Studies show that thankfulness lowers anxiety levels, elevates mood, relieves stress, improves socialization, and stimulates a helpful attitude. Each of us would benefit from focusing on our blessings daily. I spend a few minutes jotting down two or three things I am grateful for, trying to identify something different each day. To do this, I…
The end of the Civil War marked the beginning of reorganization and transformation in American medicine. Doctors began to apply surgical techniques learned during the war; they felt more comfortable using anesthesia. Learning about sanitation, nursing, emergency transport, and hospital construction improved medical care. Basic science became part of medical school training; medical education became…
Sometimes, we consider our problems insurmountable. When you are down and out and feel hopelessly lost in a sea of troubles, consider these figures: If you drove your Porsche 918 Spyder 186,000 miles per second for one year without stopping for gas, a restroom break, or to get directions, you would travel one light-year. The…
According to a New York Times article by Lauren Jackson, spirituality in America may be on the rise. The Pew Research Center found the share of United States adults who have a spiritual belief: On the other hand, Christianity appears to be declining. In 2007, 78% of U.S. adults identified as Christian. By 2024, that…
Five years after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, scientists are gaining a clearer understanding of how the virus can affect the body long after an infection seems resolved. These effects, known as post-COVID-19 (long COVID), can lead to lasting, sometimes invisible changes in various body parts. An infection can cause chronic lung, heart, gut,…
Research by psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests that approximately 50% of our happiness is determined by unalterable factors like our genetic predisposition—our so-called “set point.” We have limited control over our circumstances, environment, or childhood emotional experiences. We can, however, control our attitude regarding these dynamics. According to Lyubomirsky, of the conditions we can control, three…
Perfectionism robs us of contentment and steals our happiness. This tormenting trait increases stress, causes anxiety, and may lead to chronic depression. “Good enough” never satisfies the perfectionist because they want everything to be…perfect. Perfection Grading Scale: Grade yourself on each of the questions below thusly: Questions: Scoring: A score of 25-30 indicates a serious…
Most of us find ourselves trapped on the freeway of rush. We have a texting mentality, a fast-food appetite, and an Instagram philosophy. Before we know it, perhaps even without wanting to, we find ourselves leaping into the commotion without considering our options. Our minds are made static by noise – digital instruments bellowing, TVs…
Attention deficit disorder, inattentive type, marked by poor concentration, disorganization, forgetfulness, poor task completion, and inadequate reading comprehension, may be missed in childhood because these children demonstrate no hyperactivity or class disruption. Once the diagnosis is made, a psychostimulant is often prescribed, usually Adderall. Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are stimulants used to…
How many are true, noble, pure, and admirable critical thinkers? Not many, perhaps. Let’s look at the following example. Recently, my daughter-in-law, Andrea, asked who wrote the plays attributed to Shakespeare. I quickly responded, “Everyone knows that Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare’s plays. Some people suggested Francis Bacon as the author, but that idea has been effectively…
Our children are not our children. They are the sons and daughters of God’s longing for love. We may give our children our wisdom but not our possessions because they must earn their own way. We may house their bodies but not their soul, for their souls dwell in the mansions of the future, which…
Joy is far grander than happiness. While happiness often relies on external circumstances, joy transcends situations, surroundings, and status. Sometimes, even painful experiences can lead to deep satisfaction and joy. For instance, consider a mother who endures significant pain during childbirth. After the intense labor, when her baby is born, the joy she feels is…
To conquer the fear of public speaking, start by acknowledging your anxiety. Accepting that you are afraid can prevent that fear from spiraling out of control. Get yourself out of the way. Remember that a little anxiety can provide energy for your speech. Don’t worry about how your speech will be received. When we obsess…
14 Billion years ago Big Bang God spoke the Big Bang 4.5 Billion years ago Earth created – Young earth creationists claim 4004 BC 3.7 Billion years ago – Photosynthesis 550 Million years ago – Plants and animals development 65 Million years ago – Dinosaurs went extinct 2 million years ago – Homo erectus 270,000…
Just about every religion contains some truth. Only Christianity contains the complete truth. Let’s look at Buddhism, for example. I believe that Christians would agree with the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism as stated in simple terms: And I believe most Christians would agree with all but the last point in the Eightfold Path: The eighth step,…
Fowler’s Stages of Faith: 1. Intuitive-projective faith–unable to compare ideas; simple belief 2. Mythical-literal faith–making mysticism literal 3. Synthetic-conventional faith–incorporating values 4. Individuative-reflective faith–critical thinking 5. Conjunctive faith–combining the mystical with critical thinking Walker’s Stages of Faith: 1. Instinctive faith–child-like faith 2. Literal faith–the Bible says it’s so 3. Humanistic (enlightened) faith– philosophy/psychology + Christianity 4. Rational…
There is a time-honored folk story about a young woodsman and a seasoned lumberjack. The robust young woodsman energetically chopped at the towering oaks all day long, never stopping to rest. In contrast, the grizzled lumberjack worked a little, then sat down to rest, only to chop a bit more before taking another break. At…
Joe, a respected bank president, and Cindy, a tireless realtor, joined a prominent Charismatic megachurch where they developed a deep, abiding love for Jesus Christ. As their commitment grew their diligent and dedicated service in the name of Christ earned them veneration throughout the congregation. Unexpectedly, a black mole on Joe’s forearm emerged as a…
The Bible’s Old Testament tells the story of God’s gift of free will and how humankind turned that free will into self-will. The narrative of this self-will rebellion unfolds throughout the books of the Old Testament. God’s plan that humankind would love him unconditionally unravels in the first 11 chapters of Genius. The first few…
The famous line “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” comes from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” This quote suggests that an event is not inherently good or bad; instead, it is our perceptions and interpretations that shape our views of it as positive or negative. In essence, our perspective determines…