TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

 

 ". . . My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you . . ."

John 14:27 (NKJV) 

Possessions for stress survivors can greatly vary. Without a doubt, we too have a long list of what we love and long To Have and To Hold. 

However, we've come to a point where our quest to reduce stress causes us to be quite careful in pursuing our wants and needs. 

More and more with our stressful issues, we stress survivors are placing our priorities on solid things; those that have reliable reputations; those that hold  tried-and-true track records. 

Think what we will or may, but there are some things that money cannot buy - and man cannot bestow. Yes, our wonderful world has afforded immeasurable conveniences and attained countless successes. Yet there remains those things that are attainable only by the grace of God.

PEACE . . . Pure and Perfect Peace . . . Everlasting Peace . . . Comes from GOD.

To have an illusion of peace may seem possible, but to hold onto it while battling stress has, repeatedly, been proven impossible. 

Looking for peace in wrong places can be mentally and physically frustrating. And to not have peace or not be able to hold on to it, can literally drive us crazy.

Because this yearning To Have and To Hold "peace" is imperative to stress survivors' health and well-being, we trust the Almighty Creator of peace to grant it to us.     

Peace I leave with you . . .    

HELLO SUNSHINE!

YEAAAH...SPRING HAS ARRIVED... Along with it, the fascination of outdoor activities and the magnificent sunshine and fresh air.

Remember how, back in the day, our elders would insist that we go outside and play? They knew--in part if not totally--how important sunshine, fresh air, and exercise were to our well-being.

Cooped-up inside all the time with windows closed tight and covered with blinds and curtains, is a sure path to stress. We seem to have forsaken natural sunlight and fresh outdoor air. Please be warned, sunshine and fresh air are among the most essential elements needed to de-stress.

Researchers are quickly proving the tremendous benefits of the sun and how important it is to get outside and be active under it. Research also shows that sunshine is an effective treatment for stress and depression.

Amazingly, fresh air soothes the nerves, stimulates appetite, helps digestion, and induces sound, restful sleep--all of which are vital to reduce stress. But greater still, fresh air has a dynamic influence on the mind, imparting peace and serenity.

It's important that we remember how good it feels to be out in the sunshine and fresh air. And how relaxed we feel after spending time there. And one of the best ways to receive such benefits is to go out into the open air and exercise--walking, running, gardening, playing sports, or whatever suits us.

All considered, sunshine, fresh air, and exercise are a winning combination for stress. Let's start today and spend time outdoors. Let's get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and let's allow "Mother Nature" to naturally soothe our souls.



Peace I leave with you . . .

QUIET TIME

WHEN was the last time we sat down "alone" and enjoyed quiet, uninterrupted time? Do we regularly take mental breaks to release tension and stress, or do we indulge just every now and then?

To some, spending precious moments doing much-of-nothing seems like a waste of time. For those who are deeply bothered by stress, embracing quiet time is worth every single minute.

Solitude is an age-old art that's good for every ail. Not only is it an excellent relief for stress and anxiety, it is equally essential to the well being of our souls.

Spinning on life's merry-go-around and can barely think straight? Steal away to a private room or porch or backyard and spend time in tranquillity and peace. Even if it means locking up in the bathroom for a spell, find some quietness.

Basking in the blessings of quiet time can be rewarding regardless of who we are or what we do. When all around us is toxic and out of control, we do not have to be committed to the madness.

If we intend to greatly minimize our stresses, let's take time out to unwind and to liberate ourselves from daily drama.


Peace I leave with you . . .

LEARNING TO LIVE WELL

When first born, one does not enter the world knowing how to live. Regardless of how rich, or famous, or well-loved, or cuddled and cooed, we must go through a process of learning.


In order to master the essentials that goes with "a good life," it is imperative that we put forth personal efforts--again and again and again.

Learning to live with less stress is nonetheless. We have to extend our minds and bodies and time and determination. If we are to go from stressed-out individuals to mature stress-survivors, we'll have to invest consistent efforts.

Many of us are not living well in the area of stress because, like many other areas in our lives, we don't know how. So what if we're adults? Not knowing is not knowing, regardless of our years.

Whatever age or stage we may be, surely we've some recollection of first time endeavors and how we had to "learn" to do this-and-that before doing them well. From walking and talking, to potty-training, to riding a bicycle, to driving a car, to exploring those hush-hush territories, learning was key.

And whatever we learned or whenever we learned it, one age-old observation remains true: We have to crawl before we walk . . . Here, again, learning is a process.

As we pursue the art of living well and determine more and more to de-stress, we must be willing to learn-- and to do whatever it takes to be victorious. As long as it's not unhealthy or unholy.



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 . . .

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 . . .