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I wonder do we use 100% of our brains. Here’s a reflection written by my mother.

25% OFF

By Verdell Reese

Am I living my life to its fullest or am I 25% off?

Do I feel 100% today?

Yesterday I felt tired. Did I lose 25%?

My sister made me angry 

I felt less than 25% off.

What happens to my 100% if I don’t use it up every day?

If I have a very happy day, will I use up the balance?

What decreases my %? 

Is it stress, emotions or intellect?

The relationship between emotions and intellect can cause mental stress

If I use only my intellect all day, will I use 100%?

If I use only my emotions all day, will I lose 25%?

If I could find a way to combine my intellect with my emotions, without stress? Would I be able to achieve 100% or would I still be 25% OFF?

©LRW Publication, LLC

Are you living to your fullest potential? I’d like to change the question a little? Are you using 100% of your brain? In answer to my question, EVERYBODY uses 100% of their brain. (Unless something is impeding it.) It can occur all at the same time or may not, but you use every part of your brain, at one time or another, during the day or while sleeping. One thing that scientist can agree on is that they don’t know everything about the brain.  

What I do know, most of us want to live with being mentally competent and physically mobile. Therefore, to live to our fullest potential, we need a healthy brain.

Here are 8 things that may help stimulate your brain and keep you physically fit: (And yes it is for all ages.)

1. Be curious. Never stop studying the Bible and asking God questions. Even King Herod and large crowds during Jesus’ time were curious about Him and wanted to see miracles. Where is your fascination about the things of God? Luke 23:8; John 12:9.

2. Think positive. Be Grateful. Be Forgiving. God knows the capability of your brain. Remember He made it, therefore, He knows what’s best for it. Philippians 4:8, God even tells you what to dwell on and not only to keep you mentally stimulated, but to increase your faith, prayer life, and love towards Him. Proverbs 17:22; Philippians 4:6, 13; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 21:22.

3. Exercise regularly. Just think, God gave you that body for a reason. Are you taking care of it? Is it at optimal condition or just OK? Jesus gave you His all. There is something about moving that keeps us alert, sharp and going forward. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.” Those who have health concerns, always talk to your doctor first, because they will be better able to suggest exercises or none. Be wise in your decision here.

4. Memorize Scripture. Meditate on Scripture. This not only stimulates your mind, but it causes God’s word to stay fresh within you. Psalm 119:11; Joshua 1:8; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:9; 2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 4:4

5. Eat healthy. Include foods that stimulate the brain. God gave us good food back in Genesis 1:29, but sin happened, and now that includes other things, like meat, sweets, etc. Choose what you eat wisely. Any foods you find causing health concerns, like too much gas, a constant cough, then talk to your doctor about. It is good that a man eats, drinks and enjoys his toil because after all it is a gift from God. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26.

6. Keep challenging yourself. Stir up your gifts within you. Do new things. Practice spiritual disciplines you learn from Hanging Out With Jesus Podcast. Hebrews 10:24-25; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Colossians 4: 5-6; John 16:33; Ephesians 4:11-16.

7. Get fresh air and sunshine, daily. This is a great way to start your day. 

8. Sleep. Stop trying to burn the candle on both ends. Also remember napping is OH SO SWEET! Try one, sometimes, or even take a lunch break and do nothing but eat slowly, taking in nature’s delights.

With all that said, sometimes you can’t accomplish the above without the support of others. We are in a season where being enclosed can become challenging, break the monotony and ask a friend to help you accomplish one of the above. Come up with creative ways to meet besides on Zoom or over the phone. For example, social distancing while sitting in your parked cars, in the driveway, can be an option. Think outside the common. Be safe.

MONTHLY OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH - FEBRUARY

Book to read:

Hey God, Can We Talk?: Real-Life God Encounters for Real-Life Circumstances by Sarah Bowling

Note: I’m interviewing her next month. If you’d like to ask her specific questions about the book or share a comment, then send them to lyvitabrooks.com before March 1. Your question or comment may be included it in the upcoming episode in April.

Bible Study: Elijah by Priscilla Shrier (starts Feb 16 check out her website)

Spiritual Disciplines discussed on Hanging Out With Jesus Podcast:

Accountability Partners  and Confession and Self-Examination

FREE Downloadable: Personal Prayer Retreat Guide

Scripture Writing Prompt

After reading Matthew 25:14-30, is there one gift that God’s given you that you aren’t using to honor Him or bless others? What is it and why not? How can you make a change so that you are using it to honor God and bless others because you love Him?

If you are honoring God and blessing others, are you enjoying it or has it become a burden? Why or why not? What do you have to do to make adjustments, in order to make this a reality in your life? Would an accountability partner help you reach your goal(s)?

Note: Share your comments below to bless others.

Shalom!