- Oct 30, 2015
There is a real health need for better communications these days with those we love and care about. Making time for or finding better ways of relating closely with each-other can pick us up to a new level. We will find it enriching and rewarding.
Many are living separately in their houses (so to speak) almost estranged from each-other and many friends can't remember when they last caught up with each other - things are going at such a pace, but that's when we need to stop, take a look at things and decide how we can make improvements because after-all, we are made for relationships firstly, to experience life. See if this helps you.
A very good friend phoned me yesterday and I did not enjoy the quality of conversation I look forward to with her. She had been stressed through the week and I was very tired from late nights working on my websites to inspire her like I usually would have. I missed our usual input because we enjoy a good conversation – it felt like she had not phoned yet and it's another two weeks until we get together again.
Often, that's the way it is at home with family and also with friends because we do not get to communicate closely on a real level and something is missing. It's usually due to the rush and bustle of modern day living and many of us have not learned to do this in our upbringing – traditions carry on whatever they've been. Our family lacked this and did not know the art of listening to each other. However we have in recent years. We've been working at our communications and now they are going nicely.
It's a day when TV and computers get in the way and we don't think of much to say, much less have a meaningful or close conversation. Believe me, this makes for stress and we would fret less if we take some time to have these conversations. So many reserve their words for every day problems and getting things off their chest. Even friends these days, spend a lot of time discussing their problems instead of enjoying a visit. They will sit down talking about stressful situations or the world around them.
You know, we could do something we enjoy together, go for a walk in the park, chit chat while making a meal or snack together? And this is good for families as well.
These days, parents will be out in public somewhere with their kids and technology rules_ the kids are texting friends over their cell phones while having a meal out. Friends dining out are up to the same thing when they meet together, just different kind of messages. Many people don't know what it is anymore to go out and enjoy a meal on their own quietly, savoring their food. Even diners and restaurants have added to this by putting radios and TVs where we go to enjoy a meal. What's wrong with a good healthy conversation? Do we need background noise in the name of entertainment to be comfortable in conversation? I say NO! What's wrong with us and the restaurant for putting up with and providing this mass distraction? You can't even go to restrooms in public anymore without this phenonema in many shopping centers. Honestly, things have become so depersonalized these days_ the family unit investing little time together, friends sharing stress hoping to suffer less, expectations that are placed on us when we go out and the unruly influence of media. Is'nt that right? Many of us can relate to that......hey?
So we need to set the standards_ make a few and keep them. Return to the good old fashion ways where possible. That means to improve on communications and the time we give to this......making our family and friends time more meaningful in closer ways.We were created for close communications and to Enjoy each other. When this need is not met we're half empty on the inside.....we try to fill this space with material things, achievements and all manner of things to try and satisfy that unmet need. And why don't we make some space for God our Creator? He is wonderful Father and friend to have.... honestly, He fills a spot in our hearts that no-one on this earth can fill. You can sense His presence 24/7
Many people don't know what it is to have true family outings these days, and teenagers seek to compensate for this by living it up on fun things (whatever they perceive to be fun). So often, when young people go out it's packed with sensation and lacks reality. Mind you, TV and modern living have a lot to do with this – I'm sure you agree – and leaves a lot to be desired. When is the last time you sat around the table enjoying a nice meal together and how many times a week do you do this?
Honestly friends, everything's out to get your attention these days! Say NO to it and start to LIVE. Then life gets sweeter, it really does. You can feel once more – maybe the first time – that Life's worth Living!
Would you like to share what you do to to protect our family interest or something you have benefited from this article? What comments would you like to make? Have your say!
This article is taken from my Natural Health Blog
you should go there and gain some helpful insights.
- Oct 30, 2015
Taken from a Special Feature Page on my natural health website concerning ALL the Benefits of Laughter -
I call this phenomena revealed by Heart Specialists, Neuroscientists, Psychologists and Various Physicians (collectively) the CHEMISTRY OF LAUGHTER. I've gleaned the following Information from various sources of research.
LAUGHTER IS GOOD for your MORALE and also your IMMUNE SYSTEM.........It Releases Endorphins in your body that are "Feel Good Chemicals" It can be a sure weapon against stress and if practiced regularly - as part of your Lifestyle - it can help to prevent and sometimes relieve Stress Related Illnesses.
Laughter Clears your Emotions and helps to Sharpen your Mental Faculties. Laughter is fun and it’s good for you. It makes others feel good. It provides physical, emotional, and psychological benefits.
Scientific Research reveals that LAUGHTER strengthens our cardiovascular functions; reduces stress hormones; improves circulation_ benefiting those with high blood pressure; has a boosting effect on the function of immune cells; releases endorphins_ a feel good chemical that sometimes helps to lower pain levels; it oxygenates our body via the respiratory system_ this is very good for us; it also enhances our bio-chemistry!
Laughter benefits our brain in quite unique ways. Also improves alertness, creativity and memory! Not to mention, it gives your muscle flexes a good work out. Some people who develop a lifestyle of laughter have found an improvement in metabolism. Who would have thought of it, that laughter could benefit us in so many ways....hey?
A good laugh, hearty laugh, hilarious laugh, outrageous laughter, trickles of laughter, smiles and laughter, bubbly laughter! Employ them ALL....why not?
It's good to engage in things that make us laugh....to look at the funny side of life if we can.....have a laugh at ourselves rather than to take things too seriously. there are even laughter clinics available in some countries.
Laughter relaxes our whole body...and effects from it can last up to 45 minutes!
Laughter is a natural stress buster better than medications and good for your brain! Adopt it as part of an Anti-Stress Lifestyle in addition to some good healthy exercise.....see it makes a difference!
LAUGHTER ALSO MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF AND STRENGTHENS YOUR HEART_ EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY....
IT ALWAYS BRINGS ME SUNSHINE WHEN VISITORS ENJOY MY INSPIRATIONAL PAGES!
As laughter, humor, and play become an integrated part of your life, your creativity will flourish and new discoveries for playing with friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and loved ones will occur to you daily. Humor takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, creative, joyful, and balanced perspective. Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun. Laughter is a natural part of my lifestyle in recent years and I can vouch for it's merits! Some Anti-stress toys, fun ornaments, pictures and posters would be great for the above mentioned. My mother actually has an irresistible painting of a clown on her bedroom wall that makes her laugh and smile.............so it does work!
Why not invest today?
Someone said "Who makes you laugh? Who do you make laugh?
It’s like sharing vitamins"
Laughter operates on at least three different levels. They are the biophysical, the biochemical, and the bio-energetic levels.
When we laugh, beneficial changes occur in our brain and our body.
Given the body-mind connection, the very act of laughter has, it can bring about changes in body chemistry to our advantage.
A daily practice of laughter can improve one's perspective on life, self-esteem and coping skills.
Even the skin can benefit from regular laughter because the capillaries become filled with blood which then feeds the skin with an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Laughter is a natural relaxant, releasing unhealthy attitudes, muscle stress and tension.
It also releases endorphins that are natural mood lifters.
Laughter benefits our brain in quite unique ways. Also improves alertness, creativity and memory__ not to mention, it gives your muscle flexes a good work out.
Some people who develop a lifestyle of laughter have found an improvement in metabolism.
"Laughter is a simple exercise that brings you relaxation" JV
"Laughter displaces negative energy with positive energy" JV
"Laughter brings Sunshine time after time and often brings your thoughts into line" JV
"Laughter is Anti-Aging, seek ways of Engaging....it's better than a frown!" JV
______________________
Laughter can be a great way of exercising many of the muscles of the body. Research
shows it's possible for almost all our muscles to be activated during laughter.
Laughing instantly reduces the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol that puts
on weight and adrenaline that should not be over-spent (as it can lead to fatigue)
Having a good laugh prior to sleep can lessen stress and anxiety and facilitate deep
restful sleep.
Laughter also provides a mild aerobic workout that energizes you during the day and helps you to sleep better at night. You can top these aerobic benefits up with Deep Breathing (abdominal).
Both Laughter and Deep Breathing also benefit our metabolism because of the extra oxygen.
Laughter can provide a pleasant distraction from things that cause stress, anxiety and anger.
Laughter relaxes our whole body...and effects from it can last up to 45 minutes!
Even if you don’t feel happy at the moment, just the physical act of laughing increases serotonin and dopamine levels, that are happy-chemicals in our brain. It also benefits your circulation.
Laughter is a natural stress buster, better than medications and good for your brain! Adopt it as part of an Anti-Stress Lifestyle in addition to some good healthy exercise..... see it makes a difference!
Negativity cannot reign in a home filled with laughter.
Let your heart and your home be filled with it now,
not just in the here-after.
LAUGHTER ALSO MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF AND STRENGTHENS YOUR HEART_ EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY....
Sunny Disposition
Focus on things glad instead of sad.
This will help you immensely
don't think so intensely!
JV©
You will also find a really cool MP3 of a Kookaburra laughing!
- Oct 29, 2015
Thoughts from Ephesians 4 To inspire, strengthen and settle you in your daily walk with family and believers. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged and come up to a new level in your walk with The Lord and others around you. Grace to you! Each morning, let it be a conscious decision to walk this way through the day. Not many days ago I met with a challenge myself on walking in love as I like to do. Two friends spoke out of character in relation to my writings and became very pushy (without restraint) in what they thought I should and should not do. Neither one of them knows much at all about what I do and other friends are strongly in favor. This was followed by a misunderstanding with a close family member and I could not give understanding that was rightfully hers. It would seem that the opposite way around would be in order. I just had one of the loveliest phone calls with her today after writing these verses of scripture I have been reading and reflecting on from Ephesians 4:1-4. The richness and quality of conversation we had was possible because of the compassion we had one for the other. We love verses like the following.
I have paraphrased them for you with the inspiration the Holy Spirit has been giving me. 1. I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. NIV 1. Yes, walk in a manner worthy of this calling. NASB 2. With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love ESV Let the manner in which you walk be consistent – not humble one day and proud the next; not quick to be offended or impatient but seek to be tolerant and build each-other up. 2. With all lowliness and meekness KJV accepting one another in love HCSB Jesus was lowly and meek in temperament – seek to be like Him and show acceptance like He would in everyday situations that you encounter. 3. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV In patience, live in unity with each-other. Let Peace be your standard. 3. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. KJV Yes, each of us were called into this Bond of Peace in Christ, we need to remember that and perpetuate it - purpose to live in this Peace. Look after it each one of you. 3. Be eager to maintain it ESV diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us HCSB Let this vision be something you embrace even with eagerness, showing yourself to be diligent (to God and to man) appreciating others around you - strengthening and inspiring each-other. 3. Yes, it’s unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and we should seek to preserve it. JV We do these things in the strength of the Spirit – it cannot be lived out in our own strength because it would be sure to fail us in given situations. But through the enabling of the gracious Holy Spirit, we can live in harmony with each-other making the vocation of our calling a pleasant pursuit, attracting others around us from darkness to light. This is precious in His sight. 4. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling (in Christ Jesus) NASB Such is the Hope of our calling – it is possible to live this way. We are one Body, one Family, called by the same Holy Spirit – through all and in all. Humility and gentleness, with patience. There does not seem to be enough of these in the life of some Christians. There's so much spiritual pride.........and even sharp words, often accompanied by impatience. My brothers and sisters, the world is like that. We did not learn those things from Jesus or Paul or Peter or John. Let us get a true picture of ourselves and compare it with Jesus......what do we find? We do this best by looking into His Word like a mirror. When we do this, it will show us if things are not quite right (like a mirror does) and if you read prayerfully in His presence, scriptures like these will bring you new-found desires to be more like Him - it will make you feel so good and whole within. We see the words acceptance and tolerance here. So often in life we can clash (inwardly or outwardly) over our point of view - failing to see the view of a family member or Christian friend; not making room for theirs as well; feeling that ours is more important or correct. There are a few things to consider here: God made us all different and gave us an ability to have an opinion; it is nice for each one to express them when it is appropriate to do so - in conversation this is fair exchange; often one will see the sun is close and warm while the other sees it as yellow and far away. Both have a sense of correctness and a point of interest. By insisting on our opinion and failing to listen closely, we are showing the other person their words are not valued. In a sense of speaking, we could be rejecting part of that person's thought patterns; the way they express themselves and maybe even their value system (we all have one). That's being thoughtless, unkind and inconsiderate. It shows selfishness and a lack of maturity on our part. WE NEED TO BE GOOD LISTENERS - SOMETIMES WE CAN BE SELF-ABSORBED AND WE MAY EXPRESS OURSELVES A LOT. MOST PEOPLE CAN EXCUSE THE OCCASIONAL EXCITEMENT. TRY TO BE FAIR - ALL OF US LIKE TO FEEL VALUED! Scripture says not to be quarrelsome. The Lord made us as family members and believers to complement each-other. Friends are gifts that make life enjoyable. Let's nurchure our relationships with the love and respect they deserve - could well be that we can learn something from the other person or The Lord has something to show/express to us through them. Yes, our Father made us to complement each-other. The adversary wants us to clash - that's why he found a way to bring fallen-nature to God's Creation. Before that, "we were made in the Image of God"......in Christ, this is restored......"Christ in us the Hope of Glory"......this is for us to live out day by day. That makes the choices we make throughout the day or the week important. Right choices (to live and speak like Jesus) can lift you into a whole new dimension but wrong choices can keep you from moving in God and God moving for you. So try to keep the Unity and treasure it like silver, for with it comes the Blessing of The Lord. Because you don't see or accept someone's opinion does not mean you should reject them or show a lack of tolerance. Preachers should stress the importance of these things more often. Scripture says "It is the little foxes that spoil the vine".......Jesus is the vine and our rifts with each-other can spoil our fellowship with Him - it's not the same. Clashes can often occur when we impose our opinion or seek to have our way with the other person. If you do this often, there is a saying for you "Not my way or your way but Yahweh" Nifty is'nt it? And that says a lot really. In other words, let's walk in love. TAKE CARE. ALL OF YOU. Diligence means something that you keep at without wavering. That’s what the NIV means by making every effort to keep this unity of the Spirit. Another thing is to keep yourself nourished with His words of life prayerfully, so you can be full of the Spirit. It can be real hard work otherwise – as long as we all have His treasure in earthen vessels. And if you fail at it sometimes, look to Him for fresh strength and sustenance not forgetting to see yourself and others through His Love. Grace and Peace to you – Mercy as you seek to live this way. It can be enriching and rewarding. I have used 5 bible versions for these verses that gives a richer rendering and paraphrased them. NIV (New International Version) NASB (New American Standard Bible) KJV (King James Version) ESV (English Standard Version) HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) JV indicates my wording, close to translations. Ephesians 4:32 is a recent favorite I have been writing on along with the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 They speak of walking in love with kindness and compassion. Having a spirit of “togetherness”. Apart from prayer and scripture, that’s what pleases our God and Father the most……hey? There's so much concern about what our calling is often in the Body of Christ or talk about what our calling is. Friends, we have the most important calling there is in life - to be like Jesus - that's what these verses are all about. Compassion one for the other can be like a cosy blanket when we walk in it daily. And when each one grows in it, this gets even sweeter! Would you like to accompany me in this walk? “BLESS YOU”