Tag Archives: stress

He’s in the Small Stuff Too

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It’s not the big crisis that floors me, it’s those little nagging issues that set me back. For instance, a number of years ago God brought us through a very trying and stressful time where we absolutely depended on the goodness and favor of God for our daily bread. And not just bread, but gas, clothes, credit card bills, toiletries, medications…you get it. He provided everything we needed. We were never late with a payment, never went hungry, never appeared destitute.

I depended on a continual stream of prayer – talking and listening to God – all day, every day – to get me through that time. Some days He was quieter than others. Sometimes I prayed: “God, just give us a sign today that You’re there.” And He always did. Every . Time.

So today – when we are facing a much lesser issue (water in our basement) – why do I stew and fret and stress? Somehow I think I don’t need to bother God with this “little stuff.” We’ve called our wonderful handyman friend. We can rent a carpet vacuum for the clean water. We can do a lot in our own strength.

Praise_the_Lord (1)But He cares about every little detail. Every little “small stuff” in my life – and yours too. An earlier blog details how He loves to answer prayers that reveal His love for us. So – when I finish this – I’ll be praying for the water to stop seeping in, for the window repairs to be minor and easy to fix, for the sun to come out and dry out all the wetness everywhere.

Maybe you’re facing a little thing today – something you can “handle” on your own, but it’s causing some anxiety anyway. Can anyone say “taxes” or “rising flood waters” or “crazy schedule?” Whatever is causing you to stress is taking your mind off your Father God who desires to help you through whatever you are facing today. Praise Him and ask for help. He’s ready and willing.

Day 17 – Who Are You?

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Do you remember The Who’s song “Who Are You?” I’m old enough to know it from the initial release in 1978 (high school graduation year) but I sing it more because it was the opening theme song for the “CSI” TV series. Of course, I only know the opening lines: Who are you? Who, who, who, who?…repeat indefinitely. You are now singing it in your head, aren’t you? You’re welcome.

But this could also be my theme song every day…or at least a question I should ask myself frequently. Who are you, Kris…who, who, who, who?

Who are you when:

  • you stub your toe in the dark
  • that crazy driver cuts you off on the interstate
  • someone unfriends you on Facebook
  • you bomb that job interview
  • there are 20 people in the only open Wal-Mart checkout lane
  • a mole wreaks havoc through your lawn
  • an “overdraft” notice arrives
  • your identity information is hacked
  • ugly rumors about your pastor reach your ears
  • your husband watches TV while you clean the house
  • the church committee didn’t ask for your help
  • your favorite (fill in the blank) comes up missing
  • a deer sideswipes your car
  • you get caught by the red light cameras
  • you miss a deadline
  • the scale shows five pounds more than yesterday
  • the dishwasher floods the kitchen

We don’t need more examples…pretty sure you get my drift.

Who I am is what’s on the inside that comes out during times of stress, or disappointment, or rejection, or pain, or normal living of your everyday life. Although I love being on the mountain top, I become the real “me” in the valleys of life. And sometimes, I don’t like what comes out of me. Sometimes I see the ugliness of gossip, shame, condemnation, rejection, self-hate, and impatience.

However, I want to welcome these wake up calls. Because if I don’t see the yuck inside occasionally, I won’t ever be able to clean my house. If I don’t recognize the nastiness inside, I’ll keep going along, thinking I’m just fine, so fine.

Don and I had a wonderful mentor who told us often:

“CharacteCB063014r is what happens when someone tips over your coffee cup.”

Who are you? I hope you find out today.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24

A New Way to Lose Weight

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Laughter cropped

It’s mid-February and it feels like winter will never end. I can feel my stress levels rising and my temper closer to the surface. It takes less to make me upset so I eat comfort food everyday, which means more stress every time I step on a scale. I’m spending more brain power thinking of ways to cope with no sun or warmth. I’m sick of sweaters and leggings and fuzzy socks and boots. I’m in serious need of a vacation and my bank account says, “not anytime soon, sister!” So I’ve hit upon a solution (at least until I can see the sun again)…

Laugh! I’m going to try to laugh every day. If the normal life situations don’t give me enough belly busters, then I’ll go looking for some. Joke books, movies, old TV shows – there’s a plethora of resources for giggles. And if the comedians who make their living making us laugh can’t get it done, I can always turn to the internet. Facebook is rife with stories (true or not) of people who’ve done some pretty dumb things – always good for a chuckle or two.

I can’t get outside to run because I’m afraid of ice and snow and falling. So I’ll go with this  Norman Cousins quote for now: “Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” Wonder how much laughter it would take to offset a chocolate truffle?

Seriously (really? in a blog about laughing) – I know that laughter has more positive effects than just a quick dose of humor in my day. In an article from Health Guidance for Better Health, Mack LeMouse says “humor and  laughing are infectious and can bring people together and make them forget their troubles.” It’s one way to maintain a positive attitude and good health.

So if you’re feeling the winter blues today, pick up a joke book, or check out Netflix for comedies or search the internet for Red Skelton or Jimmy Fallon You Tube videos. Boost your mental health with a good belly laugh today.

 

 

 

Embracing Extravagance

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lack-of-money

Day 17 – Dropping my Poverty Mindset
Let me give warning right up front. This blog is not an expert’s advice on how to get rich, get out of debt or win the lottery. This is just a few thoughts I’ve had recently about how much I allow my mind to be consumed with money, especially the lack of it. And what I intend to do about it.

Let it be said that no one says, “I have enough money. Stop giving me anymore.” Well, maybe someone somewhere, but no one I know personally. In fact, most of us could use a little more every once in a while. We all have bills, some planned for like mortgages, car payments and school loans. Others are bombarded with emergencies like car repairs, doctors’ bills and “Yikes! I owe the IRS?” But there are actually some people who need money but don’t fret about it. And that’s where I want to be.

I have a poverty mindset. It manifests itself in worry, anxiety, stress, anger, bitterness, depression, envy and greed. It also takes away my joy, my happiness and my spontaneity. The words “No! We can’t afford that!” flow from my lips a lot. That attitude then spreads like a cancer into my kids, my husband, my friends…whomever has to listen to it, over and over and over.

Maybe you can relate? Ask yourself a few telling questions.
• Do you justify your lack of funds and make excuses?
• Do you complain about paying taxes on an unexpected bonus or reward?
• When something is free, do you grab as much as possible, even if you don’t need it?
• Is the concept of working for free crazy to you?
• Do you promise God you’ll tithe when you can afford it?
• Are you jealous when others are blessed with money or physical things?
• Do you go to bed most nights worrying about money?
I have to admit – I’ve had to answer “yes” to a couple of those things.

I have found it’s all about attitude and obedience. I tithe. Not because it’s some formula for getting rich but because God says I should. If I can’t be obedient in the little things, how will I ever handle the really big stuff?

I’m learning again to trust God (BTW – this lesson is never one you learn and move on…its presented over and over and over again). He is my source…not my employer, not my husband, not the government. With God there will always be more than enough. The only lack with room in my life is lack of worry, lack of stress, lack of anxiety.

I’m going for extravagance. Extravagant love…extravagant giving…extravagant grace…extravagant trust…extravagant obedience.