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The Boy Who Didn’t Want a Bible.
A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.
Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “With all your money you give me a Bible?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.
He began to search his father’s important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words…PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss God’s blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?
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6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
Editor’s Note:
Over the past few years we’ve identified that in addition to making the world a kinder, better place that our readership of Kindhearts like you also want to live longer and healthier lives. As such, we’ve gone on a recruiting mission to find great new writers who can give us ideas so that we can all “Live well. Be kind.”
Today is our first of many great ideas for living better. Enjoy!
6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
When we’re feeling down, we often turn to our friends for solace or look for an activity that can distract us from our worries. Our first instinct isn’t usually to turn to food — unless it’s to dig into a pint of ice cream for comfort— but eating the right diet can actually boost your mood and your happiness overall. Whether you’re stressed out and anxious or you just don’t have the energy or motivation to get through the day, picking the right foods can help keep you feeling relaxed and upbeat.
It might sound farfetched that food can so greatly affect your mood, but research shows that certain types of diets can have a significant effect on your happiness levels. One study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that people who ate a typical Mediterranean diet filled with whole and unprocessed foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, and olive oil were much happier than those who ate a standard Western diet that included a lot of fast food, dessert, and soda.
Eating healthy foods can provide you with the nutrients your body needs to help fight off depression and keep your stress levels at bay. If you need a little boost in your mood, try eating one of these six feel-good foods that will have you smiling in no-time.
1. Dark Chocolate
As if you need another excuse to eat the sweet treat: dark chocolate has been found to fight off anxiety and depression. One study from the Journal of Proteome Research found that daily consumption of chocolate led to lower levels of stress hormones. Cocoa also contains antioxidants called polyphenols which can help fight against depression and other mental disorders.
Make sure you opt for chocolate with 70 percent cocoa or higher, and avoid kinds with added sugar, which can actually have the reverse effect.
2. Berries
Berries such as raspberries and strawberries contain a natural ingredient that closely resembles valproic acid, a chemical used in prescription mood-stabilizing drugs. One study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine also found that daily consumption of goji berry juice increased people’s general feelings of wellbeing
3. Turkey
Turkey contains two important nutrients that help play a role in your mood: selenium and tryptophan. Research from the journal Biological Psychiatry found that subjects who received selenium supplements experienced a decrease in anxiety and elevated mood. Additionally, tryptophan is an amino acid that is responsible for synthesizing serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Increasing your intake of tryptophan results in higher levels of serotonin, which can not only improve your mood, but even your behavior.
4. Nuts
If you’re a fan of snacking throughout the day, start chowing down on some nuts. Like turkey, nuts can also help boost your serotonin levels, and it only takes one ounce of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to improve your happiness.
5. Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, an important mood-boosting nutrient. Research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help relieve symptoms of depression. One study from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry even found that omega-3 fatty acids are just as effective at improving mood as an antidepressant.
6. Leafy Greens
Greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and other lettuce contain folic acid, an important B vitamin that plays a role in mood regulation, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Research from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that increasing your intake of folate can help reduce depressive symptoms.
When in doubt, you’re always best sticking to whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, but the above foods especially can help keep you calm and positive overall.
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14 Jul 2016
6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
Editor’s Note:
Over the past few years we’ve identified that in addition to making the world a kinder, better place that our readership of Kindhearts like you also want to live longer and healthier lives. As such, we’ve gone on a recruiting mission to find great new writers who can give us ideas so that we can all “Live well. Be kind.”
Today is our first of many great ideas for living better. Enjoy!
6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
When we’re feeling down, we often turn to our friends for solace or look for an activity that can distract us from our worries. Our first instinct isn’t usually to turn to food — unless it’s to dig into a pint of ice cream for comfort— but eating the right diet can actually boost your mood and your happiness overall. Whether you’re stressed out and anxious or you just don’t have the energy or motivation to get through the day, picking the right foods can help keep you feeling relaxed and upbeat.
It might sound farfetched that food can so greatly affect your mood, but research shows that certain types of diets can have a significant effect on your happiness levels. One study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that people who ate a typical Mediterranean diet filled with whole and unprocessed foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, and olive oil were much happier than those who ate a standard Western diet that included a lot of fast food, dessert, and soda.
Eating healthy foods can provide you with the nutrients your body needs to help fight off depression and keep your stress levels at bay. If you need a little boost in your mood, try eating one of these six feel-good foods that will have you smiling in no-time.
1. Dark Chocolate
As if you need another excuse to eat the sweet treat: dark chocolate has been found to fight off anxiety and depression. One study from the Journal of Proteome Research found that daily consumption of chocolate led to lower levels of stress hormones. Cocoa also contains antioxidants called polyphenols which can help fight against depression and other mental disorders.
Make sure you opt for chocolate with 70 percent cocoa or higher, and avoid kinds with added sugar, which can actually have the reverse effect.
2. Berries
Berries such as raspberries and strawberries contain a natural ingredient that closely resembles valproic acid, a chemical used in prescription mood-stabilizing drugs. One study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine also found that daily consumption of goji berry juice increased people’s general feelings of wellbeing
3. Turkey
Turkey contains two important nutrients that help play a role in your mood: selenium and tryptophan. Research from the journal Biological Psychiatry found that subjects who received selenium supplements experienced a decrease in anxiety and elevated mood. Additionally, tryptophan is an amino acid that is responsible for synthesizing serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Increasing your intake of tryptophan results in higher levels of serotonin, which can not only improve your mood, but even your behavior.
4. Nuts
If you’re a fan of snacking throughout the day, start chowing down on some nuts. Like turkey, nuts can also help boost your serotonin levels, and it only takes one ounce of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to improve your happiness.
5. Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, an important mood-boosting nutrient. Research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help relieve symptoms of depression. One study from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry even found that omega-3 fatty acids are just as effective at improving mood as an antidepressant.
6. Leafy Greens
Greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and other lettuce contain folic acid, an important B vitamin that plays a role in mood regulation, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Research from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that increasing your intake of folate can help reduce depressive symptoms.
When in doubt, you’re always best sticking to whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, but the above foods especially can help keep you calm and positive overall.
-
28 May 2015
“I’m Going to be The Best Dad”
Get ready to watch the most adorable video of 2015!
This wife loves to give her husband little pep talks and make him repeat all the beautiful things she says about him!
As if that wasn’t heart-warming enough, this certain pep talk has a surprise and hilarious ending!
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17 Comments
D.D. Dean Campbell
Message in this is so powerful!
God is willing to bless us each and every day, we as.humans are most of.the time obtuse to recieve it.
THE GOD I SERVE IS A LOVING GOD
09 Mar 2011 02:03 pm
Mark S. Marchal
This story truly made my morning quite thought proking. I actually got me started on the right foot this morning.
Thank you and have a blessed day!
09 Mar 2011 02:03 pm
virginia
How inspiring on such a gloomy March morning. We can only show a person the beauty of the written word when they through God are ready to accept i.
I try to remind myself each day, in God’s time my prayers will be answered, not mine. I am a impatient person, that is my greatest down fall.
God does not expect perfection from us, only that we sincerely try to live a Christian life.
I have children who have walked away from Christ and the teaching of the church. I know deep in my soul that my departed husband and I always try to show the children Christ ways not just by words but by example.
I do not have the power to turn their hearts to the Lord and I fully acknowlege this fact. I also acknowlege in mind and soul and being that with God all things are possible.
God bless you and your loved ones,
Sincerely
Virginia
09 Mar 2011 03:03 pm
Dr. Shari Thomas
Don’t we do the same thing the boy did with people and lose out on the inner blessings they could bring to our lives? The outside “rubs” us the wrong way and we “throw” them away. God brought them into our lives to “grow” us as iron sharpens iron and we remain unchanged.
09 Mar 2011 05:03 pm
DON
This is indeed a wonderful story. The father who loved his son and tried to show him the priority in life “Seek ye first etc. and all these other things ……Bless you and all people who care for their loved ones
09 Mar 2011 06:03 pm
Lipena Samuelu
Thank you for an inspiring story. You made my day!
This is the kind of story that needs to be shared in the Sunday School and Youth Rally. Children needs to learn to appreciate things that are given them whether it is big or small. It is the thought that counts.
Thank you again for a beatiful and inspiring story.
09 Mar 2011 08:03 pm
Sue
Awesome reminder that God has paid for us in full – there are so many blessings just waiting for us to unwrap and enjoy. May God truly bless all those who answer the door when He knocks. Have a wonderful God-filled day !!
10 Mar 2011 01:03 am
Dick B.
Thank you for this lovely story. And thank you for posting it. God Bless, Dick B.
10 Mar 2011 02:03 am
LYNN e
How true! God bless those that read and heed!
10 Mar 2011 01:03 pm
Rev LK Reedy
Like the prodigal son, the Father’s true love and devotion were with his son all the time…………it just took the learning process of life for the son to realize it! Oh the faith our Heavenly Father places in our lives though we too may not understand His best for our lives! Keep blessing us with these inspirational stories!!
11 Mar 2011 03:03 am
Rev. J Kitchen
this was a story of a promise not only did the father love him so much got he gave him every thing he wanted and for gave him as well but we allso learn that big things can and will come in small packages Amen God Bless every one that read this story
11 Mar 2011 02:03 pm
Siddier Chambers
I needed this story right now! Thanks to my friend Shelley for sharing it with me.
12 Mar 2011 05:03 am
Gloria Palmes
Sure! God is good. He gives us what we want, not only what we need. But we must be sensitive,too, to what he gives. Let us thank and praise Him for Everything He provides us. Some gifts are nicely-wrapped, others are not,similarly, they’re all blessings from Him or blessings-in-disguise!
15 Mar 2011 04:03 am
Andriette Parker
I think that his father was trying to tell him that the car is a blessing not a gift. The father’s possessions where blessings that he his self had received and wanted his son to know be thankful. Praise him now and praise him again
Praise him everytime you get a chance.
15 Mar 2011 05:03 pm
Beverley Estes
I axcepted Christ as my savior when I was 5 and the pastor my grandmother tried to talk me out of it because I did not know what it all meant. I remember thinking what is there to know? I want Jesus, end of story. I ask my Father for a Bible when I was in High School. Now at the age or 72, I would not trade the Lord for anything this world has to offer. NOTHING.
Blessings
Beverley
15 Mar 2011 08:03 pm
Jack Aaron
This is a good example of peoples greed, This a great short story or parable.
I receive a lot of enjoyment from it.
17 Mar 2011 07:03 pm
Dr Sada C S ,IVF specialist
well,sometimes we look at the materialistic side yet Jesus knows when that is fulfilled.
Pray that such ideas comes second.
Indeed it eye opening story. I enjoyed the anecdote thoroughly.
Thanks.
18 Mar 2011 07:03 am