Daily Prayer for August 27,2012
Guide us, Lord, to a healthier lifestyle. Give us the strength to make wise food choices in a nation that is focused on food. Remind us to exercise regularly and to find the time to relax. Help us to cope with our burdens of worry, anxiety and stress. Enable us to care for our bodies with love. Amen.

To learn more about the Missionary Oblates and our many ministries, please visit our website at www.oblatesusa.org

This prayer was in my email today and I just had to write and share it with you. There is no doubt God is interested in how we treat our bodies. He made us with muscles and bones, to be strong. And He will help us with HIS strength to fight every battle we engage in. All through the day, we receive little hints from God to take care of ourselves. And sometimes He sends someone to inspire us.

The other day, our satellite reception on our TV started to die out. We called the company who installed it and they sent out a technician. When I answered the door to let him in, the young man just radiated physical fitness. I knew he had done a workout before going out to work. When I asked him, he said he did and wondered how I knew. I think God chose this one person to come to our house to inspire me to work out that day. (Why was I watching TV in the first place?) When he went outside to change the cable wire, I got on the treadmill and did a good 10-minute workout and lifted my dumbbells until I they became to heavy to lift.

Sometimes it takes just a little thing to keep us going. It could be an uplifting song, a picture from when we were younger and stronger, or even watching the Olympics. If you are like me, the gymnastics alone are enough for a person to pick up those weights while watching the seemly impossible moves of the gymnast. Even though I will never get to the Olympics on this earth, I just feel a need to do ‘something’. So as I watch TV, I am pumping my 3 or 5 lb. weights and doing stretches on the floor.

So don’t be afraid to do more if you need to or to take a rest when necessary. I could feel my knee was not 100%, so I waited a day to rest it. However, since I have not lost any weight I am increasing my treadmill time to 20 minutes or 10 minutes twice a day. God is there with us. He will let us know when we are doing too much. I believe He wants to see His creation become what it was meant to be – a healthy, happy person, made from love – to love and complete His purpose for our lives.

Blessings and Peace,
Ginger

Ok, I felt really ragged and tired. I kept yawning and wanted to go back to bed. I had just gotten up! I got on the Tmill and after a few minutes, crancked that baby up to 2.0 miles per hour. After a few more minutes, I cranked it up to 2.5 miles per hour. Boy was that a workout. It felt great. I did not look like I was just strolling today baby!

I think my choice of music helped. When I was a teenager, I was in a drill team for the VFW. I had to carry the American flag as it was the heaviest flag…I must have looked really strong at 13.

When I pushed the volume up on the marching band music, it took me right back to those days. We would march for 2-3 miles in parades. It was good times. So my memories pushed me to go faster and I loved it! I made it over 1/3rd of a mile and burned 56 calories. It made my tired blood feel alive and I am breathing so much better. To me, a day without the treadmill is a day without water.

I felt something in my left knee, so I kept it at 13 minutes instead of trying for 20 minutes. I have to listen to my body. I am so prone to overdoing things and then hurting myself. I hope I am smarter than that now.

You know, I almost sold that treadmill. I wanted to re-join that gym I was going to that had such great equipment to use. I put it on Craig’s List for $25. A lot of people said they wanted it, but no one came to get it. Then I took it off the list and decided it was worth more to me than $25.

The gym membership fee has tripled and I can no longer afford it. I am sooo glad I did not sell it. Personally, I think God kept everyone away from buying it so I would always have it to lose this weight. Thank you God!

Today was an uphill battle to get on the treadmill. There were so many chores that needed doing – but I put my body first. It was difficult. After a slow start, I pushed myself to go 2.2 miles/hour. That is pretty fast for me. Then I looked up and could see my reflection in the TV. It looked as if I was only walking slowly, like taking a nice stroll. That was aggravating! Here I am panting and getting my heart rate up as high as I safely could only to discover I was just ‘strolling’.

I felt so good after doing 12 minutes on the treadmill; I thought I would work on my arms. I have a video (yes, I still have lots of exercise videos) of Denise Austin, “Hit the Spot” series. This series has three 10 minute workouts for every part of your body. The weights I use are only 3 lbs. each, but before the 2nd round of exercises, they felt like 10 lbs. When it got to be too much, I just stopped and waited for the next exercise.

When it starts to get difficult, I look at my Sacred Heart picture and ask Jesus to help me. I think He also lets me know when to take a break. I have just recovered from a shoulder injury and don’t want to re-injure it. I can see now that it is going to take some time to tone up and lose this fat. I just have to trust in God and trust in myself, that I am going to do something every day, the very least is the treadmill.

Now I guess it’s time for me to tackle all those chores that I put off. I’m nice and sweaty now, so there’s no reason why I can’t wash the floors and clean the bathrooms. Yuk! But then, when I am done, it’s a nice shower and some clean clothes. Now that is worth the effort.

Blessings and peace,
Ginger

Every day, when I wake up, I try to surrender my life to God to take over the events of the day. Then He does! If I am in bed because I am not motivated to get up yet, He finds a way to make me uncomfortable so I will have to get up. My bones or muscles will start to ache, my stomach wants food or I suddenly have to use the bathroom. He is very creative. Once I am up, I check my list on my computer of things that need to be done every single day. Exercise is at the top of the list. I try to get on the treadmill in the mornings to get it out of the way in case I do not get a chance to do it later.

Today, since I am starting over and need to get my stamina up, I completed just 12 minutes on the treadmill! (T-mill) Two minutes warm-up, 8 minutes not too fast (2 miles per hour) and 2 minutes cool-down. I listened to marching band music and it kept me going perfectly. When I reached about 9 minutes, I started breathing heavier so I knew I was burning calories. Phyical fitness trainers will tell you that if you can exercise and keep talking, that is a good measurement that you are working out correctly. When you can no longer keep up a conversation, you are overdoing it. Even if no one is around, I start praying out loud. God always listens.

If you don’t have a treadmill, walking outside is as good or even better. If you can find someone who wants to lose weight and tone up who can walk with you – that is great! It won’t be so boring.

Now it’s time to cross ‘exercise’ off my list. I feel great and after a nice hot shower, I’ll look great.

Blessings and Peace,
Ginger

It is a beautiful day today in Northeast Ohio. Not quite 80 degrees and low humidity. This is perfect weather to take a walk, ride a bike or go swimming in the community pool. Am I going to do any of these things? Probably not, as I have a ‘slime mold fungus infection’ which is severe enough to zap my energy. I will get on the treadmill for at least 10 minutes today. I made a promise to myself to do this and I will.

If you would like to know more about fungus and how it adversly affects your health, I have provided a link to a website describing Doug Kauffman, a pioneer in fungal research.

http://www.campaignforrealhealth.com/2009/11/21/an-introduction-to-doug-kaufmann-and-the-fungal-theory-of-disease/

I just completed reading ‘American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur, 1880-1964 a 1978 biography of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur by American historian William Manchester. I was very moved by his determination in all things, but especially his views on health. He was still quite healthy until he died at age 84. No matter where he was stationed, eating healthy and staying active were his daily routines – and he inspired his troops to do the same. He also wrote the most amazing words of encouragment in his later years, which I took to heart.

I have just turned 60 and have sometimes feel like I am too old to get in shape or to care about my body. After reading these words, I put them on my computer and will print them out to display on my wall where I can read them each day.

“People grow old only by deserting their ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul
You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt
as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear
as young as your hope, as old as your despair.”

Now I don’t know if he created these words, or borrowed them, but they are very helpful in overcoming the lie that ‘I’m too old to change…get better…become more active and fit’ argument. This is the line that Satan wants you to believe. Rebuke it in Jesus’ Name. God will help you get started and keep going to achieve YOUR optimum health goals. It’s hard, yes. Impossible? No.

First, let’s change our attitudes and second make a plan. It may take some time to do this, but you can. Remember, Someone cares how healthy and fit you are at all times. I do too.

Hello Again!

It’s nice to be back to Holy Health.

Holy Health will be a place of practical and spiritual encouragement to those readers who may be trying to lose weight and get back into shape or embrace a healthy lifestyle. I am now 60 years old and weigh 233 lbs. I have a long way to go, but I am confident, with God’s help, that I will lose these unwanted pounds. He is the One who created me and He knows what is best for each of our bodies. I am asking what His Will is for me each day and trying to not rely on my own will. I will share prayer and encouraging quotes, songs and books to work towards healthy and holy living.

There are many resources out there and I will share whatever I find – whether they work for me or not. God made every single one of us different. What will work for one person will not necessarily work for you or me. If we keep trying new things, maybe we can find the one thing that will take off the weight and keep it off. But please know one thing…just one very important thing…you cannot do it without God’s help. He is your workout partner and your meal planner. He will help you stop munching on snack food and He will encourage you to do just a few more minutes on that treadmill, bike or other exercise you choose. When you make Him your coach, you will reach your weight and health goals. Do not be afraid to try. And try again, and try again. Just as Jesus fell three times on the way to Calvary, we can fall and get up again with His help. You will all be in my Special Rosary Intentions each night.

Yours in Christ Jesus and Mary, Ginger

Just for Today
by Pauline Phillips

Just for Today

I will live through this day only;
I will not brood about yesterday
or obsess about tomorrow.
I will not set far reaching goals
Or try to overcome all of my problems at once.
I know that I can do something for 24 hours
that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for Today

I will be happy
I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me
if my mind fills with clouds
I will chase them away
and fill it with sunshine

Just for Today

I will accept what is
I will face reality
I will correct those things that I can correct
and accept those I cannot.

Just for Today

I will improve my mind.
I will read something that requires
effort, thought and concentration.
I will not be a mental loafer.

Just for Today

I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable
I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path
and I’ll not speak ill of others
I will improve my appearance
Speak softly and not interrupt when
someone else is talking.
Just for today,
I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

Just for Today

I will do something positive to improve my health
If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit
If I am over-weight, I will eat healthfully, if only for today
And not only that
I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk
Even if it is only around the block.

Just for Today

I will gather the courage to do what is right
and take the responsibility for my own actions.

It appears that my operation has left me with some issues in my back. The area that was operated on is still very swollen. I have started back to work, which accounts for some of the swelling. The rest is fluid that has no place to go. I absolutely cannot work out until the swelling is gone.

The focus of this site is Holy Health, and I have focused on physical exercise and mental and spiritual topics. Since the workouts are stopped, I am going to take a rest.

I will be back. I already have plans with my chiropractor to begin a wellness program…as soon as the swelling comes down.

I ask God to send you His Peace and His Love. I hope you have enjoyed this walk with me so far. I am sure God has a lot more work for me as soon as I am able.

Blessings and peace, Ginger

I am back! The surgery was a success, the fatty tumor removed and I am very, very sore and tired. I think I’ve had enough excitement to last me a year or two. It’s good to be writing again.

I have lost 4 lbs. last week. Since I have cut my meal portions in half a while ago, and kept that part of my diet going – no matter what was going on – the weight has finally started to come off. I was feeling so frustrated when nothing was happening. But suddenly my body gave up the struggle and the pounds started to drop. I have written ‘more patience’ on my writing board in the kitchen. I think if I just keep doing healthy things and have patience, I will lose this weight. Now I know what they mean when they say ‘Never, Ever, Ever, Give Up! It works!

The doctor said I can do anything I want…within reason. I am still doing bicep/tricep curls while sitting on the floor and it certainly has helped the arms look better. No more bat wings. They are only 3 lbs. and since I am sitting, I am not ‘pulling’ my neck or upper back muscles much. I will start the treadmill soon. Again, I will have to start over, doing it slowly. I will have no choice as I am still weak and my body will not allow me to push myself with anything.

I have written a lot about using dumbbells for bicep/tricep curls. That is because, no matter how I feel or how discouraged I get, when I look in the mirror and see my nicely formed upper arms, I know the rest will follow and I feel better. They are not difficult to do and once they look good, it does not take a lot of work to keep them looking that way. Spring and summer are just around the corner, and I like to wear sleeveless shirts and dresses. This year, I will be ready!

Blessings and Peace, Ginger

Tomorrow (Feb. 10) I will have surgery to remove the fatty tumor from my upper back. Please say a quick prayer for me that it will be an easy surgery and my recovery at home will be swift.

I have had many operations before and none have made me this uneasy. Maybe it’s because I’m old now…at least that’s what my husband suggested. At any rate, I will be back here as soon as I can. I will be able to sit up straight in my chair and type and PRAYERFULLY, hope that my migraines go away and I can start working out regularly.

I have not been wasting this time waiting for this day to come. While watching TV, I have been sitting on the living room floor and lifting my dumbbells in many different ways and stretching my legs. It’s amazing to see how these little ‘floor exercises’ make a noticeable difference when I look in the mirror. The muscles have tightened up – a little, but it sure looks better and I can feel the difference. I have to remember that sometimes, less is better than nothing at all. Blessings and Peace, Ginger

Have you read or heard about the many ‘end of time’ stories that are being sent via email, or are broadcast on TV? I have viewed a movie that outlines the many ways nuclear weapons are now able to be used by everyone and that an island in the Pacific will lose part of its structure into the sea from an earthquake, creating another horrific tsunami.

My first thought was why do I care if I eat right and work out because I’m going to die from some unnatural cause anyway. But I have decided to look past these things. If I am doing the will of God, by eating right and taking care of my body, my body will be of some use to God, no matter what happens. I have to be ready, spiritually and physically for His Will to be done.

I constantly fight the thoughts ‘What does it matter? Who is going to know? Who is going to care?’ (Guess where those doubts come from?) Well I know the answer to that. There must be a reason I am being guided to get stronger and healthier, to become the best Ginger I can be. We cannot give up our missions, no matter what the media says will happen. There has got to be a reason to keep on doing the best we can. You see, God knows, it matters to Him and He cares.

There are plenty of resources available to tell us how to prepare for disaster. But there is also the open door of the confessional and the door of the Tabernacle to help us prepare spiritually. Two doors – both contain the essence of our faith. Both are sanctuaries from the outside world and both offer peace in these troubled times. Both are Sacraments of love, healing and communion with God.

It is in walking through the door of the confessional and receiving Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament that I draw close to Our Lord and He releases my fears. It is at this time I receive the encouragement I need to keep evolving into the woman He wants me to be.

I feel He wants me healthy and strong. And when I obey Him, I receive a double portion of faith and strength to keep going. I pray that you will be aware that we are in some kind of change and that you will not be afraid. Fear casts out faith. But God casts out fear. I pray that you will spend some time visiting the Blessed Sacrament either in the tabernacle or the Monstrance during Adoration. You may learn your mission, or receive graces for a problem. The best part is when you feel the love radiating from the One who loves you and you will not be afraid of the future. Blessings and Peace.