Currently Reading Total Temple Makeover: How to Turn Your Body into a Temple You Can Rejoice In By Greg Jantz see related

In praise of the early morning walk

Health care experts (and "I are one"), tout the value of exercise, in that it is good for circulation, builds strong bones and muscles, keeps you flexible, increases metabolism, improves mood, helps you sleep better, and gives your heart and lungs something to do besides slug along at their normal apathetic pace. I also do my best memorizing when I'm "in the rhythm" of walking and have blood circulating through my brain. But I am a lover of the morning walk for more spiritual reasons as well.

I highly recommend that everyone make a habit of getting out early to walk at least once in a while. Yesterday morning (Mother's Day) I got out for a long, energetic walk before breakfast and before church. There's nothing like walking around the quiet neighborhood seeing the sun try to burn through the fog, smelling the honeysuckle blooms, hearing nothing but the birds and the creek, and talking to no one but God. I recently read a book in which the main character referred to this as "tilling time". (She took her dog with her-you won't catch me doing that!) It's especially profitable if you have your Quiet Time first, to tune up your heart so you can meditate while you walk.

As I walked yesterday, I caught a whiff of a familiar scent that took me back in time to the far corner of our backyard in WV--looked across the street and saw a honeysuckle vine full of blossoms. That corner of our backyard was where we spent 95% of our time in the summer. The swingset and sandbox were there. The sandbox had no particular appeal to me, as I really didn't like being dirty, but I do remember instigating a project that involved collecting honeysuckle nectar in dixie cups! We usually gave up before the whole bottom of the cup was covered, but then we took turns tasting it from the tips of our fingers as if it were the best delicacy we had ever had!

Occasionally, my sweetheart & I walk together, and have some of our best conversations as we walk--solve the world's problems, if you will (or at least vent so we feel better about leaving the problems of the world in God's hands!)

So....whether you use the time to memorize, pray, meditate, plan, think, reminisce, compose, vent, share with a friend, or just clear your head---go take a walk! And enjoy!

Misplaced Priorities

Our challenge is to reach a generation of Americans (well, probably more like two generations) who have been handed their heart's desires on a silver platter since long before they were taught what those heart's desires should be. They are desparately needy, but don't FEEL like they need anything.

I just heard on ESPN that the Yankees are going to pay Roger Clemons $1,000,000 a week for the rest of the season. That averages about $10,000 for every pitch he throws. Any wonder our country is so messed up?

Well, I've been sitting at home all morning so I would be here to sign for Ray's new computer when it was delivered and darn it they didn't just drop it at the door like it was a telephone book or something. Oh well. Those of you who know me know that it is no great hardship for me to stay at home for a day. I'm basically a homebody at heart, and I'm never bored. I actually got a lot done today--cleaned out several drawers, caught up on my ironing, did some pretty heavy reading, and got file folder set up to get started on my QT writing assignment. I feel like I'm really behind on that, so pray that I'll get motivated & inspired to buckle down soon and get started on it. I've learned through this two volume set on the life of Hudson Taylor that his wife Maria was actively involved in his ministry, including the writing and translation ministry. How cool is that? It has been a struggle for me to get through these two books, but well worth it. It is a blessing to see how they handled the trials and discouragement of the ministry, and how real their faith was. Maria signed her letters "Yours in a present Savior". Oh that I would be constantly aware of the presence of my Savior, and give my heart to him daily to keep it rather than giving in to the sins of anxiety, discouragement, and bitterness over my circumstances.

Well now, since I'm free from playing the waiting game, my excuse to stay at home is gone, so I can't put off grocery shopping any longer!

I hope the last month of school is going well for all you students! Let me hear from you!