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Overwhelmed? Help is on the Way!

Look beyond the brokenness

Let’s be honest. Life sometimes stinks! I’m tired of being told where I can and cannot visit or told what to wear or do. In fact, my plans for this very day did not include thunderstorms and power outages. I struggle with keeping my calm; my focus goes awry

I am weary of trying to help a relative who will not help herself. Being even a part-time caregiver/advisor is work. It takes all the energies and resources I have and then some. It alters my priorities, ties me down, and wears me out. Seems to be a thankless job with no end in sight.

Can you relate? Are the tasks looming before you overwhelming at times? Do you wish for help only to find the help was inadequate at best? Feel you should have done the work yourself although you know you could not?

Like water heating in a teakettle; these feelings can quickly boil and soon break out into unkind words or actions if not held at bay. (I speak from experience here).

Study the photo. What do you see? The dead limbs, the battered old tree? The overgrown brush? The darkened sky? Look closer, soak up the soft colors of that rainbow. Rest on the wings of the One Who has it all covered.

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.” (Psalm 23:1-3, TLB). Click here for some more inspiring words from the One who knows our needs.

There are no easy answers or quick fixes. Each situation is different; circumstances vary; needs versus wants must be defined.

Here are five very, very simple ideas that continue to help me cope when the load seems too heavy to carry. I must tell you, just a few minutes ago while thunderstorms raged (outside and in my spirit as well). I walked out on the porch and did #1 and #2 below. My spirit calmed; I am now renewed and pressing on.

#1 Breathe. Too simple? Not really! When you feel stress coming, stop long enough to look away from the situation and breathe deeply. Stand up tall, close your eyes and breathe in for five counts through your nose. Hold that a few seconds, then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Relax, repeat.

#2 Hum or sing a little bit. I confess I am not a singer (my entire family will agree). However, when life feels really tough, I sing softly, “Jesus loves me, this I know … “as I continue my work. And, yes, today as thunderstorms raged (outside and in my spirit as well). I stepped out on the porch and slowly breathed the fresh air. Then I loudly sang that song and my spirit calmed.

#3 Exercise. Even though you feel you cannot do any exercise—no time, energy, or ability—you can do something. A simple stretch works wonders. Stand on tiptoes, hold a chair for balance and slowly do a few squats. Then stand and reach for the stars, one hand, then the other, then both. A few minutes every hour or so will help keep your blood flowing and your body limber.

#4 Write. Keep a notebook handy to jot down your feelings—good and not so good. Let all that anger flow from your brain through your fingers and onto the page. Don’t fail to find something good to write down about the ones you are caring for or working with and about yourself.

#5 Smile. Now, I know this suggestion sounds a little misplaced. Just try it, look in the mirror, and smile—big, big cheesy grin. You tried it and giggled, didn’t you? Laughter IS the best medicine!

Perhaps life can become overwhelming at times. But truthfully, it should be a fantastic blessing, an opportunity to be Jesus’ hands and feet. It’s a privilege, an awesome responsibility, an opportunity to encourage, to make a hurting soul feel happy and loved. The ability to care is a gift from God.

Repeated on purpose: The best help is always found in God’s unchanging Word! “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.” (Psalm 23:1-3, TLB).

Blessings and hugs to you as you care for yourself and others,

Please take time to share your hints with me; I could use a few more!

Tribute to a Life Well Lived

Son Michael, Russell, Grandson Rusty

I was preparing food for a family gathering as I began this article. My favorite preacher’s 95th birthday on June 27 deserved a big celebration! The frig overflowed with fruits, veggies, salads, and cold cuts (my kinda cookin’). Our home and grounds looked remarkable—praying all cabinet and closet doors are kept closed! It’s party time!

Neighbors Anna Earls and Brenda Bunch Brought Handmade Cards

Hubby has no idea that card shower announcements were sent to every city newspaper where he had pastored over sixty years. Each day he brings in cards from coast to coast. (I may never tell how they knew about his birthday…don’t you tell either!) Many were hand-delivered–see photo.

A bit of family history: Russell accepted Jesus as his personal Savior at 35. His wife bought his Bible with S&H Green stamps; she was instrumental in getting him in church. We still have that precious Bible. They celebrated 25 years together before she was called Home.

For the record, both widowed, he and I married in 1979; you do the math. We each had a married child with kids and he had Mike and Laura (10 & 11) at home. We are so blessed with our 4 kids and 5 grandkids and several greats! This I must tell you about my favorite preacher, he has faithfully preached the uncompromising word of God for 60 years! His favorite pastime continues to be telling people about Jesus.

I’ve often wished I had a video of a few messages for myself and our family and friends. However, I was concerned about it being a distraction; or my battery was low or …!.

Do you believe the devil can send a little fly to do his bidding? I do! I think God prompted me to click on video instead of photo. I got caught up in the message and wanted it all captured. Just as he began proclaiming the gospel a fly started crawling up and down my fingers. Mr. Fly had a party on my hand and phone.

You have to know it was the devil when I tell you the rest. That ornery fly landed on my NOSE! Honestly. He walked up and down my nose (tickled!!!) Back and forth from my hand to my face the whole 20 minutes! I kept saying, “Jesus, please keep me calm. And, forgive what I’m thinking!”

Granddaughter Melanie uploaded it to YouTube for me. I’ll put the link at the end of this letter for you; let me hear your thoughts.

We left the pastorate in Fair Play to move to Buffalo, MO in 2000 to retire and take care of Momma. Retirement was short; he was called as Director of Missions for Dallas County Southern Baptist churches in July 2000. He continues to serve as DOM and supply preach and lead a regular Bible study each week.

Well, the party is over … it was so fun and filled with unexpected surprises! Sons Rick and Mike and daughter Debbie evidently decided the Old Folk needed help. They changed filters in our well and furnace and faucets, fixed the dented mailbox, scrubbed the refrigerator, and more. Talk about a welcomed gift!

We ate, we laughed, we ate … you know how that goes! Goodby diet for the next week—leftovers, you can’t throw them out!

To hear My Favorite Preacher’s message: Why I am a Christian, search for Russell Adams 95 or click on this link

Treasure the time you have with your family; call them. Visit or send cards. God created family; it’s a wonderful gift!

Hugs,

I am currently working on “Our Story”; prayers appreciated. May call it “I Never did like Preachers!” That is the gospel truth!

Join Me in a Healthier Summer

Taco Tomatoes

Grilled Spicy Chicken with Hominy Hash

To join me in a healthier summer means eating better and moving more. Are you ready to roll?

Let’s face it, whether you are single or have a large family, a caregiver, or have small children, it’s difficult to serve nutritious meals every day. Often it seems easier and quicker to use fast foods or boxed mixes.

Add to that, it’s difficult to find (or make) time to exercise properly. Summer is here and my bod’s not ready, how about yours?

Finding myself unable to do some of my basic tasks has reminded me of the need to make daily changes to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few of my goals for a healthier summer. Want to join me?

#1 Plan what I will eat each day.

Plan what I will eat each day” Hmmm! I plan already, I plan to eat all that’s set before me! Well, I don’t think that’s much of a plan, do you? The truth is, without another plan, my healthy lifestyle is doomed from day one.

Sadly I admit I have all too often relied on fast foods or boxed mixes because they are easy and at least seem to be cheaper to prepare. Click here for healthy, quick meals that are easy on the budget!

#2 Determine my triggers.

I took time to look at my most troubling foods and determined to eliminate those as much as possible. (Goodbye salty snacks and bargain baked goods!) What are some of your triggers that could be eliminated or cut down a bit? Bread, sugars, others?

#3 Incorporate movement.

To incorporate movement is simply plan to move more., get some exercise each day. I did better this week because I planned for at least ten minutes of exercise in the early morning. My main challenge is to make myself get up and at least stretch a bit or walk through the house every hour or so. It’s easy to spend two or three hours glued to my seat as I finish an article or work on the computer.

#4 Make it fun and enjoyable.

I enjoy walking, especially in our woods. I used to walk down the hill through the walnut grove and across our little bridge. Truthfully, today I can’t walk around the outside of our home without stopping to rest. (Sad to admit, but honest!)

What is your main challenge to a healthy lifestyle? If you need more exercise, remember to begin slow. We seem to think we need to begin with hours of exercise. A few minutes a day can and will make a world of difference, especially in how you feel–you will feel better and look better.

Here is another great link for healthy, easy meals. Enjoy and please let me hear what is working for you.

Healthy Hugs,

Have you checked out Quick Nutritious Meals for Your Family?