36 CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS 1. Pray. 2. Go to bed on time. 3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. 4. Say "No" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health. 5. Delegate tasks to capable others. 6. Simplify and unclutter your life. 7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.) 8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. 9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. 10. Take one day at a time. 11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it. 12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. 13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc., 14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday. 16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line. 17. Get enough exercise. 18. Eat right. 19. Get organized so everything has its place. 20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. 21. Write thoughts and inspirations down. 22. Everyday, find time to be alone. 23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray. 24. Make friends with Godly people. 25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. 26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus!" 27. Laugh. 28. Laugh some more! 29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all. 30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). 31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). 32. Sit on your ego. 33. Talk less; listen more. 34. Slow down. 35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. 36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU* The good news is that you are loved. Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect. Expect the unexpected . . . Have A Happy Day!

Author unknown

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Bible Verse "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) Prayer Lord, help me to trust you rather than be worried or stressed. Amen

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-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), July 26, 2002

Answers

Great post, MaryLu! I could use some of this great advice. I think I will print this out and hang it on my mirror. Maybe each day I will read a new one! It's an idea.

-- Isabel (isabel1492@yahoo.com), July 26, 2002.

Sounds good to me.

When I read this: "Although one is often not enough, two are often too many." ...that's talking about employees, right?

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), July 26, 2002.

As usual MaryLy you shine in the darkness.

-- Jean Bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 26, 2002.

Mary Lu great advice. For me one line rang especially true

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). 32. Sit on your ego. 33. Talk less; listen more.

Thanks you are a star.

-- kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), July 27, 2002.

Hi Kiwi,

Those three are good for me too. Actually, they all are..

I need all the reminders I can get..Today, is so weird for me being on here 'cause I can't stop thinking that we won't hear from Fred any more...just can't believe he is gone.

Tonight my husband and I went out to dinner and passed by the ice cream parlor 'cause we both are on diets...we're not fat, but would like to lose about 15 pounds...I thought of Fred and said, life is too short and went in and ordered a fat-free ice cream cone..then changed my mind and got 'real' ice cream and it was so-o-o good...

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), July 27, 2002.

Where has Jackiea been?

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), July 27, 2002.

ML- you go girl! Sad and unreal that Fred will not post again- it hasnt even begin to sink in. I nearly burst into tears at a dinner party last night thinking about it. Hope that doesnt sound too melodramatic but he will be sorely missed by me.

Hi Emerald she has been going through a rough old time of it but appears to be working things out... scroll down to "Answered prayers". If youre online do you mind explaining exactly what you mean by 'new world order' on the bankruptcy thread.

Thanks and Blessings

-- kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), July 27, 2002.

"If youre online"... ha, well of course you would have be online to read this message.

-- kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), July 27, 2002.

MaryLu,

I had to laugh at your post! It was great! I too spent most of yesterday very much in thought about Fred, an how short life is. I couldn't help but think, however, that Fred is much better off than us... He's there! He made it! Even if he hasn't yet passed through purification in Purgatory I know he is rejoicing to be on his way (and our non-ceasing prayers will push him through even quicker). We on the other hand are still on the journey. Wow! It made me think of how much I wish that I was there! I don't want to sound like I am making light of the event for Carolyn, but she too must be rejoicing for her husbands victory.

Thank you MaryLu for your posts.

Carolyn, Like I said - I will offer my Mass tomorrow for Fred. And you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

In Chrits.

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), July 27, 2002.

ML I came across this post, Im not sure if you had read it before.

MaryLu You are such a blessing.. Thanks.. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Yes, Carolyn says she likes you too. Blessings...

-- Fred Bishop (fcbishop@globaleyes.net), May 16, 2002.

-- kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), July 28, 2002.

Dear Kiwi,

That was so nice of you to bring up that post. Thank you. :)

Yes, I did read that when it was posted and I am glad you posted it again for me to read. His words were so kind. I do hope Carolyn keeps in touch and lets us know how she is doing. She will be in my prayers. Even though we are at peace knowing that our loved ones are in a better place, the pain of losing them is still tough to go through.

Carolyn will be in my prayers.

BTW, Jake, glad you enjoyed my post..back to the diet today. :)

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), July 28, 2002.