Resolutions - Don't expect perfection

One thing I discovered this year was an improved attitude and experience at work. For years I dreaded going to work as I saw my job as a failing life's expectations and part of being trapped in Joliet. Most mornings I had a dread of going to work.As insomnia set in and later depression set in my work phobia got worse. One of the things I addressed in therapy was to accept work as is being thankful to have a job particularly in times like these. The second thing I did was end the debate in my head and consider it as part of the lies of depression. The perseveration over it was getting me nowhere. The last thing I did was to forget the title of job and live in the moment using my skills and education to help students and teachers.

With work no longer being a daily grind and complaint I have more energy and enthusiasm. Moving what I learned at work forward to other areas of my life, I plan to live in the moment with my friends on face book and friends in life. #1 resolution be better on the phone, text messages and find other ways to make and build friends. Resolutions are funny in that we tend to not keep them. Maybe we expect to do so perfectly. One failure and we quit. So in my quest to make more friends I don't need to be perfect.

Walking with the fat man, I am back to walking. Each day my fitness improves. Resolution time. I resolve to walk aerobically 250+ times this year. Roughly 5 times a week. I resolve to do calisthenics 156 times or 3 times a week:
Push ups, sit ups, squats, and a few routines with tubes. Example work on rotator cuffs and some upper body moves.
With fitness I plan to use my total gym and weights twice a week or 104 times. Maybe that will become three time a week. Finally stretching twice a day, with other fitness routines and work on flexibility. There is a routine from Dr. Oz that works with movement and flexibility that also deals with stress I hope to work with.
How about working on losing weight? 50lbs. sounds good. Any lost weight is a win.

All of these resolutions are reasonable. Combined my body will be in motion. If I fall short a little there are a lot of things to pick me up. For example a calisthenic and two workouts with my equipment works. One week four walks and another 3 walks works and most of the them 5 walks works. Throw in some days at the zoo, art museum, swimming in the ocean it all adds up.

Diet 80% good works. How about work for 90%. If I actually do 87% lets see where we are at. Perfection that is not me, never has been but then who is perfect? Keep walking

Set dates? gloom and doom? How about live the moment

We are one day past Christmas and on our way to 2012. We seen the movies, people set the dates, and small groups of people showing the worse self centeredness as they actually carry out harm on others. There is a lot of talk of doomsday and more economic disaster. There are people who wish the hurt of others and for millions to suffer. Can there be any doubt we are sinners and need a Savior?

I for one wish others well and hope the next year. Would it be nice if someone did the will of God by showing love for a change. To have a holy war in doing good for others who they disagree with. That would be a breathe of fresh air. Instead of setting a date, how about living a moment in the present taking in part of this brief life we experience. I don't have answers about facing the future but it be nice if people would focus on improving our lot.

It took work to remodel our house. It was easy to tear down. I like the results of improved living conditions for my family.

I saw a news piece on Monday Night Countdown of a kid with serious health issues. They used a personal robot to link the kid who had to stay in health care to his school. The robot sent a video lead to the kid where he could particapate in school and his friends talk to him. The teachers and students at school could see and hear the kid from his hospital or care unit and relationships and learning could continue. Since the robot has been used the teen has gained weight and really enjoys experiencing the classroom and friends via the connection wit the robot. Now that beats a terrorist bomb or hatred from one person or group to another any day. The child has real health issues which he may not survive but look at what is happening his life is being experienced better regardless the out come.

Would it be great if people could know about "the cause" what ever it is by some act of kindness. Any fool can become a suicide bomber or gang banger and hurt others. What if a gang was known for helpful actions to others. What if a "holy jihad" was known for the care of the less fortunate instead of furthering some man of vain power who really could care less about those who die for the cause or those destroyed. What if the "jihad" was for the less fortuneate in their own number? What if the "jihad" was for the benefit of those whom they disagreed. That would be powerful!

For those who set dates, why? Jesus clearly tells us not to. Instead we are instructed to live in the now. Take note of today. take note of your family take note of your job, with God's help what can you do today to help your family, friends, brothers and sisters, those who are down and out, those whom you might not agree with.

2012 is coming how will you live it? Any fool can hurt another. But to help another now that takes our energy. I took note of my family this holiday and give thanks. This following year who knows what may be around the bend. People will hurt one another and find some reason why they did it.  But what if one by one we did an act of love and found a reason for that. Works for me, keep walking!

Where I don't want to be for Christmas

Merry Christmas

Using satellites they were able to get a picture of the North Pole and Greenland. I know we have grown up with the magical myths of the North Pole being a great place to visit. The fact that no country owns the Arctic should be a clue for us not to plan a vacation there. Particularly in the winter it can reach -94 degrees below zero F. Reading of stories of people who explored and lived there to do research is enough to make me appreciate my humble dwellings right here in Illinois.

The Arctic is actually a sheet of ice the size of the United States. The magnetic pole moves every year about 6 to 25 miles a year. Polar Bears and Killer Whales are top predators on the planet. I once landed in Greenland flying from Europe. It looked to cold for me.

My friend Ken Gill and I agree on one thing, a visit to the North Pole is not on our bucket list. I find the picture fascinating and I don't want to see it melt. If it does you can say goodbye to Florida to say the least.

The Arctic Tern flies to the South Pole in our winter and returns to the Arctic Pole in the summer. That is some serious flying, just under 24,000 miles. If I walk aerobically 2 miles a day I walk 730 miles. If I walk 10,000 steps a day I can cover 1825 miles in a year. I would never catch up to that bird. To keep pace I would have to walk 65 miles a day. There is more chance I would do that then visit the North Pole. Antarctic is even colder and never warms up above zero.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. I visited another place on the planet some 35 years ago where God became man. Bethlehem in Jesus day was just a small village. Today it is a small city. It was off the beaten track as well as Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. The Christmas story as we tell it occurs over two years in actual time. Jesus as a child would have travelled to surrounding villages and worked with his earthly dad, Joseph the carpenter. As a young man in his thirties he would perform many signs and teach and show all of us God in the flesh. He would die on the cross and shed his blood in the Father's plan to save and forgive us. That is the gift of Christmas. We give gifts to our loved ones and have a Christmas meal and other traditions, but take note of the real gift of Christmas.

Burr! it is cold at the North Pole. Keep walking

Lonely this Holiday - You do not have to be alone

One of the websites I regularly visit is a blog by Wayne Styles. Read his blog on Dealing with Holiday Loneliness.  http://waynestiles.blogspot.com/ I had my devotions in the Scriptures he shared.

 Holidays can be a lonely experience for many of us. Family members are no longer with us and for one reason or another we find ourselves alone which can be painful during the holidays. I would encourage you to pray for new friendships but right now you may be alone.

 Jesus on His walk to His baptism I believe was alone for the walk. From the baptism to His temptation I know He did by Himself. We have a Savior who experienced loneliness and its pain and Hebrews 4:15 encourage us who are alone. “For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Jesus was alone for this walk but alone can be an opportunity to fellowship with God. There are things we learn and experience when we are hurting that we can embrace. David had just the same experience as He was being chased by Saul and the Philistines. He was alone when he wrote of His experience in Psalms 142:3-7.

 ³ When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path.  In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me. ⁴ Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul. ⁵ I cried out to You, O LORD: I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. ⁶ Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. ⁷ Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise your name; the righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me.” NKJV

Styles writes, “In Hebrew, the word You stands emphatic, meaning only God truly understood David’s pain. From the depths of this cave, David cried aloud, “You are my refuge” (Psalm 142:5)…So when we feel alone—and I mean really, really alone—we must cling to the Lord’s promises that He will never abandon us . . . never fail us . . . and never forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Matthew 28:20; John 14:18).”

Down the road open yourself up to new friendships. Find a church where people are friendly and supportive. Note Psalms 142:7b “the righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me.” Today on your walk embrace your time of aloneness to know God better and make God your refuge.

Tomorrow and each day reach out and make new friends. We don't have to live alone. Keep walking

What is a friend? friendship

 I am writing tonight hoping to find a friend. I don't think you can have enough of them. Studies tell us if we have them we live longer. If that is so I would like meet friends, not dates. I like to be your friend. Friendship can double our joy and  and that is cool. Friendships may take time and experience for trust. But we can begin a friendship by meeting and talking and sees where it goes. Dating is invested and restricts friendship. If you like take me up on my offer make a comment.

It would be great if I strike a cord  that you like to say something go ahead. Disagree, ouch but go ahead. Love to hear from you. One way or another we take the first steps to friendships. Keep walking

Nobody likes to hear another's misery

In blogging I am probably doing the worse thing. Nobody likes to hear real complaining. When I shared my surgery I discovered most people didn't want to hear the wonders of the details. Person after person I watched the body language as they were saying, "that's great Bill, but I got to go!" I was thrilled to have survived but in health you can give too much information. They would listen out of courtesy but I soon wore out my welcome. I get it, yet here I go again.

For me the blog is attempt to learn how write in an interesting and informative way about a passion I have to walk for better health and encourage others to do the same. For several years I was able to walk daily and could see the difference. This spring and  summer I had health issues with mental health and eye health. In getting treated for insomnia, anxiety and depression my walking was all part of the treatment. With my eyes it was a different matter as I had to become less mobile to heal my eyes. Then in late fall I get hit with viruses that I may be starting to recover.

Writing of my experiences, I hope to connect with people who really have problems that have changed their lifestyles. Can we get back on our feet? Most fitness programs are based on making our bodies feel better but the core making our bodies look better to improve our sexual lives. When you are in your 20's and thirties it sort of makes sense. You are just a little out of shape and you still look young enough to be attractive to somebody, at least in theory. When you look at those ads you picture yourself as you becoming this image of sexuality. For me somehow I missed the boat. My body never did look like it it did in high school and college. I was able to play basketball and tennis into my forties competitively but I never did look like those ads. In my forties and fifties I was fit enough to walk in the hills and mountains. I loved to swim and could swim a mile.  Despite all my effort as I aged so did my body look like it did too.

Fitness also has another message that got through to me. Fitness helps you feel better and keeps you moving as you age. It can actually help against the things that kill us. Things like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Get involved with healthy food and sound medical advise and doing these things can help you in the fight of life. I am now aboard, but the seas are not always smooth. Friends of  mine are battling heart disease, I have high blood pressure. They are also battling cancer and some even diabetes. Me my eyes have chronic problems that won't go away but I have discovered how easy flues, colds can really put you down for to long of time. Lately my experience has been filled with thew things that wear us down.  Not exiting stuff but rather ordinary and a bit boring.

Day to day isn't that what we deal with. Little things that add up to us getting off track and like winter we tend to retreat. But in retreating we become more sedimentary and our health tales a toll.

Today cold still in place, I did an indoor walk which got me breathing deeper and blood flowing and muscle moving. My heart got a workout. I broke into a sweat, you know the kind you have with a virus. After wards I stretched and drank a cup of hot tea. I know the seas aren't smooth and the waves are little rough, but out of the ordinary boring part of life we all faced I did something to say yes to life and health. Keep walking!

Working through the cold and flu season to better health

 I was reading Wayne Styles blog, (a great site if you are interested in how the land of Israel adds an important layer to our understanding of the Bible,) and he was talking about learning that kidney stones happen because of dehydration. Because of the pain experienced he is now converted  to the benefits of hydration to prevent another stone passing. Water is life in an arid place like Israel and as we learn 8 glasses a day is great for our body. Check out the link below.
http://waynestiles.blogspot.com/

In our household we have shared various flu bugs and cold this fall and it has taken awhile to get better. Is it because we are older? Could be. When you are sick for awhile it makes you get back to basics. Plenty of sleep, plenty of fluids and plenty of prayers. Since I have a generalized anxiety disorder I have been thinking about worry that comes with cold and flu that it will turn into illnesses that are more serious, like pneumonia or complications that effect the heart or lungs. Doom and gloom hinders getting better but as we age the risk is there. Read the obits and it gets a little real. Behind it all we fear death.

Right now I am sick of coughing and blowing my nose. I already had a stomach virus that made me sick of other things. My month long battle has put me in touch with people who have chronic health issues. I know what it is like to have eye problems and problems due to CP. These things won't go away. But we can have other health problems that are difficult to deal with. Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." NKJV 4:16 Now I am not writing that I am dying but I am older. But I want to do things that strengthen the body and improve health for the time I have left. The inward man being renewed I think may give an edge to rebuilding the immune system and restoring health. I admit it is easy to worry and throw a pity party when these bugs hit us and hang on. But I believe it is better to trust sleep to do its magic and nutrition to do its part and trust in God's care as these things work through the body.

Wayne's kidney stone cause great pain. I hated when my digestive system went haywire and now my respiratory system has problems. What are you dealing with? As long as we are in the land of the living, our living has purpose. I lived almost 60 years and it goes by quickly. Soon I will be with the Lord. How soon? 20, 15, 10, 5 years I don't know but there is living and loving to be done and I know walking will help. When we are really sick walking has to wait and that is OK. When we recover our joy will be for one thing we can move again. Won't that feel good!

Unlikely travel companions Include a winter walk

Walking I read today gets you out into the fresh air which in the winter can be a good thing.

Ben Franklin and John Adams travelled together in the dead of winter during the Revolutionary War on an urgent mission. The New England winters were brutal from what I read at this time. They lodged together in an inn where they had to share a room and bed. Today we take for granted our comfortable hotels and motels. Genius they were, they differed on many opinions including to sleep with a window open or closed on a cold winter night. Franklin argued for the window being open to let in the fresh air for better health. Adams convinced of the truth to close the window and try to stay warm. They discussed this for some time. Adams fearing he would not have any sleep, believed Franklin would carry on his debate on the healthy practice. Apparently Adams gave in and they endured the near zero weather the window opened. Thinking of these two great men both unwilling to give in and both loved to talk, wouldn't it be great to record the conversation.

Both men lived a long life and each had their views of physical fitness. Franklin was a weight-lifter as a young man and Adams loved to go for long walks of 10 or so miles. He was on a walk earlier on the day he d died at 94. Adams would be for an aerobic walk Ben the elder at the time would have stroll for a walk and more relaxed  and stress free.

Having gone through two bouts of illnesses this winter makes me appreciate health. Doing the right things are never a guarantee, but I like the odds. Back to what I read today, indoors we have closer contact with people and germs. Outdoors the article argues fresh air is more free of germs that enters our bodies and give a boost to our immune systems. I know walking gets the heart pumping and the lungs taking in more air the optimizes our immune system. So dress up and  enjoy outdoors.

It is no fun being like Adrian Monk or the Jack Nicholson role played  in As Good as It Gets where they constantly are on guard against germs and become prisoners of their phobias. No, it is better to get out and live each day.  Yeah I been under the weather but I am feeling better and today the sun came out for a few hours and the walk was invigorating. Walking, enjoying the quiet time with the Lord, enjoying creation and the people you love. Adams and Franklin enjoyed the thrill of gab, I think that enjoyment of lively ideas  over a favorite beverage (it doesn't have to alcohol)  is always a good idea for health.

CS Lewis and the inkings debated their stories at the pub with the pint. Great stories came out of their fellowship. Life lived full. Lewis and Tolkien loved to walk and walks often ended up in their tales. So take a walk, write your story, debate a point of health, Love life, love the Lord .Keep walking

I recently had about with a stomach virus.  I was battling dehydration and trying to get a handle on symptoms which sent me on a downward track. One advisor suggested all treatment were just a placebo effect and what you have to let it run its' course. When you are really sick though you want relief and even more important you want to survive the illness. I did find IV treatment for hydration and nausea medicine helpful. In one bout of nausea I also used a breathing exercise for anxiety helpful in reducing the intensity of my nausea. Believing something will help isn't all bad when you are battling you digestion system gone haywire.

I'm feeling better then I am hit with a cold. Sure enough it settles in my throat and lungs. Now these things are common to us all. But when you are hit with these things it doesn't help to know we all get it. The good news is I have been able to sleep.

D. V. is still in

Thanksgiving my favorite holiday sadly I noticed more than football was the focus of the days being on sales and shopping. Our culture has turned into a regular business day . In fact the biggest shopping days of the year.There was a time when everybody was off but health care work workers and public servants worked. Lots of kids worked the holiday. In their lives they won't see the problems and error of our focus being so empty and shallow.

Consider James 4:13-17 ¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; ¹⁴ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

A big problem we have this great day and as a culture we chose to live in with out God. We can explore untold number of options in our lives and I will be positive here the choices are good choices. Choices I may love to participate with. I love to paintball with Jim and Addison even through I get blasted. I would love to go down the pacific coast with two sisters I know, it would be blast. Nothing beats taking in a mystery at a local theater group
.
Many activities done this weekend are fun and family lifting but they all contain a small problem we leave God our our thinking. In the CBS' Blue bloods Grandpa has a heart attack the son with the biggest responsibilities takes of his day to care for pops. I sister in law joins him. The rest of the family show concern but carry on as usual. I think they erred there. In  the end they are pulled into the meal where a recovering pops gives the blessing.But I was thankful they come to there senses and give God thanks

Include God in your plans. Life  is to short not to. I am off for a senior walk, keep moving...

D.V. all my catholic friends recognize ae Deo Volenta'e  Lots we can do but is it God's wills. Include God in your plans.Off fo a walk

Thanksgiving

I know the meaning of Easter and Christmas but the way we celebrate Thanksgiving it is my personal favorite holiday. It is simple and not a market day. A day just to say thanks to God for the blessings and opportunity of life.

I have always enjoyed the meal and as an adult I love doing my part to make the meal  a memory. I love cooking the turkey on the grill with layers of flavor from the wood, wine, and seasoning. The wine is poured into a pan and cooks with the bird in the Webber. Every hour the bird cooks I add a few coals and soaked wood chips. At the right time I check the temp of the bird and then the golden bird is taken off the grill. Rest the meat for 10 minutes or a little longer and serve a delicious meal.

I say thanks for all in my family and enjoy the conversation and experience. Personally I will take a walk in the morning and as I walk I will give my own thanks for the day and year lived. I like to say thanks for all my friends, students, people who make my life more rich to experience. Have you noticed except for the grace at the meal, thanks is a private matter. I guess that is why I like the holiday. No big show or public display, it is just a day of thanks for an old guy like me. Not bad!

Later like many I will visit family and friends and listen. Thanksgiving as I get older I drink it in and let it into my heart. This last year my brother died, I battled depression, friends have battled worse illnesses. It is easy to forget our trials and only think in terms of good things that happened, like a birth of a grandson, a finding of an old friend, reunion with friends in a shared vacation.  I am thankful that life is not just the here and now. Our somewhat fragile bodies age and have their problems and teach us "to number our days". We call on the Lord and He saves us. Life as Darby O Gill reminds us we have to take the good with the bad. I am thankful God is with me through the difficulties and the sunny day.

I have learned to enjoy the day without over stuffing myself. I eat the meal and all the fixings but I limit myself to one helping including desert. I enjoy each bite but no seconds. The walk in the morning helps. I keep my weight the same by doing this and I enjoy the meal without guilt. Moderation is my friend not denial. Walking gives me a few hundred extra calories. If I watch my self on left overs I can enjoy the holidays without the pounds. Blessing to you and keep walking.

get ready for winter - burrrr

It is hard not to notice it gets dark pretty early. Many of the trees have lost their leaves. Frost on the windows. It is time to winterize the home and tune up the snow blower. Hot chocolate at night and curl up to a book under a blanket. Winter is coming.

There is not much we can do about a shorten day, but we can get ready for winter. For walkers we can still walk outside with layers of clothes. Barb has ashma so we walk indoors. We have walked on an indoor track or at a mall but we do best with walk Cd's from Leslie Sansone. Some of my friends go to the gym and walk or bike. Walking can help chase away the winter blues. I also find ways to increase my walking at work. A pedometer can motivate you to walk 10,000 steps a day and that can add up to a winter where you lose weight and not gain it.

Winter can be a time where you can draw attention to those you love. We have holidays that can help us. I am planning to take out each of my kids and grand kids to an outing they would enjoy. Built into that outing will be a meal time where we can talk and share. I am also going to work on recording funny and interesting stories in my life. Years from now when I am with the Lord my family can listen to the stories of my life from my own voice.

Winter is also a time when Barb and I will go out to plays, dates and spend time inside cooking for the family and friends. It is fun when we cook together.

We have an ongoing Bible study in the life of Christ. Regular daily Bible study leaves the winter out into the cold. Barb has devotions in the morning and I have them at night. In the winter these times experience the warmth of God's provision in our Labri (shelter) when outside the winds howl and the north wind blows.

NET 25:4 "For you are a protector for the poor,a protector for the needy in their distress,a shelter from the rainstorm,a shade from the heat.Though the breath of tyrants  is like a winter rainstorm." Thank God for my home. It protects My family from the weather. We winterize and prepare for the days ahead. For Jesus and His disciples their shelter may have been their winter coats. Consider Matthew NKJV© 8:20 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." They would have braved the cold nights outside. Many people talk of discipleship but fail to notice what that might of meant for the twelve who were in their thirties. They slept under the stars and not at the Holiday Inn. I know at times they may have had shelter but even then it was far from the comforts of most of our lodging.  Thank God for our shelters (housing) and our furnaces. Get ready for winter  but thank God we can rejoice in the blessings that God provides.

Lately I have  worked hard and helping the kids learn in the classrooms. I am rewarded with bonding with the kids and improve class room relationships, improve work in the class and a higher degree of respect and kindness experienced by student and staff. Knowing I have something to do with that is cool. We don't think of it but we can concentrate on the relationship in our work we know it is good for business and at the end of the day will better about work and ourselves. It can be a great time to shake the ice of winter off..

Tell me what ways do you shake the blues of winter away? Keep walking

This is the Day the Lord have give

Barb keeps me stepping

Feeling good on the walk

We are out on a beautiful day stretching and walkingAnimal life today in view werre the moths. Most of the leaves are down but the pond view and lake view were awsome. I feel the blood push through my ateries and viens, Blood pumping to my feet and head. My lungs taking in deep air. My better eating taking affect. I read this week that people whp waoi faster are more likely to live longer thst those who don/erobically for 30 minites. Barb clearly has the edge there,

Super walker Barb walkig

Later at the car we practiced stretching and at home resistace. These walking trails are right by you. 5 days a week and you will see the difference. To your health keep walking

It is wonderfrul that Barb remains my fan. We get ach other out to trail. We are not the only ones out there but many who cme to enter the race fir kife.

Simple work out and therapy scores - breathing works

The other night I had a battle with my intestinal system being at war with me. The truth it has won all battles with me  to deal with it and recover and rehab my body as I tried. I needed IV's and medicines to calm the disease and rehydrate. Round one I felt better and was able to eat simple things and drink water. The next day and night I felt like I was in the road to recovery. Then the unthinkable happened, round two begin. For three hours waves of nausea hit and weakened me and stronger as time continued. I began to speed up breathing and my blood pressure rose. My anxieties were now fueling the nausea I am in a clutch of a vicious cycle.

How did I get out of it. The nausea was real. Barb reminds me fast shallow breathes make the nausea worse. My problem was the feeling we all real. But I could not stop the anxiety about the nausea or the discomfort so I reached back into my box of treasures and pulled out to treasures to tackle the beast. One I thanked Barb for the suggestion and I went back into a breathing exercise that should help to slow the breathing down. Breath in 1,2,3,4 hold breath 1, 2, 3, 4 exhale 1, 2,2 3, 4 hold to next breathe 1, 2, 3, 4. Closing my eyes helped focus on the count and the experience of each breath cycle. With in a half hour I felt better and another half I was able to switch therapies to music and prayer and worship. With my nausea under control I was able to take my medicine and 32 ounces of water to over come dehydration.

I slept the rest of my sleep cycle and continue to recover.

Tonight simple moves push ups, crunches and work out down stairs. Getting my legs under me, Keep walking

Stomach virus, no good - wrong kind of Bug

This past week I went through a bad case of intestinal virus that requires IV treatment and IV medicines to calm down my uncontrolled symptoms. I thought I was recovering then a second wave of illness hit. I used the medicines I was given plus I used breathing exercises to calm me down. It took over an hour but the breathing exercises helped. My anxiety was contributing to my building up symptoms again. The bug is still with me and it has been six days. We may come from different political and religious point of view, but I bet we all agree when our intestinal track goes hey wire the moments seem to last forever.

While in the hospital the new bed pans are a joke. I know we want to green and save plastic, but the bed pans are designed for smurfs. When one has the runs  it is inhumane.

There were times this week I almost fainted and I was very weak. It is a time where our health and fitness takes many steps backward. As soon as this passes I will use my Leslie Sansome CD’s to start to rehab. She has walks that are slow pace and are good to get the body moving again. Thank you Barb for helping me slow down my breathing and relax.

On a different note, but related to feeling like death was close by, I find stomach flu does that to me. I have a thought about getting ready for the next life.    

I was reading Charles Swindell’s The Greatest Life of All, chapter 5. He has a great study on Jesus conversation with Nicodemus. Nicodemus a scholar and ruler came to Jesus by night. He knew Jesus was a teacher and did marvelous works that could be ignored. They came from God. Most of his peers believed them to be of the devil. Nicodemus is mentioned three times in John and he   stands in contrast to the unbelief of his peers.

Nicodemus needed a change in his thinking similar to a high school student learning higher levels of math and physics and chemistry where the mind shifts from concrete to abstracts. For Nicodemus it was seeing the Messianic Kingdom in a spiritual way and not the accepted way of a kingdom overthrowing Roman rule. To be in the kingdom one would need a spiritual birth to enter the new dimension of heaven and the Messiah’s reign.

Being “born-again” is applied to using a new product, a new health care or it is just sarcastically frowned upon by many in our society.

We were made to live on this planet. But that is for such a short time. We need to get ready for a eternal life in heaven that is a whole different realm. We need to be born again. Read John 3:1-16 and remember the looking at the bronze snake on the pole that was the only way to be healed from the sin and rebellion occurring that brought a deadly illness is like today when we look back at the cross and put our faith is Jesus as our Savior.  When we do we are born-again.

Being born from above is by faith and it is something God does.

I hope you kept walking this last week, I will join you soon. Keep walking

all hands on deck - dealing with illnesses

It seems the whole family has been hit with a bug. No fun at the Reeves. Fighting sickness is something we all go through. God give us strength and strong immune systems. I am pictured on the Missouri where we signed the treaty with Japan to end WW2. I am at Pearl Harbor where our Pacific fleet was nearly destroy on that day that will live on in infamy.  My dad and aunt and uncle fought in the Pacific. To be at Pearl on that day would have been no pose. The human carnage and lost overwhelms me when I picture the battle that occurred.

When everybody comes down sick we all have to help each other deal with the illness. Thank God we love each other and can encourage each other in small ways.

Health is important  in our service for the king. Be merciful o great physician. Keep walking

walk in peace - walking and dealing with emotions

 Barb and I have found walking in peace rather than discussing problems or or arguing is better. On occasion we have talked out our problem  and some how it took away the atmosphere of the walk. On occasion we were angry at the start of the walk and returned to our car, usually me sulking. Therefore we have found it best not to bring anger with us when we walk.

Jesus was heading to the feast of Tabernacles in John 7. Outside the city the crowds and Jewish leaders joined Him. The feast was a time of Celebration and for Jesus he was rob of that experience by the anger and rejection of others. His walk here of a mile or so was filled with debate, How hard must the walk for Him in what should have been a time of celebration.

The following are my comments of the event in relationship to my own growth and therapy dealing with anger:

(Reeves) As he moves the temple this argument is going on. This walk of at least a mile would be in controversy. I have found walking hard if you are arguing on a walk. It is better to sit down and turtle in emotions so that emotional level is appropriate for the issue. Most of our issues are minor and a blow would be out of place. Lately have been setting boundaries on how angry I would get. Not violence. Keep anger level closer to the issue. When I think about it I should not escalate anger above a two or three. There is no need to have an 8 or nine level. The emotion may be necessary to ward off an attack on my family and not discuss wrong turn in traffic or money issues. Barb is the reasonable one with money. And I don’t always have to have my own way. There may be a better course of action.

Here the Jews (religious leaders) escalated their anger beyond reason. There was a better way

A boundary we set on anger is not to discuss issues of anger on the walk. rather there is a focus on the elements of nature and what is going on around us. That discussion then can be done when I am mindful of the emotional level and response. I don't have to get angry like I learned in my childhood. I can expand the area where my wise man can deal with the situation with reason and care to the other, most;y Barb.

I don't have to be a grumpy ole man with out purpose. Keep walking

Pick me up - work counts

Worked out with weights and total gym today. Really picked me up energy wise. Went to Church and enjoyed the music. Had a good time studying Walking with Jesus studies. I can't wait to get the work on line. Walking with Jesus on 30 minute walks really makes a difference. Seeing his life from the point of view of a walker has been interesting.

Barb is a great cook, dinner was wonderful.

Looking back this year at work I can see how a change in the way I look at work has really been good for me. I have set aside my wishing I was working somewhere else and just going about my work as an opportunity to help others. I have not allowed myself the nagging thoughts of I don't want to go to work to being present minded at work just to use my time and skills to help kids. I have accepted the fact I am skillful and knowledgeable at what I do. I have rejected the lies that anybody can do my job and I have a job that is low skill or achievement. There are teens throughout my day that I help. Almost everyday kids say thanks. My whole attitude has changed and it has opened up much more enjoyment of my life outside of work. I am using my education at work and not making excuses not to. Bottom line I feel great about it.

I am very thankful today for those who have helped me set boundaries on people who were negative in my life. It really energizes my spirit. Thanks to Barb, Billy, Deb, Bob and those involved in my therapy who have encouraged me to deal with my depression and anxiety. Living in a mindful way is so incredible healthy I can't get over the changes.

What started with lifestyle changes in walking and diet has now moved to leaps of progress in my mental and spiritual life. Thanks to coworkers and friends I may become an old man with purpose and not so grumpy. Keep walking!

Northern Lights - hot diggity

Long to see again

Over half the United states saw the aurora borealis on Oct. 24, 2011. I missed it. I enjoyed hearing from my friends who saw it. If you saw it share with me your experience. Send a picture of video. Nearly 30 years ago I saw the lights from then Pine ridge camp. Ken, Barb and I watched them for two hours or more.people from Tennessee, Arkansaw, Illinois  and others saw a great light show.

I love the night skies we can see with our naked eyes. Like looking at the mountains, or the ocean, the night skies put me in awe of God's creation. Onre day in those skies Jesus will return as Messiah to rule for a thousand years on earth befor returning to eternaity in heaven. For some there is dought but concider the northern lights, the rainbow, the stars and planets, Sunsets, oceans and mountian and see the glory of God.

It is easy to walk in a created world where God cares enough to provide a Savoir to do a great miracle, to live thisd life with purpse and for eternity we have  faith in Jeusus to get us to heaven, Keep walking!

Sunshine Minister - had battles with anxiety and depression

In my readings from Radio Bible class I came across a character Frank Graeff 1860-1919, He was known as the "Sunshine Minister for his up beat preaching and encouraging hymns he wrote. He was my age when He passed. It seems later in life he battled with pain, depression and doubt. From his experiences he penned the following hymn:
http://rbc.org/
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth and song
As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain:
O yes, He cares I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares

Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong
When for my deep grief I find no relief Tho my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye To the dearest on earth to me
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks Is it aught to Him? does He see?

Where did he find hope and strength to battle depression and anxiety which brought on a season of doubt? He didn't have the professional care that I was able to get. He wasn't privy to medicines that give relief. No he found a string of truth in James 5:6-8. Be humble is to cast your care upon Him who can meet that burden. Looking at the hymn grief, temptation, battles with depression, anxiety and fears, Frank Graeff  learned to give God his burdens. If you look closer at the hymn it is possible his depression stayed with him awhile. Regardless of his personal struggles he knew this bottom line truth, God cares and is involved with the burdens and feelings that come in our darkest days.

Mart DeYoung wrote of the tragedy of the animals being shot in Ohio. The authorities put safety to people to priority and it was decided to destroy the animals. We have lion seeking to destroy us.1 Peter 5:8 Our enemy is one to consider.Many believe Satan to be a myth. A figure with horns and pitch fork. C. S. Lewis long ago believed Satan prefered this version, while he did his work in secret. Let us not forget his purpose is TO DESTROY US. He is the father of lies and one lie is the lie of depression. The truth is God cares and you were worth His sending His Son to die for you and to save you from sin and or sure the lies that depression can bring.

Frank Graeff  was an upbeat guy who later in life has a bout of depression and anxiety and it brings him to the word of God to cast the burdens on the Lord. He is humble as he does this and he mindful of what is ahead of him. From Frank's trials he had to go through, he learned from them and trusted the Lord through the trial of depression that God cares.

I have my therapy and medicine helping me battle, insomnia, anxiety, depression and anger. Give me my medicine, give me what I am learning to battle poor learning from the past, give me my strategies ti battle anxiety. Help me put into action care for others and be thankful for the love and respect I get in return.

How goes your battle tonight are you facing abuse, being knocked down, need of care? Get it, you are worth it. You may need the aid of medicines and therapy form skilled mental health professionals.You can't go wrong with "Casts all you care s upon Him for He cares for you."

A slight slip in subject, tonight I mowed grass for 45 minites non stop. I felt good doing the work. Breathing good and pumping my blood aorobically. Yard looked nice.  Ate healthy today, a good day.

 Keep walking

Why things happen and what a day for a walk!

Today I was studying John 9:1-3, Net Bible - 9:1 Now as Jesus was passing by, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 9:2 His disciples asked him,  “Rabbi, who committed the sin that caused him to be born blind, this man  or his parents?”  9:3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man  nor his parents sinned, but he was born blind so that  the acts  of God may be revealed  through what happens to him.

 Notice Jesus was walking when He passed this fellow born blind. He was in the Temple area passing some entrance when He encountered the blind man.  Great  question posed by the disciples in verse two. Living with a disability that occurred at birth, I have lived through some disadvantages and like the blind man living in a fallen world it is not easy. In my notes I made the following comment:

 "I have had a disability of eyesight and CP for 59 years. I have been blessed to have played sports and enjoy many things in life. I am aware there are many who are worse off than I. I feel for them in ways many could not. There are many things I have experienced which are painful and a struggle. It looks like I will live with my disabilities until I go home with the Lord. I have hope that improved therapy and treatment will help me in the years ahead. But I am also aware I will experience more pain and impairment.

There will be grace given to me to endure my difficulties. There will be seasons of prayer and trust. God will work through these experiences to help me grow and He will help me with my care but He doesn’t remove the trials.

Walking, strengthening, stretching helps and there is hope."

Hope in the Messiah's rule and care in the future will be wonderful for those of us with impairments that affect the quality of life. Today we live by faith and today we live in a fallen world. But I am all for the science and love that reaches out to make things easier and the battles we work for to improve the lot of our fellow man or woman, or child.

Today was a clear warm fall day. Where ever you live today would be a great day to move, stretch, and strengthen the body. As you breathe in the fresh air and move the blood through your body every part benefits. Walking outdoors when we can energize the body and renew the spirit. Try it and I know you will agree. Yes my body moans but with each walk I soar like an eagle.

Jesus was strolling as He passed the blind man, it is good to move. Keep walking

Sometimes it takes work - Remodeling and remolding takes work

Sometimes it just takes work. The picture to the left is part of a game Liam and I play as he passes me with his walker. As he and I make eye contact through the chair he will smile and he makes me smile. It is like a game of peek a boo. The picture came easy.
We are remodeling the upstairs bedroom and as we do the work we find more work is needed than what we planned. That happens as you work on a 132 year old house. The out come will have many benefits of a greener house, but it takes work.

Talking with an old friend today we discover we had more in common than I thought. In my mental health I have been working on three things, anxiety, depression, and avoid becoming a grumpy old man. In our conversation, many of the old scars in life we share. I shared some of my new insights and we could both see we have our work cut out ahead of us. I , but I wish I could tell you different, but I am afraid it takes work. I think it will be my battle as long as I am in the flesh. That may sound bad, but I look at it as a battle worth fighting. Anxiety is way down, depression is better and I look at my grumpy issues as opportunities to be different from the events of my childhood.  As I age I can live with purpose and hope of days well lived. Paul said as his life was coming to an end, "I have fought the good fight."

Putting into practice what I am learning in therapy and Bible study takes work. It is certainly things we do with God's help. I am not sure it is possible with out His love and power.

Another friend and mentor in my life is now in his eighties, fighting cancer. He still is sending nearly daily emails of positive truths, promises and hope with an occasional challenge. Battling cancer and old age has its difficulties. He would share it takes work. His faith has allot to do with his success. Yea it takes work but I like to think it is energized by faith, hope and love. Keep walking

Isn't it great to sleep - ZZZZZZZ

When I was a kid I would talk to my self, imagine, and other odd things before I would nod off to dream land. I would awaken easy if my dad came home at one or two in the morning. I thought of myself as a light sleeper but I enjoyed sleeping in. Aches and pains, insomnia, anxiety have made sleep more complicated. For five years it was pretty bad and contributed to putting me in a depression. When you sleep one to five hours a night it can do a number on you. I read up on sleep and found a number of strategies that were worth while but anxiety and depression had become a part of me I could not shake.

Getting help and treatment made a whirl of difference. Since my getting help with anxiety and depression I have returned to the world of regular sleep of 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Most nights 8+ hours per-night. I also have confidence anxiety will not rob me of peace of mind. Now the strategies I learned about rest and sleep can be applied. What have I found that works for me?

1. Eat around 5 or 6 for supper
2. Be thankful for a day of helping others
3. Go for a 30+ minute walk
4. Relax with Barb watching TV, we record and watch it as we want. We can turn off TV at 9:00 to 9:30.
5. Read a mystery and devotions or listen to relaxing music
6. Look at my friend wall to remind me of people who I care about and care for me.
7. Talk with God and give thanks
8. Use a pillow friendly to neck and shoulders
9. Take my medicines when I should
10. And if I need to take time to stretch or exercise to relieve tightness due to CP
11. Sleep in a cool dark room

The medication seems to help with racing thoughts and anxiety.  Sleep is a blessing. There is a difference today and when I suffered from insomnia. It was worth it to get help. Keep walking

Preparing for winter - work matters

Health isn't all Spartan

We are now into fall and it is time to get ready for the cold winter season. The work is all part of our bodies being in motion and better about myself. Around my house insulation, updating the electricity lines and adding an extended closet, fan and light, and new wallboard. Raising the ceiling a foot and creating a warmer space up stairs and in the house. A lot of work.
Working at work has been more in the moment. Helping kids and teachers. I let go job title and feeling of failure and I am just more involved than I have been  in the past. I am out top show how dynamic and skilled a parapro can be on the job. with skills and educatoin we have value.
Each period I work I try to walk a few hundred steps. Many ways to keep active, Keep walking

Walking to get fit - stretching

My muscle were tight on my 2 1/2 mile walk tonight. In my second mile and after my walk I took time to stretch and felt better. The weather was beautiful and it was nice to see the fall colors.

Without a doubt walking is good for you. Nice to have hate with amber glasses to improve vision and protect eyes. Enjoyed the blue skies and Indian summer. That you Lord, keep walking!

Moving stretches the musles walking, good gym routines, swimming all help grumpy old bodies.

Great week for the Outdoors - Flowers in bloom

A friend of shared how she loved the cooler weather of fall. I hated to see the long days of summer go. This week perfect weather to enjoy the clear blue skies and warm day temperatures with cool nights. For walking it is ideal times unless you don't like looking at pollen bushes in full bloom. There are plenty of fall flowers to enjoy. The sugar maples' leaves are at peak colors. Even sitting out on the porch with friends watching the stars and feel the cool air.

At work helping kids and finding ways to encourage learning and develop good friendly relationships to guide kids to fuller experiences of the classroom helps me enjoy each moment. I believe kids like soldiers are lead with gentle positive support rather than ego-centric, negative fear strategies. Each day I hope kids see my smile and kind word to counter the too many negative pressures they receive from the adult world. Keep walking

The layer of colors from leaves and flowers can compete with any garden P. Allen Smith may design.

Donna a Friend from Portland, Oregon sent a picture of a sunset in the mountains with was outstanding. In the same spirit I viewed a wonderful sunset over a grassy prairie. thanks Donna for the Inspiration. See ya on the trail.

Great week for walking



This arrangement was on the trail

Every one uniquie

A friend of mine told me how glad she was to see the hot weather of summer past. I love the long hours of sun light and the full summer growth and even the warm vs. cold of winter. Spring, summer, fall are great times to walk outdoors. If you can walk in the cool of the morning it can be the best of times. But I can't disagree with my friend about fall and the cooler temperatures. They are ideal for walking.

Now before we move to fall tree colors can you enjoy the variety of color I captured and the sun was reflecting in the late evening before sunset. I took this picture in the middle of a walk run of 20 minutes. What is nice about the cool evening temperature I wasn't sweating to much and had great views along the way.

A friend Donna shared a photo of the Rockies at sunset that was breath taking. Thank you Donna. But this sunset in a prairie park I walk in holds its own beauty. I am grateful God blesses us where ever we are with His beauty in His creation. Most of my time my walks are a little longer, but I will take what I can get. Thank you Barb for walking with me. That you Debi and Donna for your encouraging words and photos. This is a blest week for enjoying Creation.

Walking I can't say enough about it, it is life to old feet. Keep walking!

Enjoying the flowers of fall - Cool colors

Feels like Fall

What a beautiful day. Warm in the sunlight cool in the shade. Perfect day for a two mile walk. Along the way the trail were filled with flowers of the woodland and prairie. Barb and I had a good pace. There was a nice cool breeze. It was a day you would go to other parts of the world to, but here we were at our own local trail.

Have you found a nice place to walk? Walking is great if you are at least 30 feet from car traffic. The trail we walk we are a least a block from traffic to a half a mile. Excellent when you are walking aerobic and that fresh air enters deep into the lungs. I love the green growth of woodlands and blue skies. Mix in the different shades of green and add a pond and stream with bright colors of flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The walk turns into a retreat and variety the senses where one never gets board. Throw in a good walking partner and 30 to 40 minutes and you have a great way to promote health.

Worked out with weights today and used my total gym. It is great to be alive and in motion. There is a joy in moving the body in a walk or resistance. Thank God I am alive and walking with the Lord. My body says amen.

This week end marked the passing of Dorothy (Jones) Jasinski. Dorothy and Robert Jasinski opened up their home to me when I was a teen. I remember having talks with them about stuff teens want to talk to parents about. They were opinionated and informed and open to discuss, argue many worthwhile things. There was passion in their ideas and laughter in their arguments. They were perfect for a young man who needed things talked out.

It seems I always showed up when they were having beer battered smelt. Dorothy was a great cook. Bobby, Ray, Grohovak, and myself attempted top brew beer. I broke a family crock pot as the hops and everything slippery. Dorothy was probably thinking I should be executed, decided instead to go to bed.

In the Jasinski home anything could be talked about, but you better be able to support your arguments or you were going to be challenged. Isn't that a wonderful place to challenge the stupidities of TV and things at school. Dorothy and Robert gave me more than I gave them. There is one thing I stole from them for my own house. Anything can be talked about but you better have good thinking about it or it will be challenged. And why were at it - lets laugh.

Dorothy was in the same small high school my father was in and she graduated with my dad and Aunt Wilma after the war. Small world. Robert was a WW2 vet and pow. Kids should know several families while growing up. It is the best education.

Living each day



Dr. Bob and Becki Jasinski

On vacation to visit life long friends. One thing in common with us is our gift of gab. We can talk and laugh into the night. I suppose we share the same old stories, but a few new ones are added. Moments like these reenergize the battery.

Bob and I always take what ever I was thinking and he expands it. Just about the time I think I know something, I find out I'm just scratching the surface. I do though give him things to concider. Bob would have been a great prof.

Bill & Barb we couldn't be in a better place

September 1, another month has just past. Last month I was blessed with times spent with friends. Today I was talking with another friend and isn't it nice to enjoy or embrace each day. We really have little control over how we will experience the future but we can be involved with life each day. I know we can walk, eat healthy, and live wisely. These things can help us with our tomorrows. Worries, reliving the past can rob us of today. Live wisely yes