The Weight Vest

I have osteoporosis in my family and I would like to avoid this malady. Unfortunately my long and tall physique with thin bones combine to make me the perfect candidate. Medications are out of the question, my choice, but I also dislike lifting weights. I eat a healthy diet packing in a bundle of veggies and fruits every day. But a vegan lifestyle might be "light" on what is necessary for strong bones. A dilemma, until a recent discussion with my oldest son produced a solution. Since I do enjoy walking, even with bone spurs in my feet, he suggested I look into walking with a weight vest. Studies have proven in order to strengthen bones there has to be some kind of resistance. After a search on the internet we came up with a weight vest especially created for women. This is the website if any of you are interested http://ironwearfitness.com/wospveahebrm.html

I now walk several mornings a week, from 30-60 minutes at a time, wearing this vest carrying an additional 8 pounds. My goal is to add 12 extra pounds-10% of my body weight. Today, I realized the vest not only is a benefit for building bone strength but serves other purposes as well: it helps me focus on balance, and a longer than normal gait, which is often a problem for Parkinson patients. In addition I am working my voice muscles as I sing with the praise music, probably a pain for those in earshot!

My vest is quit snug and while wearing it I have a sense of security and purpose-like what I am doing will improve the condition of my body and hopefully prevent broken bones in the future.

In the spiritual world I could compare this to being "yoked" to Jesus. Jesus says in Matthew 11:29-30
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yolk is easy and my burden is light."
A yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs. 
Being yoked to Christ I know "we", Jesus and I, are pulling together in life. That knowledge gives me a sense of security, guidance, comfort, support, strength and most importantly close and intimate fellowship with my best friend and my redeemer.
Consider being yoked to Jesus. It is the ONLY way to live life!