Reading anything good lately?

I've been reading for pleasure quite a bit the last week. I've discovered that there is a Goodwill down the street that has a great book section. I can pick up .50 paperbacks and $1.00 hardbacks.  Then, there is *Paperback Swap where you can get books for free.  I picked up about four chick lit books and then a couple more educational books all for under $5 between both sources.  Quite the bargain, right? Let me tell you the real bargain- what I get out of reading...

About 11 years ago, I worked as a Child Protection Social worker. Whew, what a stressful job.  I remember my boss recommending I read the book, "A Child Called It." Let me tell you that was not a good choice for me at the time. I would get home from a long day, start reading the book and start crying. My husband told me, "You've got to stop reading that book. You're making yourself miserable." And I was. A few months later, I was at a discount store and found the book "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" in a discount bin (this was before the movie and all the hype). I bought it and started reading it the next night. I never laughed so hard reading a book before. It provided a great escape from a hectic day and was a definite stress reducer. From that point on, I have been a fan of chic lit or as I call "brain candy." It helps take my mind off of the day's events and can completely improve my mood.

I discovered that reading has other benefits too.  Clark and Rumbold (2006) found that reading for pleasure:

• Increases general knowledge
• Increases a better understanding of other cultures
• Increases community participation
• Increases greater insight into human nature and decision-making
• Enhances social skills 
• Decreases loneliness 

So, have you read any good books lately?  Grab a book and escape to a foreign land or learn something new. What are you waiting for?

Clark, C. & Rumbold, K. (2006). Reading for pleasure: A research overview. National literacy trust. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://content.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/i/Reading_for_pleasure.pdf

*Paperback Swap info:
Swap, Trade & Exchange Books for Free. It's easy: List books you'd like to swap with other club members. Once a book is requested, mail it to the club member (you pay for the postage to mail the book). In return, you may choose from 5,003,351 available books! Books you request are mailed to you for free. No late fees. No hidden charges. http://www.paperbackswap.com

Have problems sleeping?

Falling asleep or staying asleep is a problem for many people.  Stress and depression can sabotage a good night sleep.  In the RealAge newsletter this morning there was an article about getting better sleep.  According to RealAge (2009), "Research indicates that 70% to 80% of people with sleep disorders achieve some benefits when practicing good sleep hygiene."  Here are their recommendations: (click here to read the original article)

Behaviors to avoid:

• Having caffeine after lunch
• Having alcohol within 6 hours of bedtime
• Watching television right before going to bed
• Having a cigarette before bedtime
• Going to bed hungry or when you've had a big meal
• Going to bed before you are sleepy
• Exercising too close to bedtime

Behaviors to adopt:

• Using your bedroom only for sleep and sex
• Exercising regularly, preferably in the morning or early afternoon
• Keeping a regular bedtime and waking time, even on the weekends
• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a leisurely stroll, soaking in a tub, listening to soothing music, or massaging your legs or feet before bed
• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep-breathing exercises
• Creating a comfortable environment that is conducive to sleep by eliminating uncomfortable bedding, wearing loose clothing, keeping the bedroom temperature slightly cool, and eliminating any bothersome noise or light

To read more articles about getting a good night's sleep try these:
18 Ways to Manage Stress by PsycCentral.com
How to Get a Good Night's Sleep by Livescience.com


RealAge. 2009. Sleep Hygiene. Retrieved September 17, 2010 from http://www.realage.com/soothe-stress/mind-and-mood/sleep-hygiene?click=p6link1

Stress and Your Body

This is originally from the Washington Post. It is really interesting to see the different ways stress effects the body. If you can't read it, go to the original by clicking here.  Here is a book that would be helpful to reduce stress: The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)

SOURCE: American Psychological Association | PHOTO: iStockphoto | GRAPHIC: The Washington Post - January 23, 2007 retrieved August 17, 2010 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2007/01/22/GR2007012200620.html

Freedom of Simplicity

For a while now, I've been thinking about the discipline of simplicity. Haven't heard of it? Well, in the United States, it's not the most popular teaching. Lately, we've been hearing more about "Prosperity Doctrine." Richard Foster (1981) says, "Contemporary culture is plagued by the passion to possess" (p. 3).

Isn't that still so true?

I've been thinking about slowing down and appreciating what God has already blessed me with and be content. In the process, I want to become completely dependent and obedient to God. Foster (1981) explains that the Old Testament reveals two "radical" truths about simplicity. The first is "Radical Dependence" and "Radical Obedience." Becoming dependent on God causes us to put aside our independence. Instead of saying, "I can provide for myself". We have to say, "God, I will follow you and trust you". "Radical Obedience" is completely paying allegiance to God and Him alone. By radically obeying God, we are free to lay down our heavy burdens and stresses of life. We no longer strain and strive to get ahead or obtain wealth. Our goal becomes one of submission. The result is peace and...

...blessing.

Yes, blessing. Foster (1981) shows how over and over again God gives generously to His children. God gives His obedient children material blessing, too.

Doesn't that bring us right back to "Prosperity Doctrine?"

Well, no. The reason is simple: genuine obedience changes our hearts. Material blessing is no longer our focus. Foster (1981) explains, "Once this inner disposition has taken over our personality, material blessings cannot hurt us, for they will be used for the right purposes" (p. 20). We realize that the material blessing we receive is for the good of the community, not just us.

This is my desire- for God to transform my personality. May I be as faithful as the man with the 5 talents who invested his gifts wisely and gained 5 more talents (Matt. 25:14-30). Yet, may I be so radically obedient to God that my focus is on Him and not how he blesses me.

How about you? Are you willing to be radically obedient and dependent?

Foster, R. (1981). Freedom of Simplicity. San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins Publishers.

Being Mindful

Have you noticed how people complain about being busy, but in reality, it sounds like they are bragging? Being busy and stressed out is worn like a badge of honor. You aren't somebody unless you are going non-stop. Is it any wonder this attitude is so prevalent when Corporate America jokes, "If you aren’t stressed, you must not be working hard enough.” Personally, I am tired of being stressed. A few years back, I developed a workshop called "Taking Care of Yourself.” ( Click here to go to my upcoming training page )The training was just as much for me as it was the participants. While putting the materials together, I began reading more about mindfulness. Being mindful is counter-intuitive to our culture. I discovered a good definition by Jon Kabat-Zinn (1994). He explains, “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” I began realizing that I was driving along in automatic missing the wonderful opportunities I could be experiencing. As I see it, being mindful is taking life out of automatic and start driving in manual. When you do this, you have to listen to every hum and acceleration of the RPMs. You begin to be more in tune with your own personal "engine.” Well, enough of my car analogy...you get the idea.

This morning I was reading my devotions and being mindful was the topic- except they called it, "Practice the Presence.” I saw it as taking the concept of mindfulness and moving it up a notch. Practicing the Presence is not only about being mindful of ourselves but also becoming mindful of God's presence in our life. The author of the devotion said, "We need to give God a time slot in our lives every day, but even more than that, God needs to be a presence in our lives all day long, every day" (Ortlund, 1994). The author and her husband began to be "mindful" (my words, not hers) in being present with God. Her husband set his watch to go off every 15 minutes so he'd stop and think of God. She wrote the words "Jesus" on a piece of paper and placed it on the floor by her bed. Every morning when she got up her attention was on Him. Through the process, she began to become more aware of God in her life.

This New Year 2010, I want to be mindful of the moment and most importantly of God's presence in my life. My next step is to consider what I can do to remind myself to rejoice in God's presence all day long. What about you? What will you do?

Consider Psalm 89:15, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD" (NIV).

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life (p.4), New York: Hyperion.

Ortlund, A. (1994). Practice the Presence. In Couple's Devotional Bible. (30) Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.