Such intense anticipation overwhelms my waking hours. I cannot seem to grasp how God has led me to this decision. He came to give me life, peaceful life. I seem to daily get a better glimpse into this life meant for me, whether it be through a simple act of faith, advice from a friend, or simply choosing to resist temptation. I wake up feeling energized, excited, overwhelmed.

He yearns for me to experience this Life, this Path.

Green Space is important for Mental Health

Just five minutes of exercise in a “green space” such as a park can boost mental health, researchers claim.

There is growing evidence that combining activities such as walking or cycling with nature boosts well-being.

In the latest analysis, UK researchers looked at evidence from 1,250 people in 10 studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem.

The study in the Environmental Science and Technology journal suggested the strongest impact was on young people.

The research looked at many different outdoor activities including walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming in locations such as a park, garden or nature trail.

The biggest effect was seen within just five minutes.

With longer periods of time exercising in a green environment, the positive effects were clearly apparent but were of a smaller magnitude, the study found.

Looking at men and women of different ages, the researchers found the health changes - physical and mental - were particularly strong in the young and the mentally-ill.

Green and blue

A bigger effect was seen with exercise in an area that also contained water - such as a lake or river.

Study leader Jules Pretty, a researcher at the University of Essex, said those who were generally inactive, or stressed, or with mental illness would probably benefit the most from “green exercise”.

We would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate Paul Farmer, Mind

“Employers, for example, could encourage staff in stressful workplaces to take a short walk at lunchtime in the nearest park to improve mental health.”

He also said exercise programmes outdoors could benefit youth offenders.

“A challenge for policy makers is that policy recommendations on physical activity are easily stated but rarely adopted widely.”

Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, said the research is yet further evidence that even a short period of green exercise can provide a low cost and drug-free therapy to help improve mental wellbeing.

“It’s important that people experiencing depression can be given the option of a range of treatments, and we would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate.”

Mind runs a grant scheme for local environmental projects to help people with mental illness get involved in outdoor activities.

Reference: http://www.mindfulness.com/

For I Was Hungry...

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:35-36

Digging a ditch for the poor- so they can have water- is digging a ditch for Jesus. Giving clothes to the naked- so they can stay warm and grow in dignity- is clothing Jesus. Inviting strangers into your home- so they can sleep and be fed- is inviting Jesus into your home. Caring for the sick and visiting prisoners is caring for and visiting Jesus. The whole Gospel is concerned about salvation for heaven and also abundant life on e

Going Through the Motions- Matthew West

This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way

The reason we breathe is to sing of His glory.

True Love

"I'll put you in front of me so you can see My love."

He is behind us, He is with us, He is ahead of us.

True love is sacrifice. The definition of love is Jesus Christ. Perfect Love.

"Tender Words to Tired Hearts" - UpWords - Apr. 9, 2010

"Tender Words to Tired Hearts" - UpWords - Apr. 9, 2010