10 of 40 Day 39 Body

Strength Training

On Day 32, I wrote about what I like to do when working out.  I mentioned running, yoga and weight training.  Today I'd like to concentrate on weight or strength training. Strength training  is the number-one way to build more muscle. By doing strength training you are actually helping your body in numerous ways.  You will burn more calories throughout the day, have better posture, help fight against Diabetes, Heart Disease and Osteoporosis (Trust me, it's NOT milk that does a body good, it is exercise)

In an article for Everyday Health, Chris Iliades, MD explains the benefits. To read the article in its entirety click on this link:  http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/add-strength-training-to-your-workout.aspx

"Strength training translates to more calories burned.

“Those who think they have no time for exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness. ”

— Edward Stanley

You burn calories during strength training, and your body continues to burn calories after strength training, a process called "physiologic homework." More calories are used to make and maintain muscle than fat, and in fact strength training can boost your metabolism by 15 percent — that can really jumpstart a weight loss plan."

Of course, I believe that any strength training plan should include a certified trainer. Your trainer will be able to give you a routine that works your muscles properly in a specific order that is best for body function and your trainer will be able to show you the proper form for each exercise. Ensuring that you will not injure yourself.  They will be able to support you not only as you do the workouts physically but they will be able to encourage and support you emotionally pushing you when needed pulling you back if necessary. 

Trainer Zachary Miller at https://www.lifestylefitnessandmassagetherapy.com states "when I program a workout routine my main goal is to offset gravity and muscle imbalances and to improve strength levels. In life we work generally on the front (anterior) side of our body. By working the back side of our body more frequently we will offset the negative effects of gravity and poor posture. Additionally, when working your back (posterior) you can help ease neck, back and shoulder pain. By adding massage bi-montly you can alleviate tension patterns in your muscles, allow for further range of motion in your daily activities, calm your central nervous system and reduce stress levels. Overall the best lifestyle for good health will include strength training, massage, cardio and a diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables."

I think it is clear that our bodies need to be moving our entire lifetime. As I conclude "body" tomorrow I will talk more about that, but for today I will finish up with this quote from FitWomenover40.com "I will not let age change me, I will change the way I age"

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

10 of 40 Day 38 Body

Global Warming/Climate Change

 What does global warming or climate change mean?

Climate Change is defined as: a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

It is explained for kids at nasa.gov as:

What Is Climate? How Is It Different From Weather?
"You might know what weather is. Weather is the changes we see and feel outside from day to day. It might rain one day and be sunny the next. Sometimes it is cold. Sometimes it is hot. Weather also changes from place to place. People in one place might be wearing shorts and playing outside. At the same time, people far away might be shoveling snow.

Climate is the usual weather of a place. Climate can be different for different seasons. A place might be mostly warm and dry in the summer. The same place may be cool and wet in the winter. Different places can have different climates. You might live where it snows all the time. And some people live where it is always warm enough to swim outside!

There's also Earth's climate. Earth's climate is what you get when you combine all the climates around the world together."

To read the entire article go to: https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/what-is-climate-change-k4.html

Although, this article is for kids I found it to be a great simple way to explain what is going on and what the differences are between our daily weather, local climates and the earth's climate. The article goes on to say:

"People who study Earth see that Earth's climate is getting warmer. Earth's temperature has gone up about one degree Fahrenheit in the last 100 years. This may not seem like much. But small changes in Earth's temperature can have big effects."

Do you believe in it?

I believe it is happening and I am concerned. It has been scientifically proven that the earths temperature is changing.  And that we are a part of the issue - the energy we use makes a difference, from our cars and lights to the water we use excessively to the massive amounts of animal farming and the toxic waste that is adding carbon dioxide to the air. And of course the destruction of our rain forest to open up land for cattle food farms.

How are we treating each other?

Not everyone believes in Climate Change.  As much as I wish we collectively agreed that this is a important issue, it does not inspire change in others the way it does for me. I feel this issue can cause us to be righteous and judgmental to the point of excess. And for this I am worried.  We still need to allow people to have there own opinions.  Just as I have said about politics and other topics, it is important to have a dialogue between all sides and to share what we know to be better informed all around. 

What is The Paris Agreement?

Most of us are aware that there was a "Paris Agreement" brought forth from the concerns of the United Nations. This quote from the NY Times explains the agreement in a sentence. To read the entire article, see the link below.  “holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.”

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/climate/2015-paris-climate-talks

This agreement was made in 2015 and then in 2017 President Donald Trump declared that the United States would be backing out of The Paris Agreement. But, to my joy at least 10 states have said they will support the agreement: California, New York, Washington, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Oregon and Hawaii. Nine other states plus Washington, D.C.  have said they will abide by it.  Unfortunately, my state of Georgia has not been added to the list "yet". 

Body Blog?

You may be wondering why I would be talking about climate change when I am suppose to be talking about the "body" this week. It is because it is something I am passionate about and needed to share my thoughts.  I could find some reason like climate change effects our bodies because we may loose our earth to live upon but that is a little drastic.  So, it's just here because I needed and wanted to write about it today. 

“A society is defined not only by what it creates, but by what it refuses to destroy.”

— John Sawhill

It is my belief that global warming is happening and that it is a pivotal moment in our worlds history.  It is time for us to pay attention to what we are doing and to really think about why we are doing it. As our federal government makes decisions regarding our role, our local voices began to be heard and our states and cities took on the challenge.  This is good news, because we are seeing a part of government listening. And most importantly, no matter where you stand on this issue, please try to listen with an open heart and mind.  Knowing that ultimately, we are all one and our opinion being expressed through conversation is the most effective way to connect. Fighting will not solve any issues. Let's find solutions and let's find ways to work together somewhere in the middle. Our earth depends upon it. 

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

Central Park 

Central Park is a perfect example of allowing nature to thrive in a place overwhelmed by an industrial nation.  750 acres was set aside in 1853 to preserve nature in a place that was fast becoming populated by business and people.  The park has gone through 4 transformations including a time with the help of Robert Moses then the NYC Parks Commissioner. Without innovative nature loving people we would be in a far greater crisis. This park and the beaches on Long Island are reminders to each of us that nature is something that can easily be lost if we don't make it a priority. 

10 of 40 Day 37 Body

This is 50 - Phase 2 of Life

LIFE - Phase I & Phase II.  Each with a blank canvas. One starting new and the other going back to find where we started and discovering who we are. 

I think it is interesting that people go through a mid life crisis at 50.  I wonder if it was more common for our parents generation to go through this crisis than for our generation.  For me, I love 50.  Yes, my youth is gone and my body doesn't respond the way it used to, but my mind and emotions are better than ever.  

Richard Rohr in his book "Falling Upward" talks about the two stages in life.  During the first stage you are trying to develop a career, get married, have a family, buy a house etc... During the next stage you have settled in and are able to learn about who you are and determine if you like what you've become or if you want to change to your more authentic self.  A time when you seek out your purpose.

“We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ... and know the place for the first time.

- T. S. Eliot”

I am there, in the second stage of life. But,  I do not believe I have gone through a mid life crisis, I believe I have gone through what author Brene Brown calls a mid life awakening.   A few years ago, suddenly I started to take account of my life. I went into the depths and came up excited and energetic for the next phase.  I changed the things that were holding me back and really started to notice myself again.  Its been a wonderful metamorphosis. One that could be scary to the people around me that are not sure who I have become.  But in the end, what I know for sure is that this journey has taken me to who I really am, my true self.  

I am grateful that I have had two parts to life.  One of nurturing and building a family and a committed life and this new phase filled with new growth and wonder and a desire to find my purpose.  I don't know where it will take me but I am open and ready.

I hope each of you have the same experience as you prepare for phase two, which could be the best phase of your life yet.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

— Mark Twain

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

10 of 40 Day 36 Body

Today my blog will be a bit different.  Short and to the point.

Love your body no matter what shape or size.  Care for it and keep it healthy and know that you are beautiful. 

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

““Healthy emotions come in all sizes. Healthy minds come in all sizes. And healthy bodies come in all sizes.”
”

— Cheri K. Erdman

10 of 40 Day 35 Body

Yoga = union, to unite, liberation

Over the course of the past years I have dabbled with yoga.  I've gone to classes, bought VHS tapes & DVD's (that tells you how long I've been dabbling), practiced on my own and have enjoyed yoga in a crowd at Wanderlust.  I've said before that for me I walk away feeling strong, flexible and relaxed.  But for those of you who have not practiced yoga, please know I also walked away sweaty.  Yoga can be difficult and demanding.  You need to be focused and aware and before too long you will be moving through your vinyasa (a type of yoga that synchronizes the breath with a continuous flow of poses) quickly.  There are many types of yoga, far too many for me to list, but I would like to talk about the overriding relationship between all yoga practices.  The word practice is used because it is believed that no one becomes proficient.  I asked my sister in law, Susan Dooley, who is a certified yoga instructor for the reason. 

"We practice yoga to still the mind.  When this is truly achieved, we are then in a state of Samadhi (enlightenment,or awakened.)  We see our true self and are one with God (or the divine, or our higher power, or our prana or chi (energy)).  Not easy to achieve - that is why we say we “practice yoga” - even if you’ve been practicing for 20 years - or your whole life, we are always learning, growing, becoming stronger mentally, physically and spiritually."  

I love this concept.  That yoga is not just movement of the body but it is movement of the mind to stillness in an effort to be enlightened. 

In addition to these benefits in an article written by Leigh Weingus for mindbodygreen.com there is now evidence that yoga improves your memory.  

"As if you needed another reason to roll out your mat and move through a few downward-facing dogs, new research published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that a regular yoga practice may improve memory and protect against cognitive decline in the long term.

For the study, scientists in Brazil took images of the brains of 21 female yoga practitioners over the age of 60. They found that yogis have thicker left prefrontal cortexes, which is the area of the brain responsible for memory and attention. As we age, the left prefrontal cortex is the area that tends to thin out, leading to memory loss and impaired attention."

““We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings have a human experience”
”

— Yogi Bhajan

Adding to this study and the many other studies that are showing the benefits of yoga, there is a program developed by Jon Kabat-Zin, Ph.D. called MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) *"Many of these programs are taught by physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists as well as other health professionals who are seeking to reclaim and deepen some of the sacred reciprocity inherent in the doctor-caregiver/patient-client relationship.  Their work is based on a need for active partnership in a participatory medicine, one in which patient/clients take on significant responsibility for doing a certain kind of interior work in order to tap into their own deepest inner resources for learning, growing, healing, and transformation." "Through a seamless integration of mindfulness meditation and hatha yoga. MBSR taps into the innate potential for healing that we all have."

It is clear to me that the practice of yoga has unlimited potential to change us both within ourselves and our outer self. It is no longer just for hippies/hipsters/bohemians, it is for all of us.  It is a practice of non-judgement. When you walk into a studio it won't matter where you are in your practice, it just matters that you are there to be welcomed and to find your center of peace, to move more freely and with less pain, reduce stress, develop spiritually and enhance your overall health.

Let the critic in your mind go and open yourself up to this valuable practice.  And if you have already discovered yoga and it's benefits bravo.  I hope you continue to grow and thrive!

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living, (Namaste)

Lorraine

*Read more about MBSR and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in the Summer 2017 edition of Yoga International

10 of 40 Day 34 Body

Are you tired?

Most of us are. In the past, for me, tiredness really hit at 3 p.m.  The way I would combat the tiredness was to go for a Starbucks run.  I now know since eliminating caffeine, it wasn't the coffee that was helping me wake up but the actual act of going to get it.  Throughout the day your brain gets fatigued and you need to take breaks.  Get up, walk around, get outside if possible. 15 minutes of movement away from your computer or whatever task you are doing can recharge you.  

Another issue with tiredness is the lack of sufficient sleep in a quiet location void of distractions. How often do you fall asleep with the television on or wake up because of some random text or update on your cell phone.  And how often do you wait until way too late to actually go to bed?  Is it time for you to make sleep a priority?  Getting to bed earlier, removing the electronic distractions and using simple sleep inducing techniques like lavender on your pillow or in your room, clean comfortable sheets, lowering the temperature in your room to 67 degrees, staying away from food before bed, eating foods that are high in melatonin and magnesium at night and stretching or doing yoga before bed. It can also help to journal, by letting go of your thoughts to paper and including the things you are grateful for allow your brain to let go of the negative and rejoice in the good. (I also recommend writing your thoughts and whatever list of things you have to get done as soon as you wake up, this allows you to be clear headed as you start the day) Adding meditation and exercise to your life can also help you to sleep longer and deeper. 

“And if tonight my soul may find her peace
in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,
and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower
then I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.
”

— D.H. Lawrence

After making changes to your lifestyle if you're still tired, it may be time to speak to your doctor.  Excessive tiredness can also be a sign of a bigger problem.  And I do implore you no matter what your age to find the root of the cause.  For me, it was a blockage in my heart. I spoke to four doctors about it, but because of my age and lifestyle factors they did not see that it was a warning sign.  Of course, not everyone that is tired has a heart problem, but take your care seriously and know what your instincts are telling you.  You know your body better than anyone.  Pay attention to how you feel, do the necessary things to live a healthy life and be your best advocate.

Our bodies and brains need rest to function at our best.  Spend a week working on a good night rest and see what a difference it can make. 

Wish you Sweet Dreams, Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

10 of 40 Day 33 Body

In 2008 I ran my first 1/2 marathon in Arizona with my brother.  It was one of the most emotional days of my life.  As a kid I did not participate in sports. Unfortunately, my mom didn't think girls should play sports. I don't remember why I started running or when but it was as an adult probably around 24 years old. When I crossed the finish line I cried.  I was overweight, my body hurt and I accomplished something I never thought I could.

 9 years later I ran my 4th half marathon in Sarasota, Florida and today I signed up for my 5th. It seems like I should have run more than 4 in the course of 9 years.  But a few things have derailed me. Although I have run a number of 10 K's, there is nothing more satisfying than running 13.1 miles. I am very proud every time I cross the finish line. 

One thing I know for sure is that running is an individual sport.  You have to get out and hit the pavement on good days and bad, you have to stretch and wear knee braces and prepare yourself mentally.  You have to pay attention to what you eat before the race and how much you hydrate.  It is more than just taking a jog and for one I am thankful for it.  If you haven't run 13.1 or 26 miles you may not be aware, but there is a feeling you get.  As you place one foot in front of the other and feel your accomplishment with every step.  Many call it a runners high. This feeling happens during strenuous exercise as endorphins are released. 

When I talk about running, I am not just talking about exercise.  Running is the food we put into our bodies, it is the water we drink, it is massages and it's the mental connection. You can replace the word running with tennis, basketball, baseball, football, yoga, volleyball, soccer and on and on.  Whatever the sport our bodies thrive when working them and feeding them both mentally and physically.  

We know that our mind and our body are in sync with one another.  And that we need both in good working order to be at our best. Often times it would be easy to stop at mile 10 and just be pleased that you made it that far.  I have injured my knee on a 1/2 marathon in Atlanta, GA.  and just kept going because I couldn't imagine not finishing. When I am on the treadmill I always get on with a set time or mile marker, and I always surpass that time.  Mentally, I just know I have to.  

For me the best part of running is the time to clear my head.  And when it comes to a 1/2 marathon it is seeing the finish line knowing that I have accomplished something special.  I compete only with myself and my last best personal record (PR). I set goals and work hard to achieve them.  Obtaining my goals fills me with purpose and pride. 

What is it for you? What goals have you set for yourself and how are you achieving them? What is your finish line?

“Out on the roads, there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we are destined to be.”

— George Sheehan

It is important to set up goals, to know exactly what you want to do and how you are going to do it. It is imperative that they are achievable and that you have a plan. And for me, you need to have a finish line. A place that you can set your measuring tape to - a place you know that you have accomplished what you set out to do. It could be a race, or a graduation, or a weight loss or gain goal. Or possibly a yoga pose that escapes you, like a headstand. It could be a financial goal you've set or a customer gain.  It could be any number of things.  But knowing what you want and setting up a plan to achieve it takes thought, work and many times courage to make it happen.  

Don't stop after you read this blog, really take a moment to consider your goals and how you will meet or exceed them. Consider your deepest desires and start the race, you too may be overwhelmed with pride when you cross the finish line. 

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

10 of 40 Day 32 Body

I like working out, I like running and I like yoga.  

Using weights make me feel stronger, when I am sore the next day it reminds me that I am doing something good for my body. I like having a personal trainer https://www.lifestylefitnessandmassagetherapy.com  so that I can learn the right way to do the lift, push or pull and I feel more comfortable knowing that I am working the correct muscles. 

Running clears my head and makes me feel energized.  I love the idea of my heart rate increasing and oxygen filling my lungs and body.  I enjoy both outdoor running because I am able to enjoy nature and indoor/treadmill running because it is controlled.

Yoga...really who doesn't love yoga.  You stretch your body, work out kinks and calm your mind at the same time. 

Some people may say they do not like to exercise, but I love it.  So, when I stop exercising I am always baffeled.  When I look at it from the outside in, I think I always stop because I put exercise last on my list of priorities.  Always figuring that I can do it tomorrow.  Then tomorrow becomes the next day and before long I haven't worked out in a month.  I may jump on the treadmill here and there or do some yoga but I have lost my consistency.  By the time I am ready to get back into it, I've lost my strength, endurance and flexibility. 

I believe there are two ways to combat the loss of consistency.  The first is to have a trainer or a group of people you work out with.  I say a group, because it is easy to give yourself an excuse and if you are with one other person you may excuse each other easily but if you add a couple of people, suddenly you feel left out if you are not with them. And a trainer because you are accountable to him or her and when you go to the gym you have a friend in your trainer.  You will feel more comfortable and you will have a plan set up for you so that you don't aimlessly wander around not knowing what you'll do or how to do exercises properly so you end up on the treadmill for a bit and go home.  Eventually, you just don't go at all. 

The second way is harder.  You need to put yourself first.  You need to prioritize your health.  Finding time these days can be difficult, but if you look at your day, really look at your day you might be surprised that you actually do have the time.  It may be making your lunch and going for a walk instead of eating out, or not checking your Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and E-Mails in the morning and taking that time to do yoga or a run.  Maybe, you will go to bed earlier and TIVO your favorite show so that you can get up earlier and meet your trainer at the gym.  You probably have more options than you realized, but it comes down to one thing - Your Priorities.  

For me, I am back at the gym on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, on the treadmill or pavement on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and some type of yoga daily.  This may seem excessive, but all it is, is scheduling exercise at the same time everyday.  Just like I make breakfast or brush my teeth daily.  It will and is just a habit.  A good habit. One concern I have is that,  I will be out of town for 12 days in the next couple of weeks, so I will need to find a way to get my exercise in at the same time everyday while I am away and get back to a consistent schedule as soon as I return. In the past I would tell myself to wait to start my exercise routine until I return,  but leaving soon is not a reason not to start today or in my case yesterday.  It's time to put my health as a priority!

How about you? Are you ready to care for yourself? Are you ready to make yourself a priority?

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

*photos: 1. Wanderlust (5k, Yoga & Creative Choice) with my Family  2. Back in the Gym  3. Dirty Girl Mud Run with my Friends (5K & Obstacle Course)   4. Trainer Zachary demonstrating the next Exercise

10 of 40 Day 31 Body

10 of 40 Day 31 Body

Running in Rosemary Beach, Florida

The past 30 days have flown by.  As I was putting together this idea of 10 of 40 I was most concerned about the 10 spiritual days.  It’s interesting that during those days the words came to me very easily.  So, as I move into the last 10 days I now wonder “Will body be the most difficult?” Let’s face it there is nothing easy about body.  Whether you are like me and have had a 40 year battle with weight or like my sister in law who has to try to gain weight (this can be as difficult and as frustrating as losing weight)  while eating a no oil, nut free, avocado free whole food plant based diet. Taking care of ourselves can be very difficult.

I struggle with two areas in particular.

1.     Staying consistent with a work out regime.  Which I find truly baffeling.  My son is a personal trainer, I love to run and work out and I find yoga not only beneficial for relieving back pain it also helps tremendously with stress. So why then don't I stay consistent? This will be a question I will be discussing over the course of the next 9 days a lot. 

2.     Snacking, Portion Sizes and my Dedication to a whole food plant based diet that does not include avocado, oil and nuts. Again, I’m baffeled.  I know the science, I know the benefits and I know the consequences. I am 100% committed to a vegan diet which is mostly whole food plant based, but there are still times when chips or Ben & Jerry's vegan ice cream call my name and I answer. 

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. ”

— John F. Kennedy

So, as I embark on this journey I ask you to come along knowing that I don’t have all the answers I just have lessons to share as I learn them.  I will be returning to the gym after a six-month hiatus.  I took this time away to begin with to train for my half marathon in Sarasota, Florida.  And then I didn’t return. Why, I don’t know.  But the more I read on the subject the more I believe that having a group of people I am accountable to is key.  So, my friends need to watch out – I’m coming and I will be asking you to join me.  Another part of the next 10 days will be yoga.  I will be sharing with you my home routine that I enjoy and I will check out a class or two along the way, I will be running and walking and I will be posting tips from my son certified personal trainer and licensed masseuse, Zachary Miller and my sister in law Susan who has her 200-hour yoga instructor certification. 

You will read about the usual book recommendations but mostly you will receive quotes of encouragement and understanding that life can be complicated and we often times give up on the thing that means the most…OURSELVES!

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

10 of 40 Day 30 Spirituality

Connecting the Dots.....

Over the past 9 days I've written about Faith & Religion, Love, Nature, The Rubin Museum, The 9/11 Memorial, Commercialism & Christmas, my Childhood Church, Inspiration, and Forgiveness. But today I want to write about the next generation.  Spirituality, Faith, Religion whatever you want to call it has changed for the next couple of generations.  It appears to me that they are not looking for the same thing my generation and the generation before me was looking for.  

Spiritual Connection happens in many places

If you look back over time the three places people connected where home, work and church.  Then a few of years back the third place became the coffee shop, thanks to Starbucks. At this point church moved into the fourth place. And I believe, the placement of church is changing again. What I am hearing is that church is moving down the ladder of connection because the next generations are interested in places where they meet and commune with others in nature, like hiking trails, or at the outdoor neighborhood brewery, or at meditation, yoga, spin and workout class, amongst other places.  They find these places less judgmental and accepting them for who they are. They are looking for places that are fused with a bigger picture which includes peace, love, kindness, equality and local service to others.  They look forward to discussions about their differences and sharing their opinions. They research and they are reading and viewing articles and videos from all over the world from many different vantage points. 

The next generation is looking for the energy you can receive in church, but they are unsure if you can still find that energy there, so they are looking elsewhere.  They are seeking places that aren't as caught up in the rules and places that don't discriminate based upon gender or sexual preferences. 

It is somewhat like we've made a turn back to a more 1960's approach to life and faith.  It's interesting if we look at this turn - and it's imperative for those of us who believe in the institution of church that we do see this change.  Because if we don't, churches will begin to disappear.  Even those that call themselves "contemporary" a very old term now which is a blog of it's own.

What do you do? How do you connect? And are we listening? It wouldn't be the first time that something disappeared over the course of time that in retrospect was a long time in the making but no one was looking closely enough to stop the momentum.  I believe church is important. It is important because there are lessons to be taught through scripture and music, there are relationships that help our "villages"develop and feel safe, there is service to others that is done locally and globally, not just monetarily but also with hands on work. I would be very sad to watch the end of something that has the opportunity to teach scripture, then explain what it meant at the time and then explain what it means today and how we can use those lessons. Religious institutions have an important place not only in our past but in our present and our future.  They are here to educate, comfort and connect and to help us look beyond ourselves. 

I believe the church should be asking: How do you show understanding and let down the guards of our past, while expressing openness and acceptance? And can you do this when you still have people who will walk into church and say "you're sitting in my pew" or "We've always done things this way, there's no reason to change"?  I don't have the answer, but this I am certain of, if we do not pay attention, if we do not listen and if we do not drastically change in some ways we will be closing many doors that need to remain open. And that will be an epic loss.  It's time to start the conversation and to begin building bridges between our differences. And if you are reading this, and you say "our church is open and accepting and doing all it needs to do" I hope you are correct, but I implore you to look again....because sometimes we do not see the forest through the trees.  

“Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.””

— Matthew 22:37-39

Wishing you Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine