What does music do? It can reduce stress by reducing the production of cortisol and increasing the release of stress-reducing neurotransmitters. It can also reduce stress by reducing a patient's sense of isolation and helping them reconnect with positive places within themselves. It can help healthy circulation by reducing blood pressure and stabilizing the heart … Continue reading Can Music Be Good for Your Body, Soul, and Spirit?
David
Are You Bargaining with God in the Waiting Room? Psalm 26
Hospital waiting rooms are a great equalizer. All who enter join the fellowship of uncertainty. Plans and predictions, once held tightly, slowly tick away with the pace of watched clocks. I have logged many hours in these places over the years. Often arriving flustered and departing relieved, but now I am back again in crisis. … Continue reading Are You Bargaining with God in the Waiting Room? Psalm 26
Can Fearing the Lord Reduce my Anxiety? Psalm 34b
Some families pass down an inheritance of precious jewelry while others share treasured recipes written on weathered cards. Other families gift each generation with stocks or bonds. Some families even pass the ownership of a family business to the next generation. Sadly, my family held on to the tradition of passing down a legacy of … Continue reading Can Fearing the Lord Reduce my Anxiety? Psalm 34b
How do you tend a troubled soul? Psalm 6
When it rains, everything seems wet Dark clouds descend, obscuring my view The rattle of raindrops muffles the sounds of life And I am cocooned in sadness "A Weathered Heart" by Anthea Kotlan This poem reflects a few aspects of depression. If you have ever experienced a season of depression or if someone you love … Continue reading How do you tend a troubled soul? Psalm 6
Should I Fear Fasting? Psalm 35
empty plate with fork and spoon crossed During the season of Lent, there can be many calls to use fasting as a spiritual discipline. no red meat on fridaysstay off social mediapick one thing you really love and give it up for the season In most Christian circles you will rarely hear fasting mentioned, and … Continue reading Should I Fear Fasting? Psalm 35
How Can I Respond to False Accusations? Lessons on God’s Love Learned from a Man on the Run – Psalm 18
Person running away False accusations have a way of wearing me down. Initially the truth stands guard on my heart, and I feel righteous and free and can put the lie away. However, sometimes a false accusation returns days, months or years later. Perhaps it is something with a small grain of truth that has … Continue reading How Can I Respond to False Accusations? Lessons on God’s Love Learned from a Man on the Run – Psalm 18
How Can I Avoid Anger’s Trap? Psalm 5:7-12
What is a trap? Something that collects and keeps something else that eventually may or may not be released. I believe that anger a problem because it could lead to some damaging words or actions. However, it is also a problem if it is stuffed down deep into our souls. I believe there it can … Continue reading How Can I Avoid Anger’s Trap? Psalm 5:7-12
Anthea Kotlan 