God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

This verse is written about beautifully in a devotional I’ve been reading this year. Part of it said this:

We are unique reflections of God’s nature. With that in mind, we should celebrate the way we see the world. No one else has our DNA. How boring it would be if we were all the same, and yet so many of us try to shape-shift to blend in. We were born to be ourselves. We come fully alive in the love of Christ, and we don’t have to look the same as others to do this.

God is Love: 365 Devotions from the Gospel of John, by Brian Simmons

You are free to be you because you were made in Christ. When we truly embrace how we were fearfully and wonderfully made, how could we ever want to be anyone else? He delights in you and in the way He made you. He had a plan and a purpose for you when He created you. 

Everything about you – God created it. All you have and all you are is a blessing from God. It’s all by His design. And because of that, you are free to be you, the wonderfully, uniquely created you! 

Are you living your purpose? Are you passionate about the life God has entrusted to you? Are you embracing your age and stage of life? Now is the time to step into your one life. 

Action Step

Whose life are you living? God created you in a special way for a special purpose. You are free to be you. Go do it!

The post Free To Be You appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

For in him we live and move and have our being.

Recently, I listened to a ​business podcast​ titled, “Do not pander.” The message of the podcast was not to cater to the whims of other businesses and to the algorithm. Those of us in the online space have to deal with changing algorithms and then try to figure out what kind of posts, etc. that Facebook and Instagram are “rewarding” and looking for. By doing this, you can easily get caught up in chasing success and people-pleasing only to lose yourself in the process. All this leads to burnout. But what the podcaster said next had me not only thinking about business but also about our approach to healthy living:

Burnout is not doing enough of what you love.

Oftentimes, we think of burnout as doing too much, being too busy. In fact, dictionary.com says it’s fatigue, frustration, or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork, or intense activity. Instead of staying tired and frustrated, how about we ask ourselves what we love to do and if we’re doing enough of that.

Why is it that people can start a diet or extreme exercise program at the beginning of the year only to fizzle out by February or March? They’re tired and frustrated. They’re either not getting results, or they’re over what it is they must do to get the results. They didn’t take into consideration what they liked to do. They didn’t ask themselves how they like to move or what food they like to eat. Instead, they signed up for a random plan, no questions asked. Now they’re realizing they don’t really like eating according to a clock, two-a-day workouts are exhausting, or drinking a gallon of water a day just makes them feel water-logged.

When you start honoring your body the way God uniquely created you, you can sustain the way you choose to care for it. Yes, it’s important to move regularly. Yes, you’ll function better when you’re filling your body with nourishing foods. Yes, drinking plenty of water is essential for your body to function and feel well. But only you know you. And you were created with unique tastes and preferences. Start there.

• How do you like to move?
• What foods leave you feeling satisfied and energized?
• How much water does your body operate best on?
• Do you like the way you eat and move and spend your days? What are your favorite things to do?

This scripture in Acts reminds us that all we do is in Him. It’s by His power that we move and that we even exist. He uniquely created each of us, and we must honor that. This chapter in Acts reminds us that we are God’s children, created in His image. He knows all the details about you, and He created you the way you are for a reason. Don’t try to be someone or do something that doesn’t align with the Lord and the way He made you. He loves you, and He wants you to love and embrace the life He has planned for you. 

If your current healthy living approach is leaving you tired and frustrated, ask yourself the questions above. When you start doing more of what you love in regards to how you care for your body, you’ll start feeling better. You’ll want to do those things. It’ll be easier to continue that approach for a long time to come.

Do something you love today!

Action Step

Ask yourself the questions above. Are you honoring the unique body God entrusted to you? Choose to honor God by making healthy decisions that honor your unique body.

The post Do More of What You Love appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

The post Serving God With Purpose appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

His book is targeted for the 55+ population or anyone nearing retirement, however after reading it in its entirety I can attest to its spiritual and practical wisdom and insight for any age.

It addresses key topics like the challenge of our change in purpose, reevaluating what retirement means, as well as questioning the notion that our time on stage is done and we simply need to move aside for the next generation. Our relationships, identity and mental health are all impacted by this shift in lifestyle.

This book helps those in the thick of retirement or just contemplating it best navigate such a change.

A powerful statement in Bruce’s book struck me, he suggests that “retiring from a vocation doesn’t mean we retire from our calling.” Think about that for a moment.

I would challenge that retirement is not the state of perpetual self-indulgence or endless entertainment, each of you have a wealth of experience and immense value. Do not take this the wrong way, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor, spending time with family, or doing a little bit of nothing. Yet remember as followers of Christ our mission does not end as we drive off the company parking lot one last time. If anything, it offers the opportunity to accelerate it in some ways.

In “As Long as I Have Breath” there are inspiring and challenging stories of what some have done with their retirement and even time before retirement. Everyone’s situation of course is different, but the stories will get you thinking.

Point is you were created for a purpose, to experience meaning and yes, adventure. The idea of modern retirement and resting on our past success is not a concept found in the Bible. Periods of rest, ok, but years of not working, not engaging, or utilizing the talents, gifts, and unique experiences only you have? No, my brothers and sisters, you were made for much more and will be substantially blessed for taking the better course. This book will help show you the way.

GOD’S CALLING

Excerpt from Week 19 of As Long As I Have Breath

Taken from As Long as I Have Breath by Bruce Gordon. Copyright © 2021. Used by permission of Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries.

This calling is one of the main reasons why I love helping older adults exercise and stay fit. You are not done and the stronger and healthier you are physically, the greater capacity you have to accomplish wonderful things.

Enjoy the interview with Bruce and grab a copy of his book, As Long As I Have Breath.

-Dino Nowak
Editor 50+ Department Editor, Faith & Fitness Magazine

More from our 50+ department

To LinkedIn And Beyond

The Greatest Generation And Life Purpose

The post Accelerate Your Purpose appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

Like myself, if you have lived long enough you notice changes in your body from when we were in our 30’s, heck even our 20’s. We may feel the same in our heads, but some definite changes have taken place.

In fact, muscle strength peaks for most in their mid-20’s and can be relatively maintained into our 60’s. However even with our best efforts by the time we reach our 80’s our strength is half that of a younger adult. *1,2

This age-related process of muscle atrophy is called Sarcopenia which literally means “lack of flesh” (Ooh! There is a whole article right there on good sarcopenia in our spiritual lives!)

Well this loss is important because our muscles do so many amazing things besides letting us open that pickle jar in the fridge.

Muscle is incredibly important:

• To Joint health, they take stress off the joints.
• To Posture and body symmetry. Placing less stress on our connective tissue.
• On our ability to perform activities of daily living and maintain our independence.
• For diabetes management, prevention, and insulin sensitivity.
• It helps with fat loss and metabolism. Like upgrading your engine.
• Makes movement less fatiguing and more enjoyable.
• Give us confidence to move safely.
• Improves fall prevention, overall balance and fall resilience if suffering a fall.

NATURAL AGING PROCESS, INJURY AND ILLNESS

Not all muscle loss is from simply growing older. Often a prolonged illness or an injury that reduces our ability to exercise and move can have a significant impact on our muscles atrophying or wasting away. The key here is to have a healthy reserve of strength and muscle from your past efforts. That is one of the great takeaways of physical activity. You are more likely to literally survive an illness or injury because you came into it healthier and stronger instead of weak and frail.

Actually, loss of muscle mass and strength has been shown to be the single biggest predictor of loss of quality of life and mortality. It robs us of the things we love to do and increases many other health risks.

CAN I SLOW OR REVERSE THIS PROCESS?

The great news is that this state can be reversed, quite impressively so. Research has shown that a two to three fold increase in strength can be accomplished in as little as 3-4 months.*3

The key? As you may have already guessed is resistance training. Not only will it improve muscle strength and muscle mass it can:

• Reduce depression, anxiety, stress and improve mood.
• With a single bout, increase insulin sensitivity for 16-24hrs helping blood sugar regulation and diabetes prevention.
• Lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol numbers.
• Delay and/or prevent the onset and severity of osteoporosis*4
• Help preserve our ability to perform activities of daily living, thus maintaining independence.
• Extend how long and how enjoyable our hobbies, sports and lives are in later years.

Especially in times of lockdowns, gym shutdowns and isolation it’s imperative now more than ever to make a concerted effort against this from occurring. So how?

ATROPHY IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES

Just as in our physical walk, there is a spiritual parallel to this. I offer to you that comfort, apathy and isolation are the enemy. Muscles as well as our faith are strengthened under repetitive use along with adverse circumstances and struggles.

We were not created for a life of ease and entertaining ourselves into boredom and apathy. We were made with gifts and talents for a purpose with a desire and drive for significance, impact and meaning.

It’s not productive to rest on past things God has done in our lives. We need continual and purposeful action to maintain a healthy walk and relationship with God. Do this and our relationships with others will be positively impacted as well as our mental sanity. We have an assurance that no matter what is going on in this world our eternal destiny is secure and a bright, a wonderous and glorious adventure awaits us. No matter what happens we are going to be all right.

So how do we combat this atrophy or wasting away? Here are a few ways to keep your faith strong as you age:

• By being others centric and shift our focus from being on ourselves only.
• Having an eternal mindset. Do not let the temporary challenges take our eyes off our true destiny and citizenship.
• Focusing on Jesus, the only One who can satisfy our soul and fill that God shaped hole in our hearts instead of trying to use things or people to do so.
• Daily exposure to God’s word [the Bible] no matter how small, especially in the beginning. The habit and daily communication are more important than the duration.
• Bring someone else into your world; we were not called to walk this spiritual walk alone, even if during a pandemic it’s watching a church service on YouTube and getting connected with an online group. One of my favorites is Grace Chapel in Leipers fork, TN or Harvest at Home.
  

TAKE THE SAME APPROACH TO FIGHTING ATROPHY AND WASTING AWAY PHYSICALLY

• Same, be others centric. This is not just about losing weight but about having the strength, energy, and less stressed condition to be there for your family and accomplish your calling. To live out the second half of our lives with as much dignity, independence, and vitality as possible that depends on us.
• Focus on large muscle groups, especially if you do not have the time or are not particularly “into this” at first. If you’re just doing 10 minutes – work your larger legs and back muscles over doing arm curls for example. Challenge more muscles at once.
• Daily exposure again no matter how small. Short 10-minute increments add up. An example looks like this:

DAY 1 might be a wall sit at home while watching a show for 30-60 seconds. Buying a pair of exercise bands and doing those back rows.

DAY 2 do a brisk 5-10 minute walk down the driveway and back multiple times, etc… You get the idea; it doesn’t have to be a 45minute-1 hour intense event. When you are just beginning you reap benefits of even the smallest efforts. You’ll feel better and over time you can increase your intensity and exposure. Remember consistency always beats out intensity.

• Get someone else to meet you for your walk, even if over the phone and chat. Set up challenges and check in with each other whether they did their exercises for the day. You come up with one workout to do and they put together the next. Make it something fun, it’s your personal time with a friend or in communication with God.

PANDEMIC LESSON

ThE 2020 pandemic really solidified the once theoretical concept for many that we are not meant to be isolated. Flip the mindset and instead of thinking of why you don’t have someone in your life, consider how you can be that person for another. Don’t wait for it to magically happen but pray about it and make an effort to reach out to another person. Remember left alone and to ourselves with no engagement all parts of our lives waste away.

Make the effort today you really can do it! 

[WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE JUST HOW KEEPING MUSCLES AND FAITH STRONG WITH AGE PAYS OFF.]

References:

1.(Lindle RS, Metter EJ, Lynch NA, et al. Age and gender comparisons of muscle strength in 654 women and men aged 20–93 yr. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1997;83(5):1581–1587.)

2. (Doherty T, Vandervoort A, Brown W. Effects of ageing on the motor unit: a brief review. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology. 1993;18(4):331–358.)

3. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: July 2009 –Volume 41 – Issue 7 – pp1510-1530 doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181a0c95c SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS: Position Stand

4. Fransen M, McConnell S, Bell M. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2003;(3):CD004286.)

Please post your Facebook comments below and then continue reading more about how ACCOUNTABILITY > atrophy.

The post The Battle Against Atrophy- How To Keep Muscles And Faith Strong With Age appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

Look around your local gym, whether you’ve been going for years or just started going again, you’ll quickly notice something if you pay attention.

It’s the segregation of the gym into ages and stages.

The ‘soccer’ moms arrive around 9:30am after dropping kids off at school. The older adults arrive around 11. Many of them do group exercise in the pool or tai chi classes. The young professionals and twenty somethings come in the evenings.

Are these generalizations? Yes to some extent, and yet no, not at all. For more than twenty-five years I’ve be in the fitness business and running clubs. I’ve seen this pattern develop.

Is this a problem or merely a schedule preference based on life stages?

INTERGENERATE

There is a movement among a growing number of churches toward the integration and development of relationships with people of different ages, stages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. They have discovered that there is incredible value in bringing people together for the purpose of stronger communities and building up the church body [members and those who simply attend]. By more regularly including all ages in activities they are changing the makeup of their social groups.

Many people naturally gravitate toward those in a similar life stage. It’s the people they tend to be around. It takes purposeful effort in a church, fitness business or recreational activity to bring those from different backgrounds together. When people are exposed to and experience the value of that integration and realize how much they actually share in common, the concept spreads.

THE ROLE OF FITNESS AND THE GYM

Working with adults over fifty in my personal business I’ve seen this mix happen naturally and realized this is something the fitness industry could foster to benefit their members and communities.

At Renu Health And Fitness we offer both a semi private and team environment. In any session we’ll have people of different stages, ethnicities and economic standing all working together. Age wise, we see those in their 40’s working with others in their 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s. Also, their children, often in their late 20’s to 30’s, will periodically join them. Sometimes even the grandkids are there on a weekend workout.

I asked our members about this type of intergenerational experience and what it means to them. I got some interesting feedback.

“I get to be seen as an individual and what I can personally do instead of being lumped into an “old peoples” class. Being around those a few years to decades younger has an energy to the mix and there have been times I’m stronger in certain areas than those many years younger…that makes me feel good, empowered.”   – Gregory 74 yrs.

“I like the personal attention working in a small group environment but it’s also inspiring to see older adults doing the same things I’m doing. Its definitely shattered some of my misconceptions about seniors and actually is encouraging to see what’s possible for myself as I age.” Kathy 45 yrs.

I honestly never thought much about the diversity of our membership. However, now having observed more closely I can attest to the value and community that’s been created quite organically. This contributes to their well-being and meets the needs of our members in at least five ways beyond just the physical.

5 BENEFITS OF INTERGENERATIONAL FITNESS FOR ADULTS

1. Socialization and friendship: Older adults who struggle with isolation and loneliness gain the benefit of socialization and friendship.
2. Encouragement: New parents are encouraged by those who have already raised their own.
3. Wisdom and networking: Younger members get to ask advice of someone who has decades of experience in a profession they wouldn’t ever have access to. Many times, gaining connections and introductions.
4. Technology transfer: Younger more tech savvy adults assist those who are less inclined with technology.
5. Expanding experiences: Those of different ethnicities expanding their circle of friends through the gym, instead of always being around those just like them.

Often members will grab lunch after a session with someone in a life stage they normally wouldn’t interact with. The gym is a great equalizer and fosters intermingling inherently in a way even purposeful endeavors struggle to.

Join Faith & Fitness Magazine’s 50+ Department Editor Dino Nowak and Character Strength Department Editor Kimberly Bloom as they present a workshop on Intergenerational Fitness at the 2019 InterGenerate Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Dino will examine how adult’s are benefiting from this form of exercise and ministry and Kimberly will help you understand how children and youth learn and grow by this powerful form of interaction.  You’ll gain knowledge and practical how-to tips so you can take steps toward developing intergenerational fitness programming in your church, gym and community.  Dino, Kimberly and the Faith & Fitness Magazine team can also provide you with continuing support to create sustainability, measurable impact and participant/membership growth. CONTACT US to get started.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

1. Reflecting on this, have you seen it occur at your workout facility? Describe how it has happened.
2. What are some steps we could take to increase and enhance greater participation in intergenerational fitness?
3. 3. Identify what you believe are some of the benefits for each group/life stage as a result of this kind of integration?

Post your Facebook comments below.

The post 5 Benefits Of Intergenerational Fitness For Adults appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

Rose Mary Fries has been a competitive bodybuilder for more than thirty years. At the age of fifty-one, her last serious injury was ten years ago. Though she nurtures a competitive spirit, she also is a strong believer in “common sense and medical sense.” She will not push herself to injury even for a win. Overtraining is not an option for her. She loves bodybuilding and wants to train and compete for life.

Sport became like a metaphor for her life, wanting to achieve God’s best in all areas.

Rose Mary’s childhood was much like the Leave It to Beaver sitcom. Both her parents were teachers, and her classmates considered her a “goody two-shoes.” One thing the other students did not account for was her God-given drive to compete. She wanted to show others and herself that “God-fearing people could excel and win.” In school, she competed in sports with all her heart, feeling God’s presence and favor during every competitive event (Colossians 3:23).

This childhood competitive drive translated into her adult years. Sport became like a metaphor for her life, wanting to achieve God’s best in all areas.

As a neo-natal nurse practitioner, she manages the care and procedures of premature and sick newborns. And as a competitive bodybuilder, she manages the care and procedures of her health, maintaining the professionalism and caution she exhibits for her body as she does for her patients.

Rose Mary explains, “The way that I prep, I could do it forever.”

When she feels even a twinge in one of her muscles, she will rest that muscle and train around it. During “peak week,” (the difficult final stage of bodybuilding preparation when the competitor achieves muscle definition by shedding fat), she will not powerlift, opting for high energy, lighter lifting and training exercises.

Also, Rose Mary is a mindful eater, monitoring her food consumption with the precise macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) needed to power her body with the nutrients and fuel to thrive and prevent injury.

For more on mindful eating read

How To Eat To Gain Or Lose Weight.

Like the cliché, Rose Mary pushes herself to the limits—but not the unhealthy limits that some in competitive sports promote.

Her limits are set by a higher standard—a standard that may not always lead to the win but does lead to a lifestyle of physical and spiritual health.

Rose Mary met Ronnie Coleman, eight-time Mr. Olympian winner, in 2005 when he gave his famous speech about bodybuilding and his faith. At that moment, she knew that God had planted the passion in her to compete in order to be a healthy role model to those around her.

Rose Mary explains that “the more she empties herself of western culture, the more she is filled with spiritual clarity.” Bodybuilding competition draws her closer to God and causes her to lean into His presence. She knows that she can achieve all things through Jesus Christ because He gives her strength (Philippians 4:13). She wants to be “healthy and physically fit for as long as possible,” saying that “You don’t have to succumb to the years.” At fifty-one years old, after twenty years of training and competition she won her pro card. She demonstrates strength and beauty in the middle years of life.

Other than God, the reason for Rose Mary’s successful health and fitness journey is learning how to bring her passion for fitness into all areas of her life. Whether living on the coast with her young family or retiring with her husband on a ranch as empty-nesters, she has always kept her health a priority.

For another story of a fit couple living on a ranch read The Dangerous Femininity Of Susie McEntire.

However, she has learned that sometimes life can interfere, and she has unapologetically walked away from competitions (that she trained and paid for) in order to be a serving presence for her family and friends during emergencies and times of need.

She could easily choose to push her body along downward spiraling extremes that many take in competitive sports, but she will not compromise her ethics or her health—no matter the scores the judges may give her.

Rose Mary knows that the key to a long, active lifestyle is finding balance within competition and never compromising her health.  She has found peace that surpasses all understanding, and the             limelight of the stage could never force her to cause damage to her body and to her relationships because of unhealthy, unbalanced training. (Philippians 4:7).

The post Healthy Extremes – Competition for Life appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

Posture…many of you reading that word, if you’re old enough, images of a book precariously balanced on a young students head as they attempt to walk with grace come to mind. Or you may hear your mothers voice telling you to sit up straight and stop slouching! As with many things in life turns out mother was right.

Posture is something that usually doesn’t get much attention until our later years. Though with our tech heavy society many people are experiencing discomfort from looking down at their devices and computer screens for hours a day.

In this next series we’re going to talk about the importance of proper posture, what it is and some specific exercises and movements to help correct some of the most common issues.

What is proper posture:

Correct posture allows the body to rest in its designed state. Bones line up properly taking excess stress off the joints and other connective tissue. When the alignment is off even just a few millimeters stresses are experienced and the body positioning is altered increasing tension. Compensations begin to take place and with extended standing, walking or other exercises those forces are multiplied. Over time those compensations alter the way we move and eventually can lead to pain.

Typically, good posture from a side view we would see a nice vertical line from the ankle to the knee, flowing right through the hip then the shoulder and passing through the ear. From the front imagine another vertical line sectioning our body in half with each side symmetrical to the other, no differences in hip height or tilt, shoulders level and not rounded forward.  

Why is it so important?

When aspects of our body fall outside those nice lines it puts greater stress on the connections holding the body together. It also alters the way the body moves increasing wear and tear, causing impingements, and forcing other muscles to take on the role and responsibilities of other muscles not intended for that function causing overuse, irritation, pain and dysfunction.  One example is when the shoulder blade doesn’t move properly because it’s winged out to the sides due to excessive tension of the chest muscles and weak scapula stabilizers. Then you raise the arm to get something in a cabinet or do an overhead shoulder press and feel a pinch in the shoulder joint usually an impingement of a muscle called the supraspinatus which radiates down the side of the arm. All this due to poor alignment and posture.  

How it impacts exercise

To add insult to injury in attempts to improve their health and engage in exercise many unknowingly are reinforcing those poor patterns and body posture by strengthening the very positions they should be fighting.

Example: Many due to spending years in front of a computer screen, driving or just sitting in a slouched position find the chest muscles in an overactive or shortened state drawing the shoulders forward and flaring out and tilting forward the shoulder blades in their back as we just discussed. They then walk into a gym and especially if it’s a guy go to the chest press or shoulder press machine or at home start doing pushups because that’s what they did in high school or college. In their attempts to exercise and get fit they are only reinforcing that forward or kyphotic position. This position leads to shoulder impingements, eventual pain in the back under the shoulder blade and up to the neck. Instead as we’ll dive into they should work on reducing the tension in the front then strengthen the back helping to bring their posture back to as neutral as possible creating more space in that shoulder joint.  

Another common example of poor postures impact is the forward tilted pelvis. Again due to the hours we sit those front hip muscles and psoas muscle are shortened/overactive tilting the pelvis forward. It gives the sensation that the back of the leg muscles, the hamstrings are always tight. They’re not tight but are in a lengthened state. This contributes to lower back pain alters the way we move and forces people to round their back during exercise because they cannot hinge in the hip properly, so the stress is shifted to the spine. Some of this may sound complicated but the point to take away is that once we make strides on improving our posture many aches and pains begin to diminish and movement and activity feels more comfortable and enjoyable.

In part 2 of this article we’ll examine specific movements and exercises that you can do. As always, any questions you have that you would like addressed can be sent to dino@renuhealthandfitness.com Oh and sit up straight and stop slouching.

Until then friends remember,

Pursue excellence not perfection!

The post Posture and Alignment- The Source Of Pain Or Relief appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

Social media. Those two words make me cringe. I am an introvert and easily overwhelmed by relationships. I hold my inner-self close, and don’t lay my life bare before the world.

Though I finally set up a Facebook account last summer, I have yet to invite friends or accepted invitations. To me, LinkedIn is a grudging necessity for being in the professional world. I am there, but mostly silent.

God has a way of pulling us out of comfort zones, and so He did with me on Good Friday morning in 2016. On that day I was providentially drawn into running the New York City Marathon on behalf of a charity. Those were two things I had never done or had any interest in doing—running a big city marathon and fund raising. The draw was that the charity was tied to a professional organization in my industry. The head of the organization was someone I previously worked for and whom I admire.

By noon on that fateful morning I was signed up to run for the charity and my wife had booked a hotel in Brooklyn. The industry focus of the charity made it natural to invite fellow professionals to support me. LinkedIn would be the social-media door through which I could invite people deeper into my world; a world where running and athletics mesh with spirituality and biblical truth. I would have to embrace social media.

On May 2 the plan became live via a LinkedIn post. Within days more than 100 people read it. Three immediately accepted the call. Another four who “Liked” the post responded to direct appeals. With those seven, and my Church running buddy who seeded the fund-raising effort, it was game on. Over the following months I set up waves of targeted appeals to individuals in my professional network. When race day in November arrived, God had provided exactly what I needed—thirty-two team members and the $3,000 fundraising requirement.

This adventure ultimately was not about me stepping out of my comfort zone to raise money for a charity. It was stepping out of my comfort zone to bring the Gospel to my professional network. Fundraising was via a crowd-funding site, where communication was encouraged between fund raisers and supporters through a blogging facility.

My commitment was to write weekly blogs for my “team.” Each time I posted, a link was automatically e-mailed to supporters. Could I write well enough to have meaningful interactions? Would they be winsome enough that people would read and be drawn to consider Gospel truths? Could I keep this up for six months?

Every week I sat at my computer and wrote, but with no feedback. For twenty-six weeks I did not know if anyone was reading or impacted. It was only when I sent my final summary and thank-you after the race that I knew. Six wrote to say they read and were inspired. Seeds were sown. I opened my life and heart in a transparent way, and let God take His message through me. I took two “talents” God gave me—running and writing—and made them available for the Kingdom. God then took me to the biggest running stage in the world, and on the way used my experiences to draw people to himself.

On that journey I learned to embrace social media. It was not to create an avatar of myself for the world to love, but to use my witness, my experience to introduce them to the Jesus I love. This closed heart opened in a new and transparent way to share God’s redemptive grace. LinkedIn and the blogging facility were simply tools. The real social networking app was in using my running and writing to facilitate personal connections. Social media helped open my heart to others.

The post To LinkedIn And Beyond –Social Media And Me appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.

By Betty Boyd

When I turned 50 my life was a roller coaster, and I did not know where to start first. I was supervisor in a new job, my husband had just retired and he was very ill. I had no time for myself or friends. Just taking care of a sick spouse was very draining. On top of that I was getting my Master’s Degree. I had just gotten over cancer and I had other health issues. I had a lot on my plate, but I knew that God was at my side. After my husband died in 2009 I was left wandering. Where do I begin to pick up the pieces? By 2012, I decided to retire and start my own freelance writing business. These challenges taught me the importance of leaning on God and that there was a reason why I had to go through them.

That’s my story.  Anita, Bob, Jane and Mike are all 50 or older and live, as I do, in the South. They each share a story of how God is moving in their lives — not when they were young, or in college or in the “prime of life” whatever that is, but NOW. Getting older for each of us isn’t about fear, reservation or resignation. It is about being bold physically and spiritually to make this season of our life just the beginning.

You too have a story that can encourage others. I want your story to be the “5^th story” in this feature. CONTACT US to share it.

Getting older is more than a number, but how willing are you to live your life. According to the Social Security Administration:

·       A man reaching age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 84.3.

·       A woman turning age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 86.6.

James Pascala, MD, president of the American Geriatrics Society says, people should adopt a lifestyle that is not the same as their parents. Take preventative measures by being engaged as early as possible so that you can be more active in your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond. Dr. Pascala recommends a healthy diet, aerobic activity, strength training, social interaction, and brain games.

As we age, life brings trials, tribulations and problems. Sitting on the sidelines and waiting for things to get better is not a healthy attitude. Having faith in God is the foundation of how to live a full life.

Does getting older mean sitting back, or winding down? How we age is more than a positive and motivated mindset during this stage in life. It is fulfilling your God-given purpose. Check out how these people aren’t just active, but living their dreams, being fully engaged in shaping the future and leaving a legacy.

ANITA L. WEATHERS – FAITH GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO CHOOSE TO EXPAND

Anita L. Weathers, was born in Talladega, Alabama.  Now she is the Principal of Union Chapel Christian Academy (www.ucchristianacademy.org) in Huntsville, Alabama. She is also a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.  

Anita says, “I believe there is honor involved in getting older, because growing old is normally accompanied by increased wisdom and experience. The Bible talks about how gray hair is a crown of splendor, that is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31 I just accept that it’s okay to be older, wiser and imperfect.”

She describes a pivotal point in her life was when, “I lost my mother to a major heart attack in 2012. Six months later I was diagnosed with pre-hypertension myself. I learned very quickly that in every moment you are choosing which energy will rule your life. In this moment I made the decision to follow my heart. I am so glad that God showed me that I could literally redefine my future and write a brand new script for our life.”

Anita’s faith is her focus on Jesus Christ. She explains, “I live to please Him in everything I do. I recognize that it is only because of God’s grace that I am now living a life of joy, peace and hope.”

Anita believes aging well requires intentionality. How is that done? She says, “Begin to look at the aging process as a way to expand yourself and experience personal growth. You’ll be much more content in mind, body, and soul while wearing your ‘Crown of Glory’”.

BOB ENGLISH – GETTING WISER MEANS LEADING OTHERS

Bob English is from the small farming community of Clarendon, Arkansas. Today he lives in Huntsville, Alabame. He is a John Maxwell Certified Professional Coach and Corporate Leadership Trainer. (https://www.robertenglishleadership.com/)

Bob says, “Getting wiser is being able to do more with your experiences and knowledge that you gain.” In 2013 as a John Maxwell leadership coach he went to Guatemala to attend a roundtable discussion. There he was able to teach values and principles that contribute positive change and direction for those in that country.

Bob underscores that, “Once you taste significance, success will never be enough to satisfy you. Significance is all about others and helping to change people lives.”

Bob’s faith was a compass that kept him on the right path, and taught him good fundamentals.  His advice is, “Everything rises and falls on leadership. Everyone can learn to be better leaders. Everything gets better with good leadership.”

JANE JENKINS HERLONG – FAMILY AND A GREATER GOOD

Jane Jenkins Herlong grew up in Johns Island, South Carolina., Now further inland, she resides in Edgefield County, South Carolina. She is a Motivational Humorist, SiriusXM Comedian, Professional Singer, and Best-Selling/Award-Winning Author.

For her getting older means being wiser, with a balance of mind and life experiences, where you move from success to significance. Jane, like many people, found that family challenges are what God used to begin a good work.  She shares, “[I was] taking care of my aging mother and dealing with [the] heartache of her having to sue my sister over my father’s estate being improperly probated. [I was] also dealing with my brother who was and is dealing with drug addiction.”

What has she learned with time? Jane explains, “God used me for a greater good through my many tears for many years. I have leaned on my faith ever since I was a child. I knew there had to be a better life but I needed better skills.” She realizes, “it is never too late to have a great life with all life’s flip-flops.”

MIKE RABY – FAMILY BLESSINGS GIVE BIRTH TO DOING THE RIGHT THING

Mike Raby is originally from Huntsville Alabama. He now calls Tanner, Alabama home. He is an entrepreneur and owner of Roof Tech Solutions, a construction contractor.

Mike realizes that getting older, “Makes me appreciate the life that I have. I have seen many people pass who meant everything to me. So, I appreciate life so much and don’t take any day for granted.”

A big turning point in his life happened when he learned he was going to be a father. Mike goes on, “After many years of struggling to have a child, I was told that I was going to be the daddy of a very special little girl. I was also blessed with a stepson that I am so very proud to call my son. Both have blessed me so much.”

Mike’s recognizes, “With everything that goes on in this world, faith is my strength and it helps me in this sometimes-hard life. Faith helps me in my relationships with God, my wife, my family, my friends and in everything that I do.” 

His signature message is “Always do the right thing, always. My name is all that I have, so l want everyone to remember me as a good father, friend and just a person on whom they could always rely.” 

BOLD TIPS FOR AGING WELL

Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true and everyone should accept it. 1 Timothy 4:7-9 (NLT)

Being in the 50+ group can be the beginning of life renewed. Aging is an attitude. The gifts we are given, wisdom gained, the strength through the pain and suffering give us advantages as we age. These are opportunities to act and have no fear, to takes risks and to live a life under God’s plan. Anita, Bob, Jane and Mike exude those characteristics.

As we grow older, we are given a unique perspective on how to live out the rest of our remaining years. Here are some tips to consider for aging well from Cody Sipe a contributor to Faith & Fitness Magazine’s 50+ Department:

·      Re-kindle an old flame – Whatever it is now is a great time to fall in love with that activity all over again.  You will wonder why you ever stopped doing it in the first place.

·      Re-invent yourself – You are not defined by the past but rather by your vision of yourself for the future.

·      Re-imagine the possibilities – Don’t let your own stereotypes of getting older hold you back.

·      Re-new your strength – Research shows that people gain confidence in their own abilities when they exercise regularly.

·      Re-structure your priorities – Commit to removing these typical standard options from your life for a week or two in order to force yourself into seeking out new adventures.  You will thank yourself later.

5 @ 50 – YOUR STORY IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Anita, Bob, Jane and Mike encourage us that physical fitness and strong faith make a difference in life as we get older. Their four stories show that the birth of boldness can happen at any age and that our oldest years can very well be our boldest years.

What is your story? Share it so we can add it as story #5 to this feature.

CONTACT US and submit your story.

Use as similar format and length as those above.

 This article appears in the 50+ Department of the December 2017/January 2018 issue of Faith & Fitness Magazine.

For additional resources on aging well please review the following links below:

My 49 CC

Christian Grandparenting Network

Five Daily Habits For Future-Proofing Your Brain

God has given us the gift of life, let us live life to the fullest according to His will. We are not at the end but at beginning of the journey.

The post 5 @ 50 – Your Story Is Just The Beginning appeared first on Faith & Fitness Magazine.