Dean Cothill

Tag: short powerful devotions

  • Why is it important to slow down in our daily lives?

    Why is it important to slow down in our daily lives?

    Hey hey! Have you ever noticed how the sound of your phone pinging can make you feel? Well, I recently found out that I have stress and anxiety-induced clinical depression. Fun, right? But one thing that has really helped me is turning off all notifications on my phone. They can make me feel so rushed, like I have to be somewhere all the time. It’s overwhelming and can contribute to my anxiety.

    It’s funny how something as small as phone notifications can have such a big impact on our mood and overall well-being. But it’s true. We live in a world where we’re constantly connected, and it can be tough to disconnect and give ourselves a break. But it’s important to do so, especially if you’re struggling with stress or anxiety.

    So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant pinging of your phone, consider turning off those notifications. Take some time for yourself and give your mind a break. It might just make a huge difference in how you feel.

    In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Faster internet, faster food, faster cars, faster deliveries, getting to and from faster is what’s more important and just merely fast fast fast! We’re constantly bombarded with stimuli – notifications on our phones, emails, social media updates, and the never-ending to-do lists that seem to pile up. It can feel like we’re constantly running on a hamster wheel, trying to keep up with everything that’s going on around us.

    But here’s the thing: it’s more important than ever before to slow down and take a step back. Here’s why.

    First and foremost, slowing down can help us be more productive. When we’re constantly rushing from one task to the next, it’s easy to make mistakes or overlook important details. By taking the time to slow down and focus on one thing at a time, we can actually be more efficient and get more done.

    In addition to being more productive, slowing down can also help us be more present and mindful. When we’re moving at a million miles an hour, it’s easy to get lost in our own thoughts and miss out on what’s happening in the present moment. By slowing down, we can be more aware of our surroundings and the people around us, which can help us form deeper connections and appreciate the beauty in life’s little moments.

    Slowing down can have significant benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. When we are constantly on the go, our bodies and minds can become strained and overwhelmed, which can lead to a range of health issues such as high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, and even depression. However, by taking the time to slow down and relax, we allow our bodies and minds to rest and rejuvenate.

    Being constantly in a state of high stress can take a toll on our bodies. When we are under stress, our bodies produce hormones such as cortisol, which can have negative effects on our health. High levels of cortisol in the body have been linked to increased blood pressure, weight gain, and a higher risk of heart disease. Additionally, stress can affect our sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling and staying asleep.

    Mental health is also impacted by the fast-paced nature of our modern lives. When we are constantly on the go, our minds can become overwhelmed, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. Taking time to slow down and relax can help to reduce stress and improve mental health.

    By setting aside time to relax and unwind, we can give our bodies and minds the chance to rest and restore themselves. This can involve activities such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a walk in nature. By taking the time to slow down and prioritize our own well-being, we can improve our overall emotional health.

    But perhaps the biggest reason to slow down is because it can help us find a sense of balance and happiness in our lives. When we’re always going at breakneck speed, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important and what brings us joy. By slowing down, we can take the time to reflect on our values and priorities and make sure that we’re aligning our actions with what truly matters to us.

    So, how can you slow down in this fast-paced world? Here are a few tips:

    • Set aside some time each day to disconnect from technology and just be present. This could be as simple as taking a walk in nature or sitting in a quiet space and just taking some deep breaths.
    • Practice mindfulness meditation or other forms of mindfulness, such as journaling or coloring. These activities can help you focus on the present moment and find some peace and tranquility.
    • Make a conscious effort to simplify your life. This could mean decluttering your home, streamlining your schedule, or letting go of activities or obligations that don’t bring you joy.
    • Take breaks and give yourself permission to relax. It’s okay to take a break from work or other responsibilities and just do something that brings you joy.

    Slowing down might not come naturally in a world that values productivity and speed, but it’s so worth it. By taking the time to slow down and be more present, we can be more productive, healthier, and happier. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and remember to slow down once in a while. You’ll be glad you did.

    Take a deep breathe. Take a moment. Slow down a little. It’ll all be ok.

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • Why we called to climb the highest mountains…

    Why we called to climb the highest mountains…

    Hello friends, welcome to todays daily bible verse and story. On the Daily with Dean is a short inspirational devotional that I hope inspires you and sparks something in your soul. Have you ever wondered what it means to be a friend? A true Friend?

    In the scriptures we read many time about brothers and sisters in Christ, friends in the faith. Even as you read that I’m sure you can start thinking of a few people that come to mind. Some people that have always been a call away, this people that send a text right when you need it, those people who always seem to be a step ahead to give you exactly what you need.

    When my family and I go on holiday we have to put our two dogs in the kennels down the road at Sardinia Bay Kennels. So we go away for a few days and when we come back I take them to the beach right after I get them from the kennels, they smell a little, are a little dirty and actually could do with some free open spaces and just run wild. So I take them to the beach, I take them to the greatest beach in the world, I take the to Sardinia Bay.

    So when we get there its all high energy and the dogs both actually go just nuts. So my son Daniel and I get them out the car and we charge for the water. A crazy charge over the dune and we all running at full speed down the dune to the water. We get to the water, the area is clear and I can let the dogs of their leads. AND OFF THEY GO!

    Running. Playing. Swimming. Splashing. All the joy in the world. We all just loving it. Daniel and I are walking and swimming in the water, the dogs are living their best lives and just taking it all.

    So we start wrapping up and start making our way to the car, which means we have to get up that dune. So I leash up the dogs. We gather our things and we start walking.

    At first it’s easy, we’re still chatting and the dogs are coming off their high. I see Daniel is a little bit behind me and walking on his own path next time. As we keep going and as the dune gets a little steeper things get a little harder. All things that are uphill are worth while. So Daniel and I had been hatting but slowly we talk a little less and now we just focusing own trying yo get up this dune, even the dogs taking some strain.

    So we keep walking, and I turn back to see that Daniel is now walking in my footsteps. If you’ve climbed a sand dune you’ll know that its easier to walk in the sand steps of other people.

    In our lives, in our work, in our marriages, in friendships, something very special happens when someone says, “No way, me too.” Something very special happens when someone says, “Walk in my footsteps, lemme show you where to step, lemme man it easier for you…”. It was the moment that a friend of mine, named Richy for the sake of this story said to me “Bro, I’ve been where you are, and you’ll get through this…”, a Peace and a Rest settled on me. Isolation turned into connection. I felt connected.

    Jesus climbed a few mountains, and he took some committed friends with him.

    1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2 and taught his climbing companions. 

    In Matthew 5 we see that Jesus climbed, and I just love that he did it with some climbing companions.

    So what mountains are you climbing? Whether at work, school, university, your home life, where are you going? and maybe more importantly, who are you going with?

    Who are your climbing companions? Who is walking with you? Whose steps are you walking in? Whose walking in your steps?

    My daily prayer for you, may you come to know that you are not alone, that Jesus is climbing with you, he’s guiding and assisting your steps and will not let you fall.

    Grace and Peace

    D