Stress anyone?

Wow.. I look outside this morning and it is beautiful. I spend a little time reflecting. The sun peeks through the trees' new leaves in the backyard, dogs bark, and yes the kids are fighting.etc.. I still have to go to work, just like you all. This week has been quite a challenge for me, and I wonder if it might have been for you too..

We will be talking about John 14 on Sunday. Here is a teaser...
John 14 expounds on the themes of encouragement and comfort for those who are discouraged. It therefore reveals important insights both for the early church and for Christians today.
Chapter 14 begins, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Yet the disciples had many reasons to have troubled hearts! They were confused about Jesus' words and actions. They continued to struggle with Jesus' true identity. They were probably frightened about what would happen to them after Jesus' death. In this chapter, we read Jesus' attempt to comfort, encourage, and educate the disciples about what would happen to him and what would happen to them. Not knowing what will happen to us produces anxiety.

I read this devotional from the Purpose driven machine on the West Coast.. and it seemed to make me feel better in a very "corporate" kind of way. I think perhaps just seeing or talking to friends can make a difference. Intentionally caring about others, instead of only our own problems. I am not a psychologist, but maybe there is something to "helping others will help you". It is certainly the model that Christ provides for us.
Have a great day today.. I hope I get to see you this weekend or on Sunday morning.


jeff

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Seven Secrets of Stress Management
by Rick Warren


Then Jesus said, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 (NLT)

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Jesus experienced enormous stress and pressure, yet it didn’t seem to disturb his peace of mind. In spite of opposition, constant demands, and little privacy, his life reflected a calm sense of balance.

What was his secret?

Identification – Know who you are (John 8:12)

Eighteen times Jesus publicly defined himself. There was no doubt in his mind as to who he was. If you are unsure of your identity, you’ll allow others to pressure you into their molds. Trying to be someone you’re not causes stress!

Dedication – Know who you want (John 5:30)

You can’t please everyone. Even God can’t! Just about the time you get “Crowd A” happy, then “Crowd B” willbe upset with you. Jesus never let the fear of rejection manipulate him. No one can pressure you without your permission.

Organization – Set clear goals (John 8:14)

Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going.” (NIV) Preparation prevents pressure, but procrastination produces it. You work by either priorities or pressures.

Concentration – Focus on one thing at a time (Luke 4:42-44)

You can’t chase two rabbits at the same time! Jesus knew how to handle interruptions without being distracted from his primary goal.

Delegation – Don’t try to do everything yourself (Mark 3:14)

We get tense when we feel it all depends on us. Jesus enlisted twelve disciples. Don’t allow perfectionism, or the fear that others may do a better job, to keep you from involving others in the task.

Meditation – Make a habit of prayer (Mark 1:35)

No matter how busy Jesus got, he found time to get alone to pray everyday. A daily quiet time is a great stress decompression chamber. Use this time to talk to God about your pressures and problems, evaluate your priorities, and discover the rules for successful living by reading the Bible.

Relaxation – Take time to enjoy life (Mark 6:30-31)

Balance is the key to stress management. Work must be balanced with fun and worship.

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