Get Up

I got my latest Nutrition Action newsletter yesterday and the cover story is "Chair Today-Gone Tomorrow." From that title, you can guess what's being primarily discussed this month. The subtitle for this article is "Why you need to move from your seat to your feet." Well, this article really put me in action today. According to the article, "we're a nation that sits," and is that ever true. We sit at the computer; at desks; at ball games; in cars, trains, and airplanes; and of course, for TV watching. I could give loads of other examples. The invention of remote control gadgets has not helped any either. As is brought out in this article, how do you think this affects your weight, heart and blood sugar levels?

I was thinking about those of us who are housewives. Surely this isn't true of us, is it? Now maybe this is not as true of us as it is of the office worker, but we probably sit a lot more than our grandmothers did. With all of the latest inventions that we have in our homes--dishwashers, microwaves, automatic washers and dryers, etc. it gives more time to...well, sit. For me, this article has stirred me to more activity around my house and I hope it lasts beyond today. Here are some of the ways that I've resolved to be more active carrying out my normal household, teaching, and business duties:

• When I'm at the computer (such as now), I'll try to make sure I get up every fifteen, twenty minutes or so to do something. There's always something that I can get up to do: there are so many little odds and ends that need doing around here. If nothing else, I can just walk into the sunroom and look out at the birds for a few minutes, a favorite hobby.


• When I'm grading papers or doing lesson plans, instead of piling books up on my desk and spending a longer length of time there, I'll start the practice of leaving the teacher books and notebooks on the bookcase so that I have to get up and get each one as needed. And I'll try to be peppy about it!


• How about being more energetic about normal duties, such as going from the bedroom to the laundry room? Or sweeping the floor with more gusto? Or going out to sweep the front porch even if it doesn't really need it? Or dusting more in between some of the sitting sessions? Now that spring's here, using the clothesline more will be another help.


• And here's a biggy: Sometimes in the evening after devotions, we relax together as a family and look at a video or CD episode of the Waltons, Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, or one of the other older classics. This is a favorite time of day for us and I get all settled on the couch. It's so enjoyable and so cozy. Sometimes, I'm so settled and comfy that I ask my fifteen year old to go get me the pillow, tissue, glass of water, or whatever it is that I want. From now on, I'LL GET IT MYSELF.

I hope this post has moved some of you other folks out there too. . .up from your seats.

Hallelujah!

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order; Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

He is risen! Worthy is the Lamb who has been slain and has redeemed us to God by His blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation; He was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. He was slain, yet He is alive! What is there to say? Happy Easter, yes. But more than that--Hallelujah! Okay, now, turn your volume up and get a foretaste of what we'll be doing in heaven:

This and That

Here are some of the things that I've been doing this week: Working on the income taxes (one of my most hated jobs as many of you know from last year) - it's halfway done; Doing some desperately needed renovation work at the business website (none of the changes are published yet, so don't go look yet) - they're almost done; going with husband to his doctor's appointment for his glaucoma (why do doctors' offices make you wait an eternity to be seen for five minutes?) - the aftermath being looking up eye drop medicine prices on the internet; having our granddaughter over to spend the day (the best part of the week) - also having daily phone conversations with her where I don't understand a word she's saying; making up lesson plans and grading papers for our little homeschool (also trying to study and refresh my algebra) - and now preparing for another set of nine weeks exams; then cooking, cleaning (well, a little), washing, grocery shopping, etc. etc. Now do you understand better why I don't have much time to blog? But I'll be back, if God so allows, when it calms down a bit! I do love you all and try to get to see you here and there, and it'll get better, I promise! Hope to see you Friday or Saturday with an Easter hymn.

"Lion in the Snow"

It's pretty obvious to me that Mr. Lion of two posts back is enjoying his time in the snow. He reminds me a bit of a puppy during its first winter. Taking that into account, and after consulting with another "professional blogger," our newest animal cracker picture now bears the title "Just Lion in the Snow," offered by Baptist Girl. I like captions that have a play on words, and I think kids will understand this one quite well. Thanks, everybody. We liked so many of your ideas and some gave us quite a chuckle. When you get a chance, go visit Mr. Lion and his other friends here.

Thanks again!

A Candle Lit Weekend

We have just emerged from a weekend without electrical power after the rain and wind storm. Well, actually it started Saturday evening until this afternoon. If it hadn't been so cold, I might have enjoyed having candles all over the house on Saturday and Sunday. My husband and daughter don't like scented candles too much because the aroma usually bothers them . But this time they preferred that over the darkness. So in the nighttime there was a peaceful flickering glow all over our little abode and lots of sweet smells . Thankfully, the crews came around lunch time today, and before long, we had the real thing again. I was most thankful that they took away the power lines that were hanging down into our backyard. Because of them, we couldn't let our doggy go out by himself as usual (the yard is fenced in), so he had to be walked to go to the bathroom and he doesn't do so well going while on the leash! Happily, we're all back to normal, including him.

I haven't posted a hymn in two weeks and needed to remind myself of something: the words of the first two stanzas of this one that I've posted somewhere before .

My times are in thy hand;

My God, I wish them there;

My life, my friends, my soul, I leave

Entirely to thy care.

My times are in thy hand,

Whatever they may be;

Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,

As best may seem to thee.

`William F. Lloyd

Another One

Here I go again, with one of my naming games. You all know I have a weakness for these and that I like to make up titles and/or captions for animal pictures from time to time. Okay, so I'm a little strange, but you like me anyway. Get your mind off the election for a while--if you think about it too much you'll end up depressed. Remember, the Lord has not lost control and He's sovereign. So, here's one of His gorgeous creatures and a caption for this picture would be nice. Could someone out there pick one that I can't resist posting on my "Animal Crackers" page at our website? This is a fairly new page in our children's section at the site and it would be fun to see what goodies you folks can come up with. You usually have good ideas.