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.

Missed out on one of the Daily Devotionals? View the online archives. Did someone forward this Daily Devotional to you? Get your own free subscription to The Purpose Driven Connection Daily Devotional, your daily inspiration via email.

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.

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!

Long awaited Jesus Wept update

Well I know you all have been waiting for at least a month to a month and a half for an update....

Unfortunately, I have not been able to work on this until last Saturday through Monday.

So I figured that I would show how much I have done so far.....

I think it is looking great so far....

I am almost over half done with the first of fifteen pages.

What do you think of it so far?

OH MAN.....

WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!

Monday, I started having difficulty breathing but, just figured it was a chest cold as sometimes I will cough alot and then get over it. Then that evening I got to the point where saying one word was exhausting. I then proceeded to take a hot shower and let the steam enter my chest. I got out feeling much better but, not totally back to normal.

Tuesday, I went to work still having difficulty breathing... they sent me to see the school nurse who in turn told them she was sending me home to go see my dr. I called my dr.'s office who got me in immediately. He gave me a breathing treatment and asked me if I had been stressed or worried about anything. I told him I have been relaxed more than I had in the past as alot of issues have cleared in my life. He then proceeded to tell me I was having an asthma attack. (I am NOT an asthmatic) He said as a warning that I could develop adult asthma.

So I sit here trying to get used to the med's ..... going through my email and getting rid of old emails when I find a email that I really needed to read again so I am sharing with you all.

Today's Scripture - "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree…" (Psalm 92:12).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm or hurricane? That tree may be bent so far over that it’s almost touching the ground, but when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. And do you know that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the storm, it is actually growing stronger?

The reason God said we’d flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to steal our joy and victory. God said, “You’re going to be like a palm tree because the storms of life will come, the winds will blow, but you are going to come right back up again stronger than before.” Nothing can hold you back! No weapon formed against you will ever prosper. No matter what’s happening in the world around you, keep standing. Keep praying. Keep believing. Your brightest days are right out in front of you, and God’s plan is to bring you blessing and victory all the days of your life.

***UPDATED 4/16/09
I go to work today after taking an extra day off as dr ordered.... hoping I still have my job for another month and a half.***

A Quick Message....

To wish everyone a very Happy Easter!

This is a goodie!!! Warning you may need a tissue!

A dear friend Kim had this posted on her blog.
It really hit my heart to share it with you all....

Hope you enjoy it and I warn you again you may need a tissue!

Meet Logan -click link