Scripture Time, Kale Smoothies, and a 2.5 Mile Run

"And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food."  I Samuel 14:24

Most of us know the story.  Saul tried to take matters into his own hands, and instead of waiting for Samuel and trusting in God's timing, he offered a sacrifice and incurred God's anger.  Instead of Saul winning a victory that day, God used Jonathan to put the Philistines to flight.  

In selfish stupidity, Saul made all of his men swear that they wouldn't eat anything until the Philistines were beaten.  I like what one commentator said about Saul, "He was a rebellious baby."  That's probably not far from the reality.  Saul was focused on what he thought was best for him and not on what was best for his people.  His pride had robbed him of his good sense.  Who fights well on an empty stomach?  If you've ever had to exert extreme amounts of energy for a long time, you know how faint the body becomes without proper fuel.

Saul's men were completely drained that day, and they likely would have had a greater victory against the enemy had they been allowed to eat.  Jonathan said it best, "My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?"

A good leader doesn't do what he believes is best for himself.  A good leader does what he or she knows is best for others. Saul spent the rest of his life wasting away in narcissistic pride instead of humbling himself before God and doing what was best for others.

I want to be a leader who puts the needs of others first, even if my pride gets hurt.  After all, my pride is a stench to God anyway.

Breakfast today was a power smoothie of ...

1 cup almond milk

1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup chopped Kale

1 cup of frozen strawberries

1/2 frozen banana

1 peeled cutie

1 Medjool date

Any taste of the Kale is completely lost in the taste of the fruit.  Give it a try!  Kale is good for your heart because it has soluble fiber (lowers LDL) and calcium, among many other things.  Strawberries and oranges provide an abundance of vitamin C, and the banana gives you more fiber and potassium.

After work today, I went for a 2.5 mile run.  The weather was Beautiful!!  It was 70F, so I couldn't pass up the chance to get a run in.

I'm grateful for a clean concrete driveway where I can enjoy a post-run stretch and cooldown session.

Tonight, Sandra made Chili Lime Maple Salmon Bowls with Forbidden Rice.  The recipe can be found at ambitiouskitchen.com.  They were fantastic!!  The recipe includes mango.  Normally, I'm not much of a mango fan, but it works with this recipe.  One serving gets you 40 grams of protein!  We aim for 25-30/meal, so this meal gets the job done.  Nice find dear wife!!!

Top it off with some avocado and you have an extra dose of healthy fats.

New Workout Mat Review

If there's one thing that I appreciate, it's a comfortable and durable workout mat.  This mat is made by Yo Gorilla Mats, and it's a worthy purchase.  This one is the stretching/yoga mat, so it isn't intended for hard workouts.  They do make a higher intensity training mat.  Eventually, I'll be adding that to the collection.

This mat is about a 1/4" thick and it's 7' x 5'.  I love the size because I can stretch out on it in any direction and not be on the floor.

My only complaint is that it's made in China.  The description of the company that makes this mat almost leads you to believe that the mat is made in the USA, but it's not.  It's ok.  As far as imported mats go, this one has impressed me so far.

Today was leg-day.  Here was the routine ...

Walking Lunges (carrying 2 25# dumbbells) - 12/side

Box Jumps - 10 

Suitcase Squats - 16

Bulgarian Split Squats - 10/leg

Goblet Squats - 16

Bird Dog - 10/side

Rest 30-45 seconds between exercises.  Perform 3 sets of the above movements.

Tomorrow will be a short routine of pushups and pullups followed by mobility.

My face when someone says, Oh! Do I have to workout?!

The Perfect Day

My idea of a perfect day involves relaxed Bible time in the morning, being with Sandra on a walk in the sunshine and finding some health-conscious eatery along the way ... this day involved all 3.

I'm grateful for the slower pace of Saturdays because it makes for a more relaxed time in the Scriptures.  I've been studying for a series on the fear of the Lord, and I came across this verse in my reading.

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."  Ephesians 5:21

The fear of God motivates me to put others first.  Yes, God wants us to submit to His earthly authorities, but this verse involves more than that.  God wants me to submit myself to the needs of others - to place the wellbeing of others before my own (Phil. 2:4).  By submitting myself to others, I am saying, "You are important to me.  How can I serve you?"  This attitude is contrary to what my flesh wants because I am selfish.  That's where the fear of God steps in and motivates me to do what I should do.  I serve others and submit myself to their needs because, ultimately, I want to please my high and holy God.

The sun was out today, and the air was cool but warm when walking in the direct sunlight.  Sandra found a healthy eatery in downtown Bowling Green, so we gave it a try.  Indeed, it is a gem of a place.  I don't think they have a foul ingredient in the whole cafe.  Sandra tried the Peace smoothie which had spinach, banana, mint, cacao, seed blend, and date drizzle.  My smoothie consisted of banana, cacao powder, almond butter, cold brew, seed blend, and date drizzle.  For those of you who appreciate the good ingredients of God's creation, I recommend it - highly.

This was our breakfast, so afterwards, we took a long walk from the downtown area and circled around the WKU campus.  This is a good time of year to walk there because the student population isn't out much, so the sidewalks are clear and the scenery may be enjoyed more easily.

After some stressful weeks, we needed a recharge, and God gave that to us today through quiet study, good food, and a brisk walk that inspired some delightful conversation.

God is gracious.

Grateful for Physical Activity and Sunshine

 

The weather was 60F and sunshine, so I opened the garage door and let the sunlight poor in as I completed a strength workout.

The routine today involved squats, pushups, banded shoulder presses, lunges, rows, leg lifts, curls and skull-crushers.

After weeks of working out in the house due to the cold temps, I was very grateful for the sunshine.

I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune in July when the garage is 110F, but for now, we'll enjoy it!!