14-338

Mile 956.  Tortoise enjoyed the Christmas lights in La Verkin's Zion View Estates neighborhood while walking. 2.54 miles this evening. 90 feet were climbed in 1.27 miles along the way, for a 5.4 tortoise rating on the uphill portion of this walk.  The rest of the path was flat or downhill.  Lou burned 372 calories in 43;51 minutes doing this.

Please click below for a map, another picture, and today's walking thought by Thomas S. Monson ...  

Cheerio! 

Create Maps or Search for a route from millions at MapMyFitness

2014 Stats:

956.95 miles walked, which is 95.60% of my 2014 goal.

301:32:38 hours walked, which is 96.34% of my 2014 goal

46,816 total feet climbed 

151,607 calories burned
92.65% of the year has passed

I've walked 64 consecutive non-Sundays since my last missed day on September 20, and overall have walked on 277 of the 290 non-Sundays thus far in 2014, a 95.52% consistency rating.

The purpose of the percentages is to have a higher percentage of distance and time walked than of the year. This tells Tortoise that he is on track. Yes, this is more numbers than you are likely interested in, all Tortoise can say is he's really good at setting high goals and having them slip away because he doesn't do them every, every day.

And now for today's walking thought, originally presented in October 1993:

"Illness is not the only culprit that intrudes and alters our lives. In our hectic and fast-moving world, accidents can in an instant inflict pain, destroy happiness, and curtail our future. Such was the experience of young Robert Hendricks. Healthy and carefree three years ago, a sudden, three-car accident left him with brain damage, limited use of his limbs, and impaired speech. Summoned to his side by his mother, who pleaded her despair, I gazed at his almost-lifeless form as he lay on the white hospital bed in the critical care unit. Life supports functioning, his head swathed in bandages, his future was not only in doubt, but death appeared certain.

"The hoped-for miracle, however, did occur. Heavenly help was forthcoming. Robert lived. His recovery has been labored and slow—but steady. A devoted friend, who was bishop at the time of the accident, has cared for Robert each week, getting him ready and driving him to his Sunday Church meetings—always patient, ever faithful.

"One day Robert’s former bishop brought him to my office, since Robert wanted to meet with me, not having remembered that I saw him that night of crisis in the hospital. He and the dedicated bishop sat down, and Robert “talked” with me through a small electronic machine on which he spelled out his thoughts and they were then printed on strips of paper. He spelled out on the machine the love he has for his mother, his thanks for helping hands and willing hearts which have aided him, and his gratitudeto a kind and caring Heavenly Father who has sustained him through his prayers. Here are some of his less private and personal messages: “I’m coming along pretty good, considering what I’ve been through.” Another: “I know that I will be able to help people and make some difference in people’s lives, and that’s great.” Another: “I don’t really know just how fortunate I am, but in my prayers I am told to just keep pushing on.”

To watch, listen to, or read this address in full, please visit https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1993/10/meeting-lifes-challenges?lang=eng #ShareGoodness

The tortoise is smiling!