Pockets

-

I have a very dear friend who is delighted when her dresses have pockets. There is a childlike joy that overcomes her that I find delightful, but I am not a person to whom joy comes easily,

Joy and happiness are often used interchangeably. However, happiness technically refers to the pleasurable feelings (emotions) that result from a situation, experience, or object; whereas, joy is a state of mind that can be found even in times of grief or uncertainty. Thus, we can cultivate joy independent of our circumstances.

The neurobiology of joy is complex; a few neurotransmitters stand out in promoting positive feelings: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. The good news is that changes to our lives can increase these neurotransmitter levels. For example, running may produce a "runner's high;" spending time with a baby releases oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone" that makes you feel connected.
Your ability to find joy may provide long-lasting health benefits. Your immune system can be strengthened by your mental state (immune cells even have receptors for neurotransmitters). Interventions to increase joy may also decrease stress hormones, improve pain, and relieve depression. Finally, finding joy can help you live longer.

How do we find joy? According to the experts, we....
Spend time with loved ones: Connect with friends and family, share your feelings, and spend time with people who are supportive. This is why time in the church is critical, and I'm not talking about a building.
Practice self-care: Engage in activities you enjoy, even if they don't feel fun at first, such as taking a bath, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby. I am lousy at this, but it is clear from the greatest commandment that we are to love others as ourselves.
Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with compassion and give yourself permission to enjoy small moments of pleasure, especially when you're feeling low. 
Improve your physical health: Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, and ensure you are getting enough sleep.  This is part of honoring the temple.
Limit negativity: Step away from social media, eliminate alcohol, and find ways to manage stress. 
Try something new: Step outside your comfort zone, take up a new hobby, learn a new skill, or explore a new place.
Find beauty and meaning: Look for beauty in everyday life, journal about it, or spend time in nature.  Literally, stop and smell the roses
Laugh and play: Watch a funny movie, listen to music, or find moments of playfulness in your daily routine. 
Help others: Dedicate time to giving to others, which can lead to a sense of purpose and joy.
Practice gratitude: Take time each day to focus on what you're grateful for, shift your mindset toward the positive, and develop an attitude of gratitude.
Set small goals: Focus on achieving small, manageable tasks to build a sense of accomplishment. 
Remember your past joys: Revisit fond memories. think about the things that have made you happy in the past. 
See a professional: If feelings of sadness persist, consider talking to a therapist or counselor

    What does God say about joy?

    He wants it to be complete. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11
    He fills us with joy. God fills us with joy. Ezra 6:22
    We respond by making joyful noises, Ps 98:24
    Even the heavens shout for joy, Isa 49:13
    If we take refuge in Him, we can sing for joy Ps 5:11
    And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

    This last one seems the key to me, the pockets in the dress. When I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I am filled with joy. But what does scripture say about joy and the Holy Spirit?

    Luke 11:13: Encourages asking God to give the Holy Spirit, highlighting that God delights in giving the Spirit to those who ask Him.
    Acts 4:31: Describes how believers were filled with the Holy Spirit after they prayed, and as a result, they spoke the word of God with boldness.
    Romans 15:13: Connects being filled with joy and peace in believing with the power of the Holy Spirit, suggesting faith is key to being filled

    So I need to ask and pray and have faith that God will provide. In the meantime, I can sing and make a joyful noise. Lord, I pray for pockets and Joy.

    Joy to the world, the Lord is come
    Let earth receive her King
    Let every heart prepare Him room
    And Heaven and nature sing
    And Heaven and nature sing
    And Heaven, and Heaven and nature sing
    Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
    That all their songs employ
    While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
    Repeat the sounding joy
    Repeat the sounding joy
    Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

    [Chorus]
    Joy, unspeakable joy
    And overflowing where no tongue can tell
    Joy, unspeakable joy
    Rises in my soul, never lets me go

    [Bridge]
    He rules the world with truth and grace
    And makes the nations prove
    The glories of His righteousness
    And wonders of His love
    And wonders of His love
    And wonders, wonders of His love
    [Chorus]

    Joy, unspeakable joy
    And overflowing where no tongue can tell
    Joy, unspeakable joy
    Rises in my soul, never lets me go


    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    Community and connection

    -
    Image
     "Belonging is the innate desire to be part of something larger than us."  Brene Brown Imperfect We are made in the image of a Triune God. God exists in community the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When He first created man He saw that it was not good for man to be alone and He made Eve. This desire for connection goes down to our smallest level - the cell. A cell is the smallest living organism. The Types of Cells Human cells number in the trillions and are fundamental building blocks that form tissues, organs, and organ systems that work together to sustain life. Each cell type in the human body is specialized for distinct functions, from stem cells capable of becoming other cell types to nerve cells that transmit signals. Cells like osteocytes maintain bone structure, blood cells transport oxygen and fight infections, and adipocytes store energy and regulate various bodily functions. All the types of cells have to work together for a healthy human . When cells becom...
    Read more

    Power of the Blood

    -
    Image
     I am of the firm opinion that just as humanity reflects our Creator, the creation also has characteristics that can inform us about our Creator. Lately I've been thinking about blood. It is essential to our spiritual and physical lives. The very first time God used it to cover our sin was when He slaughtered an innocent animal to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve. In Exodus 24:1-8 the first covenant between God and Israel was signified by blood. In the new covenant, it is Jesus's blood on the cross that supplies a new sacrifice on our behalf what the book of Hebrews calls a more perfect offering. The primary function of blood in the body is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to, and remove wastes from, the body's cells; but that is only the beginning. The specific functions of blood also include defense, and maintenance of homeostasis, such as distributing heat where it is needed. Before we get into the functions let's look at the composition of blood. Figure 18.1.2 ...
    Read more

    Photosynthesis

    -
    Image
    As someone who is convinced that I have worlds to learn about love I thought I would take the lessons of the hydrologic cycle a little further and consider photosynthesis.   Photosynthesis is, at its core, an  energy conversion process . Input Energy:  Light energy (photons) from the sun. Output Energy:  Chemical potential energy stored in the covalent bonds of organic molecules, primarily glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). This transformation occurs when organisms produce  carbon compounds  (like glucose) using light as the energy source. The key words here being conversion and transformation. It’s an  anabolic  process, meaning it b uilds complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input. Reactants: Six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and six molecules of water (H₂O). Energy Source: Light energy. Products: One molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and six molecules of oxygen (O₂). Key components: Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Absorbed from t...
    Read more