Clarification

In looking at the post I wrote this week  about Christian ways to handle stress , I failed to mention that we received the list at our womens retreat, and it was compiled by the womens ministry team.  I take no credit for this.  I thought I should let you know...

Fall Garden

I was so excited to see this in my garden!

I just hope it doesn't get too cold too soon, as the planting was late this year.

Christian Ways to Reduce Stress

"Never borrow from the future, if you worry about what may 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 start the day unrushed.
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 unclutter your life.
7.Less is more.
8.Allow extra time to do things and 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 anxiety.
12.Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13.Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps etc.
14.KMS (Keep Mouth Shut).  This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15.Do something for the 'kid in you' every day.
16.Carry a Bible with you while waiting in line.
17.Get enough rest
18.Eat 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 alone.
23.Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray about it.
24.Make friends with Godly people.
25.Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26.Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you 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.
32.Talk less; listen more
33.Sit on your ego.
34.Slow down
35.Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you are grateful for that you have never been grateful for before.

God has a way of turning things around for you!

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Womens Retreat

I was privileged to attend a womens retreat with some friends.  It was such a refreshing spiritual uplift, as well as a time of getting to know church friends better. The only pinch to the weekend was that my sister in law had chosen to be baptized the same weekend, and I missed it.

Check in

Great big lots of choices breakfast

This was sooo good! Cranberry juice

Great motivational speakers

Shopping at a close by Outlet Mall

Professional Concert pianist/singer

Talented Pianist

Song Service Leaders

Adding prayers to the prayer tree

One of the gourmet meals

Uno! We had so much laughter going!

The breakfast buffet room.

I came home tired, but filled and ready to share.

The Big Green Machine

Today I decided to wash a dusty, wind blown green car I call the Big Green Machine.  Thoughts of the previous owners crossed my mind as I worked.  They are a couple I have known for many years.  They were missionaries in the same area I lived before getting married. Eventually our paths crossed once again, and we enjoyed renewing our friendship.  But tragedy struck awhile ago.  The husband died, and left his wife to grieve his absence. She came to me a couple of months ago offering me the extra vehicle that needed a new transmission.It had been "his" car.  She had another vehicle,and didn't want to spend money on the second vehicle. After consulting with my husband, we chose to take it.  We put a used transmission in, and it runs great now...but back to my thoughts as I washed the car today.
  I was experiencing my own kind of grief, reflecting on the short span of our lives on this earth. This mans influence on others was priceless.

He was a steady. 

He was a jack of all trades.

He worked hard.

He gave time for good deeds.

He was a friend.

He was a father.  

He was husband.

And he is missed. 

Whenever I drive this car, I think of Norm.

Surprise!

This was a special cake made for someones birthday. 

The Beach

We wanted to celebrate some achievements in our family, so off to the beach we went, not realizing it was the same weekend of the famous sand sculpture contest.  I was glad I had taken my camera, even though it was very windy and sand was blowing everywhere. It was fun to watch the individuals work on their masterpieces and check back on the progress throughout the day.  In between sneak peaks we enjoyed the water and beach games.