Laugh More

I'm currently reading Bedside Blessings by Charles Swindoll. It is a beautiful little daily devotional. Each day has a nice little nugget of wisdom and I've found it is exactly what I need to read right before I go to sleep. Let me share today's pearl of wisdom:

"Without exception, people who conisistently laugh do so in spite of, seldom because of anything. They pursue fun rather than wait for it to knock on their door in the middle of the day. Such infectiously joyful believers have no trouble convincing people around them that Christianity is real and that Christ can transform a life. Joy is the flag that flies above the castle of their hearts, announcing that the King is in residence."

I'm sure you've heard the following little fun facts before, but indulge me:

Laughing improves oxygen flow, helps blood vessels expand and contract more easily, and stimulates heart and blood circulation, just like any standard aerobic exercise.

The cardiovascular benefits are so great that a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center concluded that laughter may help prevent heart disease.

Laughter helps boost the immune system and raise antibody levels.

There are hundreds of studies documenting the benefits of laughter on reducing stress levels and helping us feel less anxious about health and other problems in our lives.

Laughter helps release enzymes and hormones that are helpful for normal functioning of various organs.

Laughter is a good workout for respiratory, abdominal, leg, back and facial muscles. It tones intestinal functioning, massages abdominal organs and strengthens abdominal muscles. This activity is advantageous for digestion as well as absorption.

Laughter also helps burn calories and is beneficial for weight loss.

Laughing also offers many social benefits. A person with a smiling face is always popular amongst a group. It lessens the distance between two individuals and brings them together. It increases healthy communication with others.

Men and women both agree that "a sense of humor" is one of the top qualities they look for in a potential mate.

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? (or almost peed your pants)

Find the joy today. Have a good laugh. Netflix several seasons of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and laugh out loud. Laugh in spite of yourself.

Whatever you are facing today...choose to praise Him anyway! Rejoice in the Lord! Improve your health and those around you by sharing a hearty laugh. Exercise your sense of humor!

Become an infectiously joyful believer!

Lazy Days of Summer

These warm summer days pass far too fast. I can't believe it's already the middle of July. I had a "To Do" list which I've barely acknowledged...all these grand plans to get organized, clear out the clutter and my all time favorite - work out. So far I've managed to add to the clutter, stack the clutter a bit more neatly and my only work out has been lugging the beach stuff from the car to the beach.

The one thing I have done is spend much more time at the beach, much to my 9 year old son's delight. I love watching him body surf - okay so it is really just him getting pounded by the waves and ending up with half the beach in his swim trunks. But he loves it!

I enjoy watching all the people. All shapes, sizes and ages. I've observed there are 3 kinds of beach goers. The minimalists who show up with a towel and sunscreen. The average (like me) who bring a beach chair, towels, a small tote with a couple of waters/Diet Coke, sunscreen and a some good reading material. Then there are the die hards who come with a summer's worth of camping equipment. They spend a half hour carting it from the car to the beach, another half hour setting it all up...and then get take it all down and lug it back to the car. I've seen full on gourmet meals complete with china! It looks very impressive. But way more work than I'm willing to give. However, I keep thinking it would be awesome to bring dinner to beach and watch the sun go down. Hmmmm...maybe a way to celebrate the end of summer.

I'm always amazed at how many people I talk to who rarely go to the beach. They don't have the time, hate the sand, hate the salt water, etc. They are missing an amazing treat. It is beautiful, relaxing, and refreshing. You can't be sad at the beach. It is such a wonderful creation and I thank the God who created its beauty for allowing me to enjoy it everyday.

If you live near the beach...take the time to squish the sand between your toes, jump in a wave or two, watch the sunset, and give thanks to our wonderful Creator.

As Mrs. Bennett would say "A little sea-bathing would set me up for ever". I wholeheartedly agree!

Find the Joy Everyday

I've decided this is my "Summer of Change". Believe me, my life really, really needs it. I've been "stuck" for the past 7 years (I'll elaborate later). I've become so sick of me it is depressing...and I'm sure my family is just as sick of me.

I intend to find the joy in everyday. Step one will be to begin my day with a walk along the beach and time spent in God's Word. I've noticed over the past several years that when I neglect my time with Him and His Word, my life begins to unravel and becomes chaotic. I need peace and that only comes from spending time with Him.

The beach and ocean waves bring a sense of calm and well being. I am always amazed at how many people live here in Southern California and rarely go to the beach. The fast pace here doesn't lend itself to truly enjoying the beauty around us. For the past year I've enjoyed wonderful hikes in the hills and canyons nearby...a constant reminder of our Creator and just how blessed I am to live here.

I don't want to take a single moment for granted. So this summer I truly want to slow things down, forget all the stuff I "have to" and "should do" and just enjoy...really find the joy everyday.