“STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY, YOUR HEART…”

 Courageously living and moving every day the best you can, that is the “next step.” Living wisely with the growing knowledge you understand now, takes thought, planning and initiative. This is “being aware of our numbered days.” It is a prayer in Psalm Ninety: “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12).

An exercise program that is yours and personal, a pursuit of health and beauty, this is a sideline that you will sooner or later enjoy: "According as his divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge...;" (2 Peter 1:3,5).

In the big picture, life is short. But when we are alert to the things that help us to become all God created us to be we help ourselves. Our lives take on a sense of adventure.

“Keep your heart with all diligence…” this is physical and spiritual.

“Now they that run in a race, run all, but one receives the prize…so run that you may obtain.” (I Corinthians 9:24). It refers to your physical and spiritual challenges. Here is a picture of an active person spiritually and physically.

I did not know that when our son, Zach, challenged me to write about health, that the Bible would reveal such a powerful comparison between the physical and spiritual wellbeing of our lives and that one describes the other: it powerfully deepens the application of Scripture to your life.

HEART, LUNGS, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Aerobic conditioning strengthens your cardiovascular system. This means moving so that your heart rate quickens. It is the process of your heart and lungs processing oxygen through your physical body. It does not have to be grievously hard: begin easily. If you are a healthy person, all you need do is add to the usual moving in your day. Making exercise a regular thing, you are gradually growing in endurance and strength. More, you will find that exercise helps your mood, your sense of wellbeing, your confidence, and your strength. You confidently realize, “I am doing this!” It is possible in most circumstances to continue to be, stay and grow strong. Even as you age, there are important reasons to continue and never stop.

When we were married only about six months, my husband bought Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book, Aerobics. It has been for all these years the catalyst for knowledge, inspiration and know how. It was an excellent and medically sound introduction to serious exercise. Eric began training on his own, following Dr. Cooper’s approach. His wife, Mildred Cooper wrote a sequel, “Aerobics for Woman.” I learned about her writing through Eric’s study from Dr. Cooper. I had just had our first son, and was not even beginning to think of exercise, when Eric’s example stirred me. Mildred Cooper’s writing and experience changed my life. My younger sister and I began walking, and then jogging before daylight, with our firstborn still sleeping and before Eric took off for work across town.

The benefits have come over time…your whole life is influenced. Walking, jogging, biking, and any exercise that elevates your heart rate (in a controlled program) and makes your lungs work will change how you look and feel. This along with whole grains and good foods are going to strengthen your heart, give you confidence and improve your life. "Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book and Bicycling Magazine equipped both of us and later our family bicycle rides for safety and Rules for the Road.

Figurative and literal truth come together and teach us a broad and practical way to invest our lives.