She woke up to find that 3 of her 6 family members were down and out. The sound of massive sneezing and sighs of misery first came from the person next to her. Her husband. "Oh no, please.. anybody but him," she thought. Next, as she walked into each bedroom she found her 13 year old son was next to show signs. He looked pale for a usually darker olive skinned toned boy. He had watery eyes and said his neck felt achy. Her 15 year old son passed with flying colors! He was up and ready to tackle the day. "Thank goodness he's ok," she thought to herself. She also breathed a sigh of relief to find daughter number 2 bright-eyed and happy to see the day. Daughter number 1 however seemed the worst of all. She immediately felt compassion and even worried about daughter number 1. She was hot to the touch, pale, dry lipped and stuffed up like her face was on the verge of exploding. Daughter 1 tried to speak but it came out sounding like a snooty operator. Poor thing. A call to the doctor would have to be next. And yes, it would interrupt her previously planned agenda for the day. She felt compassion for her family but also noticed there was a little selfish disappointment in her heart at the same time.
It had been several weeks of this same interruption which put the list of things she really wanted to do on hold. She stopped long enough to lift her heart up to God and listen to what he might like to say about her present state of heart. After a few minutes of quiet contemplation... she said inside... "Interruptions are not by chance. Interruptions are divine opportunities to come forth as gold! What will I do? Continue in my bad attitude and gripe, complain and rot inside as I try to serve my family with a fake smile, or with God's help genuinely rid myself of this selfish disgust, be thankful I have a family and serve with a heart that is moldable in the hands of God?" I have to care for them either way. I would be stupid not to see this as a chance to live and grow and continue to crucify the sinful nature."
"Why do I struggle with this at all God? If anyone looked inside my heart how dark it would seem. Thank you there is you!!! On days like today, THANK YOU THERE IS YOU!"
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Bringing a Little Heaven to Earth
My heart is full as I reflect on my travels to China earlier this month. How do I share such an experience? Where do I start? Such a trip brought me to places of deeper wonder and appreciation for the level of diversity in the world. It also brought me to places of frustration and realization of my total selfishness and longing for what was familiar. It brought me to think on the heart of God and how much I saw Him in my dear friends who serve there so faithfully year after year. They persevere to embrace the culture and language of a very DIFFERENT people group. I admire their slow and steady efforts to genuinely love and offer friendship to the specific people God brings their way. They know what it means when God says that LOVE IS THE GREATEST THING YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR LIFE.
Would you join me as I journey back on all I saw, heard, smelled and tasted during my trip? Coming straight from my heart felt journal entries...
11/12/09
Rick asked me this morning what the most surprising part about being in China has been. I thought, and the first thing that came to mind was I am surprised by how big China is and so modern. Not sure what I was expecting, but the cities we have been in are huge! During interaction over an interesting boiling "hot pot" meal where you dip various kinds of meat and vegetables into boiling water in the center of the table and then attempt to lift them all out with chopsticks...yeah right... a Chinese friend of Les and Karla (named Rick also) informed us that the city we were in has grown over the last 20 years from 40,000 to 8 million people! There are people everywhere. You should see the streets! It's instant stress and tension that you can feel rising up in your neck and shoulders and gives you an instant headache. Cars, bikes, taxis, buses, rickshaws, scooters, and even people walking all over the very busy roads like it was nothing at all. Everyone is pushing their way ahead (no defensive driving lessons in China) and if you get in someone's way they will honk loud and long to let you know. When we crossed the street I found it best to hold Karla's arm and just close my eyes and blindly walk and pray until we made it safely across to the other side. Same was true for Taxi rides. It was best to close my eyes and try to relax. Les called the front seat passengers side the "Hello Jesus seat" because there are so many near misses to that corner of the car. Such a different way of life in something as simple as the way people drive. Whew!
Not only do I see crowds surrounding me, but it is a crowd that continually tends to stare at me. It's very uncomfortable really. Sometimes I am tempted to make a funny face when they keep staring. :O) Karla says on an especially difficult day, she sometimes will do something super silly to really give them something to look at. She says it keeps her sane. I love that!
Did you know that in China the government purposely does something called "seeding" the clouds? It somehow causes them to condense and precipitate faster. It helps clean the smoggy air. Well it has certainly been raining AND SNOWING! Bummer. Karla says it must be part of God's plan to help us really get a taste of their lives there when they go for painfully long stretches of time with clouds. You have to understand when it's cloudy in China... IT'S CLOUDY!!!! Because of the smog it is often foggy and darker than usual, like one of those mysterious foggy looking dreams you walk through as you sleep soundly. I feel heavy walking through it some days and have to fight feeling depressed even.
I have also experienced a damp, cold and chilled to the bone sensation most of the time. The government does not turn on the heat in the city until November 15th. Les and Karla's apartment has heaters in each room so we are nice and toasty every night, but during the day going from place to place is another story. Many of the shopping places we have visited are outdoors with just plastic tarps for coverings. Rick did not pack for cold to the bone weather so we shopped one day for a coat. Entering shops is a whole experience in itself. The shop owners surround you pointing to various items and pushing a sale to the point of practically giving it to you for free. Rick's coat which would have cost $125.00 in the States, he paid $25.00 for in the China shops. :O) I LIKE THAT!!!!
Speaking of good deals!!!! Karla graciously brought me to visit her Chiropractor. I wasn't sure what to expect but left amazed at the excellent quality 45 minute back massage and adjustment I received all for $5.00. :O) I left feeling like I wanted to turn right around and do it again. A haircut includes a 30 minute head/shoulder and arm massage and costs... get this... $3.00! Why isn't that kind of great service for reasonable prices part of our culture? Oh, how I wish it was so! Oh, and eating out is the preferred way to go in China... shopping at the market and cooking at home costs more money and time than eating out. And the food choices are very healthy. Those are things I could get used to very easily!!! Oh the yogurt... I know, random, but I had to mention it.
I can't help but also notice the women of China. They are just beautiful to look at. It is interesting to me to see modern hairstyles on most of them as well. I always envision their hair being too straight to be styled into anything much. Oh no... long beautiful, wavy styled hair. They all wear high heel boots and look so elegant to me. So dignified and serious... and beautiful!
Our first night in Beijing we stayed in a Youth Hostel. My first thought... "OK... This is different." I walked into a cool, dimly lit lobby area which was small, cramped and cozy with lots of character. Two small picnic tables to the left. Couches with floral prints and big soft pillows faced each other with a table in between. Wooden floors and walls. A low ceiling with plants hanging overhead to add to the homeyness of the place. We walked through a small doorway out into the center patio/garden area. More picnic tables, hanging plants and candles. The ground was made of uneven brick type material. Another door took us down a long, narrow, dimly lit hallway into our rooms. The rooms were surprisingly different than the first impression of the place. More modern looking space just big enough to fit the simple low to the ground beds. A toilet right off to the left of the bed and a shower to the right. It was all part of the experience of being in China. Why stay at Holiday Inn when you can experience a Youth Hostel? I'm glad we did.
I know this is getting really long... anyone still reading???? Anyone???
We traveled from Beijing to Xian via train. We took the 10 hour overnight ride. "Hmmmm" I thought as we boarded and wondered how we would get any sleep on a train. I was pleasantly surprised how relaxing it was. The gentle rocking motion and humming sounds lulled me to sleep nicely that night. I woke up enthusiastic about catching new sights from the large window of our cabin. For some silly reason that song from Aladdin "A Whole New World"entered my mind as I watched in wonder (lame, I know). But it's true... it is a whole new world to me. The way a new culture awakens the senses blows me away. The rolling hills were a refreshing sight to see. Not something I see much in the Midwest. As I watched I wondered why some of the hills had cave like looking holes in them. Karla mentioned, believe it or not, that some people live in the caves I saw. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whoa! I would love to see one.
The Great Wall!!!! Nothing quite like it. Amazing what the people of ancient past were capable of. I just keep thinking about the thousands of years of China's history. As we drove back into town after walking The Wall, Les shared that everytime China begins to dig in any given area for development they more likely than not unearth ancient findings. I was tempted to go out and start digging to see what I could find. :O)
I have shared some of the highlights of discovering a new culture. Eight days is hardly enough time to truly discover it. Processing a new culture takes years and years of engaging it. Not sure I am called to that. Not sure I want to be. (should I dare to say that?) Les and Karla some days might tell you the same thing. I was most impressed and impacted by them and the rest of the Asia Quest team and the Chinese people we met. I love the way they so faithfully pray for ways to engage this culture to bring a little bit of heaven to the earth. To "Let their light shine so that the Chinese may see their good deeds and Praise their Father in Heaven!" That's what this life is all about... God desires to restore all things to himself to make all things NEW! We can bring a little bit of heaven to our own world everyday as we seek to glorify God in our lives.
I am still learning how to post pictures on my blog... I need my blogging buddy to show me more. In the mean time become my friend on facebook and visit my facebook profile page to see some of the pictures we took while in China. Thanks for reading!!! Until next time, God bless!
~Donna
Would you join me as I journey back on all I saw, heard, smelled and tasted during my trip? Coming straight from my heart felt journal entries...
11/12/09
Rick asked me this morning what the most surprising part about being in China has been. I thought, and the first thing that came to mind was I am surprised by how big China is and so modern. Not sure what I was expecting, but the cities we have been in are huge! During interaction over an interesting boiling "hot pot" meal where you dip various kinds of meat and vegetables into boiling water in the center of the table and then attempt to lift them all out with chopsticks...yeah right... a Chinese friend of Les and Karla (named Rick also) informed us that the city we were in has grown over the last 20 years from 40,000 to 8 million people! There are people everywhere. You should see the streets! It's instant stress and tension that you can feel rising up in your neck and shoulders and gives you an instant headache. Cars, bikes, taxis, buses, rickshaws, scooters, and even people walking all over the very busy roads like it was nothing at all. Everyone is pushing their way ahead (no defensive driving lessons in China) and if you get in someone's way they will honk loud and long to let you know. When we crossed the street I found it best to hold Karla's arm and just close my eyes and blindly walk and pray until we made it safely across to the other side. Same was true for Taxi rides. It was best to close my eyes and try to relax. Les called the front seat passengers side the "Hello Jesus seat" because there are so many near misses to that corner of the car. Such a different way of life in something as simple as the way people drive. Whew!
Not only do I see crowds surrounding me, but it is a crowd that continually tends to stare at me. It's very uncomfortable really. Sometimes I am tempted to make a funny face when they keep staring. :O) Karla says on an especially difficult day, she sometimes will do something super silly to really give them something to look at. She says it keeps her sane. I love that!
Did you know that in China the government purposely does something called "seeding" the clouds? It somehow causes them to condense and precipitate faster. It helps clean the smoggy air. Well it has certainly been raining AND SNOWING! Bummer. Karla says it must be part of God's plan to help us really get a taste of their lives there when they go for painfully long stretches of time with clouds. You have to understand when it's cloudy in China... IT'S CLOUDY!!!! Because of the smog it is often foggy and darker than usual, like one of those mysterious foggy looking dreams you walk through as you sleep soundly. I feel heavy walking through it some days and have to fight feeling depressed even.
I have also experienced a damp, cold and chilled to the bone sensation most of the time. The government does not turn on the heat in the city until November 15th. Les and Karla's apartment has heaters in each room so we are nice and toasty every night, but during the day going from place to place is another story. Many of the shopping places we have visited are outdoors with just plastic tarps for coverings. Rick did not pack for cold to the bone weather so we shopped one day for a coat. Entering shops is a whole experience in itself. The shop owners surround you pointing to various items and pushing a sale to the point of practically giving it to you for free. Rick's coat which would have cost $125.00 in the States, he paid $25.00 for in the China shops. :O) I LIKE THAT!!!!
Speaking of good deals!!!! Karla graciously brought me to visit her Chiropractor. I wasn't sure what to expect but left amazed at the excellent quality 45 minute back massage and adjustment I received all for $5.00. :O) I left feeling like I wanted to turn right around and do it again. A haircut includes a 30 minute head/shoulder and arm massage and costs... get this... $3.00! Why isn't that kind of great service for reasonable prices part of our culture? Oh, how I wish it was so! Oh, and eating out is the preferred way to go in China... shopping at the market and cooking at home costs more money and time than eating out. And the food choices are very healthy. Those are things I could get used to very easily!!! Oh the yogurt... I know, random, but I had to mention it.
I can't help but also notice the women of China. They are just beautiful to look at. It is interesting to me to see modern hairstyles on most of them as well. I always envision their hair being too straight to be styled into anything much. Oh no... long beautiful, wavy styled hair. They all wear high heel boots and look so elegant to me. So dignified and serious... and beautiful!
Our first night in Beijing we stayed in a Youth Hostel. My first thought... "OK... This is different." I walked into a cool, dimly lit lobby area which was small, cramped and cozy with lots of character. Two small picnic tables to the left. Couches with floral prints and big soft pillows faced each other with a table in between. Wooden floors and walls. A low ceiling with plants hanging overhead to add to the homeyness of the place. We walked through a small doorway out into the center patio/garden area. More picnic tables, hanging plants and candles. The ground was made of uneven brick type material. Another door took us down a long, narrow, dimly lit hallway into our rooms. The rooms were surprisingly different than the first impression of the place. More modern looking space just big enough to fit the simple low to the ground beds. A toilet right off to the left of the bed and a shower to the right. It was all part of the experience of being in China. Why stay at Holiday Inn when you can experience a Youth Hostel? I'm glad we did.
I know this is getting really long... anyone still reading???? Anyone???
We traveled from Beijing to Xian via train. We took the 10 hour overnight ride. "Hmmmm" I thought as we boarded and wondered how we would get any sleep on a train. I was pleasantly surprised how relaxing it was. The gentle rocking motion and humming sounds lulled me to sleep nicely that night. I woke up enthusiastic about catching new sights from the large window of our cabin. For some silly reason that song from Aladdin "A Whole New World"entered my mind as I watched in wonder (lame, I know). But it's true... it is a whole new world to me. The way a new culture awakens the senses blows me away. The rolling hills were a refreshing sight to see. Not something I see much in the Midwest. As I watched I wondered why some of the hills had cave like looking holes in them. Karla mentioned, believe it or not, that some people live in the caves I saw. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whoa! I would love to see one.
The Great Wall!!!! Nothing quite like it. Amazing what the people of ancient past were capable of. I just keep thinking about the thousands of years of China's history. As we drove back into town after walking The Wall, Les shared that everytime China begins to dig in any given area for development they more likely than not unearth ancient findings. I was tempted to go out and start digging to see what I could find. :O)
I have shared some of the highlights of discovering a new culture. Eight days is hardly enough time to truly discover it. Processing a new culture takes years and years of engaging it. Not sure I am called to that. Not sure I want to be. (should I dare to say that?) Les and Karla some days might tell you the same thing. I was most impressed and impacted by them and the rest of the Asia Quest team and the Chinese people we met. I love the way they so faithfully pray for ways to engage this culture to bring a little bit of heaven to the earth. To "Let their light shine so that the Chinese may see their good deeds and Praise their Father in Heaven!" That's what this life is all about... God desires to restore all things to himself to make all things NEW! We can bring a little bit of heaven to our own world everyday as we seek to glorify God in our lives.
I am still learning how to post pictures on my blog... I need my blogging buddy to show me more. In the mean time become my friend on facebook and visit my facebook profile page to see some of the pictures we took while in China. Thanks for reading!!! Until next time, God bless!
~Donna
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thoughts on Rest
Hello blogging friends! I have missed you. Had a wonderful time in China and am trying to settle back into my regular routine. I am not one who usually struggles too much with getting enough rest but having to face jet-lag during our trip and now especially since we have been back it has been a hot topic on my mind. Wowie... what a struggle.
It has me thinking about the importance of getting enough rest for the purpose of greater health and wellness. One dictionary definition of sleep is "the unconscious state or condition regularly assumed by man and animals during which the activity of the nervous system is almost entirely suspended and the recuperation of the body takes place." Have you ever thought about what happens in your body while you rest? The food you eat is transformed into tissues as you sleep, your body rids itself of poisons, cells are repaired and the blood structure is changed. Certain things happen in your body that can only happen during sleep. We cannot underestimate the power of a good nights rest and the problems we encounter when sleep is deprived.
Being sleep deprived myself in the last couple days I am feeling the effects. As you might guess... I feel more irritable, head achy, dizzy, and even kinda twitchy. Not sure what that is, but it's no fun. Many have advised me to consider taking melatonin before bed if I continue to lay awake at night. I am happy to say that last night was much better. Woke up a few times but nothing compared to the 2 nights before that.
I have been re-reading a great chapter on rest in Stormie Omartian's Book "Greater Health God's Way." At one point she shares that wartime tortures included keeping victims awake to the point of insanity or near death, for then they can be progammed to do anything. I believe it. Sleep is necessary for survival just as much as air, food and water. Would you believe that you could die if you were to go without sleep for more than 10 days. It's true.
If you struggle with getting enough sleep at night you might consider the following sleep stealers... (from Stormie's book)
One of the main causes for insomnia is eating toxin-forming foods... you know those processed convenient packaged foods. Toxins irritate the nerves and can keep you awake at night.
Worry, fear, and mental anxiety will also keep you lying awake at night. Does your mind race at night? It might be time to ask yourself if you are repressing problems/issues and take steps to deal with them instead.
How's your physical activity? Working out physcially will produce deeper sleep at night and give you a chance to recuperate.
You might also take steps to ensure deeper sleep by...
Going to bed early.
Take mini breaks during the day.
Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
Eat healthy food, never processed packaged foods.
Take a warm bath to wind down.
Drink herb teas like chamomile... no stimulants.
Fill your mind with Scripture that soothes your mind before you fall asleep and ask God to make these Scriptures true for you...
Here are a few...
"My soul finds rest in God alone." Psalm 62:1
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
"There remains a day of rest for the people of God." Hebrews 4:9
"My people will live in peaceful dwellings, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." Isaiah 32:18
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for He gives His beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
"For we who have believed do enter that rest." Hebrews 4:3
Isn't sleep such a gift from God? I am sure thanking him for it!!! Hope you too are getting enough of it.
~Donna
It has me thinking about the importance of getting enough rest for the purpose of greater health and wellness. One dictionary definition of sleep is "the unconscious state or condition regularly assumed by man and animals during which the activity of the nervous system is almost entirely suspended and the recuperation of the body takes place." Have you ever thought about what happens in your body while you rest? The food you eat is transformed into tissues as you sleep, your body rids itself of poisons, cells are repaired and the blood structure is changed. Certain things happen in your body that can only happen during sleep. We cannot underestimate the power of a good nights rest and the problems we encounter when sleep is deprived.
Being sleep deprived myself in the last couple days I am feeling the effects. As you might guess... I feel more irritable, head achy, dizzy, and even kinda twitchy. Not sure what that is, but it's no fun. Many have advised me to consider taking melatonin before bed if I continue to lay awake at night. I am happy to say that last night was much better. Woke up a few times but nothing compared to the 2 nights before that.
I have been re-reading a great chapter on rest in Stormie Omartian's Book "Greater Health God's Way." At one point she shares that wartime tortures included keeping victims awake to the point of insanity or near death, for then they can be progammed to do anything. I believe it. Sleep is necessary for survival just as much as air, food and water. Would you believe that you could die if you were to go without sleep for more than 10 days. It's true.
If you struggle with getting enough sleep at night you might consider the following sleep stealers... (from Stormie's book)
One of the main causes for insomnia is eating toxin-forming foods... you know those processed convenient packaged foods. Toxins irritate the nerves and can keep you awake at night.
Worry, fear, and mental anxiety will also keep you lying awake at night. Does your mind race at night? It might be time to ask yourself if you are repressing problems/issues and take steps to deal with them instead.
How's your physical activity? Working out physcially will produce deeper sleep at night and give you a chance to recuperate.
You might also take steps to ensure deeper sleep by...
Going to bed early.
Take mini breaks during the day.
Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
Eat healthy food, never processed packaged foods.
Take a warm bath to wind down.
Drink herb teas like chamomile... no stimulants.
Fill your mind with Scripture that soothes your mind before you fall asleep and ask God to make these Scriptures true for you...
Here are a few...
"My soul finds rest in God alone." Psalm 62:1
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
"There remains a day of rest for the people of God." Hebrews 4:9
"My people will live in peaceful dwellings, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." Isaiah 32:18
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for He gives His beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
"For we who have believed do enter that rest." Hebrews 4:3
Isn't sleep such a gift from God? I am sure thanking him for it!!! Hope you too are getting enough of it.
~Donna
Friday, November 13, 2009
Greetings from China
Hello Friends!
Just a very quick hello! Rick and I are in CHINA visiting dear friends. What a ride it has been! I look forward to getting time when we return to update you on my experience and to get back to enjoying my blog. Miss you for now.
~Donna
Just a very quick hello! Rick and I are in CHINA visiting dear friends. What a ride it has been! I look forward to getting time when we return to update you on my experience and to get back to enjoying my blog. Miss you for now.
~Donna
Monday, November 2, 2009
It Starts with the Mind
I love a good quote.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes about fitness/motivation/determination.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes about fitness/motivation/determination.
"Our health always seems much more valuable after we lose it." ~Unknown
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit." ~Aristotle
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." ~Jim Rohen
"The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince."
~Vincent Lombardi
"We do not stop exercising because we grow old... we grow old because we stop exercising."
~Dr. Kenneth Cooper
"A healthy body is the guest chamber of the soul, a sick body is it's prison." ~Francis Bacon
*************************************************************************************
Oh... I have so many more good quotes and could go on and on. The great thing about a good quote is it is motivating and brings insight which can help change the direction of our lives. I know it does for me. In Ecclesiastes 12:11 it says... "The collected saying of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd." I realize the quotes above are not specifically in Scripture and are not His inspired Word or His direct revelation, but the principles are found there. (sowing/reaping, good stewardship, right thinking, discipline). Have you ever heard the idea that all truth is God's truth? For example... 2+2=4, but you can't specifically find a chapter and verse about it in the Bible. Just because it is not specifically in the Bible doesn't cease to make it true. There are many things in His creation that are His general revelation and are true. (grass is green, sky is blue). If it's true, then it's God's truth and we can be thankful for it. Anyway... a little tangent there.
My intended purpose for this post is remembering that what you think about is vitally important in shaping who you are. Your mind is so much part of being healthy physically and spiritually.
Search the Scripture and you will find giants of the faith continually in situations where they have to train their minds for battle. You see David over and over again in tough situations. He laments to God about his situation, then what does he do??? He REMEMBERS, he BRINGS TO MIND, he REHEARSES in his mind everything he knows to be true, good, right, excellent and praiseworthy about God and His promises. This is what gives him hope, determination and resolve to continue in good ways for the long haul.
I'd like to relate this concept to our physical health as well. You are a spiritual being no doubt, but you are just as much a physical being this side of heaven. (We'll have bodies in heaven too...perfect ones! Wooo-HOOooo!:O) .... Your body is an amazing creation of God and He made it to function best as we condition it through regular movement. Isn't that true? In today's society it is much harder to get physical conditioning than it was in times past. Jobs in times past were much more physically involved. Today we sit behind desks most of the time. We need to move!
I believe that what's missing from our workouts and what more times than not causes us to quit, is a lack of motivation. Motivation comes when we fill our minds with the WHYS! We forget to BRING TO MIND and REHEARSE all the wonderful benefits of exercising. To help get started take a look here at this great list of reasons WHY exercise is so awesome and needed. Put it up somewhere... not to make you feel guilty, but to hopefully motivate you to go for it everyday!
30 Good Reasons to Get Up and Do It... (from Stormie Omartian's book "Greater Health God's Way"...pg 143)
1. To increase your endurance.
2. To make you less susceptible to disease.
3. To strengthen your heart muscles.
4. To improve your complexion.
5. To reduce tension and enable you to handle stress more effectively.
6. To help you lose weight and keep it off.
7. To lift your spirit.
8. To improve your sleep.
9. To clear your mind and make you more alert by stepping up the flow of blood to the brain.
10. To relieve depression.
11. To elevate beta-endorphic levels in your blood, which reduces pain.
12. To help your nervous system to function more effeciently.
13. To increase self-esteem, confidence, and a feeling of self-worth.
14. To ease your heart's work load by causing your muscles to use oxygen more efficiently.
15. To relieve tension headaches.
16. To ease back problems as you strengthen core muscles.
17. To reduce neck and shoulder pain.
18. To purify your blood.
19. To aid digestion
20. To slow down the aging process!!! :O) :O)
21. To increase flexibility.
22. To cut addictive cravings.
23. To decrease cholestrol.
24. To balance your metabolism.
25. To reshape your body.
26. To improve circulation.
27. To make you more cheerful!!!
28. To help you regulate an out of control appetite.
29. To ease menstral cramps.
30. To relieve arthritis.
Think about it! The above list is TRUE about exercise. Continue to search out for yourself more good reasons to make exercise a lifestyle and add to this list. When you are tempted to quit, get back to your list and allow it to continue to transform the way you think about exercise. Here are a couple more good quotes to ponder on....
"Remember, you should have your mind ready for war when you train"...Bob Whlean
"Workouts are like brushing my teeth-- I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made." ...Patti Sue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
"The body does not want you to do this. As you run (exercise), it tells you to stop!... but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy... It's not age, it's not diet... it's the will to succeed." ...Jacquelinne Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon Champ
Be determined... you CAN do it!
~Donna
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