Science Proves "Laughter Therapy" is Effective

Have you ever felt physically better after laughing with friends and family?

Amazingly, science supports this phenomenon. 

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America use conventional forms of medicine to help cure cancer, but they also use  “humor therapy sessions” or “laughter clubs.”

Studies reveal that laughter helps reduce pain, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.

Apparently, both the physical vibrations and mental diversion of laughter help patients feel better. So when the Bible says “a merry heart is good like a medicine,” it’s not just figurative speech! (Proverbs 17:22) 

Laughter is one way God gives us a "joy vacation" in the midst of routine or difficult life circumstances. So let's cultivate a merry heart and spread some joy!

Want to read all of the Bible Love Notes about a merry heart? Check it out here: Merry Heart Collection.  I hope it will encourage you to wholesome, godly laughter today and everyday!

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Bible Love Notes

Medicine w/No Harmful Side Effects = Prov. 17:22

"They say laughter is the best medicine [Proverbs 17:22], and I agree. Plus, it’s free, has no bad side effects and is available to EVERYONE.” ― Mindy Levy 

Because I've had my share of health problems, when a doctor prescribes a medicine, I always check out the side effects. And sometimes I decide the side effects are worse than my problem. 

But joy, hope, smiles, gratitude and laughter are perfect medicines for our souls, available to everyone without negative side effects. 

No wonder Scripture tells us:   

♥ "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 
♥ "Be joyful always." 1 Thessalonians 5:16
♥ "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 

Our emotional, spiritual and physical health improve with daily doses of joy in the Lord. So today make sure you take some time to laugh and rejoice in Him!
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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Giggles

"Why are you always laughing, Grammy?" my freckle-faced granddaughter asked. 

"Yes!" chimed in her two sisters, all three of them wearing happy smiles. 

My grandchildren bring me such pleasure. They often say or do something so fun and innocent that I get the giggles. They enjoy my laughter almost as much as I do, even when they don’t always understand why I’m laughing. 

I love to hear their laughter too.

Is there anything quite as fun as hearing a baby’s first laugh or taking a drive with a back seat full of giggly little girls? 

I imagine that God sometimes gets the giggles looking at us, and He must enjoy our laughter since He created it.

Since "a merry heart is good like a medicine" (Proverbs 17:22), let’s do our part to overturn the world’s stereotype of a frowning Christian killjoy and spread a little healing today.
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Bible Love Notes

Choose Your Wrinkles

“Laughter is the sun which drives the winter from the human face.” ― Victor Hugo 

Not only that, but laughter can also produce pleasant wrinkles as we age. 

You see, we develop wrinkles based on the facial expressions we use most often. If we smile most of the time, the lines in our face reflect smiles. If we frown most of the time, our wrinkles take a more unpleasant look. 

Since laughing, smiling, and frowning all produce wrinkles, you might say we “choose our faces” as we age. Our wrinkles can tell a story of inner joy and peace or anger and displeasure. 

Instead of getting unnatural plastic surgery to remove wrinkles, let’s do our best to let our wrinkles reflect a joyful Jesus heart. 

This is another reason to remember that "a merry heart is good like a medicine" (Proverbs 17:22). 

What kind of heart will your wrinkles reflect?

💙Be sure to check out The Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life. It's discounted on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD. 

And you can also sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes 1-minute devotions HERE.

 (Proverbs 17:22). What kind of heart will your wrinkles reflect?

Can Your Trust in God Be Tested?

Angie pulls into her driveway and sees her husband hugging another woman at their front door, a woman she’s never seen before.

What will Angie think?

If her husband is trustworthy, Angie may have fleeting doubts. But she'll assume it's her husband's cousin or an old friend. If Angie's husband isn't trustworthy, she'll have legitimate concerns.

We handle situations with other human beings based on the faithfulness of the person involved, their past performance, and the level of trust they've earned. 

And we approach Scripture based on our trust in God.

What do we think when we encounter a Bible passage that confuses or troubles us? Do we wonder if God is uncaring or unjust? Or do we trust His goodness?

There's nothing wrong with seeking answers about troubling Bible passages. Most of the time, we'll find comforting explanations. But suppose some of our questions can't be adequately answered this side of heaven. What can we do?

We can wholeheartedly trust the unchanging love and goodness of our Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Psalm 62:8: "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him."

For a brief Bible study on this devotion, click HERE.

Note: When I wrote this devotion in 2013, I asked readers to pray for my acute hearing loss. You'll notice comments about this in the comment section. Thank you so much for all who prayed. After a year, my hearing came back into the normal range. Thank you for your prayers!! 

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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

God Created Laughter

“Joy, humor, and laughter should be part of everyone's spiritual life. They are gifts from God and help us enjoy creation.” ― James Martin 

Sometimes we forget that God created laughter. 

Think about it. When God was creating mankind, He equipped us to experience a special burst of enjoyment...a way to release stress and relish the unusual, crazy things in life. 

But did you know that laughter also has these 4 additional benefits?   

It improves: 

• blood flow 
• blood sugar levels 
• immune system response 
• sleep patterns 

God tells us in Proverbs 17:22 that "a merry heart does good like a medicine." And He means it! 

Laugh, rejoice, sing, and enjoy the God who gave us laughter. Let it sweep through your soul today and improve your overall health.   

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Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Frozen Shoulder

Ten years ago, I developed a frozen shoulder. It's a condition in which the ligaments surrounding the joint swell and stiffen, restricting mobility.(1) 

By the time I was diagnosed, I couldn't scratch my back. Thus began painful sessions with a physical therapist to slowly stretch and tear the ligaments around the shoulder. 

Research shows it's unlikely a person will get a frozen shoulder twice. I'm convinced that's because you never forget the pain of recovery. 

Ten years ago, I got discouraged and neglected my relationship with the Lord for about six months. You might say my relationship with the Lord "got stiff." The results were more limiting than my frozen shoulder. And it took difficult stretching and tearing to restore what I'd lost. I never want it to happen again. 

If you've let your relationship with the Lord stiffen, I encourage you to do something about it now before it gets worse.

"Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things...both the present life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

(1) MNT

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For more insights on this subject, see 

If you've purchased Gail's book Wisdom for Life, I encourage you to read or re-read Day 35 for additional insights and encouragement. If you haven't purchased Wisdom for Life, why not check it out HERE. It's a beautiful hardcover devotional priced lower than most paperbacks.

Bible Love Notes

Whole Food Gospel

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces—just good food, from fresh ingredients." Julia Child

When we eat foods preserved, enhanced, and flavored with artificial substances, we lose our appetite for good food from fresh ingredients.

The same is true of life's "artificial" foods like money, fame, illicit sex, luxury, and comfort. They make us lose our appetite for the "good food" Scripture describes:

♥ "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

♥ "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34

♥ "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:2-3


Today, let's nourish our spirits with good things!

Please take a look at Food for Thought. It offers an interesting collection of Scriptures and 1-minute devotions that use food analogies. Why not pull out your plate and fill it with some of these tasty truths!

Bible Love Notes

Secret Joy

In the 1800's, English orphans were housed in disease-infested institutions, forced to work long hours, barely fed, and harshly treated.(1) 

George Mueller (1805-1898) gave up all he owned and worked without salary for the sake of these orphans. 

Without asking for money, he prayed three orphanages into existence. But his heart broke for those he still had to turn away. 

One of his prayer requests seemed "impossible"—he asked God to supply an orphanage for 700 orphans.(2)  

Times were hard and people thought he was crazy. But Mueller journaled these words: "The greatness of the sum required affords me a kind of secret joy; for the greater the difficulty to be overcome, the more will it be seen to the glory of God how much can be done by prayer and faith."

Before his death, Mueller had far surpassed this prayer request. He'd clothed, sheltered, and educated over 10,000 orphans without asking for a shilling.

Imagine if we had even a tiny bit of Mueller's willingness to give ourselves and our finances to others.

Reading Mueller's biography inspired me, but it also made me ashamed for my small and stingy faith.

May I love the Lord with the same passion as George Mueller.
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Did you know that Bible Love Notes has a collection of over 30 1-minute devotions addressing Christian Principles Concerning Money and Possessions? 
 
(1) Charles Dickens, a contemporary of Mueller, wrote Oliver Twist, the well-known fictional novel based on the cruel lives of the orphanages, poor houses, and street children during that time in history.

(2) Ephesians 3:20 says that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." For more on answered prayer, see 5 Requirements of Prayer and Understanding Prayer in Context. You can find other 1-minute devotions to make your prayer life more effective in our Prayer Collection.

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for

 Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. To find out more see 10 Reasons Why You'll Love Wisdom for Life. I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes

Does Faith Heal Us?

Sue called our Bible study members to tell us her son had chickenpox and to warn us that our children had been exposed in the nursery.(1)

One lady’s response surprised Sue:   

"My children don’t get chicken pox because ‘by His stripes we are healed.’ Our words bring health or sickness."

In these two terse sentences, this woman:

1. Judged Sue for “lack of faith.”(2)

2. Showed indifference for Sue's sick child, neither offering sympathy nor prayers (Philippians 2:1-4).

3. Misused Isaiah 53:4-5, claiming eternal promises on earth.(3)   

4. Expressed a superstitious belief about words.(4)  

It's true that Christ defeated disease, pain, sorrow, and Satan in the spiritual realm. But Christ's final victory will not be fully realized until His return. Scripture makes that clear (1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Hebrews 2:5-9).

Sometimes God heals us physically here on earth, sometimes not. Sometimes we can identify reasons for sickness, sometimes not.

But whether we are sick or well, we can experience God's peace:

“In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

If you'd like to do a Bite Size Bible Study on this devotion, click HERE.  
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(1) The chickenpox vaccine wasn’t licensed in the U.S. until 1995, and this situation took place in 1980.
(2) God rebuked Job's friends for claiming his problems and illness were due to his lack of faith. See Job's Judgmental Friends. 
(3) See Misunderstandings About the Stripes of Jesus and Heavenly Promises Versus Earthly Promises.
(4) See The Power and the Limit of Words. 

Another helpful resource: Joni Eareckson Tada: Breast Cancer Update on PBS.
This 1-Minute Bible Love Note is also about Joni: Wheelchair Miracle.

Bible Love Notes

I Can Fly

My favorite rides at amusement parks are those that simulate flying. I like them because I think we are meant to fly in heaven. 

Okay, I admit I don't have any scriptural evidence.

Scripture says in heaven we'll:
♥ see Christ face-to-face.
♥ fully understand things we don't understand now.

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

But I think heaven might also include other creative and wonderful things like:
♥ being reunited with beloved pets.
♥ creating art, composing music, playing instruments.
♥ cooking and eating (Jesus ate in His glorified body—John 21:10-15; Acts 10:41).
♥ exploring heavenly math, science, and biology (surely heaven will have plants and animals).
♥ participating in sports and contests.
♥ and, flying, of course!

What do you think?

If you'd like to read what Scripture teaches about heaven, check out Revelation 21, John 14:2-4, Revelation 22:3-7, and Matthew 22:30. 

Bible Love Notes

9 Ways to Learn Gratitude

Some people are naturally grateful. But most of us need to work on developing a "gratitude attitude." 

So here are a few tips:

1. Keep a gratitude journal, recording your blessings.
See: Do You Have a Happiness Diary? 

2. At suppertime, have your family members share good things from their day (Philippians 4:8).

3. When you pray include lots of thanksgiving, not just petitions.
See: Thankfulness - An Important Aspect of Prayer.

4. Post sticky notes on your mirror, fridge, or desk with Scriptures about gratitude. For example: Psalm 34:1, Ephesians 5:19-20, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
See: 3 Ways to Focus on Jesus When You're Busy.

5. Memorize these Scriptures and teach them to your children.
See Bible Vitamins.

6. Think about things we take for granted, things that much of the world does without: hot water, safety, reliable transportation, good shoes, a full pantry, etc.
See: Contentment Comes from Proper Perspective.

7. Take time to savor things as they happen as well as remembering them later.

8. When you count your blessings, be specific and detailed. It's more beneficial than making a long list of generalizations.

9. Remember it's God's will: "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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Let these other 1-minute devotions about gratitude inspire you:
Psychological Immune System
Balcony Views
3 Ways to Keep Your Perspective During Difficulties

Please check out the Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life.  

If you'd like to know more about Wisdom for Life, see 10 Reasons Why You'll Love Wisdom for Life. 

Bible Love Notes

Psychological Immune System

"Feeling grateful and expressing it decreases stress, increases happiness, and generally makes people feel better about life."

In a national survey, researchers concluded that gratitude is like "a psychological immune system." By refocusing on the good things in life, we become healthier, more enjoyable to be around, and happier overall. 

Isn't it fun when secular studies prove something God has been telling us all along?

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6  

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

God said it and science proves it's the best way to live. Now we just need to act like we believe it!

Note: introductory quote and source for other info in this post: "2 Little Words" by Janice Kaplan, Good Housekeeping, February 2013, Pages 93-98

Bible Love Notes

Dreamin' of Heaven

When I first visited Orlando, Florida, I realized why it's called the "Theme Park Capital of the World." 

Disney World theme parks and resorts cover 30,000 acres. As if that weren't enough, there's the competitive Universal Studios, the legendary Sea World, plus a plethora of smaller amusement parks like Legoland, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove.

All of these theme parks are successful because people love fantasy. There are a number of negative applications I could make about our desire to fantasize, but there's also a very positive one.

C.S. Lewis put it this way:
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” 

We love imagining things beyond our world because our spirits are designed for more than our present reality. We know there is something missing.  

Most of the world thinks they can fulfill their longings with health, wealth, fame, or fantasy.

Christians know that "our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20-21). We will only be fully satisfied when we gaze into the eyes of our Savior...and that's better than any fantasy we could create.

Some Scriptural encouragement:

This is one of my favorite promises:
1 Corinthians 13:12: "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

2 Corinthians 4:18: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

John 14:3: "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am." ~ Jesus 

Bible Love Notes

When Forgiveness Seems "Too Hard"

One Nazi guard in the concentration camp was especially cruel to Corrie and her sister Betsy. Betsy died before the end of the war, but Corrie survived to tell their story. Imagine her surprise when this former guard attended one of her talks, extended his hand, and asked her forgiveness.  

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Robert’s father sold him and two of his sisters into slavery where one sister was murdered and Robert was cruelly mistreated. When he and his other sister finally gained their freedom, they discovered that their father was sick and homeless.  

What would you do in Corrie and Robert's shoes?

Corrie took the hand of her former guard and forgiveness flooded her soul. Robert and his sister took their father into their home and cared for him the remainder of his life. 

Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's essential to our spiritual health.

Has someone offended you? Seek our God "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). 

To read these marvelous stories of forgiveness: The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom; The Emancipation of Robert Sadler by Robert Sadler and Marie Chapian.

For a quick Bite Size Bible Study on this devotion, click HERE. For more about Robert Sadler, read this 1-minute devotion: Freedom of Forgiveness.

Bible Love Notes

Giving Mom Grace

My mom has been with Jesus for over 20 years, and I miss her so much. 

She wasn't a perfect mother, but she was perfect for me. The Creator of the universe placed me in her arms so I could enjoy her wonderful strengths and accept her weaknesses. 

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb." Psalm 139:13

If you were physically abused by an emotionally unstable mother, please read Honoring Dishonorable Parents. 

But if you're like the majority of adult children who complain about their mother's imperfections, take their mother for granted, or put up with their mother as a "duty," I ask you to try something:

♥ Study Matthew 7:1-5 and replace "others" and "brother" with "mother." 

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge [your mother], you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your [mother's] eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your [mother], ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your [mother's] eye."

♥ Read about the biblical meaning of "honor."

What does it mean to honor my father and mother?

♥ Study Ephesians 6:2-3.

"Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise— so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth." Amplified Bible   

♥ Expect God to change your heart. 

Additional resources:

What About Annoying Parents?

6 Choices that Kill Family Relationships

Note: This devotion does not address children who have been physically or sexually abused by parents. They must seek godly Christian counsel in handling their relationship with their parents.  

💙Be sure to check out The Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life. It's discounted on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD. 

And you can also sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes 1-minute devotions HERE.

Bible Love Notes