New Morning, New Mercies!!
In a few days, we will celebrate all things new as we enter 2023, full of hope and great anticipation of something better. Don’t know how you will bring the New Year in, but I will be at church in worship. It’s an integral part of my culture’s celebrations…..dating back to Watch Night Services. And, for the days ahead, I will be standing firmly on my faith…….knowing that if I miss the mark, every day I wake up in the morning……there’s brand new mercies. That means, I can start over every day!! And, I’m gonna claim every one.
We’ve endured a few years wrought with challenge, change, disappointment, and despair. While we cannot control many of those challenges, making a decision to develop habits that will improve your ability to face what is ahead is crucial. This year, we’re encouraging you to add 5 behaviors that are scientifically proven to improve your health and keep that vision clear.
WRITING has been shown to improve memory, reduce stress, improve relationships and sleep. It’s a way to express what one is holding inside. One study in New Zealand saw the greatest improvement in wound healing as participants expressed their feelings about trauma following a biopsy compared to those writing about daily events. Start writing today. There’s healing and direction in those thoughts. “And, the Lord answered me and said, Write the Vision. and Make it Plain.” Habakkuk 2:2
HELPING OTHERS has been shown to decrease depression and improve well-being and cognition. Actually, intending to do good for others can stimulate neural change and make people happier. Psychology Today “Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matthew 7:12
GARDENING has become something that my husband and I do each year. He does the big garden and I do the herbs. Fortunately, gardening is a form of aerobic exercise and contributes to greater strength and flexibility. And, people who garden have higher levels of Vitamin D, a reduced rate of stroke and heart attack and lower risk of dementia. If you start planning today, you can have your own garden this year too, even if it’s small. Google Gardening!! You’ll be uhmazed at all the options you have. “And the Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.“ Genesis 2:15
TURN ON THE MUSIC In 2013, Medical News Today reported on the first large-scale review of research papers studying music's influence on neurochemistry. The review suggested that music can boost the body's immune system, lower levels of stress and anxiety and ease depression. In addition, listening to music prior to surgery reduced anxiety more than prescription drugs. Listening to and playing music is also linked to lower levels of cortisol. I graduated from Oakwood University, home of the Choir of the World Aeolians. In fact, I actually grew up there, with amazing music as the soundtrack of my life. Their renditions of New Morning, New Mercy; What a Friend We Have In Jesus; and It Pays to Serve Jesus, will do exactly what the science says music does. You really should take a listen. Check your arms for chills!! And, shout if you want!! “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95.1
DANCING is emerging as something more than what folk do at the club. “And, David danced before the Lord with all his might.” 2 Samuel 6:14. Scientists are confirming that the complete movement of the body through dance helps cardiovascular health, increases stamina, strengthens bones and muscles, promotes balance reduces falls in older people and improves mood. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported an association between regular dancing excursions and a 76 percent reduction in dementia risk. And, a regular workout through dance will help all body systems and make sleep real sweet. So whether you dance like David did, Skip to My Lou or join your family in the Electric Slide, get up and get to moving. “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…… A time to dance……”Ecclesiastes 3:4
It’s been a pleasure getting to know you through my blog each week.
I’m believing God for a Healthy and Happy New Year for YOU!!!
And, for grace when the days are challenging!!
Write the Vision. Help Others. Garden. Turn on the Music. Dance. New Morning, New Mercies.
Happy New Year.
I’m Still Shoutin Ova Here!!
Donna
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