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