hugs not drugs

I have been at Music Fest this week, having a wonderful time and seeing all my
long-lost friends. This has definitely riled up the "social butterfly" in me.. I had forgotten how much I adore my beautiful friends and how much of a social life I now lack. I must say that of everything I enjoy about seeing my girls and guys....hugs are among the top scorers. So maybe it's really technical and has something to do with my love language? Or maybe I just love hugs.
And now, since I am a huge nerd and I have to study everything out, an article on the importance of hugs:
"You may laugh off the predilection of the psychiatry community in the USA for coining names such as "hug therapy", but in all reality it's as true a therapy as that music, light and color therapy of the medicinal world. For by calling it a therapy, giving it a name, and ardently promoting it, they often manage to create awareness about a healthy and wholesome habit that is endangered by the bustle of modern life. It should not be forgotten that your skin is also a sense organ. Every centimeter of it—from the head to the tips of the toes—is sensitive to touch.We also know that touching builds up the immune system, now called libidinal refueling. When you hug somebody, you literally recharge the libido — the powerful energy in the body.
There's a whole new field now called psychoneuroimmunology: PNI. When you feel good, and you love yourself, and you're being touched or you're in love, your immune system actually gets stronger. Have you ever heard that people in love don't get colds? Maybe it's true.
Hugging is being used even as an aid in treating some physical illnesses, following research that it leads to certain positive physiological changes. For example, touch stimulates nerve endings, thereby helping in relieving pain. It is thus not uncommon for a chronic pain patient to be prescribed "Therapeutic touch" which involves hugs. This pushes up the hemoglobin levels in the blood, increasing the delivery of blood to tissues. "

Amazing huh? No wonder I love hugs.

An Oh so serious prayer!

I saw this posted on a friend's blog and thought it was cute... and true! =)

Dear Lord, I pray for: wisdom, To understand a man. Love, To forgive him and; Patience, For his moods. Because, Lord, if i pray for Strength I'll just beat him to death.

call me Mrs.

.... You may call me Mrs. Darcy...
but only when you are perfectly
and completely
and incandescently happy.....

Well laid plans

I am always reading books during my devotions because words have a way of stirring me to action. I am currently reading a book on spiritual warfare and the chapter I just finished was entitled "Well Laid Plans". This is one of those things that you know, but you still let it happen.....
It talks of how the inconsequential things...the cleverly devised patterns of irritation, dissatisfaction, thoughts you do not keep in check, doubts, fears and carnal reasonings .....begin entering our minds very subtly at first. We begin justify our actions, by comparison to people and situation, making excuses that only we ourselves believe. We ignore our conscience and procede to satisfy ourselves. We can make right choices... just...next time. All the devil needs is a crack in the door.. just a tiny opening. Once he finds an opening, he moves slooooowly and cautiously. After all, well laid plans take time. He usually doesn't immediately overwhelm you with powerful desires and temptation for hardcore sins. There will be plenty of time for that. Instead, he numbs us.....shoots us with a little Novocaine....and simply waits. He is very patient and oh so diligent. Rarely will he approach us through direct assault or frontal attack. He is patiently waiting for us to become lackadaisical.
Though, obviously, this is nothing new, I know it still happens all the time, and frankly, it is beginning to make me mad. So ....all that to say....I have found new determination in prayer and developed a keener sense of what is going on in the unseen.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ"....

The little things...

I am a sucker for art--especially that of the 15th and 16th century. One of my all-time favorites is that of Johannes Vermeer, entitled "The Girl with the Pearl Earring". I previously posted her picture here on my blog; I have to see her every so often. To my delight, I was recently able to purchase her for my bedroom wall.... and I must say she looks amazing. Though nothing can replace the exquisiteness of an original (even if it is hanging on a museum wall, never to be in my personal collection), I am quite happy with her! Just one of those insignificant things that makes me have a good day......

Psalm 18:30-33

"As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."

paroxysm II

missing you
I hurt
fight
in vain
against
dead roots
old hurts
now
my depth
percieves
i know
i wish
i hope
in vain

paroxysm

Im gonna pack up my heart
Fold it away
maybe bring it out
some day far away

im gonna shut out the world
turn off the lights
make myself forget
a once treasured plight

pushing memories away
and pulling covers up high
The tears parade down my cheeks
and I let them dry

This time I'll close up forever
keep the world at bay
fight against the wonder
of each brand new day

Time could heal me
But I wont give it a chance
Ive grown accustomed
to the feeling of
a cold heartless dance