31. A PLAN FOR EXERCISE

I am sad to admit that I did not start a regular exercise plan until I turned forty. It was after that critical year that I changed to a plant-food diet. Soon after that, I began a regular exercise program.

The motivation to exercise did not come from being told how vital it is that everyone stay active. Instead, at this very time I began memorizing Scripture to present programs. I compiled  presentations by selecting verses from different books of the Bible to make 30-minute programs.

With my type-written verses in hand, I headed out the door to a nearby grassy field where I walked and memorized. In the next several weeks, two amazing addictions took hold of me. First, the Scripture came alive with insights I had never dreamed, so that I never went on my walk without verses in hand. Second, I became addicted to walking in the fresh air. From that time, my day never seemed complete until I had satisfied both addictions.  

Today with my 8:00 to 5:00 working days behind me, I take my walk about the time the sun comes up. This gives me the vitamin D my body requires. Before I go out, I drink at least three 8-ounce glasses of water, and perform a few exercises: I stretch my arms straight out while I turn at the waist; I hold my arms high above my head and touch my toes; and I perform several “girl” push-ups (knees on the floor). I vary these movements from day-to-day, but I call them my stretching exercises, which we are supposed to do before more strenuous movements.  

After this simple workout, I pick up my bag of memory books and step outside. On beautiful Oklahoma mornings (which we don’t always have), I immediately feel a rush of pleasure. That is the endorphins coming to begin to satisfy exercise addiction. I remember to breathe deeply to give my body plenty of oxygen, so I can move quickly without shortage of breath. I look at the sky to see what kind of pictures the Master Artist has painted for me. If it’s a clear day, there will be a different scene in every direction, immediately extinguishing any negative thoughts that might have been coursing through my head. The beauty of the outdoors soothes and heals troubled minds.  

As I move along on my two-mile walk, I walk on the grass beside the paved road as much as possible. The ground is easier on my joints than pavement walking. I begin at a regular pace, then I remember that we are supposed to walk faster to make the heart work harder. I quicken my gait, knowing this is one of the reasons I have low blood pressure, low cholesterol and normal weight. It thrills me to realize that every step makes my bones stronger. Pounding exercise causes the bones to cry for calcium, making the body hang on to that needed mineral.

I try to swing my arms and keep this good rate of speed, but I also quote Scripture and sometimes have to take time to look at the verse. It takes about 45 minutes for me to walk two miles. For years, I have walked in all weather conditions except heavy rain and ice. On those days, I spend more time on regular exercise. It is even more important to go out on cold days. I wear warm clothes, but the cold gives immunity to colds and flu. It is far more effective than medicine.

There are many exercises to choose from, but a really powerful one is to WALK AND MEMORIZE!

HUMMUS
2 c cooked and drained garbanzos
4-6 T fresh lemon juice
1 1/8 t salt
1/2 c tahini or blended sunflower seeds
1/3 – 1/2 c garbanzo liquid or water
1 1/4 t onion powder
4 cloves of garlic or 1 t garlic powder
Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend until
creamy. Serve as a sandwich spread or as a dip
for chips and vegetables.