This article provides a few of the many. many passages in the Bible that speaks to the kindness, love and faithfullness of God. From Christian Crier……………………..
Enduring Words for Unbearable Times
The Mystery of Joy
Here is a beautiful article: “For the Christian, joy is more of a fact, than a feeling.” From A View of the Lake………………
Clinging to the Rock – the immutability of God
#2 in the “Coffee Table Theology” series from Evangelical Magazine; this time, on the unchanging character and nature of our God………….
Nothing out of his control – The sovereignty of God
I like this series of articles on the attributes of God from Evangelical Magazine out of the UK. They call this series “Coffee Table Theology”…………………
4 Misconceptions That Can Keep You From Growing Spiritually
There is some good, down-to-earth information and insight in this article. We are NEVER finished growing spiritually! From New Wineskins…………….
Is Everything Sad Going to Come Untrue? Why We Need Eschatology Now More than Ever – Canon Fodder
Here is the takeaway for me in this article: With God, everything in this world that is sad will become untrue…. From Canon Fodder…………………….
In my opinion, some of the most overlooked portions of the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy are the chapters right after the final battle in The Return of the King. In these chapters, Tolkien expresses a vision for cosmic renewal that closely mimics the one laid down in the biblical accounts themselves. In Rev […]
Source: Is Everything Sad Going to Come Untrue? Why We Need Eschatology Now More than Ever – Canon Fodder
The Slow Hand of God
I like the analogy employed in this article for how God’s actions in our lives seem to happen too slowly. And here is another one….we don’t much like rain or snow in the short term, but we would be in a world of hurt without the rain and snow! An insightful article from Credo House………….
This Anxious Age — Intentional Faith
This article is beautifully written and serves as a great reminder to all believers that God is still on His throne. Don’t let the world drag you down!! From Intentional Faith………….
This past year has, not surprisingly, contributed to a spike in anxiety. You already know why—a global pandemic, sheltering in place, online schooling, unstable job markets, the inability to go to church or meet with friends, racial injustice and tensions, politics, and social media. By now, you’ve heard thousands of stories on those themes. But […]
This Anxious Age — Intentional Faith
7 Strategies to Control Anxiety
Anxiety has become one of the leading causes of all diseases encountered by physicians with their patients — degrading overall health, adversely affecting work performance and relationships with family and friends, and costing consumers billions a year in medication and lost productivity for employers. As an anxiety sufferer myself, I try to make it a daily regimen to practice some of the tips and strategies I will mention below. All of the tips you see have medically and psychologically proven benefits!
SLEEP
Believe it or not, optimal sleep is one of the two most important ways to reduce anxiety. It really is true that the average adult needs about 7 – 8 hours of sleep a night. Try something as simple as going to bed at least 30 minutes earlier than normal for 3 or 4 nights out of the week. And try to keep your bedroom as uncluttered and cool (65 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal) as possible. And NO cellphones right before bed!!
BREATHE
Breathing correctly is perhaps the single-most important thing one can do to handle panic attacks and severe anxiety, due to the fact that correct breathing causes an autonomic response in the body that actually quells the hormones and nervous system responses that we experience as anxiety. The easeist technique is the “4 – 3 – 8” method. One breathes in, using the diaphragm, for 4 seconds and using your nose only. Then, hold your breath for 3 seconds; finally, exhaling through your mouth for 8 seconds. Do this at least 4 times in a row, and your anxious feelings will melt away!
TAKE A LAUGH BREAK
This is another technique that makes use of the mind-body connection to control or remove anxiety. Simply login to Youtube and watch 10 – 15 minutes of funny videos ( I personally recommend funny cat and dog videos, and scenes from “Mr. Bean,” but all to your preference). Just make sure they are video clips that bring you delight and joy!
EXERCISE
We all now by now that exercise has any number of excellent health and wellness benefits. For anxiety reduction, my suggestions are really simple: Get outside (prefavorably when the sun is shining, and simply move around for 5 -10 minutes: This can include walking, stretching, light calisthenics, or simply waling from your parked care to a nice seat in a public park.
KEEP A GRATITUDE LIST
This can be a simple little notebook/notepad. Although it is best to have a physical pad to write in, since physically writing things down involves more of your brain, and has more overall benefits; if you feel you would lost a physical notepad, then by all means keep such a list on your smartphone, or computer so that it will not get lost, and will be easy for you to read and review. It does not have to be a long list, but try to write at least 3 things you are thankful for each day.
LIGHT A CANDLE
Studies have shown true therapeutic effects from breathing in various aromas for 20-30 minutes. (This also works for essential oils). The aromas found to be most effective are: lavender; bergamot; frankincense; sandalwood; orange or orange blossom; and geranium.
CHEW GUM
Don’t laugh, but this is another one of those activities that gets the body’s autonomic system working for you. It makes no difference or flavor or style — simply chew a piece of gum for about 15 minutes and you will notice that anxiety before the big meeting melt away!
I believe these practices are not overly taxing, expensive or impractical. Give them a try for 30 days
straight and see what happens!
Are You Conveying the Loveliness of Christ to Your Kids?
I think this is a really lovely and encouraging article — but not just for parents. The New Testament teaches that we are drawn to Jesus and thus to the Father, through His kindness and gentleness. From Crossway…………….
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