Thursday, November 13, 2008

HALT!

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I noticed when I stepped outside this morning, that we had some rain during the night. It wasn't much, but after praying for rain, I thank God. Of course, I didn't mention how much rain we needed, but I am sure He knows!

The full moon was shining dimly in the west, but due to clouds was not as bright as it probably will be tonight.

Yesterday lots of people were enjoying the Park. I saw out of state tags and hometown tags, so there is something for everyone to enjoy! An egret was perched on a tree over the water and a couple turtles were sunning themselves. "All creatures great and small, the Lord God loves them all!" God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God devotional:

Hebrews 12:1 TLB Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up.

Those who counsel the clinically depressed often suggest the HALT! method to their patients. HALT is an acronym based upon these four words:

. Hungry
. Angry
. Lonely
. Tired

Too much of any of these conditions can result in a stress overload and lead to a downward spiral that eventually crashes into a form of depression. When two or more of these conditions are present, the downward plunge happens faster, with greater pain. And, if all four conditions are present as an ongoing pattern in a person's life, the person's depression may not only be deep, but life itself may be endangered.

To compound the problem, hunger anger, loneliness, and exhaustion tend to cluster together. If you are overly tired, it's easier to become angry. If you have missed a meal, you are likely to get tired more quickly, and so forth.

Therefore, any time you are feeling too hungry, too angry, too lonely, or too tired...it's time to call a HALT! and to take immediate remedial action. Have a healthy bite to eat. Release your anger in prayer, exercise, or an act of reconciliation. Call a friend, and pour out your heart. Take a nap, or go to bed early.

"Call it to a halt" and "enough is enough" are well-known phrases we need to apply on a daily basis. Don't neglect your personal nutrition. Get enough sleep. Balance your life with friendships. Live in peace with the people around you.

As you prepare to come to the end of your workday, it's especially important you remember to HALT!. Don't push yourself into overdrive, even if you have to work overtime. Avoid setting yourself up for a crash by staying well fed, calm, in touch with friends, and refreshed.

"Holy Leisure" refers to a sense of balance in the life, an ability to be at peace through the activities of the day, an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty. An ability to pace ourselves.
Richard Foster

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

Love and hugs.
Amaryllis