TEATIME

Noticed how every time we turn around there's some new updates on the benefits of tea? Researchers are constantly affirming its effectiveness to fight fatigue, strengthen memory, aid digestion, and yes, even help prevent cancer.

In many cultures, the art of drinking tea has become a way of life. The Chinese and Japanese practice elaborate tea ceremonies that transform the simple details of tea drinking into a thing of beauty and tranquility.

Their teatime is more than simply drinking a soothing cup of hot (or iced) tea, it is their special time to ponder the four principles of tea--harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The tea ceremony serves as a way to focus mental energies, relax, and enjoy a rich tradition.

Compared to other types, GREEN TEA is reported to be "king'' of the teas. Scientific research indicates that green tea can help prevent high cholesterol levels, rheumatoid arthritis, formation of blood clots leading to heart attacks and strokes, and the growth of cancer cells.

For those who are devout tea-drinkers and can't seem to make it through the day without a good cup of tea, wonderful. For those who're waiting for someone to twist their arm in gentle persuasion, the time has come.

In an era when society is checkered with changes and mounting stresses, it's refreshing to know that "Teatime" is still the time for achieving peace of mind.



Peace I leave with you . . .

LET'S DANCE!

Having a hard time trying to exercise because of unfavorable weather conditions? Hindered by the lack of funds for costly gym workouts?

Not a problem. Try this. Steal away to a private room, turn on some peppy tunes, and dance . . . dance . . . dance.

Dancing is, by far, an incredible fun and relaxing form of exercise. And it's inexpensive. When combating daily stresses, exercise can do wonders for the mind and body. Along with reducing stress and lifting our spirits, dancing strengthens our heart and all those other tight muscles.

See, as we dance (exercise), we release small molecules known as endorphins in our bodies. These endorphins act just like a drug and gives us a high. A "happy" high--a sort of well-being and satisfied feeling. So the more we exercise, the more endorphins we release--the more endorphins released, the happier we are.

For a truly hilarious dancercise, try some 'Ole school tunes. It's okay to laugh, cry, holla and scream . . . but don't stop dancing.

And, oh, if dancing is taboo in certain homes, don't despair. Gather some fast-paced praise songs and jump up and down and move all around and shout. . . shout . . . shout. As long as we can keep that adrenaline pumping, we're making progress in reducing stress.


Peace I leave with you . . .

PAYING THE PRICE

How many times have we known or perhaps heard of a person who worked a demanding job or went through a bitter divorce or dealt with the loss of a loved one, then soon after suffered a stroke or was diagnosed with cancer or had a fatal heart attack?

Coincidence? Not hardly.

Negative emotions and prolonged stresses on the body have been scientifically proven to weaken the immune system and allow various diseases to overtake us.

Battling negative thoughts and feelings generates a lot of stress, including sadness, depression, hurt, anger, hate, guilt . . . and the list goes on and on. These emotions are not only self-destructive, but they also top the chart for stress-related illnesses.

Dealing with drama over here and drama over there, little by little weakens our minds and bodies and puts us in a position to attract serious diseases.

The price we pay for stressful lifestyles is far too high . . . so high, in fact, that it sometimes requires our very existence.

Aren't we ready for a change?



Peace I leave with you . . .

LIFT EVERY VOICE

I exhort therefore,
that, first of all,
supplications,
prayers,
intercessions,
and giving of thanks,
be made for all men;

. . .and for all that
are in authority;
that we may lead
a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and honesty.


1 TIMOTHY 2:1, 2


HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING
&
GOD BLESS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU . . .

STARTING OVER AGAIN

The thought of starting over can sometimes seem overwhelming--not to mention the actual process. Truth be told, some folk find every aspect of starting over extremely stressful.

Beginning a new year is often one of those ventures that brings about an assortment of stresses. We like that "new" first-time feeling, but we detest the areas where we must make adjustments.

Many of us are stuck in the mindset that starting over requires too much energy--plus lots of stress and strain. The number one complaint from the majority of us is that we don't have enough energy.

The law of conservation of energy says that "Energy can neither be created nor destroyed . . . it is transferred." So then, regardless of where we go or what we do, our energy doesn't deplete or disappear, it simply converts from one form into another.

Stressing requires huge amounts of energy. When we entertain any type of stress, be it large or small, we exert valuable energies that could be used for something much more important.

Sure, starting over can be stressful and somewhat demanding. It often involves sweat and tears. But it doesn't necessarily have to dominate our energies. If given serious thought, planning, and Prayer, starting over can be exciting and rewarding.


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 . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NEW YEAR'S CEREMONY

We Stress Survivors,

take the 2009 year to be our lawful wedded life,

to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better for worse,
for richer for poorer, in
sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish
for as long as this year shall last.

We promise to love life to the fullest
and to passionately pursue our God-Given peace,
forsaking all other troubles and hereto pledge to stress less.


With this year we do wed
the days and months ahead;
We now exchange this new year for the past year
and accept the future as a quest to destress.


By the power vested in us by God, the father--the Son--and the Holy Spirit,
we now pronounce ourselves healthy and wise.

WE MAY NOW KISS 2008 GOODBYE!