LET'S DE-STRESS THIS NEW YEAR

  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God.

~ John 1:1

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Again, we stand at the threshold of a new beginning. . . New resolutions.  New stresses.

Stress survivors are among the first to admit that New Year's resolutions can create enormous stress.  Statistics reveal that 93% of all who make resolutions fail to achieve them.  Indeed, it's stressful when we fall short of our resolve. 

Let's de-stress this New Year and fortify our resolutions with wisdom from the Book of John. . .  

         

    "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word

   was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him,

   and without Him nothing was made that was made."      (John 1:1-3)                                                                                                                          

What is a New Year, if not a new beginning with God?  

"All things" have their beginning with God, and "nothing" is ever successful without Him . . . not our prized possessions--monetary matters--lofty goals--loving relationships--good health--or any other essentials of a wonderful life.    

Because stress survivors believe that God is the source of all things new--and prosperous--and excellent, we anticipate many meaningful moments this year. We're pleased to believe that God's Word is the beginning of our de-stress.

That's why we resolve to greet this 2013 New Year with a peaceful approach, believing that every beginning of every existence in every area of our lives, begins with GOD. 

Peace I leave with you . . .  

KNOCK! KNOCK!

OPEN UP . . . A New Year is at the door.

How glad we are to welcome it. With this new year we're certain to witness new opportunities, new blessings, new challenges, new changes, and of course, new stresses.

Customarily, at this time each year, we focus our attentions toward new year's resolutions. This year, instead of devoting quality time to resolutions, let's take a few moments to allow for reflections.

Should we examine our lives on last year and look closely to determine the areas we were hit hardest by stress, perhaps we can come up with a positive plan of de-stress for this new year.

As we reflect on our past stresses, let's consider:

What stresses did we do last year that we can eliminate this year?

What stresses that slipped over into the new year will we handle differently?

What known affiliations or situations that formerly stressed us are we willing to change?

What stresses are we willing to completely commit to God?

If we intend to greet 2009 with high expectations and exhilaration--and far less stress--we must begin the new year by taking positive actions to be healthy and happy.


Peace I leave with you . . .

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 . . .