Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Ok I needed this one....

I really needed this message today and know that others have to be in the same boat.... (end of the school year seems to always make this message a necessity for me.)

This is taken from Purpose Driven Connection.... Daily Devotional

May 26, 2009

The Secret to Managing Frustrations by Rick Warren

"A man's wisdom gives him patience..." (Proverbs 19:11 NIV).

It's amazing how fifteen minor frustrations at the office can add up to one big, bad attitude by the time you head for home.

Frustrations come in three varieties:

1. Interruptions: Unexpected visitors or phone calls when you have a deadline to meet or something important requires your attention. Our best plans are often interrupted.

2. Inconveniences: While interruptions are usually from people, inconveniences are usually situations involving things: the copy machine breaks down, traffic jams up, or you can't find what you need when you need it.

3. Irritations: Long delays, unreliable people, playing telephone tag, catching a cold, obnoxious clients, etc.

But the truth is you can't eliminate these. No doubt you'll face all three varieties this week, but you can keep them from stressing you out.

What's the secret of managing your frustrations?

Don't resist it, but don't overreact or blow up.
Don't resent it; don't internalize you anger.
Don't resign to it; don't have a pity-party.

Instead, reduce it. Treat it as insignificant. Put the frustration into proper perspective. It's just a minor setback, a part of living, no big deal! It's certainly not worth a heart attack.

Follow these rules for stress management:

• RULE #1: Don't sweat the small stuff.
• RULE #2: Realize it's all small stuff!

The Bible says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience..." (Proverbs 19:11 NIV). The only way we can see all stuff as small stuff is to view it from God's perspective. When I am in tune with God, I remember he has everything under control even though I don't! So I don't have to sweat it: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).

Pray this prayer: "Lord, help me to be filled with your love, joy, and peace, so that when I'm squeezed and pressured it is your love, joy, and peace that spill out of me."

Today on PurposeDriven.com: One believer prays with a bible handy. Another always prays with her husband. In the Spring 2009 issue, Purpose Driven Connection found a dozen ways to pray from real Christians. Click here to read them.

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

I was given another award...

Carolyn gave me an award; thank you, Carolyn!

Unfortunately, that was over a month ago.... with all that is going on here and has been going on for months I almost forgot to post this.

Here is the meaning of the award....

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. "

The rules state that I am to pass this on to 8 other bloggers. Here are the bloggers I have chosen. (I have tried to choose some newer bloggers as well as some of bloggers that mean the world to me)
1. Sharon
2. Margie (no matter what life throws your way.... you are stitchy and that needle is on fire)
3. Donna
4. Lori (I can always depend on you for a chuckle)
5. Lelia
6. Jennifer W (love your last name)
7. Barb
8. Cindy B

I hope this award brightens your day as it has mine. Please pass this award on to someone special.

I did want Carolyn to know that I am truely thankful for the award as I am for each and every one that all you wonderful lady's and/or gentlemen give me.

I try to be there for everyone .... alienating myself and my needs most of the time.
Hence the title and quote at the top of the blog.... I am trying hard to change that destructive behavior of alienating myself.

I know I do not always thank everyone for their comments.... but I want you all to know that I enjoy each and every comment and some days they come at just the right time in my life as things are still rocky and very turbulant here.

Monday, May 04, 2009

Another update on Jesus Wept.

Now don't faint on me but I have been extremely motivated to stitch on my Jesus Wept.

I believe from looking at the page I am stitching that I am over half way done with this page.

All four edges of this page have been reached in several areas....

I just love some of the blues that are being used in this one.... Anyway, enjoy!