 Spiritual: October 05, 2005 Issue [#640] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: windac
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"Humor is just another defense against the universe."
- Mel Brooks
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Hello everyone, and welcome to this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter. Your editors are Puditat  , kittiara, and me, windac.
After ranting and raving for the last two months, it was time to lighten up, bring it down a notch, reel the opinions in, and mellow out. Somewhere in this aging body of mine lies a heart that knows everyone deserves a break now and again. And as you may have noticed, this editor is a tad on the highly strung and emotional side. Imagine my horror last week when a blood test made it official: I am now entering that lovely phase of life (bestowed upon the female gender of the human species only), known as menopause. Yippee. Now, what do you think happens to a person such as myself when hormones once again decide to go haywire, only this time in reverse? You have to take my word for it - PMS is a mere training ground for what's to come. Every thought and emotion has gone into headlong, full speed, overdrive. (Did I really need a push in this area?) Then there are what I like to call "power surges" - those biological flashes that leave you warm, but not the least bit fuzzy, at least not in a good way.
Taking life too seriously has become the norm for me. I feel somehow that it's my duty to share every thought and opinion with anyone that will stand still long enough to listen. Needless to say, this is not always a good idea. There comes a time when one must step back, take a deep breath, and then simply say nothing. (I can almost hear the collective sigh of relief.) Unfortunately for you, October will not be that time. (Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water!) If you think it's painful to listen to me once a month, think of what my husband, children and co-workers must endure, and on a daily basis. Surely God will reward them their restraint from binding, gagging, and duct taping me into silent submission.
Personal theories and mid-life changes aside, this month's edition addresses the role humor plays in our day-to-day lives, and its necessity for our mental, physical and spiritual health. Although I do possess a sense of humor, these days it tends to come and go of its own volition, and without warning. But what's really sad is that in my youth humor and laughter were such an integral, positive part of who I was. As my family grew older, and as the responsibilities and difficulties of life grew as well, humor diminished at about the same rate. There were a couple of years when it was all but non-existent in my home. Losing a child, grandchild and parent within a three-month period has the power to bring you to your knees, and it takes awhile to get back up. And even then, life is never quite the same. An innocence is lost that can never be recaptured, and the way you view the world changes. But the world stops for no one, and life does goes on. Over time our pain eases, we put one foot in front of the other, and we survive. Were it not for humor, the journey would be much more difficult. And so, on that note, we're off to the races.
"Laughter is higher than all pain."
- Elbert Hubbard
Can you imagine a world without humor? What a lifeless, drab and boring existence it would surely be. The funny side of life is one of the things that makes it worth living. Humor is vital to our well-being, and laughter a soothing balm for the soul. Can anyone deny the bliss we feel when in the throes of a good giggle, or the supreme satisfaction to be felt when we're able to elicit a snicker or full-bellied guffaw by a well-timed comeback, the telling of a good joke or simply by poking fun? The best moments are those when we can laugh at ourselves and the idiotic things we do, usually at the most inappropriate times. When laughing, we are experiencing joy in its purest form. All the woes of the world are forgotten, if only for a moment. What a wonderful blessing we have been given! God, in all His infinite wisdom, created us with the perfect stress relief valve.
The saying goes that laughter is the best medicine, and I believe this is true. According to spiritofchange.org, laughter does work and here are some of the reasons why:
Laughter reduces cortisol, which is a hormone that causes stress and increases endorphins, which are the body’s own natural opiates — they make you happy! Therefore when you laugh, the production of endorphins in your body keeps you feeling good for ages. (American Journal of the Medical Sciences)
Laughter eases muscle tension, which can be good for rheumatism. (Southern Medical Journal)
Laughter increases the body’s t-cell count, which are cells of the immune system that kill outside invading bacteria harmful to the body. Laughter also increases lymphocyte blastogenesis, which, put simply, means that the immune system works faster and more efficiently (Journal of Clinical Research)
Laughter aids ventilation and helps clear mucus plugs, which is good for respiratory conditions like emphysema (Journal of the American Medical Association)
Laughter induces an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which exercises the myocardium and increases blood circulation causing a rise in the volume of oxygen and nutrients that are pumped to the tissues. (Journal of Biological Psychology)
Laughter increases catecholamines, which are known to boost mental function. Therefore laughter improves mental alertness, memory and interpersonal responsiveness. (Journal of the American Medical Association)
Laughter enhances blood oxygen levels and boosts circulation. (Journal of Biological Psychology) This is particularly important in combating cancer because cancer needs an oxygen-depleted body to survive. (Credence)
Laughter increases pain tolerance. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Laughter reduces the rate of cellular decay, thus slowing down the rate of aging. (Journal of the American Medical Association)
Laughter brings about an emotional high, which can enable problems to be seen from a different perspective, especially those of a stressful nature. (Psychological Reviews)
If ever I happen to find myself riddled with a dreadful disease, or laid up due to injury, I want to watch old reruns of "I Love Lucy" and "Bob Newhart", literally giggling my way back to good health. With that in mind, I will share a few tidbits in an attempt to leave you feeling a bit better than you did two minutes ago, or at the very least, somewhat amused.
Having worked in an office of one type or another most of my adult life, upon moving to a small town found that administrative work was not an immediate option. And so I took a job working in the local grocery store. Senior citizen discount day could be the most difficult of the week. Older folks can tend to be a bit grumpy (oooh, I definitely see duct tape in my future) due to bodies that are losing strength and vitality, money being tight, and children that seemingly no longer care. The same seniors were there every Wednesday, so you got to know them a bit. One gentleman (I'll call him Gus) always gave me a hard time, and was forever asking the question, "What you got that's free today?" One Wednesday I was ready for him, and the store was crowded with slow moving gray hair, hearing aids and walkers. I'm ringing up purchases and prattling on with the customers, and then comes Gus. "Good morning," I said. First a grumble, then, "Got any freebies today?" I enthusiastically reply, "As a matter of fact, we do! With every purchase, absolutely free, you get your choice of a brand spanking new paper or plastic bag!" Every last person within earshot heard this and laughed. The gentleman looked at me with a twinkle in his eye, and smiled. That one smile made my day, and I think, his as well.
This is a true story courtesy of scarlett_o_h. Thanks Scarlett!
As most of you are aware I'm a dreaded smoker and hate myself for it, but have always tried to restrict the areas in the home where I smoke. So, I rarely smoke upstairs but must confess I do have the odd one up there at times. Having no ashtray on the second storey I've sometimes thrown the finished tip into the toilet. I know, I know, I'm a slob and disgusting but it's relevant to the story. When my son was a toddler he always liked his mum to be around wherever he went. So if he needed the toilet, mum always had to accompany him upstairs. One morning, he was sitting on the loo doing his business, and knowing how long males take in there, even at that tender age, I busied myself in the bedroom while I waited. After a while, a small questioning voice shouted 'Mum, I've done a cigarette.' As little boys do, he'd obviously climbed from the loo to inspect what he'd deposited and I'd obviously thrown a cigarette end in there earlier in the day. 'Don't be silly.' I replied. 'Only things you've eaten pass through your body and you don't eat cigarettes.' Biology was never my strong point but I thought that quite a satisfactory explanation. There was a short pause, then came the response. 'Well, I don't eat poo either.' 
Jake was dying. His wife, Becky, was maintaining a candlelight vigil by his bedside. She held his fragile hand, tears running down her face. Her praying roused him from his slumber - he looked up and his pale lips began to move slightly. "Becky my darling, " he whispered. "Hush my love," she said. "Rest, don't talk." He was insistent, "Becky," he said in a tired voice, "I have something that I must confess." "There's nothing to confess, " replied the weeping Becky. "Everything is all right, go to sleep." "No, no. I must die in peace, Becky. I... I slept with your sister, your best friend, and your mother!" "I know sweetheart," Becky whispered, "now lay back and let the poison work."
A couple of rednecks are out in the woods hunting when one of them suddenly grabs his chest and falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing; his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other redneck whips out his cell phone and dials 911. He gasps to the operator, "I think Bubba is dead! What should I do?" The operator, in a calm, soothing voice says, "Just take it easy and follow my instructions. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence... and then a shot is heard. The redneck's voice comes back on the line, "Okay, now what?"
Joan, who was a rather well-proportioned secretary, spent almost all of her vacation sunbathing on the roof of her hotel. She wore a bathing suit the first day, but on the second, she decided that no one could see her way up there, and she slipped out of it for an overall tan. She'd hardly begun when she heard someone running up the stairs. She was lying on her stomach, so she just pulled a towel over her rear. "Excuse me, miss," said the flustered assistant manager of the hotel, out of breath from running up the stairs. "The Hilton doesn't mind your sunbathing on the roof, but we would very much appreciate your wearing a bathing suit as you did yesterday." "What difference does it make?" Joan asked rather calmly. "No one can see me up here, and besides, I'm covered with a towel." "Not exactly," said the embarrassed man. "You're lying on the dining room skylight." 
There was this Christian lady that had to do a lot of traveling for her business, so she did a lot of flying. Flying made her nervous, so she always took her Bible along with her to read and it helped relax her. One time, she was sitting next to a man. When he saw her pull out her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and went back to what he was doing. After awhile, he turned to her and asked, "You don't really believe all that stuff in there do you?" The lady replied, "Of course I do. It is the Bible." He said, "Well, what about that guy that was swallowed by that whale?" She replied, "Oh, Jonah. Yes, I believe that, it is in the Bible." He asked, "Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?" The lady said, "Well, I don't really know. I guess when I get to heaven, I will ask him." "What if he isn't in heaven?" the man asked sarcastically. "Then you can ask him." replied the lady.
Notable Quotes
"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.
Teach him how to fish and you get rid of him all weekend."
- Zenna Schaffer
"If you really want something in this life, you have to work for it -
now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers!"
- Homer Simpson
"First you forget names, then you forget faces. Next you forget
to pull your zipper up, and finally, you forget to pull it down."
- George Burns
Things to Ponder:
 Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds?
Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations?
Is it possible to be totally partial?
If a 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the doors?
If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose?
If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan?
If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights?
Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?
Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections?
Why is there an expiration date on my sour cream container?
Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
When you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?
If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?
When it rains, why don't sheep shrink?
Courtesy tech-sol.net
Signs, Signs & More Signs
At a Proctologist's door:
"To expedite your visit please back in."
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee:
"Invite us to your next blowout."
At a Towing company:
"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
On an Electrician's truck:
"Let us remove your shorts."
On a Maternity Room door:
"Push. Push. Push."
In a Podiatrist's office:
"Time wounds all heels."
On a Fence:
"Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive."
At a Car Dealership:
"The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."
In a Veterinarian's waiting room:
"Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"
At the Electric Company:
"We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be."
At a Propane Filling Station:
"Tank heaven for little grills."
And don't forget the sign at a Chicago Radiator Shop:
"Best place in town to take a leak."
Courtesy tech-sol.net
And finally, I leave you with an Irish blessing: May your troubles be as few and far between as my grandmother's teeth. Ooops, sorry... wrong blessing!
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Love your neighbor as much as yourself.
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This months picks are a real grab bag - please take a moment to give a little r/r/r!
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Thanks to all who sent feedback my way! I often wonder if anyone out there is listening, and get what I'm trying to convey. Your comments mean more than you know.
Submitted By: Big Mike 2humble2bragbut...
Submitted Comment:
Great newsletter. I was a bit sorry to see some very political feedback; but on the other hand, our personal politics and our personal spirituality should be interrelated. True spirituality should permeate every aspect of our lives (in my opinion).
Thanks big mike! I've found that if you can dish it out, you'd best be prepared for the backlash. When you have a mouth as big as mine and opinions to match, there's always backlash. But that's ok. I can take it. Thanks again!
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Submitted By: robi4711
Submitted Comment:
I, too, am outraged and exasperated with those who claim to be Christian and yet close up at the mention of Jesus. A Christian is a person who follows Christ Jesus. The Bible says those people who do not want to keep the Lord in their minds are turned over to a reprobate mind. Reprobate: without any hope of being with Christ in eternity.
You know, when I first became an editor of the SNL, one worry was that folks would tune out and turn off when they heard the word Christianity. Knowing that there were many different religions and belief systems within the readership was a real challenge. Because of this I've always tried to do a little soft shoe, speaking more broadly of God to bring Him to the forefront, and relegating Jesus to the back of the class. I'm still not sure if this has been a disservice to those involved - God, Jesus, the reader, or myself, or perhaps all of the above. I suppose that the end result remains to be seen.
Thanks so much for the feedback Lucy!
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Submitted By: AliciaWithAY
Submitted Comment:
Thank you for a well-written and insightful newsletter. It hurts me to hear that people unsubscribe from this newsletter because they don't like the diversity of opinions and beliefs presented here. I signed up for this newsletter hoping for a diversity of beliefs. My chosen religion is witchcraft, but I have great respect for those who choose other paths - Christian or otherwise. I hope all the editors of this newsletter continue to use it as a forum for sharing spirituality - in all its many forms.
Thanks so much for your support and encouragement AliciaWithAY - it's very much appreciated!
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Submitted By: Dr M C Gupta 
Submitted Comment:
This is not the right forum. I withhold response to your long rebuttal. I welcome you to write to me at mcgupta44@gmail.com for further discussion.
Ref:
"Think again - you could be next. But, if they were to have their way, and you didn't have the U.S. to kick around anymore, who would you call on when you needed help?"
>> We do not need anybody's protective cover. India is the oldest continuously existing civilization, without break, in the world. It has survived 13000 years, much before USA came into existence in 1776. Those who colonized US had colonized India too, but India got free through its own efforts, without any help from US.
Even the movement for freedom of blacks in US, who did not LEGALLY enjoy human rights as late as 1964, was patterned by Martin Luther King on the lines of Mahatma Gandhi of India. And, he succeeded.
God,and not USA, helps those who help themselves and who believe AND PRACTICE God's righteous path.
M C Gupta
Ahh, we meet again Khalish. You might be correct in that this is not the proper forum. But, I spoke my mind and invited others to do the same.
Having said that, I've made my opinions known and will most likely not change my stance, no matter the amount of dialogue we might have. With all due respect, I'll pass this time around.
Thank you for sending in comments, and have a wonderful day!
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Submitted By: nancy-s
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#1003249 by Not Available. |
Submitted Comment:
About the name "Jesus". The fact that unsaved people get so upset, roll their eyes or just leave the room at the mention, only proves the truth of the Gospel. It is the only name by which men may be saved. Matthew Henry (of Bible commentary fame) said that Jesus was sought out for bodily cures. In cures of the soul, He was found by those that sought Him not. The direst condition of those afflicted by the sickness of sin is that they desire not to be healed. Jesus said of Himself, that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword that would divide even family members. My heart breaks for them, even as they go about proving the infallibility of God's Word!
Shule Aroon
You make a very good point Shule Aroon, and do so quite eloquently! And I say this from knowing the darkness and sin within my own heart - I pray that my feeble, human attempts at faith will be sufficient to save me.
Thanks for sharing this with us!
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Submitted By: Brians Next Novel Almost Done!
Submitted Comment:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this issue. One of the most amusing paradoxes I encountered in college was the notion of talking about Jesus on a liberal arts campus.
The student body swears to a T that they're open-minded, free-thinking guys and gals, but the moment you bring Jesus into any discussion, the vast majority of them become the same close-minded people they believe Christians are. Sort of makes you wonder, eh?
Don't back down from what you believe--the true conversationalists on this site will engage your beliefs even if they don't agree with yours, while the rest will just bluster on about nothing, content in their own narrow-mindedness. More power to ya!
While I agree with you Brian, it works both ways. There are far too many Christians out there who think that, because of their faith, they are miles above the sinners of the world. These are the sort that have left a bad taste in the mouths and minds of many, beginning with those who balked at the idea of Christ ministering to the likes of prostitutes, lepers and tax collectors! This is an area in which we should seek change, not only in image, but in attitude as well.
Thanks so much for the feedback!
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Submitted By: Mommy4Life
Submitted Comment:
Well said, Wind! If that presentation is considered "in your face", then sign me up for the next 20 years! Keep up the great work!
Awww, you're so sweet! Thank you!!!
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Submitted By: glorfindel
Submitted Comment:
I must say I was pleasantly surprised this week. I often find myself disagreeing with this newsletter (and I'll leave it at that), but you touched on an important issue that never seems to be resolved. I am a very strongly not-Christian, but I believe there is too often a double standard among us non-Christians. It often bothers me when I hear people bashing Christianity out of general principle. There is too often intolerance of others' doctrine from all sides. But that doesn't mean one should behave in turn. I don't see why I should be offended about Jesus simply because I don't believe in the doctrine surrounding him. I see why people would mind intolerance, but listening to people talk about an important part of their lives doesn't seem like it should be offensive. I mean, call me crazy (and cliché), but I thought the point was to celebrate our differences, not shun and fear them.
Hmmmm. You make an excellent point Beren Homora. I'm thinking that my responses to the preceding NL comments should most likely be a sufficient reply to yours. Maybe not, but it is good to hear that not everyone is turned off by a difference of opinion or belief.
Thanks so much for commenting!
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Submitted By: scherpenisse
Submitted Comment:
Thanks for showcasing my item. Yes, we do disagree. The US has its problems, just like Holland and every other country does (though may I say, I did not mention any of the US's problems out of respect). Which proves my point that there is no such thing as the greatest country in the world. You're free to feel that way, as long as you know that what you feel isn't reality... just like I know. The US has things that other countries don't have. But we have lots of things that you don't. Good things. Remember that. And let's agree to disagree.
I still feel badly for my response to your feedback ES - one comment in particular. Please forgive me. Sometimes I take the much-too-well-travelled-path of sarcasm, and it was rather rude of me. For this I apologize.
I much prefer to agree to disagree, and still get along! Thanks so much for sending your thoughts.
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Submitted By: invisibleinque
Submitted Comment:
Wind, What an amazingly provocative, yet stable newsletter. You present your case(s) well, while allowing others to do the same. That, in my opinion, creates a good, solid foundation for open dialogue and debate. Thank you for providing such a place! - i2
Hey Invisibleinque! It's been a long time since we've spoken, and I hope this finds you well and feeling truly blessed!!!
Your comments are most appreciated and mean a great deal - THANKS! |
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Until next time, keep laughing, if only at yourself! 
