Spiritual Wellness
"Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world was not formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them."
You may think that your spiritual and physical health are two completely separate parts of your life, but in reality, they affect each other more than you know. Dealing with spiritual struggles can make it difficult for you to find the drive, encouragement, and motivation to take up an exercise routine, while physical inactivity and sluggishness can drain you of spiritual energy. If you want to take up exercising, then keep in mind this quote by Lee Haney:
"Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world was not formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them."
One of the first small goals that you can set for yourself is deciding to buy a new pair of running shoes. But when you first start shopping for a new pair of athletic shoes, you may feel overwhelmed by the selection. Being greeted in-store by walls full of shoes or online by pages upon pages can make you wonder if you will ever find the right pair. It may also give you the false impression that your options are endless. Out of the plethora of options, though, you should be able to find a few that meet your unique needs.
Whether using them for walking, jogging, or working out, choosing the right athletic shoes is essential to maintaining good foot health. Choosing the wrong pair can cause foot pain, discouragement, and health complications such as fallen arches, athlete's foot, blisters, bunions, hammertoes, or calluses. What goes into selecting the correct pair, then? How can you be sure to purchase the right footwear? What running shoes are best for you?
When purchasing athletic footwear, there are common mistakes many people make. For instance, purchasing the wrong shoe size. Shoes that are too small will affect comfort, cushioning, and air circulation. Shoes that are too big, on the other hand, will not provided the support necessary and will allow excessive rubbing.
Whenever purchasing athletic shoes, then, make sure you know the measurements of your feet. If you do not know, visit a local shoe store to have your feet measured. The best time to do so is late afternoon, as your foot size can change throughout the day. Remember, too, that sizes can vary from pair to pair. Size eight in one brand may not be size eight in another. The shoes' stitching, padding, height, and shape can also affect sizing.
Your shoes should be snug but still provide some wiggle room. They should be comfortable, but not restrictive. Take plenty of time to experiment with different shoes before settling on a pair, taking advantage of return policies as necessary.
Another mistake people make is buying shoes that look good but do not necessarily fit right. Fashion is certainly an important factor--you should be pleased with their appearance--but it is secondary to the fit and functionality of the shoes.
The intended use of your shoes also plays an important role. Will you be wearing them exclusively in a gym? Are they for running or jogging? Or will they only be for casual use? Also, what terrain do you expect to use them on? Shoes intended for pavement will have different features than shoes intended for rough terrain or indoor use. The intended use will affect variables such as ankle support, cushioning, treading, and weight. If they will be worn in a professional environment, appearance becomes an increasingly important factor, too. Customer service should be able to help you weight your particular requirements.
If you are in the market for a new pair of athletic shoes, do not be discouraged. With a little guidance, experimentation, and perseverance, you can find the shoes that are right for you.
Spiritual Prayer
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.