Kindness, it does the body good

I found this tucked away in my notes and I thought I'd share it.

It has long been well known that showing kindness to others promotes a healthy sense of well being. It just makes you feel good. The Bible tells us over and over to show kindness and love to one another. Here are just two scriptures that come to my mind.

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.~Colossians 3:12

32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.~Ephesians 4:32

As I was searching the internet I found this little jem that caught my eye. It was a small paragraph summarizing the physical benefits of kindness in our bodies. Being that I have a medical background it makes me happy and I am amazed everytime I see how following God's ways are not only good for us spiritually; but mentally and physically also. This is what I read:

"The positive effect of kindness on the immune system and on the increased production of serotonin in the brain has been proven in research studies. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that makes us feel more comfortable, peaceful, and even blissful. In fact, the role of most anti-depressants is to stimulate the production of serotonin chemically, helping to ease depression. Research has shown that a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of the kindness and the person extending the kindness. Even more amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results.

Imagine this! Kindness extended, received, or observed beneficially impacts the physical health and feelings of everyone involved!"

I challenge you today to be kind to others. Help someone. Not only will the world be a better place because of it, but it will make you a healthier person; spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Love Your Life

I love this. Y'all, we were created for a purpose. It's not just to muddle through life the best we can. Love the life you have, love the people in your life. Live life to its fullest! Take time to savor it.

That's all for today, folks.

So I Don't Forget

I have so much to write about the many things God has been showing me. I want to get it all written down before I start to forget. Don't we do that? God shows us something amazing and we end up forgetting. How many times do I wish I could remember everything He has shown me. I know sometimes something will remind me of a truth I was shown in the past, but as a whole I forget most of the things. Really, I was only encouraged in that moment instead of being able to read back and have my faith built up again and again.

At my family BBQ this weekend my brother-in-law and I were talking about this very thing. He had a little book that he started keeping to jott things down that he needed to do. What really struck me is that the cover said "Field Journal."

A field journal, in case you didn't know, is a diary of sorts that scientists write down and even sketch their observations in the field. It is for accurate record keeping. When I was researching field journals, one place said that used over the years and you will be able to see patterns in nature. That got me thinking. I wonder if we did that in our own lives if we would be able to see patterns too. If we accurately recorded everything God has shown us if we would be able to see a pattern of who God is, His very nature. If we would see a pattern of feeling and seeing God all around us, speaking to us in the good times and especially the hard times. If we would see the pattern of God gently leading us down the paths of our life.

I have kept a journal of sorts for many years, but it has really been for noting my feelings as I walk through something. I now carry a small "field journal" with me to capture even the smallest details God shows me. Including my feelings as I think about Him and His creation. I stand in awe of God and who He is.

Already I can see how much of an impact it is making and who knows where it may lead. I might have a small inkling though. Try it and see if it doesn't encourage you!