Week 10 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 10 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Nineteen participants turned in points for week 10 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 201 points for week 10 with a grand total from the start of 2358 points. A lot of us had lots of Christmas get-togethers and activities going on for Week 10 and I congratulate those who persevered and fit in a little exercise on top of the packed schedules.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge. Turn in Week 11 (12/25 through 12/31) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Week 10 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Week 11 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 11 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge Joy to the World

Welcome to Week 11 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week's Christmas hymn is Joy to the World. Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics in 1719. If his name sounds familiar, perhaps this is because he wrote about 650 hymns and is known as the "Father of English Hymnody." Lowell Mason wrote the rousing melody, perhaps basing part of the melody on Handel's Messiah.

Click on the following links to see videos of various versions of Joy to the World:

• David Archuleta & Mormon Tabernacle Choir
• Central Church
• American Sign Language Version by Rock Church Deaf Ministry

"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." Luke 2: 30-32

Week 9 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 9 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 9 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 220 points for week 9 with a grand total from the start of 2157 points. Perhaps everyone in our challenge is running around shopping - these numbers are the highest in the past month!

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 10 (12/18 through 12/24) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 9 Points

Week 10 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 10 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge The First Noel

Welcome to Week 10 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week features The First Noel or The First Nowell. The word nowell is from a Latin word natalis that means birth. The origin of this Christmas carol dates back to at least the 1800s but may be several hundred years older than that. This hymn is a bit unusual in our modern hymnals because it typically includes six verses, which is longer than many of today's hymns.

Click on the following links to hear some beautiful versions of "The First Noel"

• University of Utah Singers
• Pentatonix
• ToR + Saksit's Piano Improvisation

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews, For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him..." Matthew 2: 1-2

Week 8 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 8 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 8 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 199 points for week 8 with a grand total from the start of 1937 points. This time of year gets incredibly busy and I applaud all who are still fitting exercise into the routine!

You are invited to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 9 (12/11 through 12/17) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 8 Weekly Totals

Week 9 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 9 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge - Silent Night, Holy Night

Welcome to Week 9 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week features "Silent Night, Holy Night," a Christmas carol that has captured the hearts of many from war torn battlefields to serene hay fields and an untold number of sites in between.

Joseph Mohr wrote the picturesque lyrics, and Franz Gruber created the simple yet captivating melody. The hymn was originally sung to the tune with guitar accompaniment on Christmas Eve in Obendorf, Austria in 1818.

I have played for many Christmas services in which this song is sung in the hushed stillness of candlelight. It is not surprising that this Christmas carol is often a favorite of folks all over the globe.

Click on the links below to hear several versions of Silent Night:

• Kelly Clarkson & Trisha Yearwood & Reba McIntyre
• Rafael Scarfullery - Classic Guitar instrumental
• The Cathedrals

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger." Luke 2:12

Week 7 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 7 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Nineteen participants turned in totals for week 7 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 212 points for week 7 with a grand total from the start of 1736 points.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 8 (12/4 through 12/10) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 7 Totals

Week 8 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 8 Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Welcome to Week 8 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! Hark! The Herald Angels Sing has seen several unlikely transformations. Charles Wesley first wrote Christmas Day Hymn that included ten four-line verses in 1739. Later, George Whitfield changed several lines of the original hymn.

For about 100 years, the music for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing was solemn and slow. An organist named William H. Cummings later reorganized the lyrics into the stanzas and refrain we know today and combined them with a lively tune written by Felix Mendelssohn to commemorate the invention of the printing press.

Click on the following links to hear several versions of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing:

• Celtic Woman
• Amy Grant
• Vince Guaraldi (Peanuts Christmas)

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God..." 
Luke 2:13

Week 6 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 6 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Nineteen participants turned in totals for week 6 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 171 points for week 6 with a grand total from the start of 1524 points.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 7 (11/27 through 12/3) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Week 6 Totals

Week 7 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 7 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Happy new year and welcome to Week 7 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! Wait...what? Before you start thinking that perhaps you slept until 2017, don't worry. Today, the first Sunday of Advent, marks the new year on the Christian calendar.

"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" was written by Nahum Tate, a man who was stricken by poverty for much of his life. Perhaps he could relate to shepherds who probably sat on the ground and endured all types of weather while watching the night sky. Christmas programs referencing Luke 2 often feature this Christmas carol.

This Christmas carol is commonly sung to one of two different tunes. The most popular tune includes Christmas by Handel, while the second most popular tune is Winchester Old that was likely arranged by George Kirbye.

May each of us may find a refreshing, unexpected surprise as we go about a mundane task that we have performed many times over the years. And in case you haven't joined our fitness challenge, this week is a great time to come on board and commit to being physically active with the start of our Christ-centered new year!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Luke 2:8

Week 5 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 5 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Sixteen participants turned in totals for week 5 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 171 points for week 5 with a grand total from the start of 1324 points. Numbers are a little lower as quite a few folks were traveling and preparing for Thanksgiving or fighting illness. I applaud those particularly that are incredibly self-motivated during this busy time of year. I have no doubt that we'll all get back on track soon!

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 6 (11/20 through 11/26) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 5 Totals

Week 6 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 6 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge - O Come All Ye Faithful

Welcome to Week 6 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program. This week includes Thanksgiving for those of us in the United States. Despite difficulties, we all have much for which to be grateful!

This week features "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Those who have sung with a choir or know Latin might recognize the song as "Adeste Fidelis." John Frances Wade penned the words that first appeared in a collection of his Cantus Diversi in 1751. Frederick Oakley and William Thomas Brooke translated "O Come, All Ye Faithful" into English in 1852.

I am struck by how many of these beloved songs have continued to speak to generations hundreds of years later. I have played for quite a few Christmas programs, and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" is almost always a favorite to sing and play. Take a few minutes to click on and listen to these great versions of this week's Christmas carol: Luciano Pavarotti, Casting Crowns, and Celtic Woman.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:15-16

Week 4 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 4 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty-one participants turned in totals for week 4 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 268 points for week 4 with a grand total from the start of 1153 points. Whew...that's a lot of physical activity! These next few weeks will be challenging. Many people's schedules will begin to overflow with holiday preparations. We can all sneak some physical activity on the calendar by parking farther away, arriving a early, and taking a brisk walk before an event. Walking at the mall is another way to rev up the steps without a lot of added effort. Upcoming meals may be a bit less than healthy, but we might consider adding one healthier dish to the choices and perhaps a group walk after clean-up.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 5 (11/13 through 11/19) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge Week 4 Totals

Week 12 Results and Grand Finale for the Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Week 12 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty participants turned in totals for week 12 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encouraged participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earned 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of 195 points for week 12 with a grand total from the start of 2710 points. This is the final week of the challenge, and altogether participants exercised over 903 hours in twelve weeks. Wow!

Our party to celebrate the end of the challenge is this Saturday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. All are welcome to come, enjoy some snacks, and sing the twelve Christmas carols featured in the challenge. Challenge participants will receive certificates and goody bags at the party as well.

Week 12 Totals for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Week 5 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 5 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Welcome to Week 5 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week includes November 13 through November 19.

Dr. Phillips Brooks wrote the beautiful lyrics for the beloved Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" after visiting Bethlehem. Seeing the countryside must have made a profound effect on him. Lewis Redner finished writing the tune for the song on Sunday morning, the day it was first sung. Those of us who tend to procrastinate can have hope that perhaps some of our best work may come close to the deadline!

Click here to hear a version of the carol with Nat King Cole. And here is another example with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us." Luke 2:15

Week 3 Results - Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 3 Results Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Twenty-one participants turned in totals for week 3 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week.

Altogether, participants earned a total of  284 points for week 3 with a grand total from the start of 885 points. It's been another great week for exercising. Lots of folks are going outside to rake leaves or take a walk and enjoy the motley mix of colors on the trees.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 4 (11/6 through 11/12) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem Week 3 Weekly Totals

Week 4 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 4 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge - What Child Is This

Welcome to Week 4 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! If you have ever wished for more time to exercise, this is your week. We "fell back" last night, giving us the chance to enjoy an extra hour this weekend.

"What Child Is This" holds a special place in my heart. The hymn's words were from William Chatterton Dix's poem entitled "The Manger Throne" and set to the tune called Greensleaves. Lindsay Sterling has an instrumental violin version of "What Child Is This" here. Listen to a trio of guitarists, Don and Wendy Francisco and Jerry Palmer, playing the carol here. Or hear the beautiful lyrics to "What Child Is This" by listening to Johnny Mathis here.

If you go outside and simply sit and listen to nature, you may discover that nature's music is often in a minor key. Most of our more famous Christmas carols are in major keys, but this melody's distinctively minor key offers a uniquely beautiful tune. Many of my friends say "What Child Is This" is their favorite of all the Christmas carols that begins painting a mental picture of a baby in his mother's arms. The times surrounding Jesus birth were beautiful and joyful, yet many people suffered greatly. The holidays for many people are a time of sadness, yet I hope each of you may find a glimmer of hope in the season.

Do you have any favorite versions of "What Child Is This?"

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

Week 2 Results – Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 2 Results for Walk to Bethlehem PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty-two participants turned in totals for week 2 of the Woodleaf UMC 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge. This fitness challenge encourages participants to exercise an average of 20 minutes per day. Participants earn 1 point for each 20 minutes of exercise with a goal of 7 points/week. Altogether, participants earned a total of 316 points for week 2, a big increase! Added to the total points from week one, the challenge participants have earned a grand total of 609 points.

I'm impressed! Some participants doubled their points, and one participant earned 48 points in Week 2. Let's see if we can continue the trend for Week 3. Many of us are taking on the fitness challenge with family members and/or friends. That's a great way to stay motivated and keep one another accountable.

There is still time to join the fitness challenge! Turn in Week 3 (10/30 through 11/5) totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

Walk to Bethlehem Week 2 Totals

Week 3 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! This week's carol is "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." One particular phrase jumps out at me when looking at the lyrics: "when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling." Imagining worldwide peace is difficult, but what a wonderful thought to entertain! May we remember and be thankful for the many people who sacrifice much to move seek peace.

The words of this hymn written by Edmund H. Sears appears in 736 hymnals. After retiring from active ministry in his late 30s due to health issues, he began to focus on literature. An exercise routine may also present challenges due to a variety of health concerns, but finding different and meaningful ways to keep physically active can reap great rewards.

We all have times in our lives when we feel called to do something that is far beyond a comfort zone. Perhaps we can learn from the example in Exodus 3:12 when God tells Moses "I will be with you" as Moses would face Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites. Our life journey may seem as challenging as trying to lead a nation out of bondage, but I think it helps to remember we are never completely alone, whether that presence comes in a still, small voice, a burning bush, a colorful rainbow, or a beautiful Christmas carol.

Week 1 Results - 2016 Walk to Bethlehem PA Points

Week 1 Results for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Twenty-two participants turned in totals for week 1. The 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA challenge encourages folks to exercise an average of 20 minutes/day. Each 20 minutes of exercise earns participants 1 point with a weekly goal of 7 points. Altogether, participants earned a total of 293 points during week 1. I've graphed the results below.

This has been a great start to the challenge! As you can see, many folks not only met the 7 point goal but exceeded it. I look forward to seeing Week 2 totals. Several people mentioned what types of exercise they are doing, including walking, working out in the gym, playing pickleball, participating in aerobics classes, and even mowing the yard with a manual push lawn mower. Way to go for the first week!

If you are interested, it's not too late to join the fitness challenge! Feel free to turn in Week 2 totals to me via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or at Woodleaf United Methodist Church. Click here to see details regarding the fitness challenge.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem Week 1 Totals

Week 2 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Week 2 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge - Away in a Manger

Welcome to Week 2 of the 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf UMC health ministry program! Week 2 begins on Sunday, October 23 and runs through Saturday, October 29.

This week's hymn is Away in a Manger. This hymn, first published in the early 1900s offers simple and picturesque words. Two tunes are often found for this carol, one by William James Kirkpatrick and the other by James Ramsey Murray. Away in a Manger is often one of the first Christmas carols that children learn. Here are beautiful versions of the carol sung by Patty Loveless and by Susan Boyle.

A sleeping baby...what a beautiful site! When we stay up too late, we tend to snack on unhealthy foods and often awake feeling much less than refreshed. As we enter this busy time of year, it may be tempting to stretch schedules until they burst with holiday preparations. Perhaps now is a good time to begin to focus on quality rather than quantity as we make plans.

What are your favorite, most meaningful holiday activities? Do you have a favorite version of Away in a Manger? Feel free to share in the comment section below.

Please submit Week 1 points on paper at the church or online to nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com. I will be charting the first week's results and posting later this week. I hope each of you have had a great start to the fitness challenge!

Week 1 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem Fitness Challenge Week 1

Welcome to the 2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA fitness challenge sponsored by the Woodleaf United Methodist Church health ministry program! This challenge encourages us to be physically active an average of at least 20 minutes/day. Any type of physical activity is fine. We can enjoy ourselves while keeping physically fit.

Week 1 runs from Sunday, October 16 through Saturday, October 22. Please submit your weekly points either via email at nurseforwoodleafUMC@gmail.com or on paper at the church.

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is the first Christmas carol featured in this challenge. You might enjoy this video of the song played by The Piano Guys. Feel free to post your favorite version of this carol in the comment section below.

Studies show that people may experience health benefits simply from planning a vacation. Imagining wonderful possibilities may help us look to the future with a positive attitude and renewed resolve. Although many people dread the approaching holiday season, perhaps each of us can imagine doing something meaningful that would make the holidays sparkle again. In a world where the future seems dismal at times, perhaps we can set our minds to imagining a world in which true love and compassion for others becomes reality. Perhaps that future can begin with us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

2016 Walk to Bethlehem Fitness Challenge

2016 Walk to Bethlehem, PA Fitness Challenge

Many of us tend to forget about exercising regularly in the weeks before Christmas. To help us stay on track, I invite everyone to join us for the 2016 Walk to Bethlehem fitness challenge.

Who can join the fitness challenge?

Anyone of any fitness level may join this challenge. Children should check with adult caregivers before joining the challenge - this is a great family activity! You do not have to live in Woodleaf or attend Woodleaf United Methodist Church to participate in this challenge. If you do not have a home church, we invite you to come and worship at Woodleaf UMC! The church is located at 9000 Church Street in Woodleaf, North Carolina and is located right in front of Woodleaf Elementary School in sight of Highway 801.

What does this challenge cost?

There is no charge for participating in this fitness challenge. This challenge is provided by the Woodleaf United Methodist Church health ministry in an effort to encourage a healthy lifestyle for all of us. Come and meet our health ministry team at our annual free health fair on October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

What is involved in the fitness challenge?

The challenge begins on October 16 and ends on January 7. Weeks start on Sundays and end on Saturdays. Participants will keep track of how much they exercise each day and send me their name and weekly point total via email at nurseforwoodleafumc@gmail.com or you can submit on paper at the church. 

You will earn one point for every 20 minutes that you exercise daily. For example, if you exercise 40 minutes on Tuesday, you will earn two points. If you exercise 60 minutes on Friday, you will earn three points. Please send whole numbers - that is an incentive to exercise a little longer to get that next point! 

Please send your totals no later than Wednesday of the following week to give me time to tally results and post them before the next week starts.

If you prefer to count mileage, one mile equals one point for this fitness challenge. You may use mileage from a pedometer, fitness machine, etc. if you are counting mileage rather than minutes.

For each point that you earn, you will move seven miles closer to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which is located 540 miles from Woodleaf, North Carolina.

Do you provide forms?

Yes! Those interested in participating may print the form provided at the bottom of this article in order to keep track of points earned. You do not need to submit the form to me, and you don't have to use the form. I just need your name and total weekly points.

What is the goal?

Participants are encouraged to average exercising at least 20 minutes/day (1 point/day). If you average at least 7 points/week, you will meet this fitness challenge. You are welcome to develop your own additional challenges such as focusing on a healthy mind or spirit in addition to the physical fitness focus.

What kind of exercise counts?

You may choose any type of aerobic or resistance training exercise that works for you. Check with your healthcare provider to discuss which types of exercise are most suitable for your fitness level and abilities. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just be physically active for a minimum of 20 minutes per day.

Can we see what everyone else is doing?

Check this Healthy Woodleaf blog for updates. I plan to feature one Christmas carol each week and will post totals without names in graph form each week.

What is the prize?

The best "prize" is enjoying a healthier, more fit lifestyle. I plan to invite everyone to the church at the conclusion of the challenge to join together and sing the twelve Christmas carols featured in the challenge and have the chance to talk with other participants.

2016 Walk to Bethlehem Fitness Challenge

Mileage Form for 2016 Walk to Bethlehem Fitness Challenge

I'd love to have folks from all over the world participating in the 2016 Walk to Bethlehem Fitness Challenge!

WTTB Week 15 Totals

This is it...we have finished our journey east! Seventeen participants submitted mileage for week 15, our final week of the Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge. Altogether, participants logged a total of 282.31 miles this week. We had a total of 21 folks who participated in the fitness challenge with a grand total of 4300.7 miles from start to finish. Added together, we not only made it to Wilmington, but that mileage takes us to Key West and back twice!

Here are the weekly totals for Week 15:

Week 15 Walk to the Beach Weekly totals

Here are the grand totals for Week 15, the conclusion of our fitness challenge:

Week 15 Walk to the Beach Grand Totals

Many thanks to those who participated, helped with the challenge or beach blastoff party, prayed for us, read articles on the blog, encouraged one another to adopt a healthy lifestyle, helped to get the word out about the challenge, and more. Although this challenge is over, I hope it has given you a few tools to move forward through the summer months with a resolve to consistently care for the spirit, mind, and body. May the branches always stay up on your palm tree...until next time...keep exercising!

WTTB Week 14 Totals

As we wrap up the final week of the Walk to the Beach Fitness challenge, feel free to take a look at the totals for Week 14. Thirteen participants turned in mileage for Week 14, sending in a total of 218 miles. So far all participants for the challenge have logged a total of 3,915 miles with almost half making it to Wilmington. To give some perspective on what all 21 participants have accomplished together, we've made it to San Francisco and about halfway back to Woodleaf.

Here are Week 14 totals:

Week 14 Walk to the Beach Weekly Totals

Here are grand totals for week 14:

Week 14 Walk to the Beach Grand Totals

One week to go and almost ready for a Beach Blastoff into summer!

Week 15: Well Done! Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge

Week 15: Well Done! Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge

Healthy Spirit: Well Done

"His master replied, 'Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You've been faithful over a little. I'll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.' Matthew 25:23

When I get to the end of my earthly road, I hope the Master will look at me and say "Well done!" I know I've had many times in my life where I would classify myself as medium-rare at best, but God's assessment of us is wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus. Let us not be afraid to live up to His expectations of us, even if it means taking risks. Let us be willing to celebrate with one another as we overcome challenges and continue to move forward, even if we end up falling flat on our face in order to move in that direction. May we ever be mindful to be faithful in the little things because in doing so, we prove ourselves trustworthy and can prepare ourselves for additional responsibility.

Healthy Mind: Wilmington

Wilmington...we've arrived! Wilmington is the county seat of New Hanover County and hosts a one-mile-long Riverwalk with nearby access to four beach communities. The city has changed names numerous times over the years, formerly called New Carthage, New Liverpool, New Town, and Newton. In later years, the city has also been dubbed "Hollywood East." The historic district of the area includes 300 blocks, with numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to the natural habitat, Wilmington is home to the USCGC Diligence, USS North Carolina, Cape Fear Museum, EUE Screen Gems Studios, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Notable people with ties to Wilmington include David Brinkley, newscaster; Charlie Daniels, musician; Andy Griffith, actor; Michael Jordan, basketball player; Catarina Jarboro, opera singer; Charles Kuralt, journalist; Woodrow Wilson, former U.S. President; and multiple other folks.

Healthy Body: Come and Celebrate!

As we finish the last week of this challenge, I commend all of you who have participated with a rousing "Well Done!" We are each in charge of our own health, and I hope these 15 weeks have been an encouragement in moving toward individual fitness goals. It's not about a number...it's about a lifestyle. Now is a great time to celebrate and look for new opportunities to learn and grow, inspire others and ourselves, and realize that together we can achieve great things!

WTTB Week 13 Totals

Twelve participants turned in totals for Week 13 of the 2016 Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge. With only two weeks to go, several participants have already made it to the beach while others are so close, you can taste the salty air! Those twelve participants logged 211 miles for week 12, and grand total mileage for all participants is 3,704 miles.

Here are weekly totals for participants who sent in numbers for Week 13:

Week 13 WTTB Weekly Totals

And here are grand totals for all 21 participants who have sent in mileage at least one week:

Week 13 WTTB Grand Totals

We're coming down the home stretch - get ready to break out the flip flops!

Week 14: Manna and Bubbles - Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge

Week 14 Manna & Bubbles - Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge

Week 14: Manna and Bubbles

Healthy Spirit: Manna

The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a habitable land; they ate manna, until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. Exodus 16:35

We, like the Israelites, are blessed with miracles every day. Perhaps we do not recognize the amazing daily gifts given to us because we are accustomed to seeming them on a regular basis. I began to become much more thankful for simple pleasures as I served as a cancer nurse. Our family, friends, career, health, time, and life are not our own. There aren't any guarantees, but we can look for each day's pleasures and purpose with renewed resolve today and every day. When we choose to turn off the cell phone, television, computer, and other distractions, perhaps we will get a better glimpse of the miracles around us.

Healthy Mind: Delco/Sandy Creek

Delco is a small unincorporated community in North Carolina located 18 miles west of Wilmington. It was previously called Brinkly and Pershing and is in Columbus County. Approximately 350 people live on this 1.5 square miles.

Sandy Creek is located in Brunswick County with a population of about 260 people on 1.3 square miles and is part of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. Beach....yep, we're so close that perhaps we can hear a few seagulls calling. This is our last stop on the map before we get to Wilmington. One more week to go...

Healthy Body: Bubbles

Bubbles remind me of manna. They seem to appear out of nowhere and only last a short period of time. If we look closely, we may see our reflection in a bubble. If we peer through a bubble, we may see objects through a unique and constantly changing lens. My family blew bubbles yesterday while we waited in a 2-hour line. People all around us, young and older, began to smile and pop bubbles as the dancing spheres bounced along the line.

Did you know we can enjoy health benefits when we blow bubbles? This can be a great way to experience stress relief and imagine our stresses disappearing as the bubbles are carried away and disappear. Blowing bubbles can encourage us to take deep breaths, opening air passages. Exhaling through pursed lips can be a helpful lung exercise. If we blow bubbles with or for others, we might also find a common connection with them.

If you are interested in learning more about lung health, visit the American Lung Association web site.

And...I encourage all of us to blow bubbles this week!

WTTB Week 12 Totals

This week thirteen participants turned in mileage for Week 12. Several folks are swamped with May activities or illness or injuries, so I'm looking forward to seeing numbers catching up for the next two weeks of the Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge. Don't give up; the end of the challenge is almost here.

Altogether, the folks who turned in mileage logged a total of 213 miles with a grand total of all participants of 3376 miles. If you have reached the shore and are now swimming, congratulations! Keep turning in mileage - I'd love to see how far you go!

Here is the breakdown of this week's totals for those who turned in mileage:

Week 12 Walk to the Beach Weekly Totals

And here are grand totals of those who turned in mileage this week:

Week 12 Walk to the Beach Grand Totals

We've got this week and then two more to go...you've got this...finish strong!

Week 13: Lifted Up - Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge

Week 13 Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge: Lifted Up

Healthy Spirit: Lifted Up

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow... Ecclesiastes 4:10

We have all fallen physically and emotionally at times. I remember making a medication error as a new nurse, and I quickly reported it and never made that same mistake again. I felt terrible that day, yet my co-workers did not condemn me. They each began to tell me of an error she/he had made and encouraged me when I most needed a kind word. If we fall, to whom can we reach to pull us back up? Is someone who needs a pick-me-up reaching for us? I know many mothers who are often called upon to help someone after a fall. Thanks to all of you and Happy Mother's Day!

Healthy Mind: Whiteville & Lake Waccamaw

Whiteville, a city of a little over 5,000 people, is the county seat of Columbus County. The Whiteville post office has been operating since 1821, and the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A satellite of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is located in the city, and the Waccamaw Siouan tribe's annual powwow is held in Whiteville each October.

A few people of renown who have ties to Whiteville include: A.R. Ammons, poet; Ida Stephens Owens, first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology from Duke University; and several sports figures, including Tommy Greene, Chester McGlockton, Chris Wilcox, and Maggie Will.

Nearby Lake Waccamaw includes a town and a 9,000-acre freshwater lake. An annual Take the Lake free fitness event was started after Columbus County was named the least healthy of North Carolina's 100 counties. The event encourages participants to walk or bike the 15 miles around, paddle 14 miles around, or swim 4 miles across the lake. Several species of fish, mussels, clams, and snails at Lake Waccamaw are not found anywhere else on Earth.

Healthy Body: Balance & Fall Prevention

About 1/3 of people over age 65 report that they have fallen in the last year. Those who fall may experience a serious injury that could carry serious and long-term effects.

Here are a few quick tips to help prevent falls:

• Exercise regularly - our exercise classes at Woodleaf UMC are free!
• Review medications with one's healthcare provider
• Have an annual eye exam or per a schedule recommended for you
• Reduce tripping hazards in the home - the bathroom in particular is a common place for falls

For more information, read my article Fall Prevention and Exercise.

WTTB Week 11 Totals

Fifteen participants submitted totals for Week 11 of the Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge. Since the suggested overall mileage goal is 217 miles, the distance from Woodleaf to Wilmington, I have rearranged numbers just a bit on the overall totals graph to reflect those who have made it to Wilmington and are now swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Four participants (blue in the bottom graph) have logged 217+ miles since February 14 and everyone else is getting closer each week. During Week 11, participants altogether turned in a total of 267 miles with a grand total of 3050 miles. Woo hoo!

Here are the weekly totals for Week 11:

Here are the grand totals for Week 11:

Just a few more week to go with this fitness challenge. You can do this!

Week 12: Living Water - Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge

Week 12 Walk to the Beach Fitness Challenge: Living Water

Healthy Spirit: Living Water

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

This scripture paints a vivid mental image that is repeated in several books of the Bible. Some translations use the term "heart" rather than belly. I find it interesting to see rapid changes in the rivers near my home as the weather changes. Sometimes the water flow is quiet and peaceful, yet the same river can roar and reach far beyond its banks after significant rainfall or due to melting snow and ice. As we spend time with God, His joy and love can begin to fill us to overflowing, spilling out onto those around us, perhaps at times without even realizing it.

Healthy Mind: Lumberton

The county seat of Robeson County in North Carolina, Lumberton provides a home to about 21,500 people. John Willis, an officer in the American Revolution, founded the city in 1787. Blue Velvet, a film by David Lynch, was set in Lumberton; however, the majority of it was filmed in Wilmington, which lies approximately 70 miles southeast of Lumberton. The Lumber River, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, flows through the area. Part of the Lumber River State Park is located here. Those looking for a variety of recreational activities on the water and land can find many choices at this and other state parks scattered throughout the state.

Several sites in Lumberton are on the National Register of Historic Places, such as Luther Henry Caldwell House, Carolina Theatre, Planters Building, and Humphrey-Williams Plantation, to name a few. Several people of renown have ties to Lumberton, including Hunter Foster, actor; Penny Fuller, actress; Dr. Johnny Hunt, 2008 president of the Southern Baptist Convention; John Small, NFL linebacker; Tim Worley, NFL running back; and Brad Edwards, NFL defensive back who later became the Director of Athletics at George Mason University in Virginia.

Healthy Body: Drinking Water

Water is a great beverage of choice as it is readily available, less expensive than most drinks, and has no calories. Our daily need for water is determined by a number of factors such as body size, activity level, and weather. Many people, particularly those who are older, may not feel thirsty even when the body needs to drink.

Signs of dehydration can appear quickly and include symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth and skin, darker urine, decreased urine output, constipation, headache, dizziness, fever, low blood pressure, faster heart rate, sleepiness, irritability, and confusion.

Here are a few tips for increasing water consumption:

• Drink water with meals and before exercise.
• Keep a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator.
• Carry a water bottle with you.
• Take medications with a full glass of water unless directed otherwise.
• Eat a variety of fresh, moist fruits daily.
• Purchase lemons and cut a slice to squeeze into a glass of water to change the taste if you dislike the taste of water.

 The CDC article Drinking Water FAQ offers detailed questions and answers, including information about well water, water testing, water advisories, and more.