July 26, 2023

GOLF: A SPORT FOR ALL AGES

 


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BY LINDA WOOD RONDEAU

Today, the hubs and I went out to play nine holes of golf. Although I only play once a week, the hubs plays eighteen holes most Mondays and during the summer an additional nine holes on Fridays with the Christian Golf League. 

Wednesday is our date day

and when the weather cooperates

 we choose golf. 

I know playing only nine holes has significant health benefits for me. More so for my husband since he plays more often. Until two years ago, I was able to play a full eighteen holes but suffered from uncontrolled asthma that significantly curtailed my physical activity. So for now, I'm grateful to get nine in once a week.

I’m happy to say that with good medical help, I have slowly mended and am still mending. My golf game is improving each time I hit the links. I look forward to stretching my game to eighteen holes again.

I wondered if there was any research as to the health benefits for seniors. I came across this article:

https://mylifesite.net/blog/post/fore-why-sports-like-golf-might-prolong-seniors-lives/

Several aspects related to the benefits of golf for seniors came to light.

1.      Just playing once a month significantly lowers an older adult’s risk of premature death.

2.      Golf is not only a low-impact physical activity but has the added benefit of socialization. Friendly competition stimulates the brain.

3.      Golf requires focus and concentration which also stimulates brain function.

4.      The sport can be easily modified for different levels of physical ability. After my knee replacement, I was permitted to drive the golf cart closer to the green, thus allowing me to play more often without causing undue stress on my surgical knee.  I saw a player today with an amputated arm make some incredible putts. 

5.      Because golf is an outdoor sport, the fresh air and sunshine give many benefits. Better brain function, better sleep, reduced stress for quicker healing, and a healthier immune system.

How to enjoy the game more:

1.      Don’t take the game too seriously, and enjoy the company you’re with. I’m grateful to spend time with the man I love. He’s a much better golfer than I am, but he doesn’t gloat or try to give me lessons during play.

2.      While a little competition is fun … make it fair. That’s what handicaps are for!

3.      Be polite. The golden rule applies to golf and to all areas of life. Let the faster players play through. You won’t feel so rushed if a group has to keep waiting for you while you are looking for lost balls.

If you’ve never golfed, it’s never too late to learn. And it doesn't matter if you have a physical or mental handicap. Take a few lessons. You’ll be glad you did.

Linda Wood Rondeau is an award-winning author and speaker. She lives in Hagerstown, Maryland with her husband Steve. 

 

 

October 2, 2019

REFLECTIONS ON MOTHERHOOD

By
 Marianne Wood

Richard and Marianne Wood

Sent to me by my wonderful sister-in-law. I was so touched, I asked if I could share this on my blog today.  Reprinted by permission

As I was reflecting on motherhood this morning, a precious memory came to mind.

It had been a hectic day with our four children then ages 4-9 at home and underfoot.  I was standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes when I turned to see the youngest open the refrigerator door and begin to tip a bowl to see the contents. My frantic, “Don’t,” was too late as unsettled Jello poured all over Michelle, the refrigerator and the floor.

As analytical Michael came running in to assess the situation, I grabbed hold of the front of the sink and audibly prayed, “Lord, help me bring these children up!”

Michael asked, “What do you mean?”

Before I could even think about explaining to a six-year-old what it means to bring children up, he proudly piped up “Oh, I know. You mean to bring us up to heaven.”

 Wow! That is exactly what motherhood is all about–raising our children in a way that one day leads them to heaven!

 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children (grandchildren and great-grandchildren) are walking in the truth.”  3 John verse 4 (NKJV)

ABOUT MARIANNE WOOD
A pastor’s wife for nearly fifty years, Marianne is the mother of four children. Blessed with a passel of grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Marianne’s greatest joy in life is her family.

ABOUT I PRAYED FOR PATIENCE GOD GAVE ME CHILDREN BY LINDA WOOD RONDEAU


God indeed has a sense of humor. He chose children to teach us, too-smart adults, what being his child means, the very special relationship the believer enjoys with our Heavenly Father. We adults experience the same chaos, misadventure, and heartaches as our charges. Through a child’s example, we learn how God nurtures us with his infinitesimal patience. This easy to read, often hilarious narrative, uses cartoons, witticisms, anecdotes, quotes, and Scripture study to bring home these truths. A veteran social worker, Rondeau draws upon her many experiences in working with families as well as her personal experiences as a mom. You will want to keep this book close at hand for those moments of weakness and pass the story along to your friends.
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GOLF: A SPORT FOR ALL AGES

  will-porada-uy5ZEqUOscs-unsplash BY LINDA WOOD RONDEAU Today, the hubs and I went out to play nine holes of golf. Although I only play onc...