Soft Hugs in October from Mandy

Offering you Soft Hugs Across the Internet

Oct 27, 2023

S - an encouraging Scripture

As they were prepping me for surgery, my blood pressure was an amazing 115/78. The nurse asked me, “How do you do it?” This scripture came to mind.

We can have rest, but the Lord remains awake watching over us.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night. - Psalm 121

O - Overtures

If you need some calming music to help you sleep, have you tried The Piano Guys - Lullabies?

title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

F - something Funny

Not really about sleep but about your sheets. :) And a bit of Halloween fun.

T - a Simple Task

Along the lines of jokes, We need your vote. A while back we asked for a joke for the Soft Hugs Book. We received several and narrowed it down to 2. Now we need your vote.

Soft Hugs is a story about a mommy who has Fibromyalgia. The son cheers his Mommy by telling her jokes. We want to place a good joke in the illustration. As you vote, remember this is a picture book for children ages 3-8. The joke needs to be 1) understandable for that age 2) possibly dealing with health and sickness.

Does an Apple a Day keep the Doctor away? …. Only if you aim well.
What is the most important day in Egypt? … Mummy’s Day

H - Health Tip for Better Sleep - Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral that almost every organ in our body needs. Magnesium is involved in numerous body functions from metabolic activity, enzymic activity, bone formation, regulation of other essential nutrients in our body, proper muscle functioning, cell signaling, stress regulation, and more. Various studies have found that magnesium is effective in treating depression, and migraines and reducing pain and tenderness in fibromyalgia. (Healticuture.com)

I have been taking extra magnesium for a long time. However, I recently read in my research on osteoporosis that we need to be taking equal amounts of magnesium and calcium. So however many milligrams of calcium you take, take the same amount of magnesium. I have increased my magnesium (taken throughout the day). It was suggested then take 5-HTP at bedtime. And this has helped me fall asleep faster!

U - Update on My Books

Melissa is working diligently on the final images. She hopes to have these ready to pass on to our hired book designer by the end of the year.

I am turning my attention to my devotional. I need to get it edited and ready to hand over to a publisher before my knee surgery sometime in January/February. My goal is to release this on the heels of the Soft Hugs book since it is for the chronic pain warrior.

G - Good Reads - Books I am Reading

Breathe by Bonnie Gray - Reading this with the church ladies.

Rest For Your Soul by Wendy Blight - One of my favorite authors

S - more Suggestions for Better Sleep

To relieve stress and anxiety and to have better rest, we must learn to breathe properly. (most of us don’t). Here’s a video to guide you through the exercise of proper breathing. It will help more than just your anxiety. Trust me.