IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH *

* Courtesy of Better Health, Fall 2021

"Here are some things to do to help you with your mental health being: 

> Practice forgiveness--even if it's just forgiving that person who wasn't driving well during your morning commute. People who forgive have better mental health & report being more satisfied with their lives.

> Devote some time each week to being outdoors. Walk or bike through a park or take a hike in the woods. Research shows that being in green space can increase energy levels, reduce depression & boost well-being.

> Get help when you need it:  Seeking help is a sign of strength--not a weakness . . . "

MY MENTAL HEALTH

I confess that I've been a funk lately. Circumstances involving wildfires, drought, hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, the duplicity of our leaders, & the debacle in Afghanistan are weighing heavily on my mind. Despite one of my New Year's resolutions, which was to avoid useless conversations on Facebook, I succumbed to a conversation yesterday regarding abortion. That's a hot-button topic with me, & I can't seem to let this issue go. I'm not even sure that I should.

It's amazing to me how often what I read during my daily quiet time relates to what I'm experiencing. Here's what I read this morning in "Devotions for the God Guy," by Michael DeMarco. "Don't let terrible situations or stubborn or angry people keep you from believing that God can & will do as He pleases on this earth. After all, He is all-powerful & always present, remember? His will ultimately wins. Even though times might look tough, you can be sure that He is still God & still in control . . . His hand is always on you to protect you & to guide you. Just look to Him, trust Him, & be sure that you nothing happens without His ultimate permission. Because of that you can be sure that you are able to overcome any tough situation."

THE ANTS GO MARCHING ONE-BY-ONE

Today is supposed to be a day off, right? Not so fast! We got home from our outdoor worship service yesterday to discover a massive infestation of sugar ants in our kitchen & dining area. There were even ants in our dishwasher. We had to clear everything off our refrigerator & counter tops, then spray everything down with ant killer & a mixture of vinegar & water, which Lois discovered online. We had to do this multiple times. We sprayed again before we went to bed last night. This morning we've seen ants again, although not quite as many, so we'll be doing more labor on Labor Day. This is especially urgent, since we have friends staying over with us tonight. I think we're going to have to give in & call an exterminator tomorrow.

HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH

"Smartwatches track our health. Smart toilets aren't far behind." Drudge Report

WHAT I'M READING

I finished reading "The Best of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader." Now I'm reading "Uncle John's Extraordinary Book of Facts." [I admit that I'm into pretty light reading these days.] Among the fascinating facts I've learned:

* The only four countries on earth with one-syllable English names:  Chad, France, Greece, & Spain.

* Mongolia is the only country in the world where horses outnumber people.

DEPT. OF SHAMELESS JOKE-STEALING *

* Courtesy of Reader's Digest, July/Aug 2021

"The sum of the cabbage is directly proportional to the square root of the carrot divided by the mayo. That is Cole's Law."