Happy Life

"Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy." Deuteronomy 5:33

Ever heard the saying, it's not the years in your life that count but the life in your years? The older a person gets, I think the more they realize this to be true. What good is living longer if you're not healthy or happy enough to enjoy it? Did you know that running (and walking) can not only help you live longer but can make you happier too? In a recent article in Runners World, the findings were this:

Running makes you happier. 

If you’ve been working out regularly, you’ve already discovered it: No matter how good or bad you feel at any given moment, exercise will make you feel better. And it goes beyond just the “runner’s high”—that rush of feel-good hormones known as endocannabinoids. In a 2006 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers found that even a single bout of exercise—30 minutes of walking on a treadmill—could instantly lift the mood of someone suffering from a major depressive order. In a May 2013 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise in which rats and mice got antidepressant-like effects from running on a wheel, researchers concluded that physical activity was an effective alternative to treating depression.

Running adds years to your life. 

Even if you meet just the minimum of amount of physical activity—(30 minutes, 5 times per week), you’ll live longer. Studies show that when different types of people started exercising, they lived longer. Smokers added 4.1 years to their lives; nonsmokers gained 3 years. Even if you’re still smoking, you’ll get 2.6 more years. Cancer survivors extended their lives by 5.3 years. Those with heart disease gained 4.3 years. http://www.runnersworld.com/health/6-ways-running-improves-your-health?page=single

Exercise may add years to your life but you don't have to be a runner to add life to your years. The simple exercise of walking with Christ daily will do that. "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11. In His presence, there is fullness of joy!!! Walking with Him on the path of life then is the key to a life lived to the fullest with no regrets. Seems easy enough to me... what are you waiting for then? Follow Christ and start living. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the ability to get up and move. Whether we have the strength to walk around the block or run a race, let us always remember that our power to do anything comes only from You.  I pray that we make whatever time we have left count, purposefully living each day to walk with You, serve You and bless others through You. May we make the most of even the least of things we have been given. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

L'Chaim in Hebrew is a toast meaning "to life". Great song to add to your running playlist.

Life - Beckah Shae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8EpFKN1q6Q