Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Stress and Serenity

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the so far, clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Because of the smoky haze all day yesterday and three doctor appointments, we never made our walk in the park. However, we did ride over and through it and not very many people were brave enough to breathe the smoke.

We are thankful for the westerly breeze that blew it all away toward evening!

I noticed an eagle on the line beside the Lake near our house and a roseate spoonbill in it, so God sends His critters in our own neighborhood to enjoy! God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives, we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.

In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote, "Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was a first-class workaholic and I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me."

But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching, Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally."

He observed, " I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world.Every need is not a call for my involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."

Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon Him. When he departed to pray in quiet solitudy, He left a significant example for us to follow-daily.

Ask the Father to help you make quietness a priority so that, regardless of the time of day, you can go to the garden alone and hear His voice.

Do not look forward to what may happen
tomorrow; the same everlasting Father, who
cares for you today will take care of you
tomorrow. And every day. Either He will
shield you from suffering, or He will
give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Saint Francis of Sales

"After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Matthew 14:23

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis