This Is Not Funny

Every now and again I am going to write without the intention of making my readers laugh. This is just such an occasion.

When I first started the No Worries blog I tried to write nearly everyday. It was a bit of a challenge coming up with different topics to cover on a daily basis, but one that I enjoyed none-the-less. In fact, it was this exercise in creativity that led to trying my hand at humorous compositions. Now, as I am not able to post as frequently, I find the situation to be just the opposite. My head is swimming with different subjects upon which to scrawl. Should I address the kids newest accomplishments and activities? Or do I bang out a page or two on Robin's wonderful work at our church? Either one would provide fantastic fodder for your enjoyment I'm sure. However, neither one would provide any insight as to why I have not been posting day to day. The real reason as you may surmise, is my foray into higher education. It stands to reason I give you a look into my life at Eureka College. There is a time and place for everything, and it's called...

Which is exactly why I am going to tell you all about the Health and Wellness group at Eureka Christian Church.

Right before I started school in August of 2011 I decided I wanted to do something to be more than just a butt in the pew. The church does a great job of keeping our mind and soul in good shape, but what of our bodies? Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Now there is something I know a bit about. I can help the church get in shape!

The first attempt was a walking and running group. We met on Saturday mornings, broke into two groups, runners and walkers, and got out had a nice little workout. The group was well received and well attended, but as I mentioned, we started just prior to school starting. Once class began every other Saturday was out for me and the group kind of lost traction. I did not, however, give up on the concept. Which brings us to October of 2012.

I decided to give the group an other try, but this time I repackaged the concept. This time around I called it a Health and Wellness group with the mission of giving the church members, and the community at large, a taste of different fitness options available to them. My plan was to bring in different fitness experts from the community and have them lead a 4 - 6 week session in their field. They would do so on a volunteer basis, and we would take a free will donation which would go to keeping the lights and heat on at the church & fund local charity programs like our food pantry.

To start I approached a friend and local yoga instructor, Peg Toliver, and asked if she would be interested in teaching a beginners yoga class. She was thrilled with the idea and came on board. With the first session planned I decided to plow forward and let the rest work itself out as we went.

We were set to meet on the first Monday of November, and run until the week before Christmas. The first evening I was cautiously optimistic, hoping we would have 15-18 people attend. We had 33! The yoga portion of the program was a huge success and even provided some new students for Peg in her regular class. Now the pressure was on to keep this thing going.

I put out a suggestion box and requested the group members to let me know what they wanted. As they say, give the people what they want. The suggestions came in and now I was faced with the task of finding additional instructors to donate their time and show off their programs. To buy myself some time I decided to tap myself.

I am currently leading a class in simple body weight exercises. This session has not been as well as attended as the yoga, but attendance is still holding in the double digits, and people seem to be enjoying it.

While this is going on I have reached out to a local man who teaches Zumba, which was one of the most requested items in my suggestion box. Like Peg, he was impressed with the idea and more than happy to give his time to the cause. I am aiming for a session starting with him in March.

So, there you have it. This, and many other goings on are why I have been neglecting the pages of No Worries. I think it has been time well spent. How about you?

Cheers!