Timely Tips to Ease the Stress during Holidays

Timely Tips to Ease the Stress during Holidays

Timely tips to ease stress during holidays?

Bring them on! My to-do list is still in October mode, how about you? As we try to balance traditions, expectations of others, and our own desires, we become weary in well doing!

As we begin, think about one of my favorite scriptures on stress: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6   Click here for more great verses from God’s Word to encourage your heart.

For many, holidays can be a sad and stressful time.

Visions of happy holiday gatherings are replaced by the reality of those missing this year. Others caring for parents or family members are wearied by thoughts of added work. Perhaps you are among those considering skipping these preparations all together.

Relax and let me encourage you as we alleviate some of that stress.

This simple plan has often helped me to set the mood for less stress as holiday gatherings approach.  Grab your calendar and we’ll schedule some private time for an honest look at your role in upcoming holidays. (I am serious, get your calendar!) I cannot overstate how important this step is. Before adding more to our already stretched schedules, we must honestly face our personal needs and wants. Yes, I said, “consider your personal needs, too!”

Schedule an appointment with yourself in the next few days!

Seriously, you can find an hour for yourself … do it!  I do it every few months and it’s a game changer for me; however, you MUST keep the appointment.

On the day of your “appointment” with yourself, cozy up in a quiet place with a hot beverage, calendar, pen and paper. If possible quiet the phone for an hour.

1. First priority: Consider the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

What can you be thankful for? Your present surroundings? Those you love? Memories of better times? Make a list. If you have to, start your list with the obvious: fresh air to breathe, sight, a bed or chair for rest. Get the picture?

2. Consider what you personally would like to do this holiday.

Is a big meal really important to you and your family? Perhaps, it’s done out of habit or, worse yet–obligation. What will benefit your family most, your personal time and attention or all the holiday fixings? Find alternatives like bringing a dinner from the market or having a meal catered. Discover creative ways to free up your time; treasure your family.

3. Will a family member or friend be missing this year?

Do you still need to deal with that loss before the holidays?  Is there something you could do to honor them in some way? If appropriate, display a photo or keepsake in a prominent place and have a time to share memories; to laugh and cry and express honest feelings.

If you know others who are recently lost loved ones, schedule a little time to contact them. A simple card or call will do wonders; I know, I have been there.

4. Do you think your home is not ready for company?

No time or energy to clean? Remember the silly old question: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!  So, schedule one room a week to clean and sort.  Stick to the plan–just one room or even a section at a time. As the holiday approaches your home will shine and so will you.

If you are used to decorating every nook and cranny, change it this year. Add simple decorations as you go or choose one area to lavish holiday items on and leave the rest clean and fresh as is. If need be, go back to tip number 1 and remember to be thankful for a home to share.

5. Learn to communicate your feelings with others.

Do you need help to carry out your plan? Let others know that. Are you hesitant to make changes from old traditional habits? Talk to your family; explain the necessity of making changes this year. Express excitement and positive attitude about approaching holidays; make even the minimal preparations a celebration.

Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice in the Lord always.

Rejoice. Determine from this day forward to proceed with your plan. Keep your focus on your goal. You truly can have the best and most meaningful holiday ever as you train yourself to focus on the positive aspects of the holidays and clear out the negative.

Hugs,

Click here for more great articles; and have a blessed holiday season.

 

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

Daylight saving time has always been a mystery to me.  I’ve never been able to recoup the time I’m “saving”!

Seriously, years ago, daylight saving time had a big impact on my life! Two years after my father died, my husband had a fatal heart attack (two days before his 44th birthday, two weeks after he accepted Jesus as his Savior).

Momma and I began looking for a church home and had visited several in the community when we decided to go to a church down the road from my house. For some great quotes on trusting God to lead, click here.

“Mother, I do not want to go to their Sunday School class, just worship. They advertise a Single Adult SS Class and I am totally not interested in getting into a class of singles! Mercy, no!”

“Not a problem, Honey. We’ll just visit the church services and see where God wants us.”

Momma always came over early for coffee and chit chat before our outings. However, this particular morning it seemed we didn’t have much time to waste. It was the last Sunday in October and I KNOW I changed the clocks back one hour. However, it was time to head out.

You know before I say it that we ended up smack dab in the middle of a huge Single Adult Sunday School class! And, the preacher was the teacher! I did not know nor did I care that he was widowed. I just wanted to get out of there and get to worship and go home!

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

I’ll cut to the chase; some years later here we are with our five grandchildren! Together we have four wonderful children, two adopted, two foster; each completely ours and loved unconditionally! We have been blessed with eight greats and still counting!

Mother stayed in that church for years and was able to minister in the single adult department and in LIFT Class, a ladies’ Bible study class that we began.

Now as Mrs. Preach, I went with hubby to pastor in Oklahoma, California, and back to Fair Play, MO., before he “retired” in 2000.  (He has been Director of Missions in Dallas County MO now for almost 20 years … I am not going with him if he “retires” again!)

Seriously, God can use daylight saving time or any other time to change our direction if we just stay open to His leadership. I am so very thankful to Him for all He has given me and my family through the years. This country gal is blessed beyond measure!

(Keep watching, I’m working on Our Story now. Working title is “I Never did Like Preachers” sub title, ’til I married one! Prayers seriously appreciated.)

Pretty is as Pretty does, Recognizing Inner Beauty

Pretty is as Pretty does, Recognizing Inner Beauty

“Pretty is as pretty does,” Momma would often say. Therefore it was clear in my teens,  Momma and I did not appreciate the same things.

On long trips to Grandma’s in our old, rattling Ford. a huge billboard near Joplin always caught my eye. The most gorgeous brunette seemed to be smiling right at me.

“She’s so pretty!”  I would shout with glee, knowing all the while exactly what Momma would say.

“She is not pretty with that tray of beer in her hand! Carrol Sue, pretty is as pretty does!”  For more about Momma, read my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD.

This summer beautiful impromptu pumpkin vines spread across our yard. I admired their determination and beauty. The blooms were magnificent, the leaves were huge; certainly, I would soon grow my own pumpkin.

Almost overnight, they took over the yard, flower bed, bird bath, and quickly ran up the porch and around the rails.  Hours of tugging and untangling were followed by carrying the sticky, heavy vines down the hill to be burned!

I could almost hear Momma; and this time, I really understood.  Pretty IS as pretty does! Wish she were here to tell her how wise she was.

Whatever our age, we want to be attractive to others; and we spend time and money on clothes, makeup, jewelry, etc. to look good. If not careful, our confidence wains when our hair or clothes don’t suit us.

Each of us know women (and men) who have taken us by surprise. Some were beautiful to look at; well groomed, stylish. Others at first glance look shabby, ragged, tired.

Yet, as we take time to know each individual, we see beauty shine through in the most unlikely individuals. Others, prettier to look at, are focused on self. Check out these fun quotes from folk you may recognize about inner beauty.

The key to ‘pretty is as pretty does’ is a heart issue, not cosmetic. The more we focus on others, the prettier we become.  The more we love on Jesus every day, the more He shines through us. Then we are pretty where it counts; everlasting beauty!

I love, appreciate, and pray for each of you. You are beautiful to me!

Hugs,

Thanks for giving me a review on Amazon for the books you have read.