UNDERBELLY

 Hero led me to today's topic.  When Hero first came to live with me, he had a back injury, so I was very careful with him and did not play with him much.  After he healed (to a point-once you injure your back it is forever weakened to a degree --personal lesson),  we began to play some, but he especially enjoyed a good belly rub.  BUT he was very reluctant to allow me to put him on his back and rub that belly.  Our belly is a vulnerable spot and unless you have conditioned it---there is a reason it is called our soft underbelly.  NOW--God gave us a magnificent set of muscles to protect ourselves in this soft spot of our anatomy--the abdominal muscles.  The one set of muscles it is not only fine to exercise every day--but it is advisable.  Most muscles need a day of recovery between exercise, not so with the abs.  In fact---considering the fact those muscles help us stay upright and walking on two feet instead of four---they are truly an amazing creation.  

If you have back problems, one of the prescribed treatments is to strengthen the abs to take the pressure off the back.  STOP and think about it---our mid sections---back and bellies are responsible for keeping us upright when we have gravity doing its best to push us down.  The same force that can cause apples to fall from trees and great building to collapse in a heap of dust is pushing on us---day in--day out.  It is a miracle of creation that we learn to stay upright and walk around on two feet.  Without those abdominal  muscles to keep the starch in our back, we would be forever on our hands and knees.  God KNEW we would require these muscles to keep us upright--and He provided.  What a marvelous creation we are and what a magnificent Creator who came up with a plan to put us on two feet.  Think about that today as you walk through your day---think about it and praise Him for His provision. 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well. 

My frame was not hidden from You,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth."

Psalm 139: 14-15