Guest guest Posted December 25, 2005 Report Share Posted December 25, 2005 Francisco This is great, Merry Christmas to you too. Donnamanisodream wrote: For those of you who are offended by references to God, please delete.I woke up this morning early and got ready for my distance run. I was happy to have leisure time to really get ready—mentally and spiritually. One thing I wanted to share with everyone, particularly the pre-ops is that exercise has taken on a whole new meaning in my life. I never ever thought that I'd exercise the way I do—5 days a week; alternating three days of circuit training with weights with three days of running.When I was still a pre-op, a wonderful woman, Pat who became my angel during this entire process, spoke at a support group meeting. She entered the room, looking like a younger, more beautiful Joan Lunden, simply radiant. I thought, "She's got to be the wife of a WLS patient." But she began to talk and SHE was the patient, and she turned my thinking around about gastric bypass surgery. She said that she is just like every other normal weighted person: she has to watch what she eats and exercise to maintain her weight—for the rest of her life. FOREVER. She explained that the way she was able to get to her goal—she is stunning (in my humble opinion)—was by exercising hard, smart but hard.I thought, "She knows something. Look at her. She knows the answer, and I'm going to follow her example." The next morning I got on the treadmill and started with baby steps. I started the circuit training with 1 lb weights. I started with one sit up. And I made my exercise time my time… my time to commune with God and to reflect on my new life. Then as I went from pre-op to post-op, I was suddenly able to do more and more. As I lost weight, the exercise gave me more and more energy. I went from 1 MPH on the treadmill to 6 MPH. I went from 1 lb weights to 15 lbs in each hand. I went from 1 sit up to 350. Gradually. Gently. And this physical power gave me emotional strength as well. Strange how the two are linked.Then I went from treadmill to marathon training, and on August 31, 2005 I ran 13.1 miles to complete the San Francisco National AIDS Half Marathon.How did I do it? How did I move from being inactive to athletic? It was all in what I told myself. If I had told myself during each workout, "This hurts, this is too hard, I can't do this…" I never would have gotten to where I am now.I ran 10 miles this morning! And it felt GREAT!I'm not saying that everyone can run 10 miles; I know I'm lucky that I had gastric bypass when I was 40 and my knees are still in good shape. But my point is that exercise is something I now do not because I have to, but because I have to—I'm hooked on it. Not because it's so much fun (but I have maximized the fun factor for me), but because my whole workout is a prayer. It is a time to sort out problems and talk to God. My inner tapes are saying, "Thank you God for giving me this gift, and I'm going to be a good steward of this gift. I'm going to use it right to show my gratitude to You."Today as I ran, I invited God along with me. In my church, the pastor has told us that God promises us nothing really—not a perfect life, not riches, not fame—and I hardly have the perfect life. But what God does promise is presence—Emanuel, God with us. So yes, I have been alone and frightened in this journey, unsure of where my path would lead, and where I would end up, but at every step of the way, God has been there.When I'm looking forward on my path, I can't see the Divine. However, when I look back, I can see at every turn and bend of my journey, God's hand has been on my shoulder, guiding me to the happiness I now feel. And He's not only guided me, he has constantly delighted me with surprises (like the torch at Lake Merritt). Today on my run, I ran past poetry in the sidewalk. On the Embarcadero there are literally poems embedded in the cement. I'd never noticed that before.One said something like this: "Once… everything was black plasma. And now we see the product of Imagination." I read it over and over as I ran past it, then ran past it again. To me it meant that the whole universe was once a blob of dark goop, but God's imagination brought forth the loveliness of the Earth and the Universe. Just like me: I was once this blob (or so I thought). I didn't think I was worthy of anything, let alone love. But somehow, God lead me to my job, which lead me to Kaiser, which lead to the Bariatric Program, which gave me my life back. In retrospect I see how this path was set forth for me, and yes, I had a small hand in it all (I like to think of myself as God's partner in my life direction), but a series of events was put into motion that led me out of the horrible self-imposed prison of self-hatred.At last, I felt, God heard my cries of pain, my silent years of suffering. He gave me the key. The amazing thing I now realize is that the key was in reach my whole life. I just never had the courage to reach for it. But God's imagination was bigger than mine. He knew that a different life was waiting for me.So on my run today, I was again in conversation with God. And God showed me new beauties again that I never would have seen had I not been out running. I saw the sun rise over the Bay Bridge. I saw a mother and father walking hand in hand with their daughter in between, and the little girl was laughing and shrieking with joy as they swung her to and fro. I smelled the ocean mist. I saw the poetry in the cement. I saw the seabirds dancing in the fountains at Levi's Plaza. I found yet another new path to run on by the Bay, and I was alone on that path sharing it only with the blue sky, the sun and God. I smelled the blooming Jasmine that was creeping up the side of a fence. I saw the geese flying South past Alcatraz and over the Bay Bridge. I saw "Cupid's Arrow," the huge sculpture on the Embarcadero, and understood its meaning for the first time. It's an allusion to "I left my heart in San Francisco." And that's why all along Market Street and else where in the City there are hearts that have been painted by artists.And there it was again. Love. Love all around me. I know that the endorphins were hitting me and putting me into a runner's euphoria, but I pondered on how my life has been transformed by love. I have finally let God's love in. I have finally let my love in. And I was reminded of Psalm 23, where God's promise of presence is clearly stated:You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe. 5You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD. Psalm 23 (Contemporary English Version)Who knew exercise could be a prayer? Who knew that God's gifts of love are everywhere around us? I certainly didn't, but now that I do, my life will never be the same.Merry Christmas everyone!Francisco Donna JordonDSJordon@... Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 25, 2005 Report Share Posted December 25, 2005 Francisco This is great, Merry Christmas to you too. Donnamanisodream wrote: For those of you who are offended by references to God, please delete.I woke up this morning early and got ready for my distance run. I was happy to have leisure time to really get ready—mentally and spiritually. One thing I wanted to share with everyone, particularly the pre-ops is that exercise has taken on a whole new meaning in my life. I never ever thought that I'd exercise the way I do—5 days a week; alternating three days of circuit training with weights with three days of running.When I was still a pre-op, a wonderful woman, Pat who became my angel during this entire process, spoke at a support group meeting. She entered the room, looking like a younger, more beautiful Joan Lunden, simply radiant. I thought, "She's got to be the wife of a WLS patient." But she began to talk and SHE was the patient, and she turned my thinking around about gastric bypass surgery. She said that she is just like every other normal weighted person: she has to watch what she eats and exercise to maintain her weight—for the rest of her life. FOREVER. She explained that the way she was able to get to her goal—she is stunning (in my humble opinion)—was by exercising hard, smart but hard.I thought, "She knows something. Look at her. She knows the answer, and I'm going to follow her example." The next morning I got on the treadmill and started with baby steps. I started the circuit training with 1 lb weights. I started with one sit up. And I made my exercise time my time… my time to commune with God and to reflect on my new life. Then as I went from pre-op to post-op, I was suddenly able to do more and more. As I lost weight, the exercise gave me more and more energy. I went from 1 MPH on the treadmill to 6 MPH. I went from 1 lb weights to 15 lbs in each hand. I went from 1 sit up to 350. Gradually. Gently. And this physical power gave me emotional strength as well. Strange how the two are linked.Then I went from treadmill to marathon training, and on August 31, 2005 I ran 13.1 miles to complete the San Francisco National AIDS Half Marathon.How did I do it? How did I move from being inactive to athletic? It was all in what I told myself. If I had told myself during each workout, "This hurts, this is too hard, I can't do this…" I never would have gotten to where I am now.I ran 10 miles this morning! And it felt GREAT!I'm not saying that everyone can run 10 miles; I know I'm lucky that I had gastric bypass when I was 40 and my knees are still in good shape. But my point is that exercise is something I now do not because I have to, but because I have to—I'm hooked on it. Not because it's so much fun (but I have maximized the fun factor for me), but because my whole workout is a prayer. It is a time to sort out problems and talk to God. My inner tapes are saying, "Thank you God for giving me this gift, and I'm going to be a good steward of this gift. I'm going to use it right to show my gratitude to You."Today as I ran, I invited God along with me. In my church, the pastor has told us that God promises us nothing really—not a perfect life, not riches, not fame—and I hardly have the perfect life. But what God does promise is presence—Emanuel, God with us. So yes, I have been alone and frightened in this journey, unsure of where my path would lead, and where I would end up, but at every step of the way, God has been there.When I'm looking forward on my path, I can't see the Divine. However, when I look back, I can see at every turn and bend of my journey, God's hand has been on my shoulder, guiding me to the happiness I now feel. And He's not only guided me, he has constantly delighted me with surprises (like the torch at Lake Merritt). Today on my run, I ran past poetry in the sidewalk. On the Embarcadero there are literally poems embedded in the cement. I'd never noticed that before.One said something like this: "Once… everything was black plasma. And now we see the product of Imagination." I read it over and over as I ran past it, then ran past it again. To me it meant that the whole universe was once a blob of dark goop, but God's imagination brought forth the loveliness of the Earth and the Universe. Just like me: I was once this blob (or so I thought). I didn't think I was worthy of anything, let alone love. But somehow, God lead me to my job, which lead me to Kaiser, which lead to the Bariatric Program, which gave me my life back. In retrospect I see how this path was set forth for me, and yes, I had a small hand in it all (I like to think of myself as God's partner in my life direction), but a series of events was put into motion that led me out of the horrible self-imposed prison of self-hatred.At last, I felt, God heard my cries of pain, my silent years of suffering. He gave me the key. The amazing thing I now realize is that the key was in reach my whole life. I just never had the courage to reach for it. But God's imagination was bigger than mine. He knew that a different life was waiting for me.So on my run today, I was again in conversation with God. And God showed me new beauties again that I never would have seen had I not been out running. I saw the sun rise over the Bay Bridge. I saw a mother and father walking hand in hand with their daughter in between, and the little girl was laughing and shrieking with joy as they swung her to and fro. I smelled the ocean mist. I saw the poetry in the cement. I saw the seabirds dancing in the fountains at Levi's Plaza. I found yet another new path to run on by the Bay, and I was alone on that path sharing it only with the blue sky, the sun and God. I smelled the blooming Jasmine that was creeping up the side of a fence. I saw the geese flying South past Alcatraz and over the Bay Bridge. I saw "Cupid's Arrow," the huge sculpture on the Embarcadero, and understood its meaning for the first time. It's an allusion to "I left my heart in San Francisco." And that's why all along Market Street and else where in the City there are hearts that have been painted by artists.And there it was again. Love. Love all around me. I know that the endorphins were hitting me and putting me into a runner's euphoria, but I pondered on how my life has been transformed by love. I have finally let God's love in. I have finally let my love in. And I was reminded of Psalm 23, where God's promise of presence is clearly stated:You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe. 5You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD. Psalm 23 (Contemporary English Version)Who knew exercise could be a prayer? Who knew that God's gifts of love are everywhere around us? I certainly didn't, but now that I do, my life will never be the same.Merry Christmas everyone!Francisco Donna JordonDSJordon@... Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2005 Report Share Posted December 27, 2005 Francisco, that was the most beautiful Christmas meditation I've read in a long time. I only got it today (I'm finally back online for a while) but I intend to save it and pull it out to re-read many times in the future. Thank you, as always, for your beautiful way of expressing such deep thoughts. Cathy C. > > For those of you who are offended by references to God, please delete. > > I woke up this morning early and got ready for my distance run. I > was happy to have leisure time to really get ready—mentally and > spiritually. One thing I wanted to share with everyone, particularly > the pre-ops is that exercise has taken on a whole new meaning in my > life. I never ever thought that I'd exercise the way I do—5 days a > week; alternating three days of circuit training with weights with > three days of running. > > When I was still a pre-op, a wonderful woman, Pat who became my angel > during this entire process, spoke at a support group meeting. She > entered the room, looking like a younger, more beautiful Joan Lunden, > simply radiant. I thought, " She's got to be the wife of a WLS > patient. " But she began to talk and SHE was the patient, and she > turned my thinking around about gastric bypass surgery. She said > that she is just like every other normal weighted person: she has to > watch what she eats and exercise to maintain her weight—for the rest > of her life. FOREVER. She explained that the way she was able to > get to her goal—she is stunning (in my humble opinion)—was by > exercising hard, smart but hard. > > I thought, " She knows something. Look at her. She knows the answer, > and I'm going to follow her example. " The next morning I got on the > treadmill and started with baby steps. I started the circuit > training with 1 lb weights. I started with one sit up. And I made > my exercise time my time… my time to commune with God and to reflect > on my new life. Then as I went from pre-op to post-op, I was > suddenly able to do more and more. As I lost weight, the exercise > gave me more and more energy. I went from 1 MPH on the treadmill to > 6 MPH. I went from 1 lb weights to 15 lbs in each hand. I went from > 1 sit up to 350. Gradually. Gently. And this physical power gave > me emotional strength as well. Strange how the two are linked. > > Then I went from treadmill to marathon training, and on August 31, > 2005 I ran 13.1 miles to complete the San Francisco National AIDS > Half Marathon. > > How did I do it? How did I move from being inactive to athletic? It > was all in what I told myself. If I had told myself during each > workout, " This hurts, this is too hard, I can't do this… " I never > would have gotten to where I am now. > > I ran 10 miles this morning! And it felt GREAT! > > I'm not saying that everyone can run 10 miles; I know I'm lucky that > I had gastric bypass when I was 40 and my knees are still in good > shape. But my point is that exercise is something I now do not > because I have to, but because I have to—I'm hooked on it. Not > because it's so much fun (but I have maximized the fun factor for > me), but because my whole workout is a prayer. It is a time to sort > out problems and talk to God. My inner tapes are saying, " Thank you > God for giving me this gift, and I'm going to be a good steward of > this gift. I'm going to use it right to show my gratitude to You. " > > Today as I ran, I invited God along with me. In my church, the > pastor has told us that God promises us nothing really—not a perfect > life, not riches, not fame—and I hardly have the perfect life. But > what God does promise is presence—Emanuel, God with us. So yes, I > have been alone and frightened in this journey, unsure of where my > path would lead, and where I would end up, but at every step of the > way, God has been there. > > When I'm looking forward on my path, I can't see the Divine. > However, when I look back, I can see at every turn and bend of my > journey, God's hand has been on my shoulder, guiding me to the > happiness I now feel. And He's not only guided me, he has constantly > delighted me with surprises (like the torch at Lake Merritt). Today > on my run, I ran past poetry in the sidewalk. On the Embarcadero > there are literally poems embedded in the cement. I'd never noticed > that before. > > One said something like this: " Once… everything was black plasma. > And now we see the product of Imagination. " I read it over and over > as I ran past it, then ran past it again. To me it meant that the > whole universe was once a blob of dark goop, but God's imagination > brought forth the loveliness of the Earth and the Universe. Just > like me: I was once this blob (or so I thought). I didn't think I > was worthy of anything, let alone love. But somehow, God lead me to > my job, which lead me to Kaiser, which lead to the Bariatric Program, > which gave me my life back. In retrospect I see how this path was > set forth for me, and yes, I had a small hand in it all (I like to > think of myself as God's partner in my life direction), but a series > of events was put into motion that led me out of the horrible self- > imposed prison of self-hatred. > > At last, I felt, God heard my cries of pain, my silent years of > suffering. He gave me the key. The amazing thing I now realize is > that the key was in reach my whole life. I just never had the > courage to reach for it. But God's imagination was bigger than > mine. He knew that a different life was waiting for me. > > So on my run today, I was again in conversation with God. And God > showed me new beauties again that I never would have seen had I not > been out running. I saw the sun rise over the Bay Bridge. I saw a > mother and father walking hand in hand with their daughter in > between, and the little girl was laughing and shrieking with joy as > they swung her to and fro. I smelled the ocean mist. I saw the > poetry in the cement. I saw the seabirds dancing in the fountains at > Levi's Plaza. I found yet another new path to run on by the Bay, and > I was alone on that path sharing it only with the blue sky, the sun > and God. I smelled the blooming Jasmine that was creeping up the > side of a fence. I saw the geese flying South past Alcatraz and over > the Bay Bridge. I saw " Cupid's Arrow, " the huge sculpture on the > Embarcadero, and understood its meaning for the first time. It's an > allusion to " I left my heart in San Francisco. " And that's why all > along Market Street and else where in the City there are hearts that > have been painted by artists. > > And there it was again. Love. Love all around me. I know that the > endorphins were hitting me and putting me into a runner's euphoria, > but I pondered on how my life has been transformed by love. I have > finally let God's love in. I have finally let my love in. And I was > reminded of Psalm 23, where God's promise of presence is clearly > stated: > > > You, LORD, are my shepherd. > I will never be in need. > 2You let me rest in fields > of green grass. > You lead me to streams > of peaceful water, > 3and you refresh my life. > You are true to your name, > and you lead me > along the right paths. > 4I may walk through valleys > as dark as death, > but I won't be afraid. > You are with me, > and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe. > 5You treat me to a feast, > while my enemies watch. > You honor me as your guest, > and you fill my cup > until it overflows. > 6Your kindness and love > will always be with me > each day of my life, > and I will live forever > in your house, LORD. > > Psalm 23 (Contemporary English Version) > > Who knew exercise could be a prayer? Who knew that God's gifts of > love are everywhere around us? I certainly didn't, but now that I > do, my life will never be the same. > > Merry Christmas everyone! > > Francisco > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2005 Report Share Posted December 27, 2005 I too loved what you wrote. I wanted to save it but an entire folder of saved posts got wiped out at Christmas time. If you saved a copy would you please send it too me off list. It was such an inspiration that I thought would really help me. Thank you VickieCathy wrote: Francisco, that was the most beautiful Christmas meditation I've read in a long time. I only got it today (I'm finally back online for a while) but I intend to save it and pull it out to re-read many times in the future.Thank you, as always, for your beautiful way of expressing such deep thoughts.Cathy C.>> For those of you who are offended by references to God, please delete.> > I woke up this morning early and got ready for my distance run. I > was happy to have leisure time to really get ready—mentally and > spiritually. One thing I wanted to share with everyone, particularly > the pre-ops is that exercise has taken on a whole new meaning in my > life. I never ever thought that I'd exercise the way I do—5 days a > week; alternating three days of circuit training with weights with > three days of running.> > When I was still a pre-op, a wonderful woman, Pat who became my angel > during this entire process, spoke at a support group meeting. She > entered the room, looking like a younger, more beautiful Joan Lunden, > simply radiant. I thought, "She's got to be the wife of a WLS > patient." But she began to talk and SHE was the patient, and she > turned my thinking around about gastric bypass surgery. She said > that she is just like every other normal weighted person: she has to > watch what she eats and exercise to maintain her weight—for the rest > of her life. FOREVER. She explained that the way she was able to > get to her goal—she is stunning (in my humble opinion)—was by > exercising hard, smart but hard.> > I thought, "She knows something. Look at her. She knows the answer, > and I'm going to follow her example." The next morning I got on the > treadmill and started with baby steps. I started the circuit > training with 1 lb weights. I started with one sit up. And I made > my exercise time my time… my time to commune with God and to reflect > on my new life. Then as I went from pre-op to post-op, I was > suddenly able to do more and more. As I lost weight, the exercise > gave me more and more energy. I went from 1 MPH on the treadmill to > 6 MPH. I went from 1 lb weights to 15 lbs in each hand. I went from > 1 sit up to 350. Gradually. Gently. And this physical power gave > me emotional strength as well. Strange how the two are linked.> > Then I went from treadmill to marathon training, and on August 31, > 2005 I ran 13.1 miles to complete the San Francisco National AIDS > Half Marathon.> > How did I do it? How did I move from being inactive to athletic? It > was all in what I told myself. If I had told myself during each > workout, "This hurts, this is too hard, I can't do this…" I never > would have gotten to where I am now.> > I ran 10 miles this morning! And it felt GREAT!> > I'm not saying that everyone can run 10 miles; I know I'm lucky that > I had gastric bypass when I was 40 and my knees are still in good > shape. But my point is that exercise is something I now do not > because I have to, but because I have to—I'm hooked on it. Not > because it's so much fun (but I have maximized the fun factor for > me), but because my whole workout is a prayer. It is a time to sort > out problems and talk to God. My inner tapes are saying, "Thank you > God for giving me this gift, and I'm going to be a good steward of > this gift. I'm going to use it right to show my gratitude to You."> > Today as I ran, I invited God along with me. In my church, the > pastor has told us that God promises us nothing really—not a perfect > life, not riches, not fame—and I hardly have the perfect life. But > what God does promise is presence—Emanuel, God with us. So yes, I > have been alone and frightened in this journey, unsure of where my > path would lead, and where I would end up, but at every step of the > way, God has been there.> > When I'm looking forward on my path, I can't see the Divine. > However, when I look back, I can see at every turn and bend of my > journey, God's hand has been on my shoulder, guiding me to the > happiness I now feel. And He's not only guided me, he has constantly > delighted me with surprises (like the torch at Lake Merritt). Today > on my run, I ran past poetry in the sidewalk. On the Embarcadero > there are literally poems embedded in the cement. I'd never noticed > that before.> > One said something like this: "Once… everything was black plasma. > And now we see the product of Imagination." I read it over and over > as I ran past it, then ran past it again. To me it meant that the > whole universe was once a blob of dark goop, but God's imagination > brought forth the loveliness of the Earth and the Universe. Just > like me: I was once this blob (or so I thought). I didn't think I > was worthy of anything, let alone love. But somehow, God lead me to > my job, which lead me to Kaiser, which lead to the Bariatric Program, > which gave me my life back. In retrospect I see how this path was > set forth for me, and yes, I had a small hand in it all (I like to > think of myself as God's partner in my life direction), but a series > of events was put into motion that led me out of the horrible self-> imposed prison of self-hatred.> > At last, I felt, God heard my cries of pain, my silent years of > suffering. He gave me the key. The amazing thing I now realize is > that the key was in reach my whole life. I just never had the > courage to reach for it. But God's imagination was bigger than > mine. He knew that a different life was waiting for me.> > So on my run today, I was again in conversation with God. And God > showed me new beauties again that I never would have seen had I not > been out running. I saw the sun rise over the Bay Bridge. I saw a > mother and father walking hand in hand with their daughter in > between, and the little girl was laughing and shrieking with joy as > they swung her to and fro. I smelled the ocean mist. I saw the > poetry in the cement. I saw the seabirds dancing in the fountains at > Levi's Plaza. I found yet another new path to run on by the Bay, and > I was alone on that path sharing it only with the blue sky, the sun > and God. I smelled the blooming Jasmine that was creeping up the > side of a fence. I saw the geese flying South past Alcatraz and over > the Bay Bridge. I saw "Cupid's Arrow," the huge sculpture on the > Embarcadero, and understood its meaning for the first time. It's an > allusion to "I left my heart in San Francisco." And that's why all > along Market Street and else where in the City there are hearts that > have been painted by artists.> > And there it was again. Love. Love all around me. I know that the > endorphins were hitting me and putting me into a runner's euphoria, > but I pondered on how my life has been transformed by love. I have > finally let God's love in. I have finally let my love in. And I was > reminded of Psalm 23, where God's promise of presence is clearly > stated:> > > You, LORD, are my shepherd. > I will never be in need. > 2You let me rest in fields > of green grass. > You lead me to streams > of peaceful water, > 3and you refresh my life. > You are true to your name, > and you lead me > along the right paths. > 4I may walk through valleys > as dark as death, > but I won't be afraid. > You are with me, > and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe. > 5You treat me to a feast, > while my enemies watch. > You honor me as your guest, > and you fill my cup > until it overflows. > 6Your kindness and love > will always be with me > each day of my life, > and I will live forever > in your house, LORD. > > Psalm 23 (Contemporary English Version)> > Who knew exercise could be a prayer? Who knew that God's gifts of > love are everywhere around us? I certainly didn't, but now that I > do, my life will never be the same.> > Merry Christmas everyone!> > Francisco>Vickie MillsCalifornia,Avon Rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2005 Report Share Posted December 28, 2005 Vicki: I just sent it to you. I'm glad you enjoyed. Francisco Francisco, that was the most beautiful Christmas meditation I've read > in a long time. I only got it today (I'm finally back online for a > while) but I intend to save it and pull it out to re-read many times > in the future. > > Thank you, as always, for your beautiful way of expressing such deep > thoughts. > > Cathy C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2005 Report Share Posted December 28, 2005 As Francisci stated, for those offened by the references to GOD, please delete............... Thank you Francisco. I have been having trouble staying on track but now I know why......I forgot to ask Him to join me on this journey. I have been very embarassed about telling anyone about my surgery and I have even been embarassed and ashaned to even talk to God about it. I haven't taken care of the body He gave me. I know He still loves me and will be with me the whole way. He has given all of us a beautiful world and I want toi enjoy it. Thanks you for reminding me of that. Peggy > > For those of you who are offended by references to God, please delete. > > I woke up this morning early and got ready for my distance run. I > was happy to have leisure time to really get ready—mentally and > spiritually. One thing I wanted to share with everyone, particularly > the pre-ops is that exercise has taken on a whole new meaning in my > life. I never ever thought that I'd exercise the way I do—5 days a > week; alternating three days of circuit training with weights with > three days of running. > > When I was still a pre-op, a wonderful woman, Pat who became my angel > during this entire process, spoke at a support group meeting. She > entered the room, looking like a younger, more beautiful Joan Lunden, > simply radiant. I thought, " She's got to be the wife of a WLS > patient. " But she began to talk and SHE was the patient, and she > turned my thinking around about gastric bypass surgery. She said > that she is just like every other normal weighted person: she has to > watch what she eats and exercise to maintain her weight—for the rest > of her life. FOREVER. She explained that the way she was able to > get to her goal—she is stunning (in my humble opinion)—was by > exercising hard, smart but hard. > > I thought, " She knows something. Look at her. She knows the answer, > and I'm going to follow her example. " The next morning I got on the > treadmill and started with baby steps. I started the circuit > training with 1 lb weights. I started with one sit up. And I made > my exercise time my time… my time to commune with God and to reflect > on my new life. Then as I went from pre-op to post-op, I was > suddenly able to do more and more. As I lost weight, the exercise > gave me more and more energy. I went from 1 MPH on the treadmill to > 6 MPH. I went from 1 lb weights to 15 lbs in each hand. I went from > 1 sit up to 350. Gradually. Gently. And this physical power gave > me emotional strength as well. Strange how the two are linked. > > Then I went from treadmill to marathon training, and on August 31, > 2005 I ran 13.1 miles to complete the San Francisco National AIDS > Half Marathon. > > How did I do it? How did I move from being inactive to athletic? It > was all in what I told myself. If I had told myself during each > workout, " This hurts, this is too hard, I can't do this… " I never > would have gotten to where I am now. > > I ran 10 miles this morning! And it felt GREAT! > > I'm not saying that everyone can run 10 miles; I know I'm lucky that > I had gastric bypass when I was 40 and my knees are still in good > shape. But my point is that exercise is something I now do not > because I have to, but because I have to—I'm hooked on it. Not > because it's so much fun (but I have maximized the fun factor for > me), but because my whole workout is a prayer. It is a time to sort > out problems and talk to God. My inner tapes are saying, " Thank you > God for giving me this gift, and I'm going to be a good steward of > this gift. I'm going to use it right to show my gratitude to You. " > > Today as I ran, I invited God along with me. In my church, the > pastor has told us that God promises us nothing really—not a perfect > life, not riches, not fame—and I hardly have the perfect life. But > what God does promise is presence—Emanuel, God with us. So yes, I > have been alone and frightened in this journey, unsure of where my > path would lead, and where I would end up, but at every step of the > way, God has been there. > > When I'm looking forward on my path, I can't see the Divine. > However, when I look back, I can see at every turn and bend of my > journey, God's hand has been on my shoulder, guiding me to the > happiness I now feel. And He's not only guided me, he has constantly > delighted me with surprises (like the torch at Lake Merritt). Today > on my run, I ran past poetry in the sidewalk. On the Embarcadero > there are literally poems embedded in the cement. I'd never noticed > that before. > > One said something like this: " Once… everything was black plasma. > And now we see the product of Imagination. " I read it over and over > as I ran past it, then ran past it again. To me it meant that the > whole universe was once a blob of dark goop, but God's imagination > brought forth the loveliness of the Earth and the Universe. Just > like me: I was once this blob (or so I thought). I didn't think I > was worthy of anything, let alone love. But somehow, God lead me to > my job, which lead me to Kaiser, which lead to the Bariatric Program, > which gave me my life back. In retrospect I see how this path was > set forth for me, and yes, I had a small hand in it all (I like to > think of myself as God's partner in my life direction), but a series > of events was put into motion that led me out of the horrible self- > imposed prison of self-hatred. > > At last, I felt, God heard my cries of pain, my silent years of > suffering. He gave me the key. The amazing thing I now realize is > that the key was in reach my whole life. I just never had the > courage to reach for it. But God's imagination was bigger than > mine. He knew that a different life was waiting for me. > > So on my run today, I was again in conversation with God. And God > showed me new beauties again that I never would have seen had I not > been out running. I saw the sun rise over the Bay Bridge. I saw a > mother and father walking hand in hand with their daughter in > between, and the little girl was laughing and shrieking with joy as > they swung her to and fro. I smelled the ocean mist. I saw the > poetry in the cement. I saw the seabirds dancing in the fountains at > Levi's Plaza. I found yet another new path to run on by the Bay, and > I was alone on that path sharing it only with the blue sky, the sun > and God. I smelled the blooming Jasmine that was creeping up the > side of a fence. I saw the geese flying South past Alcatraz and over > the Bay Bridge. I saw " Cupid's Arrow, " the huge sculpture on the > Embarcadero, and understood its meaning for the first time. It's an > allusion to " I left my heart in San Francisco. " And that's why all > along Market Street and else where in the City there are hearts that > have been painted by artists. > > And there it was again. Love. Love all around me. I know that the > endorphins were hitting me and putting me into a runner's euphoria, > but I pondered on how my life has been transformed by love. I have > finally let God's love in. I have finally let my love in. And I was > reminded of Psalm 23, where God's promise of presence is clearly > stated: > > > You, LORD, are my shepherd. > I will never be in need. > 2You let me rest in fields > of green grass. > You lead me to streams > of peaceful water, > 3and you refresh my life. > You are true to your name, > and you lead me > along the right paths. > 4I may walk through valleys > as dark as death, > but I won't be afraid. > You are with me, > and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe. > 5You treat me to a feast, > while my enemies watch. > You honor me as your guest, > and you fill my cup > until it overflows. > 6Your kindness and love > will always be with me > each day of my life, > and I will live forever > in your house, LORD. > > Psalm 23 (Contemporary English Version) > > Who knew exercise could be a prayer? Who knew that God's gifts of > love are everywhere around us? I certainly didn't, but now that I > do, my life will never be the same. > > Merry Christmas everyone! > > Francisco > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.