by

Rebecca Somoskey

Listen up all you Couch Potatoes and Computer Game Gurus! You’re sitting there doing what you love to do best and that can be good. On the other hand, it can be disastrous to your health. (And I do mean dying.) Especially if you enjoy to-o-o-o much of a good thing.

"Whoa!" you’re going to say. "Not another one of those exercise freaks. Give me a break."

But what if I tell you about an awesome way you can get those hearts to pumping and have some super fun doing it. Would you be interested? Then read on.

First, a short little lesson on how we function. Just as God is three parts: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so we are three parts: Spirit, soul and body. And just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit cannot function apart from one another, so our spirits, souls and bodies can’t function apart from each other.

Questions: When you are down with a cold or flu, can you do as well playing Noah’s Ark on the computer? Not likely. When you’ve just had an argument with your sweetheart or your parents, can you go to church and worship God with joy? Nope. When you’ve been ignoring Jesus for a while, do you feel good about your life? Nada! (That’s Spanish for "no".) All three have gotta work together. Our bodies must stay healthy so we can be a beautiful temple for God’s Spirit to dwell in, and to keep our emotions under His control.

That’s what this is all about. So, lets get going. On to the fun part.

Everybody likes music. Right? Right! So pick your favorite CD and pop it into your CD player. Your favorite might be Steven Curtis Chapman, Audio Adrenaline, The Hoppers, The Isaacs or a favorite praise and worship recording. Whatever you enjoy hearing. get it going pronto. (That’s Spanish for "in a hurry".)

But don’t just sit there. Go get Mom, Dad, and your annoying siblings. Even the dog, if he will come. If you’re going to have to sweat, so should they. Tell them you want them to be part of an experiment. When everyone is present explain that your family is no longer going to be lazy bones, couch potatoes or computer addicts, but healthy believers. Ask them to join you as you move to the music. Then have a blast as you feed your soul and nourish your body through some good, blood pumping exercise.

SOME TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED AND KEEP YOU GOING

1. Agree on your music. If some like bluegrass, while others like contemporary gospel, take turns. You might learn to like music you never really appreciated before.

2. Decide on a time when as many of the family members as possible can be present. If no one else wants to participate do it alone. When party poopers see what fun you’re having they might decide to join you.

3. Plan your moves. You use this as a time to dance before the Lord. Be a band major or majorette and march in place and move your arms to the music. Pretend you are running in a marathon and run in place and swing your arms. Be a cross country skier and move your arms and legs accordingly. Do calisthenics. Use your imagination and create your own original moves. Let everyone choose their own style. Whatever way you decide to move, offer this time as a gift of obedience to the Lord.

4. Begin with 10-15 minute sessions, then add a little each time until you can move to the whole CD. Repeat no less than three times a week. More is even better !! Remember, if you have any health problems consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

5. Have fun. (ABSOLUTELY NO RIDICULING IS ALLOWED.)