Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Believing?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here are the songs for today.
James gives us the example of Abraham as someone who displayed his faith through his actions.

• “All the Stars,” Caroline Cobb - A Song about God’s covenant with Abraham, based on Genesis 12:1-9, 13: 14-18; 15; 17:1-14, 22:1-19 ​
• “Abraham,” Denison Witmer - A rather slow moving account of God’s relationship with Abraham
• “Abraham and the Gospel,” Timothy Brindle - For all of you who love Rap/Hip Hop, this is how Abraham links to the Gospel.
• “Justified,” Shai Linne - If the previous Rap has whetted your appetite for more, then here is one about justification based on Romans 3, which is Paul’s account of being made righteous.

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Samson

Bible Trek (3 minute video)
The Sea of Galilee provides the location for two of the most famous stories in the Bible. The first involves Jesus asleep in a boat, unaware of a frightening storm that scares even the experienced fishermen on board. The second features Jesus walking on the waters towards the disciples in a boat and Peter’s extraordinary faith as he gets out and walks towards him. Understandably, both of these events raise questions about Jesus’ identity – could this really be the Son of God?

Care For The Family - Concerns about Drama based in NI
CARE NI wrote to the BBC about new drama Three Families, which claims to portray a 'balanced' view of abortion in NI, despite not featuring any experiences of women who suffered after their abortion or those who are thankful for the children they have today because of NI's life-affirming law. 

Read the letter here :

https://care.org.uk/uploads/blocks/Letter-to-Chair-of-BBC-May-2021-Bex-Stevenson.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2RZQG6dQFfFWM1EVxUD3cHlg9-2bkdWSll7-hMDwtHfhWEjpnDcmkfUBc

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Derek 2:58

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Today it will take a little longer as it is Friday.

Play the "Portrush Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=073573dccfa0

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Believing?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here are the songs for today. - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement

• “Most Merciful God,” Will Retheford, Young Oceans, Caroline Collins
• “Thy Mercy, My God,” Sandra McCracken - This is the song from Sunday
• “My All in Thee,” Young Oceans, Ellie Holcomb
• “Mercy” by Tenielle Neda

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Shibboleth

Bible Trek (2 minute video)
Here by the shores of Galilee, four ordinary fishermen receive the call of the Rabbi Jesus and leave behind their nets to start a new life. Simon, Andrew, James and John – young, uneducated men with few prospects beyond fishing – leave behind the family business, join Team Jesus and go on to change the world. ​

Evensong - The Gettys
The Gettys have released a new deluxe version of their 2020 Album Evensong, you can listen to the entire album for free on Youtube.

Jesus Calls Fishermen
Here by the shores of Galilee, four ordinary fishermen receive the call of the Rabbi Jesus and leave behind their nets to start a new life. Simon, Andrew, James and John – young, uneducated men with few prospects beyond fishing – leave behind the family business, join Team Jesus and go on to change the world. ​

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:39

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Play the "Portrush Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=385d7f19a1ff

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Believing?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here are the songs for today

The Law of Liberty/Mercy Over Judgment (2:8–13)

• “Liberty,” Shane and Shane
• “Mercy,” Amanda Cook

My past embraced
My sin forgiven
I'm blameless in your sight
My history rewritten
'Cause you delight in showing mercy
And mercy triumphs over judgment
You delight in showing mercy
And mercy triumphs over judgment
​Oh, love great love

• “Storehouse,” The Gray Havens - I’ll go down to the storehouse of mercy - This is a beautiful song that is well worth a listen.

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Jordan

Bible Trek (2 minute Video)
Jesus’ hometown was technically Nazareth, a hamlet in Galilee, but later on he relocated to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. This was a strategic move, as bustling Capernaum became the epicentre of his ministry. Here, Jesus healed the sick, raised people from the dead, taught parables and called his disciples. From this small corner of the world, Christianity emerged and changed the world.

Keswick At Portstewart
This year the Keswick Convention will be online, read all the latest news here.
https://mailchi.mp/8c15a5bebfc0/keswick-at-portstewart-news-may-2021?e=3d8faec842

The Pursuit Of God (3:38 hour video)
Audiobook on Youtube, The Pursuit Of God - A.W. Tozer

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Derek 3:07
Frances 3:39

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Play the "Portrush Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=001c0c57d0b5

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Believing?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here are the songs for today with a little thought about their subject matter.

• “Lead On, Oh King Eternal,” Sara Groves
•  “Waters Roll” by Jenny & Tyler - a cry for each person to be treated the same through the love of God.

I have heard stories of miracles
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
I have a dream of a different world
Where the waters ever-roll and the earth thirsts no more

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Our Hearts Melted

New City Catechism
Q. Does Christ’s Death Mean All Our Sins Can Be Forgiven?
A. Yes, because Christ’s death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sin, God graciously imputes Christ’s righteousness to us as if it were our own and will remember our sins no more.​

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/does-christs-death-mean-all-our-sins-can-be-forgiven/

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:59


The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush.

Play the "Harbour Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2190e068a800

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Believing?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here are the songs for today with a little thought about their subject matter.

• “True Religion,” Ryan Delmore
• “Let Us Be Known,” The Porter’s Gate

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

J.John On Sundays
From drug dealer to the real deal, J.John talks with Rod Williams about finding Jesus in prison.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Reading Between The Lines

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Jean 15:13

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are again from photographs Deirdre took in Portrush.

Play the "Portrush Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=11728fe76d41

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Being Righteous?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here is the song for today.


The Zacchaeus Song,” Paul Zach and Sandra McCracken, The Porter’s Gate
We have been considering how we should respond to those who are in distress, this song is written from Zacchaeus’ perspective as he responds to salvation and sets about giving back to those he has stolen from.


Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
The Apple Of His Eye

PCI PODCAST EPISODE #34: Journeying forward with young people
Youth leaders and young people share wisdom about how they have experienced the pandemic and how we as leaders and adults in the church can walk with them in the days ahead.
The pandemic has undoubtedly taken its toll on young people and it is important for us as adults to try to understand how it has impacted them. Katherine Dickson (The Big House), Ashley Parks (First Lisburn Presbyterian), and Lyndsay Shields (Hillsborough Presbyterian and GB district commissioner) each work closely with teenagers and share with Graeme Thompson their thoughts on the best way to walk with them in the months ahead. 
We also hear encouraging and challenging reflections from young people Evan, Holly, and Rachel, about what they need from us all in the church. “
Listen wherever you get your podcasts from or via:

bit.ly/3eivOgU

You can also find out more about The Big House resource, Shaken, here:

bit.ly/3kaDtiJ

Giving
One of the things that has encouraged me so much over this past year is how we have all taken on the responsibility of giving to God’s work each week. Yesterday in Tides, Rick Hill was writing about how we give to God’s work. You can read the full devotional here https://mailchi.mp/presbyterianireland/twbf7snlv-0-fytt1039589-1041734?e=98d44608b0
 Rick also mentioned some help that PCI have provided about giving.
Read more here.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Resources/Finance-Forms/GIVE-–-The-Grace-of-Giving.aspx
PCI Leaflet on Giving

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:00
​Frances 3:30

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush on Friday.

​Are you ready for the Friday Challenge?
Play the "Wheel Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2b68b31c9bd6

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Being Righteous?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here is the song for today.

Faint Not,” Jenny & Tyler - The Gap Between Rich And Poor
There are two versions of the song, the first showing Jenny & Tyler and the second showing the lyrics.



Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Getty Family Hymn Sing
The Getty Family Hymn Sing has a local “flavour” this month with much of it recorded in Portstewart.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Man Shall Not Live On Bread Alone

Unbelievable?
Andrew Ollerton, (Bible Society)  author of 'The Bible: A book that makes sense of life', explains why he believes the Bible has a unique ability to speak to who we are as humans. He is joined by historian Tom Holland, author of books including 'Dominion', and editor of 'Revolutionary: Who was Jesus? Why does he still matter?' Tom talks about his own journey of finding a new appreciation for the Bible as a source of spiritual truth.

Worship
Sound theology should shape everything we do in corporate worship. But what does that mean for music in particular? https://t.co/JL1IP7Up9E

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:25

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush on Friday.
​
Play the "Beach Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0b0cd1d32d10

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Being Righteous?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.

Here is the song for today with a little thought about their subject matter.


He is Among Us (the Least of These),” The Porter’s Gate


Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Thou Shalt Love The Lord Your God

Jerusalem (2 minute video)
The Bible Society have a series of very short videos on Old Testament Jerusalem today ........
A water cistern and the prophet Jeremiah

Belfast City Mission (1hour 11 minutes video)
Belfast City Mission Virtual Annual Rally 2021 reporting on the work of the mission. You can view this as a virtual Midweek Meeting.

New Horizon Prayer Breakfast
Message From New Horizon
As with many other events this year we are not able to have our usual Prayer Breakfast in June however, our Prayer Ministry Team are putting together a Special Zoom Prayer Breakfast on Saturday 12th June at 10am. We would encourage you to register for the event and then two days beforehand we’ll send you the Zoom details. Do plan to be part of this time when we will dedicate ourselves to uplifting the New Horizon Live Stream 2021 before the throne of grace in Prayer. Numbers aren't limited so it would be encouraging to the Board and Management Team to have you join with us.
https://newhorizon.org.uk/news-may-2021/

European Mission Fellowship
Prayer update for this month

Cousley Family (MAF)
Many of you will remember Glenn Cousley joining with us in Burnside t speak about his work with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Australia. Below is the latest prayer letter from the family.

Christian Unions Ireland
A short video outlining on what CUI are doing to help students transition from school to university.
See More Here.
https://www.cui.ie/students/freshers/linkup

Prayer Points
29 April – 5 May
– Pray for students who have had their placement disrupted over the past two academic years (teachers and medical students in particular). Pray that this wouldn’t impact their career, that they would still have opportunity perhaps now to do some of their placement.
– Pray for new CU committees around the island doing leadership training with their staff workers in this period. Pray that they would grasp the vision of what it means to lead a CU, to give their studies, their friendships, their whole lives up in worship to God and seek him as a leadership team together.


6 – 12 May
– Pray for relationships and opportunities to share faith with international students to continue beyond the regular weekly iCafes with ISM – for more face–to–face meet ups as restrictions allow and for deeper conversations about Jesus.
– Please pray for the CU in Thurles, made up of students from three different campuses. Pray for Christina who leads their small study group – pray that God would warm their hearts to the gospel, and give them a passion for those on their campuses who don’t know Jesus.

A prayer for the 100 year anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland
​from Evangelical Alliance, this was first published on Monday
​
On the 100 year anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland we are sharing a prayer for this people and place. This prayer of intercession (and introduction) was written by Rev. Bobby Liddle and used yesterday as part of a service of worship. 
We'd really encourage you to take 5 minutes to read this prayer, reflect and offer your own words of prayer today....
"Today, 3rd May marks exactly 100 years since the Government of Ireland Act came into power and officially formed the new state, the six counties of Northern Ireland. It happened without fanfare or ceremony. It was simply a legal fact. The pomp and ceremony came about 8 weeks later when King George V and the Queen came for the official state opening. 
So, I thought it would be appropriate today, without pomp or ceremony, to pray for Northern Ireland.
Heavenly, Father we pray today for this small country that we call home.
The place where most of us have been born and educated, married and had families and watched them grow up. 
We want to thank you for the beauty of our country. From rolling hills, to sandy beaches, from peat-bog to lush green fields we are blessed to live in a beautiful, varied and fertile land. And we are grateful that for so many it is the place we call home. The place of family and friends and a sense of fullness. 
We pray today for the industry of Northern Ireland in all its breadth. We pray for hardworking people who have built businesses and farms. We give thanks for those who have explored and invented, Dunlop, Ferguson, Pantridge and many others. And we continue to pray for those who push the barriers of science, medicine, education, agriculture, engineering and other fields today, remembering the current issues and problems caused by the European Protocols.
Father we pray for the people of Northern Ireland - industrious, intelligent, creative, hilarious, generous. We are thankful that so many visitors have found friends and friendship and yet we are also very conscious of the deep wounds and scars, pain and brokenness that is shared across all communities and ask for your forgiveness and healing. We pray that the deep roots of sectarianism and racism may be dug out of our souls and replaced by grace, love and peace.
We pray for those who wish to remember and celebrate the founding of Northern Ireland and its union with the rest of the United Kingdom, and those who do not value Northern Ireland politically but long for an Ireland united. May we all hold these aspirations with dignity and peace without demonising and dehumanising those who hold them and pursue them peacefully. And we pray for our security services that so often find themselves on the dividing line between those who want to pursue these goals in bigoted, aggressive and violent ways. 
Lord, give wisdom to our leaders, that they may be measured in their words, wise in their attitudes and may set a better example of peaceful and gracious debate for the population. We pray for a raising of the level of communication and debate in Stormont, in the media and in Northern Ireland in general. 
Today, as we bring these prayers in the context of worship we are conscious that this little country has been the place where so many of us have met and come to know the risen Christ. And so, we pray for your church – so often in the past guilty of using and abusing its position and of claiming God for one political aspiration or another. We repent of these attitudes and acknowledge today that you are neither unionist nor nationalist; you are neither the God of the union flag nor the tricolour.
Lord, move and shape your church at this time in this land that we many penetrate the dark corners of this country with the light, peace and transforming grace of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; that many may be won for you and brought into the Kingdom that transcends all lesser kingdoms.
In Jesus name we pray, AMEN."

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Being Righteous?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here is the song for today.

James 1:19–27 Doers of the Word,” Christcentric

I’m not sure that we will be using this one in church, it may not be to everyone’s taste but the words are based on James.

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
What Hath God Wrought

John Stott
John would have been 100 last week so today we have some articles about the Rector and Author who dedicated his life to explaining the bible. Any book written by John Stott is well worth reading.

Double Listening
Mark Greene on John Stott and double listening

The Life and Legacy of John Stott (1 hour 30 minute video)
A celebration of the life of John Stott.

Jerusalem (2 minute video)
The Bible Society have a series of very short videos on Old Testament Jerusalem today ........
The Broad Wall and a Refugee Crisis

New City Catechism
Q. Why Was it Necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to Die?
A. Since death is the punishment for sin, Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God. By his substitutionary atoning death, he alone redeems us from hell and gains for us forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and everlasting life.


https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/why-was-it-necessary-for-christ-the-redeemer-to-die/

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:16

The Bank Holiday Weekend began with some beautiful weather, the Jigsaws this week are from photographs that Deirdre took in Portrush on Friday.

Play the "Wheel Portrush Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1a6266b6d663

Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Being Righteous?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.

Here are the songs for today with a little thought about their subject matter.

Psalm 1,” Poor Bishop Hooper

Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

J.John on Sundays 
Facing the Canon this week with Rachael Newham

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Flat On His Face

Jerusalem (2 minute video)
The Bible Society have a series of very short videos on Old Testament Jerusalem today ........
Hezekiah’s Tunnel

The Health Benefits Of Jigsaw Puzzles
Frances very kindly shared the following article with me and I thought I would share it with all you Jigsaw fans as it is very interesting




October 29, 2020 Healthcare, Mental Health, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery


Are you looking for a healthy distraction and escape from the world around you? Look no further than your dining room table and a jigsaw puzzle. While we are physically distancing and staying home more due to COVID-19, jigsaw puzzling is a great way to pass time. Putting a jigsaw puzzle together has many health benefits and can help reduce stress and improve memory.

Working as a healthcare practitioner can be stressful during normal times, and even more so during a pandemic. This is where self-care and finding ways to be mindful when away from work can be beneficial to your health. Mindfulness is the act of bringing conscious attention to a task in the present moment, and puzzles are a good way to practice it.

When I sit down to do my puzzle, my dog gets to relax in his “puzzle spot,” and I can leave all the stress of the world at the door while I dive into a beautiful mountain scene or a picture of cute puppies or kittens.

Puzzles are also good for the brain. Studies have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. The act of putting the pieces of a puzzle together requires concentration and improves short-term memory and problem solving. Using the puzzle as an exercise of the mind can spark imagination and increase both your creativity and productivity.

It can be a solitary activity or a collaborative activity with someone else.

Spending time alone with a puzzle is also a great way to unwind and reset from a busy day.  Working on a puzzle with someone can help you get away from screens and create a personal connection. Every time I visit my family in Michigan, my mom and I have a jigsaw puzzle to work on. I look forward to spending this time with her collaborating and catching up.​

There is nothing more satisfying for me than putting the last piece of the puzzle in its place. It provides a sense of accomplishment. I encourage you to take this time to find a puzzle of your liking — it will be like a mini-vacation from the outside world.