Count each day as precious

Possible site of the Sermon on the Mount

I was talking to a friend tonight and he shared this is the first winter he felt cold. He felt it is no wonder people move to Florida or Arizona. I was reading an article about frailty discussing the Pope's retirement and care. Living to 85 isn't to bad before one retires. In Psalm 90, written by Moses is a Psalm on our aging. Life on the third rock from the sun has its limits. Walking, strength training and stretching Research tells us can give us more of our years where we are living healthy. Good medical care and nutrition make a big difference along the way. Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." Number can be translated consider, reckon, count, the idea being since our time is short, each day counts. Te heart of wisdom is living wisely according to God's point of view. Learning and applying principles in God's word takes a life time of discovery. There are things I am learning at 60 like it is all still so new to me. Each day I have is an opportunity to embrace the moment; to put into experience love, joy, peace...; to care for those God sends my way. Walking only helps me to do it better. Keep walking

Putting God right in the middle of walking

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the manWho walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,Nor stands in the path of sinners,Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord,And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a treePlanted by the rivers of water,That brings forth its fruit in its season,Whose leaf also shall not wither;And whatever he does shall prosper.
What kind of tree would you be? Where would your tree be? If your tree stands by water and has good soil and lots of sun shine and too extreme a climate, your tree would grow and produce plenty of fruit. If you are a walker, all you need is a good healthy diet, lots of water, clothes to suit the weather and climate your in. You body would be fit in no time.

The real difference in Psalm 1 is spiritually eating the right food. Living and learning as if God isn't there will set life without purpose and meaning. Putting God right in the middle of life I believe will create the most beautiful life. On your walks don't you see God's handiwork and design. Looking at my indoor garden the green leaves have a good effect on my mood. The different shades of color relaxes m mind. Outside we are expecting more snow, which is good for spring when it comes. Snow and crisp air are some of things we can enjoy in winter. Keep walking

Learn to love and be loved

Thank you Nancy 

Walking in a fresh snow, how cool is that. I am glad Nancy shared her photo. Today I was involved in therapy and later our car decided not to run. The nice part is my grandson came to the rescue and it was nice riding back with him as our car was towed. With Addison comes laughter, he always brightens our day.
I got a cheerful text from my friend Ken as he was at the ocean in Southern California, I always text or call him when I am at a beach in Florida, California, or Hawaii. We still think it is cool to experience the ocean.
I was looking at myths or core beliefs that need to be challenged. One myth says, "I should always sacrifice my needs for the the needs of others." It is the kind of statement people think comes from the Bible. Look at Philippians 2:3, 4.  Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing according to selfish ambition or according to empty conceit, but in humility considering one another better than yourselves, each of you not looking out for your own interests, but also each of you for the interests of others." People can be pretty selfish but we do look after our own interests. Taking care of ourselves is important, but we are more than ourselves, we grow to care for others. The myth is ignoring our needs and will lead to burnout or worse. The reality from the Bible indicates a balanced life able to love others. We nourish ourselves with God's care and provisions much like Addison did for us today when Barb and I needed help. We will have opportunities to share our care for him, but isn't it great when our grandchildren return our love. Seems pretty practical to me. We may be inclined in our pride not to let our children or grand children care for us a little bit. But that pride is a little selfish in not letting our family grow in their love as they learn to give. Well we will keep walking to live and love. Keep walking

Preparing for travels, don't forget to walk

Wayne Styles teaching on the Life of Christ 

Wayne Styles shares on his blog one of things that is good to do is to get in shape if you are planning a trip to the Holy Land. I have noticed the older traveler because of motivation can endure the effort to view the mountain tops when the younger traveler may stay in on the air-conditioning bus. But is a good idea to start a walk program to prepare for a study trip in Israel. http://www.waynestiles.com/

Walking to prepare for any dream trip is a good idea. Practical fitness can help you get more on your travel experience. Motivation to see the trees in Northern California, the wine country in Napa Valley, the castles in Europe, or the Great Wall of China can give you a side benefit of daily fitness as you ready yourself for your trip. Sightseeing usually involves walking we don't take account for. Next time you visit a zoo or museum bring a pedometer along. You will be surprised how many steps you take. Happy journey, keep walking

A little jog, a little work who knows

T th

It is working to be in therapy. Sometimes people are forced into it and resist, but many more are there like they are when seeing a specialist or being treated for heart, diabetes or cancer. Mental health needs a better rap. If we could look at it like we do other diseases and illnesses more would seek help and wouldn't that make for a better place.
Well the fat man is back to including jogging in my routine. One of my friends sent me a picture of a guy 80 years old ran 80 miles. Another fellow blogger Scott has been entering half marathons on his way to retirement. Sarah a friend of mine has been running marathons as well. All I want to do is to improve my cardiac conditioning and return to the tennis court. So off for 20 minutes three times a week. When I am with Barb I will add 10 minutes more walking or more. Walking through the rest of the week and biking is in store as well. Now if I can stay away from too much ice cream...keep walking

Laughter is good medicine

Belly rolls are good for us, thanks Liam

Laughter is just plain good for us. Particularly around the dinner table. Liam just reminds us here we should follow his lead. Have you ever noticed how people come out of their shell around babies. Babies like it too because everybody seems to be focused on them. It is natural but somewhere we lose it. 

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine,But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Barb and I had the afternoon for a date and did a little walking here and there. It was too cold for an after walk so we browsed then to a movie. 

The theme for me today was just enjoy the day. Riding in a warm car on a cold day. Barb told a funny story she heard listening to Chuck Swindoll or Dr. Gary Smalley. On Valentine's Day a husband forgot about the day and his wife reminded him he should have gift in the driveway that went from 0 to 60 in less then 10 seconds. The next day the wife saw a present beautifully wrapped in the driveway. She ran out and picked it up and excitedly began to unwrap it. To her amazement she saw it was a weight scale. Keep walking

Riding the pain of panic disorder - Mental Health

Well I am finally in the day program for therapy. I have learn in the past ways to distract myself while coping with anxiety, now I believe I will have to also learn to ride the emotion out even when painful. My experience tells me not everything is solved by medication. I believe I have brain issues that need medication, but medication won't be enough alone.
If I can make a comparision to arthritis in my neck and shoulders from the thousands of falls I have had in my life, pain medicine can only do so much. I also had to use physical therapy to help control the pain. PT really helped with pain. The medicine I use for pain also helps. Together I can move and sleep almost pain free.
Anxiety resulting from biological causes and post traumatic stress and other issues will take a combination of strategies. Insomnia as well will need me to get involves with the disciplines I will need to sleep better. Working with the pain of it is unavoidable. The PTS gives a low tolerance for such pain but, I have to learn how to better go through it.  As I see it that is what is before me.
Tonight I worked out with weights and the total gym. One day at a time, keep walking

37th wedding Anniversary, woo!

Today is my 37th wedding anniversary. we were married on Friday the 13th. Thanks for saying I do!,
A couple of reminders to my readers:

1. I was looking at some my pages which can be visited off the menu bar at he top. There are some old information on how to start an fitness walk and strength program. I like my circuit training as well. Starting walking or fitness plan check with your doctor.
2. I really try to label my material accurately. I have no hidden agenda. When the blog or page is about spiritual things I will give it a label walk with God or state topic in title. I hope I am upbeat and helpful here, but the beauty of the blog is you choose what to read.
3. Some blogs have a like unlike feature. I would like to hear commits. Write anonymous if you like. 
4. My #1 & #2 sources for people to contact the blog are Google then Face book. 11% of the audience is overseas. The blog I nearing 18,000 hits, most in the past 16 months. Thanks for visiting

Reading an article from Real age - Love your heart this Valentine's Day

http://www.realage.com/heart-disease/love-your-heart-this-valentines-day

One myth was about aspirin - taking one low dose aspirin cuts hert events 10 % and fatal event 20% but taking two aspirins cuts men's heart attac and women's stroke by 34%. One report I read if you take aspirin at night it helps more in early morning when many fatal events occur. Aspirin isn't for everybody so check with your doctor. Real Age reports if you take the aspirin with warm water you eliminate 70% of the guts attack.

The fat man is getting focus

T 

One thing about walking with the fat man is the fact I am still fat. Granted I have been improving again, but for the record I haven't been on a rash course. Change long term is hard. Fitness aerobically, strength train and flexibility it is a marathon not a sprint.
One thing I have added that I have wrote about several times is my old man workouts. 20 push-ups, 24 sit-ups, 20 reverse crunches, 20 squats. Then three days a week I add a weight program using free weights, resistant bands and a total gym. My strength has improved. My body really needs that 20 to 30 minute walk. I have fallen somewhat in my 10,000 steps a day.
It is too easy for me to give in to a variety of snacks. I don't just eat a few. I eat healthy meals and fruits and veggies, but woe is me over junk. It is probably a shrink question or something solved at Hogwarts.
My son's friend's father was waked tonight. He was near tears. I drew him aside and related to him how waves of emotion would hit me for nearly three weeks when my father died. He shared similar experience. I encouraged him to grieve and take time with it. I still have a cup of coffee with my dad every Saturday morning after 18 years. He used to come over every Saturday
and have coffee as we planned house remodeling at his place or mine. We played catch when I was a kid and those two times were the best. I listened for a time and we hugged.
In my son's wedding this lad and my son and two other close friends all betted when I would cry. Well I did, and it ok to cry and weep in good and bad times. Keep walking

Return to tennis, once again

On the Missouri and the kid in me couldn't resist

Sometimes we have to fight the good fight when it comes to health. When we are younger we have to stick to our fitness routine to get in shape. Maybe part of the motivation is a sport or to increase our strength, size for defense or sex appeal. Thinking in terms of quality of life I think comes a little later, unless we are over or under weight. If you have a fitness goal link it to a vacation, water sports, hiking in the mountains, challenging experiences can be part of a vacation.
I have recently decided to challenge my self to get fit again to play tennis. I have many fond memories of 5 set matches and running all day in 90 degree heat. I'm not there now so I will shoot for a couple of sets. Tennis fitness at my age may be gained by aerobic walking followed by short walks and run interval. My first stage is to walk aerobically, then when spring comes do some hitting of the backboard. An hour on a backboard is like six hours of playing. So it will start out with 10 minute workouts and a 5 minutes a week to 20 to 30 minutes. By then I will see if I am up to interval running and walking. By may I should be ready for play. Throughout all of this I plan to listen to my body. I am also not going to dive, run down super shots or strive to win. As I lose weight and improve conditioning I will expand my game but no dives. I also with pay attention to balance and rememberer playing is for fun and health. putting a sport out there may challenged me toward better health goals. And it will b fun. Keep walking

Health in the news, information fuels our walks

Found several articles on line with my morning coffee. The Chicago Tribune shares when to exercise outdoors when sick
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/504/article/p2p-74374522/
Electro shock treatments get an update. Back in the 70's I assisted in the care of hundreds of people in EST. then it was controlled somewhat annestigia. Before that images of "One Flew over the Cookoo's Nest comes to mind. If you never seen that film or read the book do so. It will show you how far we have come in treating mental illness. Danny Devito's character is priceless. EST in the 70's was still very invasive, it was better than suicide, but it wasn't for the faint of heart to observe. Still today medicatthion and therapy won't help some who are depressed. Inavasive low currents are now given that with medication sertraline may help serious depressed people. There are those that aren't convinced. See the article 
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/504/article/p2p-74318555/
One of my favorite vacation times is cruising. You can eat healthy and get plenty of exercise along the way. It is easy to plan a snorkeling outing or a hike. Walking and running easily fit days when you are traveling on the water. Enjoying the food and drink doesn't have to mean over eating.
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/504/article/p2p-74321073/
This next article is a tough one. When do we give up the fight fight off life and accept the reality that death's door is at hand. I am all for a caring approach that honors life, but sees the reality that the body is dying. What I fear is the decision won't be based on respect for life and the benefit of a reasonable fight, but on cost and older people have lost their value. As you think on these things weigh in on the article.
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/504/article/p2p-74321073/
Baby boomers we aren't as healthy as our parents. No surprise here. But can we change our ways? Mobility is very important.
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/504/article/p2p-74290542/
Keep walking

Abundant life, living to the max, cool

Vi

I think of my dad

I read C. I. Scofield's thoughts on living larger as a Christian, "New Life in Christ" pp.56-66. You can download this book from the Internet, worth reading. We all want the freedom to live life to the fullest. Jesus said, "John 10:10 The thief comes only so that he can steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and have it abundantly." I came to believe this some 41 yards ago and I have to tell you the truth of it has been tested. There are small minded Christians out there who want to squeeze you in their mold. Also the world wants to do the same thing, Romans 12:1,2. There is a lot of conformity Among us.
I love the night sky, the ocean, the mountains I suppose for the same reason, they do reminders for me that God is big both in design and purpose. Regardless of my condition or state it is good to keep company with Jesus, Paul, Peter, Moses, David, to read good books, have good friends, enjoy art, music. Greatness has no company with meanness, pettiness, ritual and man made philosophy or religion. Keep company with the best and most of all our God and creator.
It is good as I work to control my fears to remind myself I am a child of God. Regardless of my condition or circumstances I am in his family and it is an eternal relationship. Jesus came from humble beginnings and lived in a small unknown place, we learn how petty the people were who lived there but Jesus lived great, as a carpenter caring for His family. I can do that, keep company with Him.
To live great it is a good idea to be involved in the Lord's work. It will have a way to complete purpose in my life and I can always do something as I get older. Let others give themselves to the politics of being the boss. They don't get it, Jesus said, let him who serves be great. Thanks Dr. Scofield for thoughts on living large, keep walkin

I have friends that may disagree, but coffee can be good for you

Thinking about Spring

It felt good to walk today, had to watch for ice patches but the path was mostly clear. The flowers remind me of good days ahead. I have a frame in my room of friends smiling at me. I think it is a good idea to have an upbeat reminder and it is one of my tools I use to keep the blues away.
The slight increase in one of my medicine is helping.
Read uses a lead in from a Agatha Christy story, "Black Coffee" to talk of the benefits black coffee can do for type 2 diabetes. Weigh in at the article at

http://www.realage.com/information-on-diabetes/drink-coffee-to-reduce-your-risk-of-
type-2-diabetes?eid=1010677955&memberid=27731989
 For me coffee has to be early. 
Today I was reading about personality types and anxiety and mistaken beliefs. It helps me to 
focus on one thing that really sticks out. When you read such material it is easy to see a lot of 
things that can apply. So drinking a cup of java, reading good information after a good night sleep, not bad.
Keep walking

Live a large life

Lincoln became a great man living a time in a unique small town

Jesus live in a small place with small people, yet that never control how large he lived. If you know 

Christ remind yourself

You are a child of the king

Rule out small things like meanness live large in the grace and blessings

Work for the king

Thoughts on mental health, how they encourage

Working out on a cruise ship that relaxing

I have upped some of my medicine and next week I will enter a day program to get back on track. I am already feeling better, but I have some work ahead. I sort of liken it to a week at the Cooper aerobic Center if I was to go for a check-up and work out routine. Therapy and treatment is not a retreat or restful. But is is beneficial. Where do panic attacks come from? Are they part of post traumatic stress? Are they unresolved conflicts working them out in these scary symptoms. A damaged soul or personality perhaps? I strongly lean to our brain and an actual problem in our body? I am sure the answer lies in combination of a lot of things and the cry for what ever works will do.
Anxiety is part of it but it is different then worry about bills, kids, job, and such. We all share these things. Prayer, trust, care and love help us as we work through our worries and care. I have done some reading on war and its affects where enough people develop panic disorders l will have to deal with all there lives. For me I can see the role abuse plays into this problem. If I did nothing else, I have worked hard not to pass that on to my children. Maybe that helps to see why it is work for me.
Loss and grief can bring an emotional onset for any of us, but then these could be their own set of difficulties and need for care. The stigma is still there, but it shouldn't be. I have read as we get in our sixties, how many of us will battle depression. My experience with depression is that it painful. I can live with the thought of somebody thinking I am nuts, but to live with painful thinking is much harder. Treatments are better than the past, but we still are a work in progress. To live with a panic disorder or depression the feeling of being alone is strong, but we are not and there is hope. Lots of it! Keep walking

Mental health update, always hope

My panic attacks have returned of late and with it great difficultly in sleeping. After some days applying what I have learned it is time for me to
seek help again. I visited Linden Oaks with the intention to enter their out patient clinic. Both my psychiatrist and the Linden Oaks evaluation team think it is a good idea. I have learned with illnesses they have to be managed and often they are not something that is cured. Treatment takes a little time, and I am not starting over so I am very hopeful to get back into things soon.
Panic attacks are no fun. Clearly it is not a matter of choice. Twice I had hallucinations, once with I had a fever of 106 and was taking morpheme after surgery. They were bright colors of spotted light and when I closed my eyes under morphine bright gold transparent color then enclosing gray wires. It freaked me out to say the least. I did not chose them. My response to the phobias can be to much and I can gain some control of that (thanks cognitive therapy and a spiritual relationship to Christ).
It is part of the principle of the blog to face my problems and move forward. My actions this time is to prevent a depression which I believe in time would follow. Depressed thinking r them and  another matter all together and it is worth preventing.
It is quite possible a story of one's struggle wears on others. I get that, but what is important in our difficulties we don't deny them and they get worse. We can developed symptoms of heart, cancer, diabetes  and fear them and let them get worse or we can get help and fight them. So the fat man is about the fight. When Winston Churchill talks about the "black dog" it fascinates us because his fight over depression had the fate of the world in the balance. We can say the same for FDR fighting heart diseases  and giving his life in the same war. Our own story may not be as dynamic, but what does it mean to our family and friends when we chose to walk (which helps in our fight) to we live better or longer.

I share my weakness to help you with yours. One of the things I will do in treatment is get my morning walks in. Keep walking!

Caregiving and choices

Had a good workout with a snowblower. Got in a 40 minute walk. It seems tome a snowblowerer is a little more that a lawn mower in energy used.
I read a chapter in Billy Graham's book on getting older where are choices become more limited. Often we are more focused on our health issues and opportunities of work become less. He shared a great story r choices in liof his father in law Dr. Nelson Bell when his wife Virginia had several strokes he reduced his activity to care for his wife. He didnot take the option to send his wife to a nursing home but he us oufelt his calling changed. As a medical doctor he felt he could care for her.
I like his attitude that his calling changed. I have noticed family and faith becomes more important as we age. Friends are important.
One of the things Graham is focusing not so much on self and health but to include those around us. The other part of the story Graham did not refer to was how did Virginia deal with her life having the strokes. Bad things can happen and again the choices of life can get smaller. Many of Virginia's needs would be met through her husband's care. Do we see an unwritten story how she may have accepted his care through all the possibilities.

Whether we are rehabbing or serving walking is good for our bodies to keep us able to care and live. Keep walking

It really is what is on the inside that counts

Y

Sometimes you have a face only your mother could  love

I have noticed as time goes by our faces can take a beating. In the camel world this is probably a handsome girl or boy; I can't tell the difference. Many age beautifully and other of us get a few more bumps, lines and other character features. I remember a John Wayne movie when he was told his face had a lot of character. It wasn't the line he expected, but it endeared  him to his audience. The one thing that helps our face is kindness or honesty, a smile or wink. Something from the inside that somehow makes it to the surface and somehow makes us beautiful.

Now being born a Reeves we have a way of showing a natural meanness. On the other hand there can be a great smile. A few years ago kids thought I looked like Dick Chaney. It wasn't they answer I expected, but I guess all of us old bald white guys look alike to inner city kids. My democrat co-workers got a kick out of it. If I went on the outside like Hemingway one might get discouraged. But here is where I can differ, Papa had talent for writing but life, wars, philosophy all wore him down. I think it matters what we think and faith or not makes a difference. Seeing humans destroyed by war matters as well, but even that is not the final factor.
At this point let me suggest a spiritual principle that may be helpful. When one trust Jesus Christ as Savior there begins a renewal by God's Spirit that begins to transform the believer into a new character. One that is patterned after Jesus Himself. We are very much ourselves but Gal. 5:22,23 starts to take place. "Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  These things are seen in our lives as well. It is true I know people who are kind or gentle who do not profess Christ and I know Christians who are mean as that old camel, but to those who allow the Spirit to work in there lives I've seen that too. I hope this insight helps you to be beautiful on the inside as we move along. Keep walking