Phil Parham (27 page)

Don't you just love to spend time outdoors? I do. One of the coolest ways to get exercise and also spend time together with your family is to go for a hike. What's more fun than hiking up a mountain and getting to be in the middle of God's creation?

Hiking is good cardiovascular exercise because it gets your heart rate up. It's also a great way to strengthen your leg muscles because some hikes require you to walk on a steep incline. The neat thing about hiking is that you can get so wrapped up in the beautiful nature and scenery that it doesn't seem like hard work. Exercise is great when it doesn't feel like exercise.

Our family has hiked in Paris Mountain State Park several times. The park has many beautiful trails that run along shallow creeks and ponds. When you get to the top of the mountain, the view is extraordinary. You feel like a pioneer on an adventure. It's a great feeling to share with your family.

We don't have to always think of exercise as something competitive or difficult. Exercise can come in the form of a peaceful mountain trail on a warm summer day. So go ahead, take a hike.

1. What are some ways that hiking helps your body?

2. Why is hiking a good family activity?

3. Does exercise always have to be competitive?

When you go hiking, make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks. You can make your own trail mix using almonds, granola, and dried cranberries.

A Word from Amy

Phillip and I did something really fun last year. We participated in an obstacle course called the “Mud Run.” The first thing we had to do was dive into a pit of muddy water and swim through it under a net. Then we had to crawl under a military Hummer, scale high walls, wade through creeks, swing on ropes, and finally, we had to run four miles. While we were competing, we felt like soldiers in a jungle. Let me tell you, it was tough! There were some moments where I wondered,
What have I gotten myself into?
It was a dirty, sweaty, and fun event, and when I finished, I felt great.

That obstacle course is a lot like life. At times it's challenging and you just want to quit. That's when you need to dig down and find the resolve to keep moving. The same thing is true for your journey to be healthy. Sure, it may be easier to sit on the sofa or play video games all day instead of playing a sport or taking a hike. But you won't succeed on the path to good health if you don't push through the hard times and get active.

Today, get out there and move your body. Be the master of your obstacle course.

1. What kind of obstacles do you need to overcome when it comes to your health?

2. What are some mental obstacles that you face when it comes to exercise?

3. Why does it make you feel good to overcome challenges?

Organize your own neighborhood obstacle course. Use your play set, sprinklers, water slides, old tires, or anything that can make it challenging.

L
ife usually doesn't go according to our plans or schedules. And while it's necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle to live an optimal life, it can get challenging sometimes. Especially when we get detoured along our journey by things out of our control. Learn how to find balance just when you need it most so you don't get off track on your journey to good health.

A Word from Amy

Have you ever been to the circus and seen the seal that balances on a ball and also balances a ball on its nose? Do you ever feel like that seal? Having to balance school, homework, sports, friends, and your chores? You may feel that if you add one more thing to your life, you'll fall off the ball. Well, sometimes you have to fall off the ball and mix things up a little to actually make changes that are good for your life. There are times when we have to be a little out of balance in order to put our focus on a particular goal.

If you were driving a car and it started sliding toward the ditch, you would have to jerk the steering wheel to get the car back where it's supposed to be. For a minute, everything might feel chaotic, but it's necessary to get the car back in the right place.

It's the same thing with our health. At first it may seem that the changes you're making are actually making life harder, but in the long run it will be worth it. When I was gaining health, the majority of my focus was on losing weight and exercising more. I rearranged my whole life to meet that goal. I realized that in order for me to be successful, I had to focus completely on what I wanted to achieve.

Give yourself permission to focus on being the best you can be. Balance will come back to your life in time.

1. In what ways is it good to have a little chaos in your life?

2. What things can you stop doing so much so you can focus on the goal of being healthier? Watching too much TV? Playing video games?

3. Do you ever feel as if you have a lot to do but not enough time?

If you don't have one already, get a day planner and get organized. Effective time management is a big key to creating balance.

A Word from Amy

Have you ever wondered why so many times in the Bible God tells someone to “fear not”? Do you think maybe it's because He knew what a big deal that message is and that we would always need to be reminded of it?

Fear is everywhere. If you watch the news, there is always something to be afraid of—cancer and other diseases, car accidents, violent crimes, deadly earthquakes, a bad economy. I don't watch the news anymore because I don't want to be frightened by the negative and scary information being reported.

Let's be honest. There are a lot of things we can be afraid of, but fear is not the only thing out there. We also have hope. The best part of trusting in God is that we can believe that everything will work out the way it's supposed to. The Bible tells us that “the L
ORD
directs the steps of the godly” (Psalm 37:23
NLT
). This verse has given me much comfort over the years through my own trials. If I trust God and do the right thing, then He will direct my path. Through Him, I will fulfill my purpose and destiny. This verse gives me the permission to mentally relax.

Any fear you have will only hold you back. It's time to let go of fear and trust God with your life while you are on your path to getting healthy.

1. Read Psalm 37:23 in the Bible. What does it mean to you?

2. What are some of your fears?

3. What should you do when you're afraid?

Every time you think of something that scares you, pray. Ask God to help you trust Him more than your fears.

A Word from Amy