An Excellent Bible Study Resource

I don't have many books, but the ones that I do own, I like.  This handy resource is one of those books that is worth keeping on the shelf.

It contains colorful, detailed maps of the Middle East.  It also includes timelines and descriptions of major places, people, and events.

If you're not a big reader, but you would like something to help you understand the historical context, places, and events of the Bible better, then you may want to pick up one of these.

Sandra was trying to find a Bible for a friend, so she went to a Christian bookstore and bought some different styles.  The friend didn't care for any of them, so Sandra took them all back.  She felt bad for the store owner, so she picked up this little study tool for me.  I must say, it is one of the nicest gifts that I have received.

The book includes a map of the "then" layout of the land and a "now" plastic overlay that shows the current boundaries and cities of modern times.

A Healthy "Milkshake" When You're Feeling Down

Greetings friends!  This week has been one of sickness for me and my dear wife.

Sandra does a great job preparing healthy food for us, especially when we are ill.

Today, she made a "Shamrock Shake."  There isn't one bad thing in it.  From the healthy fats of the avocado to the antioxidants of the cacao nibs, it's one big green drink of pure goodness. 

Give it a try!

Look up the recipe online.  It's easy enough to find.  This one has ...

Avocado

Spinach

Coconut Milk

Dates

Peppermint Extract

Cacao Nibs

Today's Post-Workday Workout

 

When I arrived home from work, the sun was out and the temperature was pleasant, so I decided to make it a running day.  Sandra is doing the Couch-to-5K program, so I borrowed from her intervals today.

3 minute warmup walk

3 minute run, 1.5 minute walk

5 minute run, 2.5 minute walk

3 minute run, 1.5 minute walk

5 minute run, 2.5 minute walk

Afterwards, I retreated to my garage for a 10 minute upper body circuit.

40 seconds of pushups, 20 second rest

40 seconds of rows with a loop band, 20 second rest

40 seconds of crunches, 20 second rest

40 seconds of pull ups, 20 second rest

40 seconds of back extensions while extending arms and legs (face down on floor), 20 second rest

Repeat the entire circuit

Grateful for the "Survey Queen"

My wife has been doing online surveys for quite some time now (over ten years I believe).  Because of this, she gets in on some pretty cool stuff.

Last summer/fall, a package arrived in the mail from one of her survey companies.  It was a bottle of waterless carwash liquid (well, almost waterless).  The company wanted her to wash her car once a week for three weeks and they would pay her $125 for her trouble, so long as she gave good feedback.  Hey, we can do that!

We're still using that waterless carwash.  Today, we "washed" our car in the garage with the door closed because it was rather chilly out.

Anyway, I love my survey queen.  She's a diligent homemaker and a great helper!  And she gets in on some cool stuff to try out 😃.

Tempo Pushups

Doing pushups isn't all about how fast you can do them.  Sometimes we need to slow down to get the full benefit of a weight-bearing movement.

When we do an exercise move quickly, there tends to be a "spring" effect at the bottom or top of the move that makes the movement easier.

When we slow the move down, that "spring" goes away, and the muscle is forced to work harder and become stronger through a fuller range of motion.

The next time you do some pushups (on your knees or plank position), try this ...

Go down slowly, counting to 4 ...

When you get to the bottom, slowly come back up, counting to 4 ...

If this is too hard, go down slowly, rest a moment on the floor, and come back up slowly.  You could also do just the descent portion of the pushup if the ascent is too difficult.

A word of caution, when doing a pushup, think of twisting your hands outward.  This will keep your shoulders from rotating inward and minimize the risk of injury.  You will feel the difference.  

Notice how I am forcing my hands and arms in an outward rotation?