“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30
King Solomon who was considered the wisest man who ever lived, gave this simple, yet powerful lesson - the importance of a smile and an optimistic word. As you move throughout your day, working, walking, traveling, attending a conference or whatever, do you take time to look at the countenances of the people you meet. You’ll notice a variety of expressions. Sometimes a scowl or a frown, maybe a look of anxiety and worry. You may meet expressions of deep concentration, anger or total absentmindedness.
These expressions don’t do too much for us, but what about that special face, with eyes shining and mouth smiling at us? What’s your first reaction - to smile back of course. Suddenly your whole heart is cheered up. I often feel I want to talk to that happy person. I think we should ask God to remind us to put a smile on our faces so we can bring joy to the heart of others. There is a young woman on the staff at Women Alive who glows with the light of Jesus. She always greets visitors with a cheerful look, and Solomon was right – we always leave with a heart full of joy.
What about good news and an optimistic report? A few weeks ago some friends visited me for a few days at my cottage. We had some work to do to prepare it for the summer, like putting up screens, washing windows, cleaning cupboards, along with other things. But the hours of work flew by and we enjoyed wonderful hours of sharing about what God is doing in our lives, reading special scripture passages and praying together. We all felt invigorated and energized by our time together – good news and an optimistic outlook gave ‘health to our bones.’
Who are the people in your life that are contributing joy to your heart and health to your bones? They are the ones you should stick to.
I’d love to hear how this is happening to you or how you are blessing others in this way. Please send me your thoughts.
Until next time,
Eileen
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
How do you define 'health'?
When you hear the word health, what comes to mind? Absence of illness? Size or weight? Exercise? Diet?
The word health is so broad and big - almost abstract. What seems or feels “healthy” to one person might be very different to someone else’s picture of health.
Why is this significant? (and why I am I asking so many questions?!) The significance is that health is something that ALL of us want. We want to be free of pain, to have energy, to be able to carry out daily tasks with ease and so on. But sadly, our “vagueness” around what health looks like to us individually can actually prevent us from getting there (wherever “there” is!).
I struggled with this very issue in January of this year. With a milestone birthday approaching in the Spring, I had a personal goal to be “in the best shape of my adult life” by my birthday. The only problem was - I didn’t know how to turn that goal into a plan. My goal was abstract - and without having a clear idea of where I wanted to go, how could I expect to get there?
The fact is that we cannot do that which we cannot imagine. We need a clear picture of our destination in order to plan the steps to get there. Imagine a building that did not first have a blueprint. How would the builder know where to begin? A well thought out plan is half the battle.
So, I’m wondering...What does healthy living look like to you? I’d love to hear!
The word health is so broad and big - almost abstract. What seems or feels “healthy” to one person might be very different to someone else’s picture of health.
Why is this significant? (and why I am I asking so many questions?!) The significance is that health is something that ALL of us want. We want to be free of pain, to have energy, to be able to carry out daily tasks with ease and so on. But sadly, our “vagueness” around what health looks like to us individually can actually prevent us from getting there (wherever “there” is!).
I struggled with this very issue in January of this year. With a milestone birthday approaching in the Spring, I had a personal goal to be “in the best shape of my adult life” by my birthday. The only problem was - I didn’t know how to turn that goal into a plan. My goal was abstract - and without having a clear idea of where I wanted to go, how could I expect to get there?
The fact is that we cannot do that which we cannot imagine. We need a clear picture of our destination in order to plan the steps to get there. Imagine a building that did not first have a blueprint. How would the builder know where to begin? A well thought out plan is half the battle.
So, I’m wondering...What does healthy living look like to you? I’d love to hear!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
May 7th, 2009:
I just returned from a bike ride, my first for this season- a forty minute mini vacation along the trail in our area. Thinking pleasant thoughts while cycling cleared my mind and energized my spirit.
In the Old Testament such care was given to each part of the tabernacle, where God met His people. Although God no longer dwells in the Old building, I've learned the value of looking after my temple, His new dwelling place.
1 Corinthians 6:19 "Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?" The Message
As women we often feel selfish when we spend time on our own recreation and hobbies.
That's not a Scriptural teaching for Corinthians goes on to say that we are bought with a price, God owns all of us. Let's look after His possession.
What are you doing this spring that will keep you healthy physically, spiritually and mentally? I'd love to hear from you.
Suggestion: Dividing your day into three parts- morning, afternoon and evening is one way to know how you are doing looking after yourself.
You need one of those parts each day for rest and recreation. For instance, if you work at night, you'll need either morning or afternoon for rest and recreation.
Sometimes our schedules have two or three days where all three parts are booked up. In that event, we need a whole day or as many parts as we've missed.
As well, each day I like to ask myself what I've done in each category- body, mind and spirit.
Let's share some ideas.
I just returned from a bike ride, my first for this season- a forty minute mini vacation along the trail in our area. Thinking pleasant thoughts while cycling cleared my mind and energized my spirit.
In the Old Testament such care was given to each part of the tabernacle, where God met His people. Although God no longer dwells in the Old building, I've learned the value of looking after my temple, His new dwelling place.
1 Corinthians 6:19 "Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?" The Message
As women we often feel selfish when we spend time on our own recreation and hobbies.
That's not a Scriptural teaching for Corinthians goes on to say that we are bought with a price, God owns all of us. Let's look after His possession.
What are you doing this spring that will keep you healthy physically, spiritually and mentally? I'd love to hear from you.
Suggestion: Dividing your day into three parts- morning, afternoon and evening is one way to know how you are doing looking after yourself.
You need one of those parts each day for rest and recreation. For instance, if you work at night, you'll need either morning or afternoon for rest and recreation.
Sometimes our schedules have two or three days where all three parts are booked up. In that event, we need a whole day or as many parts as we've missed.
As well, each day I like to ask myself what I've done in each category- body, mind and spirit.
Let's share some ideas.
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