

“No,” he says. “I must press on…” And off he goes without water…

Stop fretting and drink!

A lot of Christians live like that. God says “You are a new creation.” That’s water to a thirsty soul, but you rush past it: “I’m not as new as I want to be. I must press on.” God says “You have been set free from sin.” There’s power in that, but you rush right past it, saying “There are so many sins in my life that I need to conquer.”

You’re so passionate about sanctification that you rush past regeneration. And like a man without water in the desert, eventually you will fall down. Drink deeply of this water. Let Christ tell you who you are in Him. Take in the miracle of grace that He has already done. Stop fretting about what you’re not, and take in who you already are: In Christ you are a new creation. The old has gone. The new has come! Take in this truth. Drink of this water. It will be life to you. It will help you overcome discouragement.


This LifeKey is based on the message “Knowing Who You Are,” by Pastor Colin S. Smith on May 3, 2009, from the series “Regeneration: How Christ Changes Your Soul.”


gotquestions  http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/unlocking-the-bible/articles/why-thirsty-christians-dont-drink-13253.html

10 Essential Singing Tips

Julianna Morlet


1. Be confident. Some would say that this should come first and confidence second, seeing that knowing your stuff would build more confidence. I agree and disagree. I agree that practice will always aid in your confidence. However, there may be times when you're thrown into something last minute and the time just isn't there. So whether you're singing karaoke or a competition (and everywhere else in between), your confidence level will translate over to the audience. If you lack confidence in yourself, they won't hear you. They will only see you. Your insides may be turning and toiling but remind yourself that you can do this! Don't let your fears get in the way of the fun.

2. Know your stuff. Practice makes permanent. Don't practice whimsically. Take good notes, do your homework and repetition is your new best friend. An unprepared singer leaves a bad taste with everyone. On the other hand, prepared singer exudes professionalism.

3. Connect with what you are singing. We've all seen this done well and not so well. When a singer connects with what he/she is singing, the audience is captivated. Take time to study your song, read background info if it's available. Study the artist or writer and figure out the intentions behind it. The more you know, the more you show.

4. Listen to your song first. Don't try to sing along with it immediately. Listen intently, hearing all the little twist and turns and registering them in your brain waves so that your voice knows what to do. Can't sing what you can't hear.

5. Drink water before and after singing (practice and performance). Water is a non-optional element of singing. Drink at least 16 oz of water during the day of your performance and 16 oz after. During it good but very rarely do you get to take a water break between performances.

6. Take a big breath. Seriously. Don't forget to breathe. Between nerves, thought process, and performing, one can forget to do what comes most naturally to every human being! Breathing. Take deep, quick breaths. Sometimes it helps to plan out what parts of your song you will breathe at.

7. Warm up your voice. Just as a runner doesn't run a marathon without warming up, one shouldn't sing without doing some exercises. Find some that work for you and always, always, always warm up before singing. This prevents damage and boosts performance.

8. Find a Tough Critic Sometimes we are our worst critics. We can be both too hard and too easy on ourselves. Find someone that you trust, that has a good ear, and that won't be afraid to tell you the honest truth. Then brace yourself for some pointers. It will sting a little to hear, you're a little flat on the chorus or that one note doesn't sound right or even this song may not be the best for your voice, but in the long run it's worth it.

9. Sing With Someone Else This can be in an unlimited amount of settings: a choir, an ensemble, a quartet, a duet, with your mom, your friend, in lessons, etc. Singing with other people helps make your voice pliable. It sharpens your ears to listen to what's going on around you and gives you the chance to learn more advanced techniques like blending, harmonizing, and soloing.

10. Stop taking yourself too seriously. Even the big shots have to get to a point where they have fun at what they do. When all the pressure to be "the best" feels like it's bogging your joy down, remember why you started singing in the first place. Don't take yourself too seriously. Your body reacts to stress and people can sense it in your voice. Have fun~


**Want more than nuggets? Check out the full online singing course that will help you put these 10 into practice and see your voice improve!

About Julianna Morlet

Julianna Morlet is the girl behind the lifestyle blog, The Girl That Sings. Her blog is focused on her journey as a homemade singer, writer, speaker. If she could sum up who she is in one sentence it'd be, "A visionary idealist who wishes to conquer the world before her 25th birthday." She is the eldest of six children, and is being well-seasoned and fashioned by this life. From sexual abuse, to a blended family, to a baby sister with leukemia, to college in the mid-west and her journey as a homemade singer and worship leader, she has been led to a faith in God that cannot be shaken. You can find her @ juliannamorlet.com, Facebook, Twitter, and She Seeks.

http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/julianna-morlet/10-essential-singing-tips.html

Strategies to Get Your Energy Back

 Can’t seem to get enough rest? To-do list dragging you down? Hit refresh with these foods, moves, and must-dos for a more revved-up you.

Wish you were still bounding out of bed like you did when you were 22? Who doesn't! But it can be hard to summon all your old verve in the midst of the daily grind. "The main reason I see for loss of energy in women is that they have too much to do," says Michael Roizen, MD, chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic and founder of youbeauty.com. "There's a merry-go-round of caring for kids, caring for parents, working, and not paying attention to yourself or getting proper sleep."

Sometimes there's a medical cause (like a vitamin deficiency or thyroid disorder) for a lack of energy: If you feel deeply fatigued all the time, schedule a checkup ASAP. But if your sluggishness is just a case of you on overload, the good news is that you can do something about it yourself. Here, Dr. Roizen and other health pros share strategies for putting the pep back in your step.

Sleep more soundly

Although it's true that you naturally begin to sleep more lightly in your mid-40s—a result of changes in brain waves as you age—you can start having trouble catching zzz's much sooner. "I've got patients who at age 30 are sleeping like 60-year-olds because of stress," says Michael Breus, PhD, author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan. A good night's rest is essential to waking up fully energized. A few simple steps to snooze smarter

Sniff some lavender
In a recent study of women with insomnia, those who received lavender aromatherapy in the evenings had significantly improved sleep quality. Try putting lavender oil in an aromatherapy ionizer and sniffing the scent for 20 minutes before bedtime.

Take a hot bath
Sleep comes most easily when your core temperature drops, explains Phyllis Zee, MD, director of the sleep disorders center at Northwestern University. But if your hands and feet are cold, your core holds onto heat. Taking a bath warms your extremities, so your body gets the message to start cooling itself.

Lose the blues
In the spectrum of natural light, blue wavelengths have the biggest impact on our circadian rhythm, slowing production of the hormone melatonin, which Breus describes as "the key that starts the engine to sleep." But avoiding blue light at night can be hard. Today's energy-efficient lighting tends to be bluer than older bulbs; the screens now common in laptops and tablets can emit more than twice as much blue light as older models. Turn off tech after dinner; dim lights an hour before you hit the sack.

Snack smarter

First, the obvious: "You won't have energy if you skip meals," says Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet. "It's like trying to run a car without gas." During the day, eat every four hours—wait any longer than that and your body feels "zapped," Gans says. Her rule for the perfect snack? Aim for less than 200 calories, and include a mix of carbs (for an instant pickup), fiber (to fill you up), and protein (for lasting energy).

What works, what doesn't

Caffeine
It doesn't merely give you a jumpstart; caffeine actually helps your body fuel itself. (In technical terms, it stimulates lipolysis—the breakdown of stored fats into fatty acids, which can then be used by muscle and other tissues for energy.) Just don't overdo it. The typical American consumes an average of 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, most of that from coffee (which contains 90 to 110 milligrams per cup).

But for optimum benefit, stick to no more than 150 milligrams daily—and cut yourself off by 2 p.m. to avoid keeping yourself awake at night, Breus says.

Supplements
Most supplements marketed as energy boosters—such as yerba mate and bitter orange—are "basically caffeine-like stimulants," Dr. Roizen says. You'll get the same effect from a cup of coffee, he adds, which is a safer way to go, because some supplements may have dangerous side effects (always consult your doc before taking them).

Going outside
Cubicle dwellers, take note: There is indeed a link between being outdoors and feeling more energized. In one Canadian study, participants led on a 15-minute tree-lined walk showed more vitality than those led on an indoor walk of the same length. "When you get outside, the fresh oxygen that comes into your blood from breathing open air helps recharge you," says Muhammad Amer, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Internal Medicine division.

Music
Sure, listening to music improves your workout, but it can also provide a boost when you're sitting at your desk. "What's fascinating about music is that it can be very effective in calming someone down, but it can also energize them when they're feeling lethargic," says Suzanne Hanser, chair of the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There's no exact track or even tempo—some folks are even energized by mellow music. The key is to create a playlist that makes you feel up. Hanser adds, "It absolutely helps to move with the music, even if it's just shaking your shoulders and tapping your toes."

B12 shots
Celebs from Madonna to Charlize Theron have reportedly used vitamin B12 injections for increased vitality. But the shot helps only if you're deficient in B12 (ask your doc to check your levels) or if your body is unable to absorb it—which is rare for people under 60, Dr. Roizen says.

Water
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition found that women suffering from dehydration felt fatigued, unfocused, and unhappy. (A sign of dehydration: urine that is dark rather than pale yellow or clear.) Be sure to sip plenty of water or other beverages to stay alert.

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