Graze: To feed on growing grasses.



The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day. What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Laughter is Good Medicine

I just had to share this with you all today.  This afternoon a wonderful lady came into the office and paid me a compliment.  Now I like compliments just like you do.  But it was all I could to do keep a straight face with this one!!

She said to me, "Diana, you have lost a TON of weight . . . you are looking so good!"  LOL!!   I smiled (laughing really hard on the inside!) and said, "well, thank you for noticing!"  I guess my diet and exercise is paying off!!!  Ha! Ha!

I just attended a Church Secretary's Conference along with about 150 other church secretaries.  One of our speakers was Gavin Jerome.  He was great and I must say had us all laughing throughout his session. He talked about "BurnOUT"!  And shared ways to Recharge, Refresh, Refuel, & Re-Energize.  Basically he was saying:

~  Stress can kill but humor can heal
~ Humor helps manage conflict
~ Laughter is the closest distance between two people
~ People listen if they are laughing!
~ Laughter is the best medicine (Prov. 17:22)
~ Laughter builds relationships, connection, & communication

He stated that most children laugh up to 400 times a day!  The average adult may laugh 15-20 times a day.  What does that tell us?  When was the last time you had a good or even a great laugh?  Lighten up and laugh a bit.

Laughter Wisdom: 
:~)  Laugh at yourself
:~)  Laugh at what you do and not who you are
:~)  Look for laughs - we all do stupid stuff
:~)  "If you can laugh at it you can live with it"  (Bill Crosby)
:~)  Add one laugh to your life - everyday!

Well, I must say, I did add a laugh to my life today  . . .  "Diana, you have lost a TON of weight . . . you are looking so good!" 
Go ahead and laugh with me - it's ok!! 
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