Ever Have a Sidewinder Kind of Day?

Day 226 of Photo Inspirations -- Ever Have a Sidewinder Kind of Day?
You're trying to go forward, but there's so many distractions, so many roadblocks, so many hurdles to cross that you feel like you're going sideways just to be able to squeeze through these times?

Yesterday morning, my "Walking With Purpose" pals and I were talking about our weekend and Nancy mentioned that she and her dad, while walking through the neighborhood, came across what looked like a worm but it was maneuvering sideways instead of slithering forward.  Right away, her dad thought that it might be a baby Sidewinder rattlesnake, which would be rare in Oklahoma since they are typically found in deserts.  He stepped on it and put it out of its misery AND ours.  I hope he was mistaken about what it was, because, if not, that Sidewinder's mom or pop could still be hanging out around here.  The name, Sidewinder, alludes to its ability to gain traction and move swiftly on sand -- sideways.  And, by the way, the Sidewinder rattlesnake is venomous.

God is awesome at giving us object lessons on our walks.  Nancy told us a little story of a girl who saw a snake.  The snake asked politely, "Would you please save my life and put me in your backpack?"   She was so concerned for the poor snake that indeed she did put him in her backpack.  Soon the snake bit her.  She asked "Why did you do that to me since I saved your life?"  His reply:  "I'm a snake, and that's just what I do."

The moral to the "snake" stories today is the awareness that the enemy will do everything he can to deceive us and take us off course -- keeping us from the best that God has for us.  He did that to Adam and Eve.  They listened to the serpent and did what he told them to do.  And, as a result, the gorgeous, place of serenity, peace, and comfort was stolen from them.  They let him deceive them.

Perhaps you're having to maneuver through some tough situations today. You've lost your serenity, peace and joy like Adam and Eve did.  Maybe you listened to the voice of the Sidewinder who led you into those uncomfortable places.  Go ahead and stomp on his head and let him know you're no longer listening to his lies. NOW -- listen to the voice of your Good Shepherd that will safely lead you to green pastures.

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Walking With Purpose for Brain, Brawn and Blessings

Day 99 of Photo Inspirations -- Walking With Purpose for Brain, Brawn AND Blessings
I run or walk at least 15 miles a week.  Where my Jacuzzi tub would have been installed, I had my builder to simply put the plumbing in the wall, in case I ever wanted to install it.  Instead, that’s where my treadmill is located.  I’m on purpose.  I know the health benefits of running/walking/jogging.  I’ve been running for many years.  Best of all, it keeps my goal weight intact, especially when I love eating all kinds of foods as well as the occasional sweet treat!

But, my daily walk has gone to a new level, as I’m walking with friends.  We are walking on purpose – not just for the health benefits, but doing the Joshua “walk around the wall” walk. We walk, talk and pray. We are being BLESSED.

And, the health benefits have gone to a whole new level also.  I found it quite interesting a few days ago when I came upon the idea of walking to increase our BRAIN size.  It said, “Just 1 mile keeps our brain from shrinking.  Apparently, our brains tend to shrink as we age, just like a piece of fruit on the counter. But you can help keep your brain plump and young just by walking about a mile a day.  AWESOME!    

The article at www.sharecare.com went on to say that “in a 9-year study, people who walked just 6 to 9 miles each week preserved significantly more gray matter as they aged, compared with their more sedentary peers. What's so great about a big brain? It likely means more mental power. In the study, not only did the walkers have less brain shrinkage, but also that translated into a two-fold reduction in their risk for cognitive impairment. What's more, the researchers also looked at the benefits of physical activity in people already suffering from cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and found that a mere 5 miles a week of walking seemed to slow progression of the condition. So when it comes to brains, bigger really is better. Let’s strap on those walking shoes and walk  for BRAIN, BRAWN AND BLESSINGS!
#WalkingWithPurpose