Thursday, September 3, 2009

Stress and Serenity

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! When I stepped outside this morning, I could see a couple of stars, but still no moon and it will be full tomorrow. Where is the moon? I know, high in the sky, but I wish I could see it! Now, it is bright daylight and maybe no rain today. Yesterday morning it rained, cleared off enough for me to go for radiation treatment, and then poured down right at supper time. But God is always good!

The park is overgrown, but the walking spots are kept mowed, so it looks lush and green. The usual anhinga and white egrets were fishing hopefully and on the way in, we saw a peacock standing on the edge of a bird bath. He must have been thirsty!

From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:

After He had sent the crowd away, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray,
and when it was evening He was there alone.
Matthew 14:21 NASB

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 solitude, 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

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis