Thursday. February 13, 2025

Welcome to The Smart Edit newsletter! Brian here. You’re designed to cultivate something in God’s good world. We need it.

This week … the model of George Washington Carver, the threat on your plate, higher thinking, and more.

✅ SIgn up for the Smart Edit here.

P.S. — Alright. A young platypus getting a gentle scratch.

What’s the Creator calling you to cultivate?

I love the example set by George Washington Carver, a brilliant Christian and botanist who changed the course of agricultural history in the late 1800s.

Carver was deeply educated, yet he humbly acknowledged that many of his discoveries came not from books, but from God.

Before beginning his work each day, he prayed for divine insights about plants and crops.

In his testimony before Congress, he shared how God revealed secrets to him, including insights about the peanut.

Through this partnership with, Carver uncovered countless innovative uses for the peanut, sweet potato, soybean, and other crops.

His discoveries helped transform the agricultural landscape of the South and sparked economic revival.

By inviting Christ into his work, Carver unlocked the boundless potential hidden within God’s creation. He was mentored by the Creator Himself, and in doing so, he unlocked breakthroughs that still impact us today.

So, what part of creation has God uniquely designed you to cultivate, releasing it’s latent potential? This could vary across the seasons of your life.

Is it in the space of education, technology, business, the arts, government, writing, music, manufacturing, construction, or something else?

Taken together, our collective circles of influence have the power to transform things. The potential of Christ is yours to discover and unleash.

“Creator God, give me insight into what you want me to discover and cultivate. Help me to bear much fruit and bring glory and pleasure to you. Is there something new you have for me?”

RUSSELL BRAND is now on a journey of transformation, embracing a new identity in Christ. In this video, he shares how the power of the gospel has broken down the idols that once held him captive, leading him into a life-changing relationship with Jesus as his Savior. Russell on Rumble. Who do you know that could use a story of transformation?

⁉️TRIVIA QUESTION: Which of the following 2 answers are NOT TRUE about the platypus? A) It lays eggs despite being a mammal. B) Breathes through gills like a fish. C) It has venomous spurs on its hind legs. D) It can glow under UV light. E) It migrates thousands of miles every year to attend an ancient platypus gathering deep in the Australian outback. See answer below.

Deal with the hidden threat on your plate

America’s health is in crisis—40% of the population had at least one chronic disease in 2022.

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes are rampant, and according to cardiologist Dr. Aseem Malhotra, much of it comes down to what’s on our plates.

Malhotra warns that ultraprocessed foods—packed with unhealthy oils, sugar, and additives—fuel poor metabolic health.

Studies show only 1 in 8 Americans has optimal metabolic function, which impacts weight, blood pressure, and even brain health. 1 in 8.

The worst offenders? Sugary drinks, refined breads, pasta, and processed snacks.

But here’s the good news: in just 21-28 days, your body can begin to reset!

By eating whole foods, cutting ultraprocessed junk, staying active, and reducing stress, you can dramatically improve your health.

Want to thrive? Start small. Swap processed foods for real, nutrient-rich meals. Your body—and future—will thank you!

Adapted from Disease starts on your plate, cardiologist says — here's what to change.

Go further—what are ultraprocessed foods? 👇️ 

🎧️ On the pod

Elevating eros: sacred sex uncovered with Dr. Juli Slattery. Beyond positions, casual sex, and shallow sexual activity lies a mystery of deep connection that goes beyond mere physicality. Uncover deeper layers of sexual intimacy in this short highlight episode with Dr. Juli Slattery of Authentic Intimacy.

Master ➡️ mission ➡️ mate. Your relationship with God completes you. All other relationships compliment you. Here’s the sequence. First, the Lord is your Master. Then, you begin to walk in his Mission for you. Then, then, then … your Mate corresponds or compliments you. (Inspired by Pastor Vlad Savchuk)

Fulfillment: Create more than you consume. Screen time. Scrolling. TV. Amusement. Eating. Ad nauseum. Consuming is passive, creating is active. You’re designed to create more than you consume. Explore what this means for you. You’ll be healthier.

“Unregulate” (the new man). Unleash, enhance, express more of your new nature in Christ. Adapt to changes or demands by boosting the expression of the new nature to release new things. Of course this is by the Word, Holy Spirit, and obedient faith. Don’t settle, slumber, or swerve when challenged by trials or opportunities.

If you look at how God worked through people in Scripture, you’ll see a consistent pattern … they grew and improve along the way, they weren’t “ready” to start.

I’m not sure if James Clear is a Christ-follower. I hope so. Know this—people can touch on some things that are powerful Kingdom realities.

And when we add the Holy Spirit and the Word to these (super plus it!), we unlock something even greater!

Related newsletter: God talks up macro and personal horizons

Trivia answer: B) Breathes through gills like a fish E) It migrates thousands of miles every year to attend an ancient platypus gathering deep in the Australian outback.