THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,
which is, and which was, and which is to come . . . " ~ ~ ~ Revelation 1:8


ONLY THREE MORE DAYS!

Many of us are elated to see this year end. As we fulfill the final days of 2008, we are amazed that we've triumphed through numerous adversities and are about to see the old year out and the new year in.

As we focus on all the stresses we've battled this year, we are grateful to God for granting us "unmerited favor" to cross-over into a new year.

For all the peace we've been fortunate enough to have and to hold . . . we shout Hallelujah! And for all that has slipped away from us in some unexpected way . . . Hallelujah, anyhow. What's done is done, let it be.

Realizing that this year is quickly coming to a close, we're excited that immediately after 2008 ends, there is a brand new 2009--with new opportunties, new dreams, new mercies--waiting to begin.

At this point in time, one thing is certain: The trusting-in-God that it took to deliver us from stress this past year, it's going to take the same thing to keep us destressing throughout the new year.



Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (12)

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Wondering about tomorrow.

Gee whiz! It’s Christmas Eve!
This time tomorrow
Christmas Day will be here.

What will tomorrow be like?
Will it be worth all the hustle and bustle,
and time and expense
we’ve sacrificed over the past few months?

After the wrappings have been stripped from the gifts,
and strewn madly in the middle of the floor,
will the magic of Christmas still linger on?

After the turkey and the trimmings,
the vegetables and salads and desserts are all gone,
will the twinkle still sparkle in our eyes?

IF
we arrange our lives
to allow Jesus the Christ-child to enter in,
we can have Christmas in our homes and our hearts,
all through the year.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (11)

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Our true stress seems to be . . .
Last minute details.

Okay . . .
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care,
and presents are under the tree.

And . . .
Stopped by the bakery,
picked up the turkey,
and swung by the jewelry store.

And . . .
Got a gallon of milk,
plenty of flour and sugar,
and a couple dozen of eggs.

Umph . . .
something is missing.
Now, what is it?

Stressing at the last minute
is the last thing any of us needs.
Getting organized can be as simple
as picking up a pen and a piece of paper.

Let's do it . . . Let's start making a list,
and stress less while "checking it twice."

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (10)

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Family feuds.

At this special time of year,
when bells are ringing and children singing,
it’s easy to believe that families are gathered together
and everyone is happy and bright . . .

‘Tis the season
when miracles are all around us,
yet it’s also the time when confusion arises.

Who can say for sure
what causes siblings to be selfish—
Or spouses to be inconsiderate—
Or parents to be cantankerous—
Or children to be rowdy?

Since we don’t have all the answers,
Let’s take some advice from the Good Book
where it says, "Let a man examine himself…"

In plain and simple terms,
we need to check ourselves.
It’s easy to see the faults of others, but what about our own?

This Christmas,
let’s strive to make sure that we are not
causing confusion.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (9)

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
A thin line between love and hate.

Isn’t it funny
how opposites attract each other?

Lots of the things we hold near and dear
about Christmastime
adds burdens along with the bliss.

We love to see
a beautifully decorated tree,
but we hate doing the actual decorating.

We love entertaining family and friends,
but we hate cooking and cleaning
and making ready for their arrival.

We love eating a delicious Christmas Day dinner,
but we hate dealing with the weight gain.

Isn't there a way for us to be
in love with the gifts of the season,
And not have to deal with dislike and disdain?

Absolutely!

We can lavish our love on the Christ Child—
The One Who’s good and perfect—
The Epitome of joy and peace—
And guaranteed to be "nothing but Love."

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (8)

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Hectic holiday traffic.

Oh, the traffic outside is frightful,
But the shopping is so delightful,
With so many places to go,
Take it slow . . . take it slow . . . take it slow.

The closer we get to Christmas,
the more the traffic becomes congested.

Horns are beeping,
people are shouting,
everyone is in a hurry,
and all is impatient and stressed.

Once upon a time--long, long, ago--
there was something called driving courtesy.

What ever happened
to the era of friendly drivers?

Could it be that we have forgotten
that the kindness we afford others
boomerangs right back to us?

Bah! Humbug!

When caught up in Christmas traffic,
Let’s "chill out" and
"Take it slow . . . take it slow . . . take it slow."

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (7)

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Achy breaky hearts.

If Christmas is the time for peace
and good will toward all men,
why are so many minus the Christmas spirit,
and have hearts that are breaking into pieces?

Why won’t these hearts stop aching with pain?

Whether grieving the lost of loved ones,
or rebounding from severe personal situations,
loneliness and loss will alter our perspective
at Christmas and any other time.

We must consider lost for what it is-- a natural part of life.
As surely as seasons change from summer to winter,
losses will surface in our lives.

We cannot gain, gain, gain, all the time,
and never expect to loose.
Loss is inevitable . . . bitter comes along with the sweet.

Let’s count our blessings,
pray about our losses,
and know that all will be "calm" again,
and all will be "bright."

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (6)

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Impossible people.

No doubt about it, we all know them.

We work with them--
We mingle with them--
We even live with them.

Loving the unlovable presents a huge challenge.
But even less-than-desirable people
learn from precept and example.

Experts say that people
who are impossible to be around
harbor deep-seated issues.

However accurate that may be,
we should aspire to keep our manners in tact.

We must be the example
that impossible people need to see.

While we’re deciding what all to showcase
during the holiday season,
let’s not forget to show some extra kindness.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (5)

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Facing the truth.

All truths are not created equal--
especially at Christmas.

Jolly red-and-white lies
can quickly influence our lives,
and determine how we think and act and feel.

We’re quick to identify
the countless lies that others tell.
But how often do we overlook
those right in front of our face?

Being honest with ourselves,
about things little or large,
is one of the most precious gifts
we could ever give ourselves.

Whatever we do or do not have—
Whatever we can or cannot afford—
Wherever we will or will not go—
So be it . . . that’s life.

Let’s tell ourselves the truth,
accept it,
Then live, laugh, and love.

In the end, Christmas will still be Christmas.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (4)

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Not enough hours in the day.

First one to hop out of bed in the morning
and the last one to lie down at night.
Up at dawn and busy, busy, busy, all day.
Everyday.

Sound familiar?

No matter how much cooking,
cleaning, laundry, repairs,
shopping and quick errands we complete,
there’s always a million more to do.

Is it possible for us to stop . . .
and to start all over again?

Would we consider pushing our agenda aside,
and spending some quality time
with the One Who IS Christmas--
And will be throughout eternity?

Let’s make the hours
mean something
this year.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (3)

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Too big for our "britches."

Who would have imagined?
All the weight gain
from this time last year
‘til now.

Friends and families and colleagues
are hosting festive holiday parties.
And we’re obligated to go.

Low and behold, we have too much meat
to squeeze into the front—the back—and the sides
of those old-faithful holiday frocks.

Let’s not loose our focus.
It is Christmas, remember?
This is not about us . . . or our weight.

Sure, we’d like to "dazzle" those inquisitive eyes,
and to be the envy of the classy crowd.
But if we’ve carried X-plus pounds around
prior to the holiday season,
then why get stressed about it now?

Eat. Drink. And be merry!

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
No "honey" for the holidays.

Most folk young and old will agree
that thick and rich, golden honey
is surely tasty and sweet.

But during the Christmas holidays
some want the kind of "honey"
that walks and talks
and whispers sweet stuff in their ears.

Of course Christmas cuddling feels good,
but so does self-acceptance.

We must learn to enjoy our own company
and to sincerely appreciate ourselves.

To those who yearn
For a sweet Christmas companion,
Learn to love yourself!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Our true stress seems to be . . .

A wish list and no money.

OOPS! There it is--

The old "M" word.

Money . . . money . . . money.

Everyone needs more money.

Now that it's Christmastime

and we're making our lists,

what do we do when we don't have

enough money for all the things we want?

How can we keep from stressing out,

when there's not enough money coming in?

De-stress yourself.

Here's a tried-and-true solution . . .

L-O-V-E.

Possessions can never compare with real love.

Love that comes from the heart reaches the heart.

We were created from Love to give and receive love.

Put LOVE on your Christmas wish list!

Everyone needs Love.

Peace I leave with you . . .

MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT

"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

~ John 1:5 ~

Here, there, and everywhere, we're seeing festive Christmas decorations. Beautiful blinking lights and serene solid ones usher in that special feeling of Christmas.

Of the hundreds of decorations displayed throughout the Yuletide season, bright and shinning lights seem to top the list. There's an undeniable magic in each twinkle.

While the choice to use clear or multi-colored lights may not directly affect an outward appearance, for most enthusiast, this decision requires a great deal of concentration. People decide according to their personal desires.

The competence for choosing fascinating holiday lights is quite similar to that of choosing less holiday stress. We light up Christmas in our lives by the choices we make. And we all have a choice to stress or not to stress.

When we resolve to not allow the secular concerns of the season to clog our minds with a slew of stresses, we are free to embrace the true joys of Christmas.

It matters not who or what we're facing, the truth is that we create our own beauty and brightness by how we act--or react--with the issues of life. As the world turns with its typical Christmas craze, it's our prerogative to de-stress.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TIS THE SEASON

"Come now, and let us reason together . . ." ~ Isaiah 1:18 ~

Whenever there are holidays, there’s usually stress. For some strange reason, the final season of the year tends to be the most stressful one. Generally, preparing for Thanksgiving seems to ignite our stresses, and then Christmas agendas bring on the big combustion.

Although we celebrate this season repeatedly each year, we still allow stress to overpower us. The more we attempt to make our holidays "merry and bright," the more we’re bothered with stress. The harder we aspire to eliminate issues, the greater we’re bound by anxieties.

People have often said that "Practice makes perfect." They reasoned that the more we do a thing, the better we become at doing it.

Can we honestly say that the more Christmases we deal with stress, the better we become at managing it? Even if we haven’t fully figured out how to keep our stresses at bay, we still should be making progress.

This Christmas season, let’s begin by being reasonable. No doubt, each person’s "reasonable" may vary a little—possibly a lot—but let’s be sensible. Right here and now, determine to know . . .

When to say no
When to let go
When to be spend wisely
When to stop spending
When to stop overeating
When to stop the insanity
When to leave well-enough alone
When to take a time-out
When to turn the lights off
When to sleep at night

After all, the Christmas season was never intended for stress.

Peace I leave with you . . .

SAY "THANK-YOU"

"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." ~ Psalm 107:1 ~


Living in the yesteryears afforded lots of good character. Our elders walked and talked with a deep sense of integrity. One such notable trait was the courtesy to give thanks.

When we received something large or small, new or used, we barely embraced whatever-it-was in our clutches before our mothers and fathers' serious tones echoed in our ears, "Say thank-you."

Whether it was the result of someone doing a good deed, or someone sharing food and clothing and toys, or someone simply showing neighborly kindness, we were required to say "Thank-you."

Rendering thanks wasn’t just on some days, or with certain things or certain people. And it wasn't reserved for special times of the year, either. It was all the time. In those days, giving thanks wasn’t our choice—It was our lifestyle.

Now that the Thanksgiving season is upon us, it’s the perfect time—not to imply the only time—to give thanks . . . especially to God for all His goodness to us. Who deserves more thanks than the Giver of all good and perfect gifts?


Peace I leave with you . . .

STICKS AND STONES

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
~ Proverbs 16:24 ~

Sticks and stones might break my bones, but words will never hurt me . . .

Ever mumbled these words before?

For years, we’ve said—or heard—them, and even though we may have meant every single word when we breathed them, we barely believed them.

Truth is, words do hurt us. Words are extremely powerful, and some of them can hit us harder than any stick and heavier than any stone.

Sadly enough, there are people who dish out huge spoonfuls of pure-de-hateful words. And it matters not what we openly profess, words will upset us. And hurt us. And stress us.

Surely you remember when . . .

So, how do we bounce back when knocked down by other’s unkind words? How do we calm down, when someone’s offensive words have riled us up? What is the secret to less stress from hurtful words?

Here’s one of the most important things to do: Remember.
Remember who we are.
Remember what we stand for.
Remember how we wish to perceive peoples’ words.
Remember which words to treasure and which ones to trash.
Remember to never squabble over words.

Peace I leave with you . . .

CHANGE

"In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; . . ." ~ Psalm 31:1 ~

On last Sunday, we witnessed an official time change. Even though we make the same change this time every year, the transition did not occur without considerable grumbling and complaining.

Here again, we’re reminded of the fact, the more things change—the more they stay the same.

What is it about "change" that causes us to be so resistant? Why do far too many continuously fret and complain over the least amount of change? And dare we mention the pandemonium of massive change?

Why do we wrestle so severely with things we cannot change? Surely we’re aware how damaging agitated attitudes and foul moods can be to our well being. Irritations and aggravations are enemies of the worst kind. They wipe out the peace we possess and keep us super-stressed.

These two culprits (and their kind) don't harbor an ounce of prejudice—they couldn’t care less whose mind they mess with or whose contentment they steal or whose life they complicate.

So what’s the top recommended remedy for successful change? "A smile." Yes, a heartfult smile that resonates from the inside out; A strong hope in the goodness and grace of One Who sees, knows, and controls all things.

Whether it’s a change of direction, a change of scenery, a change of mind, change of heart, a change of jobs, a change of address, a change of hairstyles, or even a change of dirty diapers, let’s streamline our stresses and embrace our challenges with a genuine smile.


Peace I leave with you . . .

LET US PRAY

"Pray without ceasing." ~ 1Thessalonians 5:17 ~

At the brink of another presidential election, as we wait and anticipate, let’s be diligent in praying for our candidates and for our country.

In unison, let us pray:

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power,
And the glory,
For ever. Amen.

IF ONLY

" . . . Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! For then I would fly away, and be at rest." ~ Psalm 55:6 ~


Whether we choose to admit it or not, we’ve all been victims to the world-wide cry of "if only."

If only this could have been . . . if only that would have been; If only he would do . . . if only she wouldn’t do; If only they were . . . if only they weren’t; If only we had this, that, or the other . . .

In a time of great distress, even King David mourned an "If only." In Psalm 55:6 David shares the reason for his if-only cry: So he could "be at rest."

At one time or another, we’ve all been there. Whether individually or collectively, whether in audible words or silent thoughts, we’ve all wished for something or someone to be or not to be. And the bad part about it all is that we allow such situations to steal our peace of mind.

If there is one thing that stress-survivors absolutely cannot afford to do, it is to be passive. We’re totally defeating our purpose when we stand idly and unconcerned in areas that dictate our well being.

Regardless of how large or small the issue may seem, we must safeguard our surroundings. We must be bold—and confident. And we must stand firm on issues that warrant our attentiveness.

No ma’am . . . No sir, no more fretting for us. For we realize we’re fighting a stressful enemy. And we refuse to willfully roll over and surrender our peace, simply because we can’t handle this thing called "stress."

Peace I leave with you . . .

TIT FOR TAT

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace . . ." Psalm 37:37

Our society is bent on swapping evil for evil, blow for blow, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. The bottom line according to the world’s way is, "If you hurt me, I’ll hurt you back."

Strangely enough, a great many people purposely live like this. But one of the saddest things about this type of living is that it never ceases to bring about dissension. For all involved, retaliating with a tit-for-tat attitude is the wrong way to go.

Contrary to much doubt and unbelief, there are significant rewards for doing things the right way—God’s way. God’s Word goes as far as to guarantee peace when we walk upright.

If, as Psalm 37:37 suggests, we observe those who strive for righteousness as set forth by God, it’s evident how the peace of God surrounds their lives.

On the other hand, when we spend time in the presence of people who dwell with that gotta-get-you-back mentality, we’ll certainly see lots of chaos.

Be mindful that verse 37 says to "mark the perfect man . . ." Now that's not the "perpetrating" man. There’s a difference in those who talk righteously and those who indeed walk righteously.

While on this mission to eliminate as much stress as possible, we consider peace as our number one priority. And if that peace is found in the trenches of God’s righteousness, then that’s where we stress-survivors must abide.

Peace I leave with you . . .

HOPSCOTCH

"The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." ~ Psalm 121:8 ~


Remember back in the day when we played that old game called Hopscotch? Oh what fun we had! We must've played that game a thousand times.

First, we used a pointed stick to draw the hopscotch diagram in the dirt: One square box, then two side-by-side; Another square box, another two side-by-side; We repeated that a third time, then added one last box to complete it.

Next, we found a marker—usually a piece of broken glass or a bottle top—and tossed it from box to box, (in sequence, of course) while hopping back and forth with one foot in the single boxes and two feet in the double boxes. If we tossed our marker outside the line or accidentally hopped a foot outside it, we’d loose a turn and have to wait for our time to start over.

While hopscotch was mostly played by energetic young folk, it required a great deal of strategy and skill. And for every ounce of fun we enjoyed, there were times when we became equally frustrated.

Come to think of it, we’re still caught up in that hopscotch shuffle today. Whether we realize it or not, each of our lives demands some sort of strategy and skill to stay afloat. And indeed, fun and frustration continue to swarm around us.

One unforgettable fact of the hopscotch from yesteryear is that no matter how frustrating the game became—or we became—we kept on playing.

Isn’t that so much like our lives today? In order to "play the game" of life, we hop back and forth with our various strategies and skills. We’re sometimes successful . . . and sometimes not. We fall down . . . but we get up.

True, we don’t always hit the mark. And, yes, our feet still get tangled up now and then. We suffer losses. Starting over is often necessary. But regardless of how stressed or how upset we become, we must keep on keeping on. For we've discovered, back in those youthful years, that there are times in life when we don’t always win.

Whether engaged in a fun game of hopscotch or a frustrating game of having-to-cope-with-life, keep hopping.


Peace I leave with you . . .

UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16.33 ~


Ever feel like the troubles of the world are piling up on you? Like you’re about to suffocate underneath the pressures of so many problems?

What do we do when we feel like everything from everybody and everywhere continues to press us down? Who do we call? Who do we turn to?

We call on Jesus. We turn to Him and believe in His words. And, come what may, we cling to our faith in Him.

In John 16:33, Jesus says in Him we can have peace. That’s good news—especially when struggling day after day with one circumstance after the other.

If we are to survive the stresses of being bogged down with burdens, then we need a savior. We need Jesus!

Life is hard. And, at times, it gets even harder. Jesus is the one-and-only Savior, and He can lift us up from under any circumstances. He has the power to deliver us from the wiles of this world.

Jesus warned us that in this world we'd have problems, "But be of good cheer." He said He’s overcome the world. And if we’re connected as closely to Jesus as we’d like to believe, then we, too, can and will overcome.

Whenever we discover that we’re drowning in a sea of troubles, Jesus can fix it. To reiterate the melodious words of the late gospel singer Frank Williams, "If Jesus can’t fix it, nobody can."

No matter what the case may be, Jesus can deliver us from under any circumstance.


Peace I leave with you . . .

PEACEMAKERS

"Blessed are the peacemakers . . ." ~ Matthew 5:9 ~


What's the first thing that comes to mind for "peacemakers?" Someone who is kind? Gentle? Sweet-tempered? Agreeable? Good-natured? What about an advocate of good will?

The Bible affirms blessings for the peacemakers who strive to keep peace. But for the sake of us stress-survivors, let's consider the peacemakers who seek to make peace.

It's no secret that we're living in an era where peace is not exactly plentiful. People are guilty of snatching peace whenever and wherever it can be found. And some are sad and stressed out for a total lack of it.

We all can agree that periodically we yearn for peace--not necessarily an undisturbed atmosphere--but an inner tranquillity that soothes the heart, mind, and soul. A peace that produces those long-awaited "Aaaahs."

Living in a stressful world with stressful people, we must learn to be peacemakers in our own lives and initiate peace. In other words, we must make peace.

How do we do that? First and foremost, to make peace we must make time for prayer. Those who regularly engage in prayer know its stress-busting power. Those who are skeptical of it should try prayer and see the peace it gives.

Next, to make peace, we must make priorities. Placing everything in proper perspective is essential to making the best of our time and our affairs.

Above all, we must make up our minds not to worry or fret. Sure, there are constant issues in our lives, but we must make certain not to allow them to camouflage the beauty that surrounds us.

Peacemakers have the awesome task to personally and professionally make peace.


Peace I leave with you . . .

LITTLE THINGS

"For who has despised the day of small things . . ." ~Zechariah 4:10 ~

One of the root causes of tension and stress in our lives is our disregard for little things. Many stress-survivors have found truth in the old adage, “Little things mean a lot.”

Let’s see . . . When was the last time you took a day to rest, relax, or engage in a favorite activity? How long has it been since you sat with family or friends and enjoyed hours of fellowship and fun?

For ages, people have encouraged one another to take time to smell the roses. Whether people literally beheld the fragrance of roses didn’t really matter. The point intended was that we take time to savor the little things in life--things that keep the heart happy and hopeful.

Bravo to the handful of folk who seek to indulge in small things to de-stress the mind. Those who often gather to share a pot of coffee or sip a cup of tea can testify how refreshing it is. Those who set aside time for group get-togethers and outings will readily recommend that others join in.

Perhaps it’s time for more of us to consider some little things.

Things that will put a smile on an unhappy face.

Things that will make a sad person laugh out loud.

Things that will put the sparkle back into stressed eyes.

Things that will lighten the burden of a heavy heart.

Go ahead. Play your favorite games. Put together a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle. Go out to see a movie and enjoy hot-buttered popcorn. Take a walk in the park with a friend and giggle all the way. Soak by candlelight in a tub filled with scented bubbles. Curl up in bed with a good book and read all night long. Call an old friend and reminisce over old times.

Call it crazy, corny, boring, old-fashioned, or whatever . . . but never under-estimate the value of little things.


Peace I leave with you . . .

ASAP

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~~Philippians 4:6~~

Ever been caught up in a situation where you wanted something and you wanted it right away? Do the notable words "as soon as possible" seem to ring any bells in your life?

It's amazing how, in a twinkling of an eye, something or someone crosses our path and outright fascinates us . . . and Wow! There're no ifs or ands or buts about it, we want it and we want it ASAP!

And when we don’t immediately get what we want, we yield to stress. In some cases, we can't eat, can't sleep, can't concentrate. While overly-anxious, we subject ourselves to a host of unhealthy worries and stress.

What is it that causes our hearts and minds to become so anxious and yearn so strongly for mortals and materialistics? Why do we allow the things of this world to consume us to the point that we loose sight of all logical, not to mention godly, reasoning?

In the book of Philippians, God’s Word outlines exactly what we should do. In making our request known to God by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, we are assured "peace." Peace beyond anything we could ever imagine.

Instead of being anxious, be prayerful. And expect the peace of God . . . ASAP.


Peace I leave with you . . .

HOW SWEET THE SOUND

She lay unresponsive on a hospital bed in I.C.U. It had been three stress-filled days since she'd suffered the devastating stroke, and yet there had been no change in her condition.

A close friend stopped in to visit. Listening to the family’s sad sobs of “no change,” the friend recalled an experience from the past with another unconscious victim.

“Bring in her favorite music and put the earphones to her ears and let her listen to the music,” she suggested to the mother. “I’ve seen even the comatose mind respond to good music."

Soon after placing music to the victims ears, they noticed her lips moving to the sounds of the music. Little by little, she continued listening to music and mouthing words until she finally spoke out loud again.

Studies show that music harbors magical powers and it greatly relieves anxiety. So much so that many hospitals use music therapists to aid patients laden with pain.

Nowadays almost everyone enjoys some sort of music. People often attest how music soothes their soul, brightens their mood, changes their disposition, and lifts them up from "down in the dumps."

Make certain to listen to music during tense times and extreme stress. Choose your favorite Christian, classical, country, jazz, R&B, rock-n-roll, or what have you, and drench your mind and soul with the sweet sounds of music.

The sound of music indeed melts away stress and chases away funk and blues.


Peace I leave with you . . .

TOMORROW

“. . . Do not fear or be dismayed; Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” ~ ~~2 Chronicles 20:17


There’s an old adage that says “Tomorrow never comes.” And people of various backgrounds and cultures take these words to heart and live their lives based on the belief that there's no such thing as tomorrow.

Even though there is a progression of time from one day to the next, the notion of no tomorrow lingers in the hearts of many. What we decide to do, or not to do, while clinging to this mindset can make a world of difference in the way we handle our daily stresses.

The idea of not being able to pick up where we leave off, or not having the option to pursue a desired path can frazzle our nerves and create endless hours of aggitation.

During a time of much uncertainty and stress, the Lord gave King Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah instructions on what to do--and He specifically told them to do it “tomorrow.” Honestly, if God acknowledges tomorrow, then tomorrow surely exist.

As we align our affairs from day to day, do we address our tomorrows with doubts and fears? Are we positively focused as we plan for the future? Or are we slightly superstitious as we entertain the flak of frivolous people?

Whether we tell ourselves we’re just kidding or we actually believe "tomorrow never comes," our challenge is to accept the facts of what God says about our future and start doing as He has commanded.

When we take the time to seriously think about it, there is something that God has instructed each of us to do--tomorrow.


Peace I leave with you . . .

MIND OVER MATTER

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .
~ Romans 12:2


Are there certain obligations that you’d rather take a whipping than tackle? Ever had things on your mind and dreaded doing them so badly, you stressed out just thinking of the matter?

Resistance and regret can back us into the worst kind of stressful corners. Because it’s our prerogative to decide how, when, and what to do, we often cater to negative thought patterns that generate high levels of stress.

Although the world screams, “Do whatever you want to,” circumstances and situations don’t always agree. Many times freedom of choice lures us between a rock and a hard place.

Our elders preached an incredible message on “Putting mind over matter.” According to the aged generation, it’s absolutely imperative to set the mind to do what needs to be done, over and above any ill feelings for undesirable matters.

To see how effective this philosophy is, select a couple of dreaded things that must be done. While proceeding to do them, speak the words “mind over matter” to yourself . . . convincingly, again and again.

Renew your mind and notice how stressful symptoms gradually fade away.

Because we are the masters of our minds, we must take authority over our minds . . . never ever vice-versa.


Peace I leave with you . . .

THE HANDS OF TIME

Throughout the years, we've wrestled with time. Over and over again, a great number of us have regretfully moaned, "If I could turn back the hands of time."

Stressing day after day over what didn't turn out like it was supposed to, and who didn't do as they'd promised to, will not change the past. While we're stressing with perils of the past, we're sadly being blinded to God's blessings in the here and now.

Thanks to a good friend, just recently, I was reminded of the godly wisdom King Solomon gives concerning the hands of time.


Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die;

A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, And a time to heal;

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, And a time to lose;

A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

A time to tear, And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

A time to love, And a time to hate;

A time of war, And a time of Peace.


Whatever the time, whatever the season, thank God for the time, the season . . . and the reason.


Peace I leave with you . . .

WHAT HAPPENED?

The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. ~Ecclesiastes 9:11~

911 was one of the most stressful times in our history. People from all walks of life suffered tragedy and death. Millions cried out to the Lord as they struggled with sorrow and wondered "What happened?"

Maybe in the year of 2001, by the grace of God, we escaped that 911 tragedy. Nevertheless, we've witnessed other incidents that have caused us remarkable stress and left us wondering "What happend?"

Out of habit, we stress ourselves, questioning every source we can imagine. We want to know who or what brought about the terrible heartache, or pain, or sorrow, or injustice, or lack--And why?

The more we stress and search for answers, the more we end up right back where we started from, yet wondering "What happened?" As badly as we want them, answers don't come.

In Ecclesiastes 9:11, King Solomon shares an answer that pretty much addresses most of our devastating nightmares . . ."time and chance happen to them all."

Sure, there are exceptions. But for the most part, there are times in each of our lives where things just happen. Contary to popular belief, man does not have all the answers. The secret things belong to the Lord" (Deut. 29:29).

So stop stressing and start striving to do what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks."


Peace I leave with you . . .

THE MAIN THING

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed . . ."


Remember the time when Martha was stressing because she was so busy and had so much to do? Remember how she complained to the Lord that she was doing all the work while her sister Mary sat at the Lord's feet? (Luke 10:38-42)

Pay close attention to the Lord's reply, especially the part where He says, "But only one thing is needed."

He told Martha, plain and simple, with all the hustle and bustle and busy doing this and that, only one thing was necessary--exactly what her sister Mary was doing--sitting and spending time with Him.

Have you noticed how busy our lives have become? And how overloaded and how far behind we seem to be with so many important things. And how stressed we are as a result of all this?

Regardless of who is doing what for whom, according to the Lord, the main thing is that we embrace a one-on-one relationship with Him. That we spend unselfish and uncluttered and unhurried time in His presence.

Slow down. . .Sit down. . .Stress less. Running around in circles all the time, as Mama used to say "Like a chicken with its head cut off," will sooner or later cause even the strongest of us to cave in to stress.

If God said it, we who are wise will believe it. And make every effort to do it.


Peace I leave with you . . .

Here's to Happiness!

By our attitudes and actions, we Americans display a burning desire for a thing called "happiness."

Think about it. All the world wants to be happy. People from far and near are constantly seeking the secret to happiness.

Perhaps we've read this passage many times before, but for Happiness' sake, let's do it again . . . this time, with a smile.

Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;

For her {wisdom} proceeds are better
than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may
desire cannot compare with her.

Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her. (Proverb 3:13-18)

In searching for true happiness,
be mindful to look to God.


Peace I leave with you . . .

WHO'S TO BLAME?

Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace. (Psalm 37:37)

When reading our Bibles in the 16th chapter of Genesis, we witness Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sara) in the middle of a stressful situation.

Since she couldn't bear children, Sarai told Abram to take her maid and have children by her. So Abram slept with Hagar, the maid, and she conceived his child.

After Hagar got pregnant, she despised Sarai. And Sarai blamed Abram. And Abram dumped it all off on Sarai and told her to do whatever she pleased. When Sarai mistreated the pregnant maid, Hagar ran away.

Now, for all of that stress, who's to blame? In Abraham and Sara's situation, as in so many of our own, what difference will pointing a finger at who's to blame make? What will it possibly change?

Playing the blame game can stress us to the max and cause our lives to be a total mess. Once we decide to redirect those energies and make certain that we are "not to blame," God's Word assures us peace.

There's much contentment to be gained from not being the blame.


Peace I leave with you . . .

H2O PLEASE

H2O, better known as water, is the most

overlooked stress suppressor available to us.

Water makes up more than two-thirds of our body weight. Every cell and organ in our bodies requires water to function properly. That's why it's important to drink plenty of water--even if we don't "like" it.

Many of us are walking around dehydrated and don't know it. Thirst signals dehydration. So by the time we become thirsty, our bodies are already dehydrated. Hello?

Dehydration is a big contributor to stress. When the body dehydrates, it induces anxiety and nervousness. Studies show that dehydration is one of the major causes for headaches. And, get this, fatigue is a side effect.

Dehydration can increase toxins in our bloodstreams and cause irritability and unnecessary stress. Drinking water throughout the day can flush those toxins out of our bodies.

Drinking eight glasses of good, clean water a day can also aid in the prevention and cure of many types of ailments that affect our bodies--such as headaches, depression, PMS, menopause, arthritis, back ache, constipation, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Since water has no calories and contains no cholesterol or fat, it can help us lose excess weight, or maintain our weight. Drinking water and staying fully hydrated can increase our metabolic rate.

The best indicator that we are drinking enough water is from our bathroom trips. If urine comes out pale yellow to clear, we're okay. But a dark yellow color is a sign our body is dehydrated and needs water.

And please, make it a priority to drink safe water. Never take for granted that clean water flows from the faucet. Chlorine is added to most drinking water supplies. And contaminated water can indeed cause health problems.

Consuming adequate amounts of water each day can help to maintain good health and a strong immune system. Don't be foolish . . . Drink it!


Peace I leave with you . . .

PERFECT PEACE

No Justice . . . No Peace; No Justice . . . No Peace

How many times have we heard those flaming words? And how many times have we stood in agreement and voiced a booming, "Yeah?"

Even now, when being subjected to certain situations in life, we can still hear those words rumbling in our ears, right? Especially when we allow ourselves to focus too intently on issues we consider injustice.

Justice is, first and foremost, based upon perception. Inasmuch as "the quality of fairness" is a studious definition, it is not the pinnacle of justice. How we perceive things is how we arrive at our point of justice. Plain and simple, focus is key.

The story is often related of a couple in bed. When first married, the husband lovingly invited the wife to "put your little tootsies over here next to mine and keep them warm." A few years later, when their marital bliss was long gone, the husband angrily protested, "Keep your cold feet on your side of the bed and off of mine!" (Get the picture?)

One of the crucial attributes associated with stress is our focus. The way we look at issues, undoubtedly, determines the way we feel about them. Negative focus foretells negative actions, which naturally ignites our stresses and disrupts our peace.

True peace is readily available in the the Lord. God's Word assures us that "Thou {God} will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee . . . (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)"

Granted, that's easier said than done, considering the many adversities we face. But, despite the difficulty, imagine all we're likely to gain.

If determined to put our stress in check, we must more so determine to seek the grace of God and keep our focus on Him.

Peace I leave with you . . .

My Soul To Keep

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Never has there been a time like this, when dollars have dictated so many lives. Almost everywhere we go and everybody we see, in some form or fashion, the subject of money pops up. Even if not directly stated, it's indirectly or casually related.

From all indications, the money chase is driving many of us half-crazy. It is heartbreaking to withness countless individuals from various walks of life who are selling their souls, trying to gain a dollar.

Perhaps, we who are called by God's name should take out time and examine ourselves. We say we have hidden God's Word in our hearts, but the evidence of our financial lifestyles doesn't line up with the fundamentals of God's Word.

Money is one of the greatest stress-inducers in the world. Honestly, who, among us, is not needing more money here and more money there? And as long as we encounter one money issue after the other, we don't stand a chance of controlling our stresses.

Praise God, He gives hope! Pray about money matters and be open to God's guidance and His prescription for handling stressful finances.

"With God all things are possible." Surely, this includes money matters. Determine to apply God's Word to financial battles and reduce stresses.


Peace I leave with you . . .

IT'S YOUR CHOICE

Nine times out of ten when something didn't work out well, my mother would say, "I should have followed my first mind!"

Her "first mind?" How many minds did she get?

The more mama thought about her unfavorable outcome, the more stressed she became. She'd go so far as to say, "I'm so mad at myself." Then she'd mope around the house, repeating that same thing over and over. Sound familiar?

We all can agree that a great many of our stresses are self-inflicted. At one time or another, each of our stress levels have skyrocketed due to bad choices we have made.

Believe it or not, stress is highly dependent on our personal choices. In his book, Success Is Not An Accident, author Tommy Newberry reveals it this way, "More than any other single factor, you are where you are today because of the choices you have made."

OUCH! That hurts. But it's so true.

Yes, ma'am; Yes, sir. Choices do have consequences. And many times when we don't follow a sound mind, we end up just like Mama . . . upset with ourselves and all stressed out.

For the sake of our health, wealth, and total well-being, we must seek to make wise choices. We must intelligently decide to do what's best for us, and gladly kick what feels good to us to the curb.

Throughout life we will be confronted with choices. They're inevitable. Nonetheless, if we are determined to reduce our stresses, we must learn to discern good choices from bad ones.

In the book of Deuteronomy (30:19), God presents a super choice: "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life . . ."

Peace I Leave with you . . .

Worry Warts

Back in the old days in small country towns, we were most times behind-the-times.

People often had weird-looking black spots and knots to surface on different parts of their bodies--their hands, fingers, arms, necks, and faces.

When one or more of us children mustered up enough nerves and asked some of the old-timers what those little black things were, we were told they were "worry warts."

Our little southern selves had no idea that the grown-ups were contributing to our country-bumpkin mentalities. So naturally, we started believing that "worry warts" grew on people and looked incredibly gross.

"When you go around worrying about stuff all the time," they cautioned us, "you're liable to get worry warts on your body. You see, worry is real bad for you."

As fictitious as our ancestors advice was on one hand, they were right on target about worry being bad. Surely, we're all aware in dealing with stress that worry tops the chart. And whether we "can't help it" or not, worrying is bad news.

Beyond that, worry is a sin. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus specifically tells us "Do not worry." Anytime Jesus tells us to not do a thing and we do it anyway, it is a _ _ _?

So now, let's bring it all out in the open. Who's walking around worried? Are you? Truth be told, a couple of days here and there, I feared looking in the mirror. Feared there would be "worry warts" all up and down and crossways my body.

For stress-survivors one of the highest recommended ways to banish worry is by prayer and supplication to God. Stop right where you are, sit down, and tell God all about (not that He doesn't already know).

When we offer our genuine faith to the Lord, and allow Him to comfort and control us, things supernaturally begin to change.

Peace I leave with you . . .

Pushing The Stress Button

Have any ideas about the stress button? Well, it's quite similar to the belly button, except you can't really see it. Yet, it has a profound relation to the body. Only thing, instead of aiding us, it's more prone to aggravate us.

The stress button is that thing on the inside that causes us to completely loose control, when something or someone catches us off guard and pushes us to the limit with some exaggerated drama or unpleasant surprise.

Just the other day, someone pushed my stress button, and I immediately "spazzed" out. Realizing I'd slipped into a serious stress mode, I backed away from it all and engaged in a quick prayer.

Know what happened after that? I politely grabbed a thick slice of cake and dumped a mound of vanilla ice-cream on top. Then I sat down and feasted on sweet stuff.

Every now and then, we have to stop and seek our inner peace. Whether whispering a heartfelt prayer, singing a soft melody, basking in a good book, or simply enjoying an out-of-the-ordinary treat, take time to nourish your soul.

For the umpteenth time, I had to remind myself that life is a challenge, and how we deal with whatever comes our way determines our failure or our success.

After all, our attitudes can make or break us. And God's Word in Proverbs 23:7 assures us, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . ."


Peace I leave with you . . .

Count Your Many Stresses

When was the last time you took a "self" stress test? Can't remember? Let's take the time out and do one now. It won't take long, I promise.

Jot down your answers of "a, b, or, c" for these ten short questions.

1. You have trouble sleeping
__a) Never
__b) Once in a while
__c) Every night

2. You are best described as
__a) Calm and collected
__b) Sometimes grouchy
__c) A basket case

3. When you get upset you
__a) Go for a walk
__b) Complain to a friend
__c) Eat everything in sight

4. When you're stuck in traffic you
__a) Think constructive thoughts
__b) Look out the windows
__c) Pound on the steering wheel

5. You consider your job as
__a) A blessing
__b) A paycheck
__c) A curse

6. You feel overwhelmed
__a) Rarely ever
__b) Quite frequently
__c) All the time

7. In your free time you
__a) Enjoy hobbies
__b) Perform chores
__c) Never get any free time

8. You commit to exercise
__a) On a daily basis
__b) Two or three times a week
__c) Only during Christmas shopping

9. Your normal weight is
__a) Ideal
__b) Okay
__c) Depressing

10.Your personal relationships are
__a) Enjoyable
__b) Tolerable
__c) Sickening

After you've completed your answers, go ahead and rate yourself. Add one point for every "a." Two points for every "b." And three points for every "c."

Now count your stresses. If you scored between
10 - 15 Your stress level is minimal
16 - 22 Your stress level is moderate
23 - 30 Your stress level is high

Surely, we noticed with our above answers that stress can creep into our lives in many different ways. And when our stress levels become too high, it's imperative that we find ways to reduce it. Otherwise, we might find ourselves facing some serious issues.

If you ask me, these are the times we need to implement the Malcolm-X measures: "By whatever means necessary."

Peace I leave with you . . .

Listen!

It has been suggested that the association of stress is evil in every way. For example, consider the word, itself. Take a moment and say it aloud. STRESS.

Listen to yourself as you pronounce it. Say it again--slowly and distinctively--STRESS.

You hear it? That "Ssssss"? Did you hear yourself hiss? That's right, you hissed. Now is that evil or what?

You do remember who's (or what's) notorious for hissing, don't you? Exactly! So you already know that anytime you hear a hissing sound, evil is lurking somewhere near.

Of course, the "hissing" is only a prelude to what can actually happen. Almost identical to that of the cunning belly-crawler, the sound itself doesn't cause any damage. Perhaps, alarm--but no real harm. With both evils, stress and the snake, the hissing we hear is simply a warning.

The dreadful problems in either case begins at the point of contact. Whenever we allow cruel forces to latch on to us, whether seen or unseen, we suffer the consequences.

People everywhere know the danger of poisonous snakes. But how many are equally aware of the hazards of stress? For certain, people tramping through possible snake areas take precautions to protect themselves. So why wouldn't people stumbling around in stressful environments seek measures to protect themselves?

The Bible says, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." Let's seek some truth concerning our health and well-being.

"Ssssss."

Peace I leave with you . . .

Breathe, Baby, Breathe. . .

My granddaughters shared a side-splitting story about a classmate, whose (let them tell it) "elevator didn't go all the way to the top."

Through uncontrollable laughter and tears, they explained how the child became overwhelmed with a classroom situation and not knowing what to do, she stood before them, gasping in one big breath after another and repeatedly saying to herself, "Breathe, CeeCee, breathe!"

As comical as it may have seemed to the girls, taking deep breaths tremendously aids anxiety. Matter of fact, it's largely recommended by respected stress experts. Just think. It's quick, easy, effective, and free.

When we take deep, solid (not shallow) breaths, we allow air to fill our lungs, whereas oxygen is carried to our brains. In a manner of speaking, releasing the strain on our brain. When we exhale, we allow the tension that's knotted up in our chest to ease away.

Okay, all together now, let's try breathing. Inhale. . . long . . . and easy. No, no . . . don't suck in your gut, suck in your chest. And don't do that shoulder-lifting thing either. Okay, slowly exhale. Again. . . inhale . . . exhale. You got it? Allow your chest to rise and fall--like papa's when he's reclining in his chair, enjoying a peaceful nap.

Make it a priority to do deep breathing morning, noon, and night. Seriously, it's a great stress aid. But don't take my word, try it and see for yourself.

Okay, all you computer people, stop tapping on that keyboard and breathe! Ready? Inhale . . . (nice and slow) . . . exhale; Inhale . . . exhale; Inhale . . . exhale.

Peace I leave with you . . .

Me? Stressed?

Welcome to Let's De-Stress. So glad you stopped by. While you're here, may I ask you a question?

On a scale from one to ten, how stressed are you? Go ahead. Admit it. There's no need to be shy. You may say, "Oh, no, I'm not stressed. I never allow anything or anyone to bother me."

Wonderful. That's really wonderful. Except, the truth is we're all plagued by stress. Living in a stressful world, among stressful situations, around stressful people, we ultimately find ourselves at different crossroads of stress. Whether mental, or emotional, or financial, or relational, or whatever, stress plays a tremendous part in our everyday lives.

A week or so after surviving a serious heart attack, a friend admitted to me that she had been burdened with severe stress for some time, but she'd never imagined that stress could cripple, and almost kill, her.

Be not deceived, "stress" is a killer. There's no nice-and-easy way to say it, other than to tell it like it is. Stress is one of the most ruthless killers in America. And for each life that it doesn't destroy, it certainly complicates. So what do we do?

For starters, we'll congregate on this blog for the purpose of revealing and releasing unhealthy stress. We'll consider every available resource we can find (even if we have to invent some) to help stomp out the dangerous affects of stress. We owe it to ourselves. Don't you agree?


Peace I leave with you . . .