The Good Humor Barista: Serving Up Smiles
By: Susan Deborah Schiller
A funny movie, a hilarious joke, and a deep belly laugh all have one thing in common… they release a powerful hormone in your body called oxytocin. Ocytocin is often called the "love hormone" or the "trust hormone" and it's a chemical that has a profound effect on your brain. You could say it's largely responsible for making us human!
It's inexpensive, perfectly safe, and legal, and it's comes in a variety of packages… such as cuddling, hugs and touches, marital intimacy, acts of kindness, and laughter. It's even as simple as hitting the "like" button on Facebook or leaving a comment on a blog post 
You can instantly change your atmosphere by singing, dancing, rejoicing, laughing, creating art, or simply smiling!
Remember the Scripture verse that says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength"? Nehemiah spoke those words in encouraging his weary laborers and warriors to eat "choice food and sweet drinks". I believe it was the Lord's strategy to create a change in the atmosphere, from overwhelmed-by-stress to overcome-by-joy. Nehemiah understood the power of rejoicing.
The first century Christians were losing their property and being slaughtered. The Apostle Paul encouraged them to "rejoice always, and I'll say it again, rejoice!" That's not a command to do a religious duty, but rather an invitation to change your atmosphere!
Get your life back through humor! Humor can take you 180 degrees from distress to happiness.
Laughter inhibits fear. It redirects your focus off of a problem area and in a more positive direction. Laughter can reduce stress hormones and build the immunity system. Finding humor in your situation can stave off depression. It puts your enemies on the run.
But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. ~ Psalm 2:4
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. ~ Psalm 23:5
Rule in the midst of your enemies! ~ Psalm 110:2
That's what God wants you and me to see… our enemies in a daze as we dine in God's favor at His banquet table. The real battle is spiritual and mental, out of natural sight and hearing. That's where our first step to recovery takes place. What an amazing God we have… who is so wild in His love for us that He sings over us and dances! Knowing this aspect of God's character and His love for us is a game-changer!
The king is wild for you. ~ Psalm 45:11
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." ~ Zechariah 3:17
Ready to change your atmosphere?
Me, too
I'm collecting stories, jokes, cartoons, and more at THE BARISTA OF SMILES! Will you join me?
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With all my love,
Sue
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