Stress and Relaxation

It's been a busy, stressful year, with many things happening in May and early June. I pushed through and got it all done, but began feeling yucky and not quite normal. It's not the first time and it never happens the same way, however it's as if my body has put all of the stress in a little box until I get the chance to rest and then let's it out to wreak havoc on me physically. 

I've found that the best way to combat it is to lower the stress (if possible), take some time off, eat healthier (because that never happens when the pressure is on), exercise more and re-evaluate what I'm doing. It's not all at once and I definitely take baby steps because I have to get myself motivated for each step. 

I took a step yesterday when I spent the whole day with my best friend. We drove an hour and a half away to attend a concert. We left early to go shopping and just chill. We didn't play the radio, but talked all the way there and back. I think the only time we didn't talk was while we were eating or enjoying the concert. 

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

I got home at 12:30 am, but awoke in time to go to my Bible class and church. I felt good this morning and happy. Let the healing begin!

Be Specific

We have small groups in my Sunday morning Bible class and over the summer we switch around to meet new people in the small setting. My new leader asked us specifically what we needed to pray about. She said that she was learning to be more specific than general about her prayers so that she could list a begin date, the need and a date when the prayer was answered.

Let's say I wanted to walk more for exercise. I can say it in general and never really succeed, or I can specifically decide I will walk 3 times per week for 30 minutes, recruit some friends and plan times to walk.

A prayer would be the same way. Perhaps you pray for a friend to be involved in church activities. Well, that prayer is very general. A more specific prayer would be to choose an event that might interest them and pray for them to attend that event; to meet new friends at the event, etc. It's a more focused prayer and one that you will recognize when it has been answered. 

Mark 10:51a So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?"

Father's Day

I just spent the last few hours sitting with my family as we celebrated Father's Day. We simply had an impromptu gathering at my parents' home, bringing our own take out to eat. Daddy talked about the car show he participated in yesterday, the great restaurant they found in TN, his Dad's bicycle shop in Gainesville way back in the day, and various other topics. I always enjoy those conversations that just run all over the place.

My Dad will often come up with something quirky to toss into our conversations. Today's comment revolved around two subjects: my mom warning my 13 year old to not sleep with her phone and a mention of how the pediatrician told my daughter that she might end up being shorter than I am (oh, that was terrible news for her!). So my Dad stands up and says to my daughter that sleeping with her phone could stunt her growth up to 1/2 inch each year. Bahahaha!

Nope my Daddy doesn't tell corny dad jokes, he just makes things up!  Never a dull moment! Happy Father's Day, Daddy! Love you bunches!

Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father. 

And in no way am I saying you are old! ;)

A Day Off

I've been going at top speed for the last month and when I realized that we were in for a full day of rain on a Saturday, I was smiling. I declared it my 'day off'. I planned nothing except a crock pot meal. Otherwise, it was dedicated to Hawaiian coffee and reading. 

I even stayed in bed until 8 am. When I rose, I made 4 cups of my favorite coffee and settled myself into a big comfy chair in my bay window. I was planted in that spot most of the day. It was wonderful as I escaped into my book and listened to the rains fall. 

With so much rain there were flood warnings, but we were tucked away inside. It reminded me of Noah and his family safely ensconced in the ark. 

Gen 7:16 So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in. 

It's at this point that I wonder what they did to pass the time. There was no field to work, no carpentry to complete (that was done), only caring for the animals and themselves. Did they have things to read? Did they play games? Did they simply rest? 

Maybe Noah and his family had some quiet, unhurried days during their time on the ark. Sometimes it's tough to allow yourself those days because there are so many things that need to be done. But you know what? Those are the days you will remember fondly. 

Celebration

My son didn't want his graduation party on the same day as his graduation, so we postponed the celebration for a week. Between the actual graduation and the party, my daughter had a week of church camp and I had a week away for a work conference. Needless to say, the party had to be planned weeks in advance. It was tough, but all of the planning and assigning jobs to other people paid off in allowing me to really enjoy the celebration. 

The party was to celebrated his graduation from high school as valedictorian, his graduation from college with an Associate's degree and his acceptance to UGA in the Air Force ROTC program. My son did a great job of thanking guests and personally talking with all of them, without ever being told (at least not by me!). He graciously took photos with anyone who asked and actually smiled. :D I was so proud that he took ownership of the party and I do believe that he, his friends, and all of the family enjoyed themselves. I know that I certainly did!

Ecclesiastes 5:18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. 

Now we are getting ready to launch him into a year at UGA, my alma mater. I'm sure it will be much different than it was in the mid-80s, but I'm hopeful that he will enjoy it.