Tag Archive for: worry

How much time do you spend worrying?

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If you’re like me, you spend a fair amount of the day worrying. Especially during these uncertain times in the middle of a pandemic in an election year!

On day two of the writers’ conference, I became feverish and sick which landed me in bed wrapped in blankets. My caring roommate, Noreen, attended to me bringing what food and drink I could handle. She even offered to drive me home if I wanted to go. I chose to remain at the conference in hopes the bug would pass quickly. Deferring her own needs and health, she compassionately cared for me. Thankfully, I recovered and was able to enjoy the remainder of the conference.

When I regained strength, I marched into the conference with my head held high expecting God to disclose His vision and great truths. My desire is to carry on with His mission of writing through me. Regardless of anything and everything going on in my life, I just needed to be at the conference. I needed to let it all go and be present here and now.

Maybe you or a loved one has or is experiencing the flu or COVID-19. Your body is worn out, dragged down, and tired all over. Try and take this time to rest and relax your physical and emotional muscles. Use this time to reflect on your blessings.

“If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is,” unknown

  • In your spare time, what do you immediately turn to first … your computer, social media blitzes, news on the television, your Bible, devotional, etc.?
  • When did you last spend time engaged in a productive, positive activity? What did you do?

Prayer of Encouragement: 

Dear God, thank you for putting guardian angels in my life to care for me. I know You are in control of my life even though the entire world seems to be spinning out of control. Help me put aside issues which might cause me to forget You and concentrate on what You’ve prepared for me. I willingly accept the path You’ve charted in my life. Whatever the outcome, I choose to praise You. Amen.

** excerpt taken from Life is: Good, Fragile, Precious—Loving yourself so you can love others book; Day #20.  

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” —Luke 12:22–26. 

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Don’t Give Up

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Needing some me-time, I traveled to my sanctuary place near the water and pen these words:

I go to my Sanctuary
Quiet reigns
Except for quacking geese
Nearby culinary smells of
Freshly baked bread
American flag flutters over the boat stern
A solitary sailboat with jib hoisted
Moves slowly across the lake
Peace prevails without
From within, my spirit begins to calm

There are no guarantees for a happy or healthy life. Even or especially in the middle of this all-encompassing COVID-19 pandemic. There’s a verse that’s meaningful to me. I hope it is for you too.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged – Deuteronomy 31:8.

He tells us not to be afraid or discouraged. I have to admit that I’ve been both throughout most of this past year. Even today I wrestle with fear, anxiety, and doubt. I feel jittery, tense, wanting to be someplace else. If I can keep the above words in the forefront of my mind, they’ll give me calm assurance. Confidence. Trust in the One who’s got this whole mess under control. He knows the beginning from the end.

He will not abandon me or you in the middle of a crisis or afterwards. Just knowing He is there beside me each step of the way causes my mind and heart to feel at peace.

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn,” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

*When’s the last time you felt unable to focus because of anxiety and worry? What’s it like for you?

*What are you fearful or discouraged about right now? How can you get past those negative thoughts?

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Supply and Demand

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And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:19.     

Do I really believe that He will supply all my needs; some of my needs; a few of my needs? Which is it? There’s a huge difference between meeting/supplying all, some, or just a few of my needs. Where do you stand in this conundrum?

Do I say I believe and then continue on in my own way operating within my own agenda? Seems to me if I believe those words in Philippians 4:19 that peace and rest would be the result. Worry, distress, discord, and doubt would exist far, far away from me.

I recently attended Breathe Christian Writers Conference for the first time. The conference had been on my radar screen for years, but the opportunity didn’t present itself until this year. It took a short time upon entering the doors to KNOW that I was in the right place at the right time. His time; His place; with encouraging like-minded people surrounding me. A haven and sanctuary awaited me. My mind, body, and soul became infused with inspiration, motivation, information, and a burning desire to write my story. Even if my story is messy, unorganized, unorthodox—it is My Story. The story God gave me and expects me to share. You see, I am witness to the fact that He does meet all my/your needs. He prompted me to follow through with registration, planning, and showing up. You show up and God will supply the rest. I can vouch for that!

His storehouse appears to be plentiful. No shortage of positive items to dish out such as grace, peace, and mercy. I need only ask and in asking believe the riches will be mine.

Thoughts to ponder; questions to consider:

  • How about you? What needs do you have in your life right now?
  • Do you believe that God can supply those desires for you? If so, what thoughts and prayers need to be on your lips and in your heart?

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Feeling cowardly or courageous?

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How do you handle bad news? Or news that could potentially be negative? Do you fuss and fume for days on end like I am inclined to do?

I’m programmed to ask my family and friends for prayer. Even that took years to sink in that more prayers equal more power. But I’m sometimes negligent to go to my heavenly Father immediately. I tend to over-analyze the situation looking at all the possible human angles. If the result of that situation is ____, then what about ____? This could happen and if that happens, then such and such could result.

As a child, I learned the verse “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.” I didn’t forget the verse, but I don’t always put the verse into practice in my own life when worries knock at my door.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”—Joshua 1:9.

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be strong and courageous. But sometimes I more closely resemble a coward. Teach me to lean on You. I need to believe and trust that You have my best interests in mind. Help me to live my life in such a way that others see I am not afraid of whatever comes my way. I want to rejoice in You during the good and the bad times. With You by my side, nothing is impossible. Amen. 

What circumstance in your life today causes you grief or stress?

Feeling weak today?

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“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength” – Corrie ten Boom.

This is so true! How many times have you worried & fretted about this or that and the very thing you stressed about never even happened? Or, the results weren’t nearly as terrible as you’d imagined them to be.

Wasted energy. Wasted time. Those are the situations when I needed to go straight to God at the beginning of my worry. It would have saved myself much heartache & headache.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” – Luke 12:6.

Thank you, God, for caring for me. I find it hard to imagine that you care for me so much. But it says so in your word. So I believe it!

Is there something in your life right now that causes big-time stress? Maybe it’s money issues, loss of a close friendship, or an upcoming job interview?  Can you tell it to Jesus & ask for his peace that passes all understanding?

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The Lord is my Shepherd

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“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” — Psalm 23:1–3.

As I read this passage, my mind and soul feel wrapped in comfort and peace. Through the flurry of the week’s events, God’s words speak restoration and renewal.

It’s difficult to come aside and take time to read scripture, let alone, practice what is written. Yet, I know from past experience that when I do make the time to meditate and pray my day goes smoother. My mind stays focused and uncluttered and I accomplish much more than when I constantly worry.

Dear God, forgive me when I want more than I really need. Help me to be content with the many blessings you’ve already give. When I’m content and appreciative, it’s then that you can teach and lead me. I look forward to quiet waters and green pastures.

Are you at a place where it’s hard to look around and see calmness in your life? Can you step aside for even 10 minutes and name your blessings one by one?

Los Cabos shoreline – photo by Steve Lasher

He wraps himself in light

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photography by Steve Lasher

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.  He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters, He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 104:1–3)

As I gaze upon the shores of the Pacific ocean, it is easy to see that my God is very great indeed! Who, other than God himself, could create such beauty? Just like the hairs on my head are numbered, each grain of sand is numbered and every creature counted. I see the division between where the water ends and the sky begins. The dry land is separated from rolling waves — just like he promised in the book of Genesis.

My finite mind cannot comprehend such power and majesty, but I can appreciate its beauty and splendor as far as the eye can see. God didn’t meet with an architect or confer in numerous panel discussions. He just spoke and it was so.

Looking at such magnificence gives me great joy. Knowing I can place my trust and whole being in a God who created an entire universe for humankind. It’s easy to worship this God of all creation.

Thank you, God, for thinking so highly of us that you would speak creation into existence in six days. My response can be nothing short of awe and appreciation.

Is there somewhere you can go to witness God’s creation — his gift to you? Can you go there and sit and meditate on this wonder? Ask him to fill you with his love and take away those worries that fill your mind.

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How great is our God!

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Have you thought about the words, “How great is our God?” Only five one- syllable words, but packed with much heavy power and meaning. Let’s look at a few attributes of this great and awesome God:

  • Clothed in majesty (compared to my filthy rags)
  • He is Light (I sometimes hide in darkness, how about you?)
  • King of all Kings (I am nothing without him)

Yet when I humble myself and call on his matchless name, I am called a daughter of the King. God desires my fellowship and bids me to walk in the light as he is in the light. He truly is a great God — worthy of all my praise.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to participate in your plan and be a part of your holy family.

Have you thought about the hugeness of God, creator of the universe? Have you told him your worries — none of which are too big or too small for him to handle.

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Do not be afraid (Part II)

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This past week I started a brand-new job and have experienced some brand-new fears. Here are a few:

     *  Will my body be able to adjust to new sleep and eating patterns?

     *  What if my alarm doesn’t work?

     *  Will I be able to learn the new terminology and find the various classrooms and labs on campus?

Then I remembered to recite, “Do not be afraid, Teresa.” God is with me, watching, guiding, enabling and equipping me to do my very best. He’s in the business of perfection…and still working on me!

How about you? Is there a fear(s) you’re holding on to? Maybe, you’ve clasped the fear tightly for months or even years. Can you release your grasp on it long enough to offer up your fear to God who’s in charge of the big and the little stuff?

Prayer. I voluntarily give my fears back to you, God, since you are in the business of healing and comfort. I need not worry or be afraid!

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, (Teresa), I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. “ – Luke 2:10

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Compassion

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Ezekiel Andrew Lasher

             Eager anticipation…first look at grandbaby #3. I wonder what color are his eyes? What will be his hair color? Skin complexion? Will he be a snuggler? Fussy or content? So many questions left unanswered until I see him face-to-face.  First time holding…will he fuss or cry? Can I calm him when he cries? And that newborn sweet smell is like no other!

             Even though two grandchildren go before, #3 is special in his own right. As a parent, I wondered after #1 baby if I could ever find room in my heart to love another. There was no need to worry as the love poured out. Again, God provides precisely when the need arises and his timing is always perfect.

             Mothering and sacrifice go hand in hand. Only one slice of bread or cup of cereal left?  There’s no question that the remaining food will go to my child. I’d sooner go without or starve. I’d die for him or her if it meant my child could live. God did the same for us when he sent his only Son. My love is not perfect and I made plenty of mistakes as I raised my children. Yet God’s love is perfect. He dispenses just the right amount of compassion and discipline all the time. And to think, my name is engraved on the palm of God’s hands. How awesome is that!

 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” (Isaiah 49:15–16).

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