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 . . .