It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with The Gypsy Mama.  We're given one word each week and we get to write on that word for five minutes flat.  Our word for today is rhythm.

GO

It's the first day of preschool.  The children tend to be a bit shy. There are a few tears for mommy.  They are learning the rules of the classroom and how to behave.  Raise your hand.  Listen to the teacher. Go quickly to the bathroom if you need to use it.  Sit crisscross applesauce.  Keep your hands to yourself.  Line up one behind the other.  Keep your eyes on the head in front of you.  Catch your bubble; no talking.

And then they go to music class ...

Miss Storme teaches them about tempo and quarter notes and moving to the music.  They laugh and begin to relax and have fun.  They are starting to move to the music. They are getting the rhythm.  Smiles are replacing the frowns and crying.  It's contagious as they start moving and dancing.  They've caught the rhythm.

STOP

Blessings and love,

I've been working on getting back in shape.  For most of my adult life, I've been very active.  I got into the habit of regular exercise many years ago.  I had to practice what I preached after all.  I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for 25 years and counseled patients on lifestyle changes after they experienced a heart attack or cardiac bypass surgery.  So being fit was a way of life for me.

However, circumstances changed drastically for me.  You see, I 'retired' from nursing for ten years.  At that time, I didn't need to work.  But life happens and my life as I knew it turned upside down. Talk about stress; oh my!

I began to feed my emotions with sweets and popcorn.  After moving to a different home, I found it harder to exercise.  I returned to work in a totally different field and had a longer commute.  I gained 20 pounds!

You may think that's nothing.  Maybe you have more weight to lose. All I can say is that I'm glad I didn't allow it to go on any longer.  I see many people my age who have surrendered to the fact that extra weight is just a part of getting older.  Well I'm not giving in.  I'm doing it and I'm determined!

Source

I'm happy to report that I've been consistent in exercising each morning on my treadmill for 40 minutes.  I do my hand weights every other day.  I try to use my mat and do stretching exercises and some Pilates.  My exercise has to be done first thing in the morning before I go to work.  And right now I have to be at work by 7 am.  I have to plan for this with everything ready to go without thinking.  My Kindle is ready so I get to read during my exercise time.  I had to laugh at this image I found on Pinterest.  I'm down another pound this week.  Woo hoo!

• I like to be able to easily into my clothes
• I like to have energy
• I love that it's become easier to step onto that treadmill
• I love the increased time for reading book on my kindle

But I have to say that my main motivation isn't to look like a skinny model.  I am very realistic.  I don't want what I eat and when I exercise to be such a focus in my life.  I do want being fit and healthy to simply be a part of my every day life.  I want to focus on where the Lord has called me to be and do.  I want to quit giving in to my emotions and flesh.

So how about you?  How are you doing?

If you'd like some help and motivation, I encourage you to link over to Kim's blog Making 40 Fantastic.  She also hosts a private Facebook group where we share with one another and have some much needed accountability.

Blessings and love,

Source

This morning I was watching a telecast of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  It was a special of their CD "I'm Amazed".  I love to listen to this choir.  I've been to the Brooklyn Tabernacle several times to worship when I returned to New York.  All I can say is that I feel like it's a foretaste of a heavenly choir.  People of all colors and nations united in their love for Jesus.  What a blessing!

This morning was no different.  During several of the songs, they had filmed testimonies of individuals who were in the choir.  So many come from backgrounds of drug and alcohol addiction.  Many were rejected by their fathers and were always looking for love in the wrong places.

This morning a beautiful young woman shared about her upbringing by hippy parents who were into sex, drugs and rock and roll.  She described her chronic depression and her drive for love and acceptance that never seemed to be satisfied.  She tried many philosophies, New Age, yoga, self help books, meditation and affirmations along with an assortment of religions.  Nothing satisfied and her depression continued.  She was invited to the Brooklyn Tabernacle and immediately sensed something different.  She realized her need for a Savior and accepted Jesus into her heart.  She said that she finally found what was missing in her life.  She almost looked like a different person compared to the photos from earlier years.  Her ready smile and peaceful countenance displayed such joy.


I love to hear testimonies like this.  I hope you take the time to watch the complete video.  All I can say is it will bless you.

I'm linking up with Charlotte for Spiritual Sunday.



Blessings and love,