Christian Ways to Remove Stress

"Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what will happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice"

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time
3. Get up on time so you can start the day un-rushed
4. Say NO to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health
5. Delegate tasks to capable others
6. Simplify and un-clutter our life
7. Les is more (although one is often not enough, tow are often too man)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't' lump the hard things all together
10. Take one day at a time
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about the situation, release it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases
13. Have backups; an extra key in our wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble
15. Do something for the KID in you everyday
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line
17. Get enough rest
18. Ear right
19. Get organized so everything has its place
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations
22. Every day, find time to be alone
23. Having Problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until its time to go to bed to try to pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people
25. Keep a folder of favorite scripture on hand
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good, "thank our Jesus"
27. Laugh
28 Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can)
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most)
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before you go to bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "IF God is for us, who can be against us"

When you walk thru the fire........

A young woman I have mentored for a couple of years suffered a devastating loss two weeks ago when her apartment caught fire and burned everything inside. We got the call around 3am Sunday morning November 4th. We made our way to the aprtment near Lambuth. There stood Julie. No shoes and clothed in some firemans heavy fire coat. She ran to me and buried her head in my chest sobbing. I sobbed too. So did Tim and Candace. All we could do was watch the fire burn. My heart ached at not being able to do anything.

We arrived back at our house around 5am with Julie. No one could sleep. We just layed down until daylight appeared. It was Sunday morning. Quietly we all got ready for church. Candace clothed Julie. We smelled of smoked but we went anyway. During a time of prayer at the altar that morning Julie broke down. We did too. So did Pastor Don. We cried, we prayed and knew somehow that it was time to get up and start all over. Julie told me that of all the bad things she had been thru in her life she had never thought about fire. Fire took some of her most prized possessions even though this young woman has few.

The last two and half weeks we have been amazed how God has orchestrated the starting over process. Just recently we found Julie a new place to live. Many people have brought clothes, gift cards, money and the likes. Julie's heart has been filled with hope. She is overwhlemed at the generosity and love sent her way. The other day I gave her a scriputre . It is now posted on her bedroom wall. It is Isaiah 43: 2-3

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

She believes it. I do too. God is good. God IS faithful.

Did I mention??

Did I mention I don't do Halloween? I must not have because last night I had 14 "halloweenies" show up at my door. They closely resembled the Lambuth University Women's Basketball Team (coach included-- see picture on left). ThankfullyI got a little bit of advanced notice they were coming. So what was I to do? Turn off my lights and hope they go away? I wouldn't do that. I love these girls. I just dont love Halloween! Besides two of our international gals had never been trick or treating (lucky them). I'm not sure they got the real picture last night either.

They came inside and were treated to hot homemade brownies and Raspberry Ice drinks. Not exactly what I remember from my childhood trapsing up and down the streets with all the other "hungry" children. That is why we went out wasnt it? Why else do kids go begging for food? There has got to be SOMETHING redeeming about Halloween doesn't there? Why else would millions of parents take their kids out? I don't know just guessing here - secular peer pressure? I guess. Nonetheless, I don't do Halloween!

I don't do Halloween

Ok - I don't do Halloween. There I've said it. I did years ago when my kids were small but then somewhere in their middle school years I had to stop and ask myself why? What is the redeeming quality of this holiday? "Some" would probably say its harmless. That's what "some" said about the Harry Potter series and what "some" say about marijuiana and what "some" say about R-rated movies......... "Some" would say instead of trick or treating we should go up to their doors and hand them a christian track. I guess. It's just that I could never get the hang of that.

Anyway, that seemed like MY deal not my kids. If they were out and about they wanted to do what "everybody" else was doing anyway. So.... I had an alternative. I would take my kids bowling, to a movie etc. I would let them buy whatever candy they wanted (they would get to pick the good stuff). I must admit it's been like a fish swiming upstream. It's like walking against the flow of the crowd. I wish I could say I was so noble in all areas of my life but.......... I'm not. However, I am working on it. This may be one small area but its ONE!

This is so funny - you gotta watch!

Eat, Pray, Love

I am not a reader by nature. I read, but I am a very selective reader. Most all of my reading has to do with my faith, teaching bible study, etc. In August my friend Lisa Harper said, "You've got to read Eat, Pray, Love." It was a strong recommendation from a woman who travels all over the US leading christian women's conferences. So.... I bought the book. I thought worse case scenario I'll take it on my trip and read it on the plane. First of all the book is a true story. Elizabeth Gilbert is a real person. She is a magazine writer in New York. So I began reading. I couldn't put it down. I have heard "readers" say this, but not me. But I couldn't put it down. Her story intrigued me. The way she articulated, intrigued me. Her quest for life, intrigued me. I read the book. The WHOLE book.

Elizabeth Gilbert was on Oprah this week. Turns out a LOT of people are reading the book. Eat, Pray, Love has spent 35 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. Elizabeth's personal quest to find out who she is awakens a similar journey in us all. There are parts in the book that are WAY too honest, way too transparent but its her book not mine. There are things in the book I don't agree with. There are times I wished she had been bolder in her faith statements. But..... with all that said, it certainly evoked something in me. Something good. Something God. It's a good read. During her interview with Oprah this past week she was asked what she continues to do that keeps her life quest alive. She said she does 3 things.

1. She asked herself the question"What do you want?"

Oprah quizzed, "You mean what do you want today or what do you want out of life?" Elizabeth said "No, just simply what do you want?" I have found that the most common answer is happiness but women especially don't really know what would make them happy. So get specific, what do you want?

2. Watch for "happy moments" during the day and journal them at the end of your day.

She said, "crappy moments happen too, I just decided to not keep a crappy journal but a happy journal. It keeps your focus in the right place. It doesn't have to be big. It could be as simple as a trip to the mailbox and sunlight broke out on you." Happy Moments.

3. Change your mantra.

She explained, "Our mantra is the internal talk we tend to do with ourselves. Some people constantly repeat, I'm a jerk, I'm no good, I'm a loser to which I would have to ask, "How's that working for you?" Change your mantra - life phrases that you live by. The medicine man in Bali told me, "Everyday laugh. Laugh from your liver" I remember that. I live by that. It works for me.

Well..... that's my book report for the month (maybe the year, I'm not a reader you know!) I'm thinking about these 3 things. They aren't profound but they are valid. I 'm really focusing on my mantra. I like that.... Laugh from your liver.........

I'm 50 and I'm fine.... REALLY!

This picture was taken on my 50th birthday just recently. I got to turn 50 in London. Awesome! It wasnt planned as a birthday trip but hey it happened. The day was great. My husband sang Happy Birthday (ok that wasnt the great part), I got text messages from all the kids and friends. I had a birthday card under my hotel door first thing that morning. It was a great day. The weather in London totally cooperated. It was blue skies. Great Shopping weather! Well..... a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. The first couple hours of the day were spent first on the double decker bus as we headed towards Maddam Toussads. She is the lady that developed the true art of wax figures way back in the 1800's. Her museum is filled with wax likeness of numerous movie stars, sports and historical figures. I even had my picture made with the Pope!

From there we went to Covent Gardens. It's a part of London that is picture perfect. An old station has been converted to shopping venues and eatieries complete with string quartets that delight the most reluctant shopper. I got a black leather jacket for my birthday. Tim got one too. Not sure why - hey he's already 50! There were a few other goodies to round out my birthday spree. That night we went to dinner at Garfunkels that serves good European cuisine and then to the London Theater to see the play "Wicked". It was great! It's the story that preceeds the Wizard of Oz. Its not about being Wicked at all. If you get a chance to go see it I highly recommend it! Well.... it was a birthday like none other and I enjoyed every minute of it. I supposed 51 might not be as big but I'm not giving up this early. Oh, no.

I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkkk

Venice was wonderful. London was lovely. The trip abroad was great. Tim and I enjoyed the culture, the climate, the food and the fun. I think the thing that I enjoyed the most was the grandeur of God. I live in West Tennessee. We have four seasons and great southern hospitality. Its good. Its a piece of God's canvas. Other parts of the canvas have the Alps which I found breath-taking, canals and waterways as a way of life, busy streets and historical buildings that constantly tell their story. Meal times in foreign countries are interesting. Breakfast in Venice is quite different than breakfast in Jackson. They eat raw meats I've never heard of. They drink tea and coffee that would make a Starbucks junkie jittery. Londoners are no different. Whats up with the Pork and beans? I don't think they belong on breakfast buffets but hey that's what separates the tourists from the locals. A cappuccino in Saint Marcs square will be a moment remembered. The Italian gelato I can still taste. Pasta and pizza rule.
I am reminded how big God is when I see other parts of the world. It's amazing- He's amazing. How could anyone not believe in God. Who do they think created all this?

No speak Italiano!

I am going to Italy - Venice to be exact. I leave Saturday. I am not prepared. The only Italian word I know at the moment is spaghetti. I wanted to bone up on the language, the sites, the street maps. I am usually more prepared. The last two weeks have demanded I be focused on Americano stuff- Tennesseeo stuff, Jacksono stuff, familyo stuff. So I have. But how will I ever order? How will I ask for the mall? And the gondolas???..... I've been told to make sure you ask for a singing gondolier - or something like that. I meant to have that down too! Ok - so I havent gotten to listen to my CD on learning Travel Italian. I havent even opened my 2007 Frommes guide to Italy but I have been reading a good book. It's not so much about Italy although its helpful. Its about a woman that went through a painful divorce and set out to find herself again. It's a true story. The woman and author is Elizabeth Gilbert. She's a real, live New York magazine writer and it's her story. By a divine turn of fate Elizabeth finds herself in Italy, India and Indonesia.

In Italy she learns how to enjoy life (food in particular) pleasure in general. The experience teaches her life lessons. In India she learns how to pray and in Indonesia she learns about love. It's not a religious book and its not sold in Books A Million in the christian section. Actually, its on the shelf at the front of the store under New York Times Best Sellers. But it could slide in I think because Elizabeth is in search of God - his realness. She wasn't prepared for what she would learn about herself and ultimately what she would learn about God. Unpreparedness can do that sometimes- you know- surprise you about God. So... maybe being unprepared isn't so bad after all. Maybe I don't have it all planned out. Maybe I will go with expectant eyes - hoping to see what God would want me to see and experience him amongst the olive oil, the canals and yes.... my own heart.

dolce vita (the sweet life)

"I want to have a lasting experience of God," I told him. "Sometimes, I feel like I understand the divinity of this world, but then I lose it because I get distracted by my petty desire and fears. I want to be with God all the time. But I don't want to be a monk, or totally give up worldly pleasures. I guess what I want to learn is how to live in this world and enjoy its delights but also devote myself to God" (eat- pray- live by Elizabeth Gilbert---- page 26)

What a Wonderful World

I'm off to Las Vegas today. It's in the desert you know. Temperatures usually 100+. Yep, it will feel just like home. Tim & I have been going to Las Vegas since 1978. Always on business. He has his national convention in Vegas every year. Sometimes we also go to the National Home show or the Consumer Electronics show. I've seen inside almost every hotel. My favorite is still Ceasar's Palace. There is so much to see and experience that every time you go something is new. We always go stand in front of the Bellagio and watch the dancing waters. Amazing. The Paris Hotel where we stay is a replica of you guessed it "Paris." The staff greets you in French, Parisian music plays throughout the hotel.There are mime's in the walkways just like in Paris. French pastries are abundant and my favorite resturant in all Las Vegas is in the front of the Hotel--- Mon Ami Gabi (French for My Friend Gabi.)  It has great food and great atmosphere. We usually choose to sit outside. You can see the waters at the Bellagio and hear the music while you eat. I like that. Since I don't gamble or drink Las Vegas could be boring. However I do "spa." Love it! Tim always provides me with a pampering while we are there. Some good time for me is spent around the pool. Pools in Las Vegas are incredible. Bands play, lunch is delivered and the sights????? Well let's just say some people are not very conscious of how they look in a swimsuit.

Two years ago I wrote one of the chapters of my book while sitting at the pool at Bally's. Bally's and Paris are connected and owned by the same people. I like the pool at Bally's. When I travel I take a bag just for my Bible, devotionals, study books etc. So I go to the pool - find me a good spot and read, ponder, write and listen. I find it very inspiratonal actually. All humanity is on display. I see pain and hurt, I see confusion and lostness. I often muse about the stories of the people at the pool. Other than that we enjoy some great meals and great fun with our business friends. My friend Rita from Dallas will be there. So will Maria from Traverse City, Michigan, as well as, Susan from Alabama and many more. They are fun and we come from the "same page" so to speak. So....... I am going to finish packing. Cool clothes only! See you in a few!!!!!!!

Moving! I seem to be doing a LOT of this lately. The Frazzled Females bible study had to move twice in the last 2 weeks. We moved table and chairs for Yada Sisterhood to set up last Wednesday night and then last Friday we moved them all back! Weekend before last Tim & I had to move a truck load of Jenny & Kris' stuff home - their apartment was about to regurge! And just yesterday I moved Candace for the 42nd time! Ok - maybe that number is a little exaggerated but not by much. Tim & Colby were in Tupelo at the Furniture Market and thus un-available for the move. Ugh! So............ me, Candace, 2 hired guns from a moving company in M'boro and a U haul truck did the dirty work! Oh yes-- did I mention we also had "boyfriend" for a short trip or two up the stairs and Sophia - Candace's dog. Great moving staff don't you think?

Why cant my kids live downstairs - why upstairs? I asked Candace this question. She said it gives you the feel of being in a high rise hotel or somewhere other than home. Right. Nevertheless, we went up the stairs and we went down the stairs. We boxed, we unboxed. We dropped, we picked up. By 8:30 last night I was pooped out-- almost delierious on my drive home from the 'Boro. But I must say regardless of whether its moving, or attending graduation or whatever there is something wonderful about spending time with your kids. Besides moving we laughed, we sighed, she talked, I listened- we lost the dog - we found the dog and so on. Its was good in a tired sort of way. I am grateful my kids still need me and as long as they need a mover, a mother or money ----- I'll be there. I am their mom - its' my job and I love it!!!!!!!!!!

Watch this

My baby boy is graduating!

Just yesterday I took Candace & Colby to pre-school. Just yesterday. And now he is graduating college on Saturday. It doesn't seem possible really. Colby finished all his classes at the end of May but not in time for the May graduation so... Saturday on the campus of MTSU Colby will recieve his diploma for his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing. He is already employed with AllYourRetail.com. Colby landed this great job early June after a random meeting with the VP of the company in January of this year, when he attended the Consumer Electronics Show with his father in Las Vegas.

Tim and I are so proud of him. He is a fine young man and I can't help but brag on him. He has a pastor's heart and can make great conversation with ANY age group. Colby is a family man. He regularly checks on both sets of grandparents, his sisters, mom and dad, Young Life leaders, friends from high school and the list goes on. He has a wonderful girlfriend named Molli Hays. I think she might be the one! We would be delighted and honored if she is!!! Candace will finish college in 2-3 semesters. She changed her major and then sat out a semester last year. As she says "the end is in sight." Jenny is currently in graduate school to obtain her Master's in Business Administration. This is not so easy as she has a full time job as a Randstad agent.

All three of our children are wonderful if I do say so myself. I didnt say perfect - I said wonderful! They dont have perfect parents but they do have parents that love them very much. Gotta go - gotta pack - my baby boy is lining up!!! :)

The heat is getting to me!

Last night, I did a first. I bought take-out (this is not a first!) but I came home and stuck the styrofoam container filled with Tim's delicious meal into the oven. I went outside to move the water sprinklers and visit with some of the neighbors out in the yard. When Tim arrived home I told him his supper was in the oven. He preceded into the house to get dinner and eat. When I walked in he had the garbage can near the stove with the oven door open. He lifted out a black mangled piece of what used to be his take out carrier. He said, "Are you trying to kill me?" I don't know why I stuck the container in the oven except the heat - its getting to me. I can't think clearly in the heat. I feel like I'M in an oven. Needless to say the meal was unfit to eat and the smell of burned styrofoan filled the air. The heat wave seems to be continuing for at least several more days.

My brother-in-law is the head of Emergency Management Services in Jackson and they announced they are opening Oman Arena as a Heat Shelter for whoever might need it. In the last several days I have been mindful to pray for the elderly or poor who might not have air conditioning-- also for people who work outside. I'm concerned too for all the football and soccer teams sweatin' it away in such hot temperatures. Just this morning thru a devotional the Lord spoke to me saying that he was training me to cultivate a thankful mindset. I do see this in progress. I want to be thankful for what I have and for those that are in posiitons to help others who might not have.