Good morning my sweet friend,
I am counting you, dear one, as one of my blessings. Throughout the many seasons of my life, you have been there through transitions and losses, diagnoses and dilemmas. This past month I have been blanketed by your prayers and well-wishes. My surgery was a success, the cancer was removed, and now I am entering a season of healing with the help of chemo and radiation. I am blessed by great doctors and nurses, support from my family, and by my relationship with God. I was blessed to know just where to turn in scripture to find comforting words, encouraging messages, and stories of hope and miracle healings.
When I left the hospital, I was given a booklet entitled “POWER” Program of Wellness, Empowerment and Recovery. Included are suggestions for power living which you and I tend to overlook or consider unnecessary, say we’ll do them later when we have time, or in another less-busy season. According to POWER, OUR FEELINGS ENHANCE OR WEAKEN OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. There is a link between the mind and the body. Energy goes where you focus your attention. Positive thinking stimulates the release of chemicals from the brain that boosts the immune system. Practical things to do: Keep a gratitude journal. Take only three minutes a day to write down five things you are grateful for. This can reduce stress and improve your health. Laughter will also reduce stress and we are encouraged to watch comedies or read funny books. Interestingly, Proverbs 17:22 says “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Also suggested is yoga, meditation, and listening to relaxing music. Romans 12:2 tells us to “Be ye transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Renewing the mind means letting go of grudges, past hurts, and instead focus on what the Bible reminds us to focus on, “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable or anything excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things” (Phil 4:8). Medicine is now reinforcing Biblical principles.
I am grateful for the Word of God which heals my mind, body, and spirit. What is on your gratitude list today? Linda