This process (or shall I call it a challenge) of walking 30 minutes 3 days each week started because I wanted to become healthier. So, this week I began to wonder what healthy would look like. Or, to put it another way, how will I know when I am finished?
The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary defines health as "freedom from physical disease and pain; the condition of an organism or one of its parts in which it performs its vital functions normally or properly." I like being free from disease - physical, mental or spiritual! I also want my body and mind to function properly. I want to be able to walk around Mt View, Arkansas without getting winded. I want to ride my bicycle on the River Trail and over the Big Dam Bridge without stopping to rest or catch my breath. I want to learn to speak another language. I want to place the Mountain Dulcimer until I die. Therefore, good health to me would mean being physically able to do what I want to do when I want to do it.
Now, my goal is NOT to look like one of those lifeguards from Baywatch or a Mr. Universe bodybuilder with washboard abs and a Hawaiian tan. (Hallelujah!) But, there are measurements that indicate when a person is healthy. Cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, and body mass index all measure a person's level of wellness or health. Obviously, some of those are affected by my weight, but I have discovered that walking also positively affects cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and maybe it can reduce body mass and heart rate.
Monday I learned that even brief interruptions change the way I feel during a walk. I began walking and praying in the church as usual. Someone stopped me after the first lap to ask about Sunday night worship. After two more laps someone asked a couple of theological questions. It only took a few minutes each time but it changed the rhythm of the walk. It also loosened the connection I had with Father God. You see, the longer I walk and pray the closer I feel to God. That is one great benefit to walking! But, that day I felt like a child whose hand was slipping from daddy's hand.
I doubt that I will reach a finishing place in my holy healthy challenge this side of heaven because I like being close to God. How about you?
Until next time, God bless.
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Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
A Time in the Sanctuary
The sanctuary was quite dim; lit only by several candles in the altar area and one bright lamp at the back of the sanctuary. The youth had already heard the preacher say, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)" He elaborated on the concept by saying that we all were created in the image of God and God chose us before the creation of heaven and earth, that we should be holy and blameless when we stand in God's presence (Ephesians 1:4). But somewhere along life's journey we have missed the mark; we have not met God's design plan.
We were told how God has "forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:13b-14). And, we were reminded that Christ "himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24).
Preacher even shared the secret of our Christian faith: "Christ is in you" (Colossians 1:27).
As we sang holy hymns and meditated upon what we had heard, the preacher's assistants brought in a large wooden cross. It must have been 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide with splinters and holes caused by many nails having been driven into the wood over several years. A bucket of "nails" and several hammers were set on the floor near the cross. The "nails" were square like horse shoe nails that had been welded into cross-like shapes.
Each of us were given a rectangular-shaped piece of cloth and a felt-tipped marker. Our instructions were to write upon the cloth our sin - or the thing that gets between us and the holiness God has planned for us in his kingdom. Then we were to nail our sins to the cross. We were to give all our sins to Christ and remember how Christ promised that through him we are forgiven. As the song goes, "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."
The sounds of hammers hitting nails rang through the air. The thuds of nails being driven through cloth into wood echoed around the sanctuary. It was a haunting, solemn time.
As the last few persons were approaching the cross, the youth were encouraged to pray with each other, rededicate their lives to Christ, and ask the clergy persons for help or guidance (if necessary). When every person had put down the hammer and walked away from the cross, Preacher asked that I help him remove the cloths. He planned to burn them and use the ashes in a future devotional.
As I began pulling out the nails, I pondered the grief and heartache Jesus surely experienced when he took our sins on his body. Or, as the Apostle Paul proclaimed, "For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Oh, the sadness Jesus experienced.
Some of the nails were easy to remove from the wood; I only needed to use my hands. But, others required that I use a claw hammer to remove them from the cross. That was when I thought about what it could have felt like for the man who nailed Jesus to the cross. Surely Jesus looked him in the eyes as a man hammered a nail through the wrists of a man who was known as the chosen one of God and others called King of the Jews (Luke 23:35, 38). It must have taken a very cold, merciless man to drive nails through another man's flesh and remain emotionless. Did he hesitate when he saw Jesus looking at him? Did he have regrets when he heard Jesus say, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)? When he walked away, did he weep or did he join the mockers at the foot of the cross?
I know that usually the Romans left crucified persons hanging until certain death was evident. Sometimes the body was left hanging for days beyond death. But, at the crucifixion of Jesus some "Jews asked Pilate that [the crucified men's] legs might be broken and that they might be taken away ... so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath" (John 19:31). So, the soldiers took down the crosses, removed the bodies and allowed them to be buried.
I wonder what the soldier felt as he pulled the nails through the flesh. I know what it was like for me to pull nails from the rough wood through cloth. The whole scene was more than an object lesson as my spirit wailed in grief at what Jesus did for me. It was my sin that Jesus carried to the cross! It was my sin that nailed him to the tree!
As I used the hammer to pull out another nail I noticed many of the youth were indeed holding each other and praying for each other. They cried and prayed and blessed each other. I remembered a part of the Book of James: "Is anyone among you sick? ... Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:14a, 16).
Until next time, God bless.
We were told how God has "forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:13b-14). And, we were reminded that Christ "himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24).
Preacher even shared the secret of our Christian faith: "Christ is in you" (Colossians 1:27).
As we sang holy hymns and meditated upon what we had heard, the preacher's assistants brought in a large wooden cross. It must have been 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide with splinters and holes caused by many nails having been driven into the wood over several years. A bucket of "nails" and several hammers were set on the floor near the cross. The "nails" were square like horse shoe nails that had been welded into cross-like shapes.
Each of us were given a rectangular-shaped piece of cloth and a felt-tipped marker. Our instructions were to write upon the cloth our sin - or the thing that gets between us and the holiness God has planned for us in his kingdom. Then we were to nail our sins to the cross. We were to give all our sins to Christ and remember how Christ promised that through him we are forgiven. As the song goes, "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."
The sounds of hammers hitting nails rang through the air. The thuds of nails being driven through cloth into wood echoed around the sanctuary. It was a haunting, solemn time.
As the last few persons were approaching the cross, the youth were encouraged to pray with each other, rededicate their lives to Christ, and ask the clergy persons for help or guidance (if necessary). When every person had put down the hammer and walked away from the cross, Preacher asked that I help him remove the cloths. He planned to burn them and use the ashes in a future devotional.
As I began pulling out the nails, I pondered the grief and heartache Jesus surely experienced when he took our sins on his body. Or, as the Apostle Paul proclaimed, "For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Oh, the sadness Jesus experienced.
Some of the nails were easy to remove from the wood; I only needed to use my hands. But, others required that I use a claw hammer to remove them from the cross. That was when I thought about what it could have felt like for the man who nailed Jesus to the cross. Surely Jesus looked him in the eyes as a man hammered a nail through the wrists of a man who was known as the chosen one of God and others called King of the Jews (Luke 23:35, 38). It must have taken a very cold, merciless man to drive nails through another man's flesh and remain emotionless. Did he hesitate when he saw Jesus looking at him? Did he have regrets when he heard Jesus say, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)? When he walked away, did he weep or did he join the mockers at the foot of the cross?
I know that usually the Romans left crucified persons hanging until certain death was evident. Sometimes the body was left hanging for days beyond death. But, at the crucifixion of Jesus some "Jews asked Pilate that [the crucified men's] legs might be broken and that they might be taken away ... so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath" (John 19:31). So, the soldiers took down the crosses, removed the bodies and allowed them to be buried.
I wonder what the soldier felt as he pulled the nails through the flesh. I know what it was like for me to pull nails from the rough wood through cloth. The whole scene was more than an object lesson as my spirit wailed in grief at what Jesus did for me. It was my sin that Jesus carried to the cross! It was my sin that nailed him to the tree!
As I used the hammer to pull out another nail I noticed many of the youth were indeed holding each other and praying for each other. They cried and prayed and blessed each other. I remembered a part of the Book of James: "Is anyone among you sick? ... Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:14a, 16).
Until next time, God bless.
Walking 1.24.11
Sometimes we must be careful what we ask for.
A few years ago my wife and I decided to buy one of those Wii machines with the idea that we would get a couple of those fitness games as well. Then we would spend time doing the exercises and get healthier as we grow older. But, along with Wii Active we also got Wii Play, Wii Resort, and Mario Brothers among other games. Is it obvious or shall I tell you that Wii Active was put into the machine less frequently than any other game we own?
Today I was able to walk outside for only fifteen minutes. The company (Online Technologies) started installing projection equipment in the Primrose sanctuary today. That was a delightful distraction. I am excited because I believe the projections upon the wall will help more people participate in our worship. What I have heard so far has been positive and we have been using less-than-excellent hardware. This is going to be so much better!
When I got home tonight I noticed the Wii machine and remembered the Wii Active. I thought: "I can plug that in and program my own exercise routine and catch up on my walking." I programmed a mix of "run/walk" (there is no "just walk") that was easy, medium, and one that was hard. I also plugged in a couple of "punching bag" breaks. Let me say that one person's idea of easy is not necessarily my idea of easy, okay. When I finished I had "traveled" the equivalent of a mile (according to my pedometer), severely bruised both heels, and worked up a good sweat. I also determined that I needed more "punching bag" breaks or something and, I should wear walking or running shoes - house shoes are so bad. Whew! But a good, hot soak in the tub was quite helpful.
Still, as painful as it was, I think I'll give it another go later this week. Do not think me a masochist, please. Sometimes we must be careful what we ask for.
Until next time, God bless.
A few years ago my wife and I decided to buy one of those Wii machines with the idea that we would get a couple of those fitness games as well. Then we would spend time doing the exercises and get healthier as we grow older. But, along with Wii Active we also got Wii Play, Wii Resort, and Mario Brothers among other games. Is it obvious or shall I tell you that Wii Active was put into the machine less frequently than any other game we own?
Today I was able to walk outside for only fifteen minutes. The company (Online Technologies) started installing projection equipment in the Primrose sanctuary today. That was a delightful distraction. I am excited because I believe the projections upon the wall will help more people participate in our worship. What I have heard so far has been positive and we have been using less-than-excellent hardware. This is going to be so much better!
When I got home tonight I noticed the Wii machine and remembered the Wii Active. I thought: "I can plug that in and program my own exercise routine and catch up on my walking." I programmed a mix of "run/walk" (there is no "just walk") that was easy, medium, and one that was hard. I also plugged in a couple of "punching bag" breaks. Let me say that one person's idea of easy is not necessarily my idea of easy, okay. When I finished I had "traveled" the equivalent of a mile (according to my pedometer), severely bruised both heels, and worked up a good sweat. I also determined that I needed more "punching bag" breaks or something and, I should wear walking or running shoes - house shoes are so bad. Whew! But a good, hot soak in the tub was quite helpful.
Still, as painful as it was, I think I'll give it another go later this week. Do not think me a masochist, please. Sometimes we must be careful what we ask for.
Until next time, God bless.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Walking 1.19.11
Sometimes it is very good to try new things.
Some of you may remember the cartoon shows that featured Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. Wile E. Coyote was always trying to capture Road Runner - I assume for a meal. That only barely makes sense to me because Road Runner was such a skinny bird that one could barely make a stew from his meat. But, then, Wile E. Coyote was very thin also. So, I guess it was a fitting match.
You surely remember that Wile E. Coyote was always coming up with a new scheme or a different trap that would capture and/or kill Road Runner. And, he always got his equipment from ACME. When one idea failed, Wile E. Coyote tried a new one rather than adjusting or modifying the failed contraption.
Still, sometimes it is good to try new things.
That is what I did this week. First, since I was at a different locale (Henderson United Methodist Church) I tried to work my walking plan where I was. Henderson has a gymn that has a walking "track" upstairs. The sign at the door declared that 23 laps equals one mile. I thought, "that's a lot of laps. But, hey, I'll give it a try." I soon lost count of the laps I had taken and was called away for another task after about 15 minutes.
The next day, still at Henderson, I decided to walk outside because it was warmer and Henderson has a large parking lot. I am not sure how large it is in feet, so I decided to walk 20 minutes. That was how much time I had before another task would demand my time. I decided I like the flat ground better than stairs.
Today I am back at Primrose and have decided to try another new thing (but not from ACME). Upstairs we have a couple of stationary bicycles among other fitness equipment. So, I decided to ride one of those today. My pedometer had recorded 2600 steps after 40 minutes. That calculates to about 1.15 miles if I were walking. So, I did not get as many steps recorded (even though my legs were continuously moving) and I did not get any more distance recorded (even though I was in motion for more minutes than usual when I am walking).
And, Wile E. Coyote did not capture Road Runner.
Until next time, may God bless you.
Some of you may remember the cartoon shows that featured Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. Wile E. Coyote was always trying to capture Road Runner - I assume for a meal. That only barely makes sense to me because Road Runner was such a skinny bird that one could barely make a stew from his meat. But, then, Wile E. Coyote was very thin also. So, I guess it was a fitting match.
You surely remember that Wile E. Coyote was always coming up with a new scheme or a different trap that would capture and/or kill Road Runner. And, he always got his equipment from ACME. When one idea failed, Wile E. Coyote tried a new one rather than adjusting or modifying the failed contraption.
Still, sometimes it is good to try new things.
That is what I did this week. First, since I was at a different locale (Henderson United Methodist Church) I tried to work my walking plan where I was. Henderson has a gymn that has a walking "track" upstairs. The sign at the door declared that 23 laps equals one mile. I thought, "that's a lot of laps. But, hey, I'll give it a try." I soon lost count of the laps I had taken and was called away for another task after about 15 minutes.
The next day, still at Henderson, I decided to walk outside because it was warmer and Henderson has a large parking lot. I am not sure how large it is in feet, so I decided to walk 20 minutes. That was how much time I had before another task would demand my time. I decided I like the flat ground better than stairs.
Today I am back at Primrose and have decided to try another new thing (but not from ACME). Upstairs we have a couple of stationary bicycles among other fitness equipment. So, I decided to ride one of those today. My pedometer had recorded 2600 steps after 40 minutes. That calculates to about 1.15 miles if I were walking. So, I did not get as many steps recorded (even though my legs were continuously moving) and I did not get any more distance recorded (even though I was in motion for more minutes than usual when I am walking).
And, Wile E. Coyote did not capture Road Runner.
Until next time, may God bless you.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Walking 1.12.11
Today has been a most excellent day for walking. Just in case you have not heard, walking can be very therapeutic as well as healthy. Therefore, when you walk you are helping your body AND your mind. That is what I needed today. Some things have happened recently that have been most frustrating and disappointing. Those things came to a head today. So I REALLY needed to walk. I set my goal for 30 or more minutes and kept walking until I had been at it 45 minutes. Some of it was slower but I kept to my usual route. Still, I barely went more than a mile (1.21 exactly). Oh well, it is the time that is important now. On the other hand if I am going to participate in a 5K in May, I really need to cover at least 3 miles sooner than later.
But today the time helped to cool my temper a bit and helped me to pray more. One of the things I noticed as I read the Great Commission, Jesus said, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth ..." and I wondered if most Christians really believed that. In your opinion, does Jesus have all authority over your life (including actions, words, and finances)? I fully intend to make it apparent in my life. But, I know I cannot make it apparent without the power of Holy Spirit working through me.
How about you?
Until next time, God bless.
But today the time helped to cool my temper a bit and helped me to pray more. One of the things I noticed as I read the Great Commission, Jesus said, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth ..." and I wondered if most Christians really believed that. In your opinion, does Jesus have all authority over your life (including actions, words, and finances)? I fully intend to make it apparent in my life. But, I know I cannot make it apparent without the power of Holy Spirit working through me.
How about you?
Until next time, God bless.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Walking 1.11.11
How's that for a date line?
Friday the business of being a pastor got in the way of my walking. Saturday I was feeling less than excellent with cold symptoms so I barely got out of the house. Sunday I only left the house to worship God at Primrose. Monday I did not dare walk in the snow, except for the little walk so I could take some pictures of it.
Tuesday, today, I bravely walked to the church and prepared to make my walking route. I am beginning to really like - even anticipate - this walking and praying! Again I set my timer for 30 minutes and got out my prayer list (you see, I pray for persons by name as I am walking).
Today I got tired and winded so I checked a nearby clock-on-the-wall thinking that my timer had quit on me, but I had not completed my agreed on 30 minutes yet. That either means that I am going faster and farther than before OR I am more out of shape than I previously thought.
When the timer went off, I checked my steps and did a little computation to discover that I had gone just over a mile. That is good, especially considering the stairs I climb. Perhaps some of you can do better - let me know what you did.
Also, I did about 15 minutes of walking on flat surface earlier today. So, I count the day as 45 minutes total walk time! Barely makes up for what I missed but it is a start.
I finished my "exercise" time with a cup of Costa Rican coffee (medium roast). Now that is a good exercise regimen :-)
Until next time - God bless you!
Friday the business of being a pastor got in the way of my walking. Saturday I was feeling less than excellent with cold symptoms so I barely got out of the house. Sunday I only left the house to worship God at Primrose. Monday I did not dare walk in the snow, except for the little walk so I could take some pictures of it.
Tuesday, today, I bravely walked to the church and prepared to make my walking route. I am beginning to really like - even anticipate - this walking and praying! Again I set my timer for 30 minutes and got out my prayer list (you see, I pray for persons by name as I am walking).
Today I got tired and winded so I checked a nearby clock-on-the-wall thinking that my timer had quit on me, but I had not completed my agreed on 30 minutes yet. That either means that I am going faster and farther than before OR I am more out of shape than I previously thought.
When the timer went off, I checked my steps and did a little computation to discover that I had gone just over a mile. That is good, especially considering the stairs I climb. Perhaps some of you can do better - let me know what you did.
Also, I did about 15 minutes of walking on flat surface earlier today. So, I count the day as 45 minutes total walk time! Barely makes up for what I missed but it is a start.
I finished my "exercise" time with a cup of Costa Rican coffee (medium roast). Now that is a good exercise regimen :-)
Until next time - God bless you!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Walking 1.5.11
So, I started my walk at 1:35 p.m. today. I set my timer - God knows I would not want to walk more than 30 minutes! :)
I walked down one hall (actually I start in the middle of the hallway) that is about 80 feet long, turned left to walk another hallway, then left through the sanctuary. Out the other end of the sanctuary I tuned left down a hallway then up stairs to the second floor of the education building and down its hallway. Down a flight of stairs to the first floor, turn right and walk the hallway that is directly under the one I traveled on the second floor. When I turn right at the end of the first floor hallway, then I am in the hallway where I began. Another 40 feet of walking and I am at the starting point. In total it is much less than a mile. But, how do you measure the distance up stairs? Anyway, shouldn't the stairs count triple or something?
While I am walking I am praying (or trying to) through an "ecumenical rosary" that I found online [see http://www.ecumenicalrosary.org/]. I start with an affirmation of faith, the pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray (see Matthew 6:9-13). Then I pray the two Great Commandments like this:
"Here me Clayton! The Lord our God, The Lord is one. Father God show me how to love you with all my mind, all my spirit and all my body for you are holy and that is the greatest thing I can do.
Brother Jesus, as you have loved me, help me to love someone else (and I submit someone's name)."
This is repeated 9 more times followed by a reading of the Great Commission and a Bible passage from one of the gospels, but it may be good to read the Bible in a Year passage. Then I start all over again.
I noticed today that soon after I started walking that my throat felt like it was burning at the base of my throat. Water helped to quench that fire, so I got a drink every time I passed the water fountain. I do not feel like a camel - yet.
In the beginning the walking seemed easy enough. But, after a couple laps either my legs got heaveier or the stairs got steeper. Whew!
I noticed that the stairs are not wide enough for two people to climb side by side. If someone wanted to join me on my walk, we could go up and down the stairs single file or we could walk elsewhere. I understand that Rhonda has a route calculated for outside walking - five laps around the parking lot equal one mile. But, for now I am measureing time more than distance anyway. And time is on my side!
Until next time may God bless you.
I walked down one hall (actually I start in the middle of the hallway) that is about 80 feet long, turned left to walk another hallway, then left through the sanctuary. Out the other end of the sanctuary I tuned left down a hallway then up stairs to the second floor of the education building and down its hallway. Down a flight of stairs to the first floor, turn right and walk the hallway that is directly under the one I traveled on the second floor. When I turn right at the end of the first floor hallway, then I am in the hallway where I began. Another 40 feet of walking and I am at the starting point. In total it is much less than a mile. But, how do you measure the distance up stairs? Anyway, shouldn't the stairs count triple or something?
While I am walking I am praying (or trying to) through an "ecumenical rosary" that I found online [see http://www.ecumenicalrosary.org/]. I start with an affirmation of faith, the pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray (see Matthew 6:9-13). Then I pray the two Great Commandments like this:
"Here me Clayton! The Lord our God, The Lord is one. Father God show me how to love you with all my mind, all my spirit and all my body for you are holy and that is the greatest thing I can do.
Brother Jesus, as you have loved me, help me to love someone else (and I submit someone's name)."
This is repeated 9 more times followed by a reading of the Great Commission and a Bible passage from one of the gospels, but it may be good to read the Bible in a Year passage. Then I start all over again.
I noticed today that soon after I started walking that my throat felt like it was burning at the base of my throat. Water helped to quench that fire, so I got a drink every time I passed the water fountain. I do not feel like a camel - yet.
In the beginning the walking seemed easy enough. But, after a couple laps either my legs got heaveier or the stairs got steeper. Whew!
I noticed that the stairs are not wide enough for two people to climb side by side. If someone wanted to join me on my walk, we could go up and down the stairs single file or we could walk elsewhere. I understand that Rhonda has a route calculated for outside walking - five laps around the parking lot equal one mile. But, for now I am measureing time more than distance anyway. And time is on my side!
Until next time may God bless you.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Year Challenges
I have decided that one should only try to change one or two things at a time about one's lifestyle.
For example, I thought this year I would start again learning to play the harmonica and a little about macrame. But the bishop in some wisdom thought I should create a "wellness" plan and present it to an accountability group. I did and now I am trying to stay faithful to walking 30 continuous minutes 3 days each week.
Monday January 3, 2011 was my first day. I can certainly tell that I have not been walking much.
Pray for me!
For example, I thought this year I would start again learning to play the harmonica and a little about macrame. But the bishop in some wisdom thought I should create a "wellness" plan and present it to an accountability group. I did and now I am trying to stay faithful to walking 30 continuous minutes 3 days each week.
Monday January 3, 2011 was my first day. I can certainly tell that I have not been walking much.
Pray for me!
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