The Mess Of Stress

READY… “Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.  Coincidence??  I think not!” ~ Author Unknown

AIM… Stress comes in many forms.  While you may feel stressed about a situation in your life, the person standing beside you may feel stressed for another reason.  There’s job stress, family stress, financial stress, relationship stress, health and wellness stress, educational stress and those are just the big categories.  Stress is wrecking havoc on our bodies, physically and emotionally.  Overall, the expectations we put on ourselves and that we allow others to lay upon us are often unrealistic and because of this, the only outcome is anxiety and stress.  We can do ourselves a favor and put our stresses in proper perspective.  Each one of us needs to re-evaluate our expectations and commitments so we can better manage our lives and the outside influences that add to our stress levels.  While our family was on vacation this summer, one of the restaurants we ate in had a list of 35 Sure Fire Stress Reducers posted in their establishment.  What great advice it shares for all of us to follow.  Here are a few of my favorites:

“Simplify and unclutter your life.”

“Say ‘no’ to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.”

“Separate worries from concerns.  If a situation is a concern, do what you can do and let go of the anxiety.  If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.”

“K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut.)  This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.”

“Everyday find time to be alone.”

“Make friends with happy, non-stressed people.”

“Laugh.”

“Laugh some more!”

“You no longer have to keep up with the Joneses…They’ve died of exhaustion.”

“Talk less and listen more.”

FIRE!   Instead of grabbing a high fat, late night snack or piece of chocolate to deal with your stress, try going to bed a little earlier.  Remember, the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good night’s sleep. 

Be Excellent!
Lori

Fear Not

READY… “Fear and faith cannot live in the same body.” ~ Judy Cokonougher

AIM… This past week, the Lord called home one very special lady, Mrs. Judy Cokonougher. Judy was like another mother to me. She was loving, encouraging, supportive, accepting, and interested in my life. She always had an opinion or advice to share with me.

Over the past five months, Judy battled stage four thyroid cancer and the attack it waged on her body. Fortunately, even though physically her body was weakening, her heart and mind were still focused. Judy loved Jesus as her Lord and Savior. As a result of her great love, she found comfort in the promises of heaven and wasn’t afraid of her inevitable death. She knew her faith was stronger and more powerful than any disease or physical ailment. Judy often said to people, “Fear and faith cannot live in the same body” and she is correct. If you have faith, even as small as a mustard seed, you can trust that God will be with you, work His plan in your favor and will unconditionally love you. Why in the world, if those are God’s promises, would any of us ever experience worry or fear?

Yes, Judy is now dancing in heaven without pain and suffering, and I’m sure she has an eternal smile on her face. We should all take Judy’s advice and apply it to whatever circumstances we may face in life. Fear and faith cannot live in the same body if you know Jesus is fighting the battles of this life with you and for you.

FIRE! Examine your life and pinpoint one area that causes you worry or anxiety. Take that specific situation and pray for God to take control and release you from fear. Then, have faith and believe God’s promises to replace your worry with peace.

Be Excellent!
Lori