Monday, August 5, 2019

One Year Ago ~


A big HELLO to you my dear and faithful blogging friends!
I trust you have been enjoying the beauty
of Summer right where God has planted you.
We couldn't ask for a nicer Summer than what we have had.
Yes, our Spring was long and wet with an awful lot of snow,
but boy did it ever help in yielding the most luscious, green Summer.
This past week as I've gone out and taken my daily walks with sweet Donatella,
each day is showing evidence that our Summer is soon coming to an end.
These photos I'm sharing are signs of what has arrived and what's around the corner.
The daisies are in their assortment of color
along with the light shades of grasses mixed with horse tails,
or cat tails as some call them.
August can be cooler with rain here in the Rocky mountains,
my husband's favorite month ~ maybe it's because his Birthday is this month? 😊
September can bring with it an awesome Indian Summer, 
but then the dreary month of October arrives with little to no color at all.
I'm the type of person who takes each day as they are given to me
from our Great God, and I enjoy them all.


It was one year ago when I had my total knee replacement 
and when I saw my Orthopedic surgeon he was delighted with my results.
My x-ray was perfect with nothing showing scar tissue or arthritis
and my bend as well as how straight I am able to put my leg
was awesome according to the Doctor.
I was told to keep doing what I've been doing as it appears to be working.
I've been faithful in massaging my knee with cocoa butter daily
praying that it will help with the scar tissue 
as I've heard it can creep in quickly.
My therapist told me that I was to ride my stationary bike 
 20 minutes a day for the rest of my life.
I guess I had better obey. 😉


Exercise...Mmm ...that's not every one's most favorite thing to do 
but we all know how important it is for our health and heart.
My new knee holds me accountable these days,
and for that, I am very thankful.
I'm reminded of these Scriptures ~
"Exercise thyself rather unto godliness"
~ 1 Timothy 4:7b ~
"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness
is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life
that now is, and of that which is to come."
~ 1 Timothy 4:8 ~
Exercise is important, because the body is God's temple.
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit 
of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy;
for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ~


 Exercising unto godliness is profitable both now and in eternity. 
We would be foolish if we took care of our decaying bodies 
while ignoring our spiritual lives, which will last 
into eternity and which can be renewed day by day.
"And be not conformed to this world: 
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, 
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect will of God."
~ Romans 12:2 ~
"For which cause we faint not;
but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man
is renewed day by day."
~ 2 Corinthians 4:16 ~
Like physical fitness, godliness is not developed by being passive 
and does not just happen; it requires effort and is 
maximized through our daily exercise (spiritual discipline).
As much as I love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind,
disciplining myself  in exercise both for my soul and body,
ISN'T EASY!


I think we all know deep down the importance of  exercise,
but unfortunately it's easy to find a reason not to exercise.
Years ago, I read somewhere on the topic of exercise
and it has stayed with me, though I may fail at times,
it's still in the back of my mind.
It was something like this, and so true ~
Knowing we should exercise regularly but not doing it can create negative feelings 
toward ourselves, and that is an energy drain.
The way this happens is every time you think of exercise,
all day, if you haven't done it yet, you say to yourself, 
" Well, I haven't done any yet today,
and I probably won't be able to later, so I'll do it tomorrow."
Meanwhile you can't help feeling guilty.
However, if you exercise first thing in the morning, 
then every time you think of exercise during the day,
it's with a feeling like "Yeah! I've already exercised!"
It fills you with a fantastic positive feeling for yourself,
and these feelings spill over into other areas of our life.
Everything is enhanced.
Once we get into the habit of exercising every morning,
we'll get to the point where we'll actually feel disappointed 
if we miss a day.
And that my friends, goes for bodily as well as spiritual exercise.

~ ~ ❤  ❤ ❤ ~ ~

"Horses sweat, men perspire, and women glow."
I like that!
As women, we glow when we exercise, but don't you find 
that we have a godly glow after we have been with Jesus?

Be Lovely!
Debbie

36 comments:

Elizabethd said...

What very lovely photos. You are right, Summer is somehow creeping towards its end, sadly.
So glad that you are doing well, and I admire your commitment to the dreaded exercise!

Joyful said...

Beautiful photos and fantastic post with great faith reflections Debbie. I agree with everything you say. I'm so happy your knee is doing well and I can't believe it has already been one year since your surgery. Time really flies. Blessings. xx

Sylvia said...

What a great and encouraging post, Debbie. August is my birthday month also. The Daisey is one of my favorite flowers. I love the part of exercising, I don't like to do that but along with not exercising our bodies causing us to have negative feelings, not exercising our faith can also cause us to have negative feelings. Thanks for reminding me.
So happy you're doing good with your knee. I was to have mine done in June but had to put it off again due to my hubby's illness.

Natalia said...

I kind of get used to exercises,cos I feel much better after☺

Debbie Harris said...

Exercise certainly does make us feel better, you are right on!

Debby Ray said...

Thank you sharing these beautiful photos from your daily walks...Donatella is such a pretty girl! I do love to get out and walk although here lately I haven't done as much as I like. I so agree with you about the exercise thing...and I was doing so good until I started not feeling good once again...and then I messed up my sciatic nerve the week I was off redoing my bathroom! I was up every morning without fail getting my steps in my mini tramp. I have left it in the living room to remind me every morning so I can get back into my routine. Just like our physical muscles, our spiritual muscles also need to be exercised...how important it is! I do fall short and I thank you for this reminder, dear Debbie! Hugs!

Creations By Cindy said...

Debbie, what a wonderful and encouraging read for me this morning. I am so glad that your knee is doing well and I cannot believe it's been a year already! WOW! Girl, I actually copied this read along with scriptures for future reading. I needed to be reminded of this today about exercise. I have been trying to discipline myself. Oh my mercy! My friend Lea, from Cici's corner shared with me about a elliptical glider so I bought one to give it a try. I have arthritis in one knee and asthma. So trying to find something I can do that would not KILL me was my goal. The glider is a cheaper model but I wanted to give it a try to see if I might want a better one and the glider is suppose to be easier on joints and knees especially but also build up your endurance. There is no resistance on this one so I have to force myself to make my own which is good. I have really tried to do to it at least 3-4 days a week and I also began a routine using resistance bands and dumb bells. For me, I need to build of my energy level mainly but I need to do this overall for my health. I must admit, I DISLIKE exercising. But then as a doctor said to me once, "None of us really like or enjoy the things that are good for us". TRUE! My three daughters all exercise and are faithful and avid. I used to years ago be faithful and done well but got slack. Getting back is hard to do. But with God's help I am going to take better care of myself. I have too...I have too many grands that I want to be a part of their lives! Thanks for sharing and so sorry for the length of my response. I just truly needed this encouragement today and God sent it to me through you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Debby Ray said...

Also, so glad to hear that your knee has healed so well! ♥

Betty said...

I forgot you had knee surgery. I have to have both my knees replaced, but the Doctor wants me to lose weight. I have 50 lbs down and not sure yet how much more to go, will find out at the end of the month.

Next year at this time I am hoping to have at least one knee done. I ride a bike every day for 20 minutes twice a day. It helps with the pain. So happy to hear yours knee is doing great.

happyone said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. So happy you did because it brought me to your lovely blog. : )
Always nice to meet another walker and someone who loves God too!! : )
The daisies are lovely and one of my favorite flowers.

Aritha V. said...

Your photos are so nice. All thank to God that your knee has healed. He is so good for us.

Debbie Harris said...

God certainly has His hand upon our lives and in every detail.
Thank you for the lovely visit Aritha~

Ruth Hiebert said...

It is so good to hear that you are fully recovered from the knee replacement. You have shared some lovely photos in this post and some thoughts that cause me to want to be more diligent in exercising.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Congrats on the great report from the dr. and for keeping up with exercises.

Lovely photos and thoughts, good to hear from you ~ FlowerLady

Pom Pom said...

Hi Debbie! I am so glad your knee has healed so well! A year ago? It doesn't seem like that long ago!
I only like walking and swimming. You're right. We need to move. Take care and God bless you, sweet friend!

Sue said...

Beautiful thoughts about the importance of exercise, Debby, I relate all the way through, your last thoughts are so true for me, when I don't exercise regularly, I feel so guilty, but when I do on a regular basis I feel so encouraged, This certainly resinated with me, thank you for sharing.
So happy you have had a nice summer, we have had extreme drought with high heat, I am so looking forward to fall, I love your attitude about taking things as they come, another encouraging thought for me.

My dh is due for knee replacement this fall, hearing how well you are doing, is so encouraging to me.prayers please.

I will certainly be praying for your grandson's goldfish. God is concerned about every thing in our lives.
Have a blessed week.
Sue

Granny Marigold said...

I've tried using an exercise bike but found it too boring. I like walking so I most often start my day with a 45 minute walk. During gardening season I get exercise that way too.
I do hope your grandson's goldfish gets better.

Deborah Montgomery said...

Your faithfulness in taking care of the new knee has paid off. I am with you in finding exercise hard. I've been wondering if I work really hard around the house for an hour a day, vacuuming, mopping, etc. and working up a sweat (which I do) counts? It's so boring to exercise, and at least this way I kill two birds with one stone! Anyway, it's so important to take care of these earthly temples God has given us. I'm afraid I've neglected mine, or taken it for granted too often.
Your walks with Donatella sound delightful. And yes, every creature, even the littlest goldfish, is important. xo

Margie said...

So glad to hear about the great outcome from your knee replacement.

I also dislike exercise and need to be more physically active. I'm not a gym person so walking is my main form of exercise.

Jill said...

Beautiful phots and I'm happy to hear your knee is healing so well! I feel the same about exercise, it is so important for us and makes all the difference in keeping us healthy and strong! Hope you are having a wonderful week!

Blessings,
Jill

Kerin said...

Happy post-surgery anniversary!
Amazing that a year has passed by, and I know that you have been very faithful in doing your P.T, and doing your part to heal well.

Yep. Exercise is important!
It sure helps our hinges not rust up .. *smile*.

{{hugs}}
~K.

Brenda said...

Hi Debbie,
What beautiful pics, I have daisies just like those you have shown , in my back garden - I have always been a garden lover.
I am so glad you are recovering well from your knee op. My sister had one and her knee is in perfect shape now. I am a firm believer in exercise, and very much in prayer and the power of God. I pray that one hundred percent of God's strength will come into your body. When we are weak then He is strong.
God bless you Debbie.

Tanza Erlambang said...

It is true that we need exercises every day...

Hope, everything goes well with your knee...

God bless you

Regina said...

Wow it's hard to believe it's been a year already! I'm glad to know your knee is healed well. I agree with you about exercise. I need to get out and walk more. If I can't walk because of weather then I need to use our exercise bike or do a YouTube exercise video. Have a blessed day!

Conniecrafter said...

So wonderful that you were able to heal so well over this passed year and to be able to walk better now among the beautiful flowers! Yes the kids are all getting ready to go back to school here so the feeling that summer is over is coming to an end even though the weather doesn't show it, still very HOT here. I do make excuses why I can't get out in walk in the heat but I don't have an excuse not to work out here at home, thanks for the encouragement!

hobbyloes said...

Already a year ago? I'm glad it's so good with your knee, Debbie. Walking and cycling is very good for it. Praise God !!

Carla from The River said...

Hello Friend,
August is my favorite month too. I like August because of all the fresh produce that is ready to eat.. sweet corn, green beans, cucumbers and more.
Sending prayers for the goldfish.
Love, Carla

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Oh yes, I do believe in the power of prayer for our pets, God hears and answers! Praying for Senor Pez Dorado!

I enjoyed your thoughts, and especially about the beautiful weather you've been having too. Our summer here has been amazing, but now the smoke has rolled in with all the wildfires that are burning. We are to get some rain this weekend, hoping that will end all the haze we're getting!

As you know, I love to walk. I am not into "exercise" per se, such as workouts, but I enjoy walking, as it is exercise not just for my body, but for my soul. I spend the time as I walk just talking to the Lord, and the good it has done for me both physically and spiritually is amazing. My husband has seen the results, and now walks faithfully 2 miles with me every evening. He has lost weight also! I am blessed to live on a gravel road, with not much traffic, and lots of hills, valleys and scenic views. I know not everyone has that available. But I am such a huge believer in walking, it has truly made a difference in our lives.

Enjoyed your post today! Sweet blessings to you :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Debbie, I'm so glad your knee is doing well and that you are exercising it daily. What you said about exercising in the morning is very wise. That's when I do it; otherwise, the day is taken up with other things and it doesn't get done. I hadn't thought before how this could "create negative feelings toward ourselves, and that is an energy drain." That makes sense.

Roosterhead Designs said...

Dear Debbie, It is so nice to hear you are doing well; Keep on doing what you're doing! : ) Thank you for sharing the lovely photo's beautiful advice, and blessed scriptures~ Hugs, karen o

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I’m so happy that you’re doing so well, Debbie. Yes, we must keep exercising our bodies physically and our minds, spiritually. I do my exercises in the morning, but prayers are throughout the day. I will pray for the dear Senor Pez Dorado, and I always keep Stephanie and Travor close in prayer, too. Love and blessings.....

Donna Ellis said...

What lovely news to hear about the success of your knee surgery, Debbie, and that you are progressing so well. I know your stationary bike will "take you" on many an adventure. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos! The end of summer here is usually in November these days, so I envy knowing that you will soon enjoy a new season! (smile). Thank you for following my blog. I am now your newest follower, too! hugs, de

shayndel said...

Great post. I love this topic and your collection of scriptures to go with it!! Praise God for your healing of your knee!
Blessings and a joy-filled day to you!

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Debbie it is so good to visit your blog this morning. Your pictures are lovely as always. When you mentioned October as a month of no color - it is opposite for us here in Ohio - our most colorful month generally is October.
Ah exercise - yes it is a necessary thing to keep us fit...good idea to do it first thing in the day :)! Hope you have a blessed week friend. Hugs!

My Tata's Cottage said...

Debbie, you are a joy in my life! I will send you a personal message too. But I had to thank you for my sweet package that arrived today. Your kindness overwhelms me.
I loved reading your post. Everything seems to fit together like a piece of a puzzle.
What day is your hubby's birthday? We celebrated Jeremy on the 9th and our son-in-law Zach on the 13th. Nick is our 20th birthday boy. Lots of other phamily birthdays and anniversaries too.
Thank you for your kindness at this difficult time. Your gift was so joyful.
LOVE and HUGs

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Such lovely wildflowers! I know you are enjoying them on your walks! Especially if summer is coming to a close soon...enjoy every minute while you can. We will still have "summer" weather here until mid-late October probably, and then it starts to cool down more. But then our fall lasts all winter! Yes, exercise for the body is so important, as well as exercise for the soul and heart and mind. We are complex individuals, and we need to be sure to take care of every part as the "temple of the Holy Spirit"...Thank you for these good reminders. So happy you are doing so well a year later. That is something to praise God about for sure. Thank you for visiting me at my "new house" story today. Always a joy to hear from you. God bless you and keep doing what you are doing!!!

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