I really don’t like that feeling. That sense of being overwhelmed. I woke up early today, much too early. For a few moments, as I lay in bed, unfinished tasks and unsolved problems seemed to parade themselves in front of me. These were followed by a few uncertainties, things about which I am unclear what… Continue reading A Better Place Than Worry
Category: Stress
Thinking About The Things That Keep Us Busy
Yesterday was my first day back at work after being a way for a number of weeks. It was interesting. First, it was good to see these people again — the people I work with and the people who make up our church. Much of the day and evening was spent in various conversations with… Continue reading Thinking About The Things That Keep Us Busy
Self-Care
I once saw a picture of my father-in-law when he was in his twenties. He was standing next to another minister. He looked overweight and uncomfortable. His skin seemed to be a pasty white. He did not look healthy or fit at all. Years later he reflected on those years and told me of his… Continue reading Self-Care
The Lord is My Helper
Today, I feel somewhat stressed and overwhelmed. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling very small as I began to think about decisions to be made, the unknown, and the future. I then read Hebrews 13:5b-6: "…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The… Continue reading The Lord is My Helper
Busy, Frantic, and Overwhelmed?
I learned something early on in my ministry. Unfortunately, it was not good. I learned that many people primarily see ministry as doing things for God. Now of course that is overly simplified. Yet, that was my perception at the time. It seemed like we especially admired people who looked exhausted. Of course, ministry can… Continue reading Busy, Frantic, and Overwhelmed?
Mind-Stress
I’m tired right now. This week has been particularly stressful. Some of the stress is the schedule. Most of the stress is in my mind. I am off tomorrow, and it will be time to "regroup." Mind-stress is wearing. For me it tends to come when I think about some of the following: 1. The… Continue reading Mind-Stress
Faith at Street Level
Street-level faith. Now I like that! Maybe I like the phrase because I am feeling tired at the moment. Maybe it is because I need to be reminded. After all, right here in the middle of life, there are people who are going through turmoil of some kind. Is that true in your world? They… Continue reading Faith at Street Level
The Freedom to Be Genuine
Last night, Charlotte and I went to "Taco Tuesday" at Rosa’s. Mexican food on a cold night. Very nice. Afterward, we went to the Starbucks Christmas party. Each year, Starbucks has a Christmas party. No advertising other than invitations to all who have been by during the previous two weeks or so. For two hours… Continue reading The Freedom to Be Genuine
Spending, Stress, and Following Jesus
Yesterday morning, I was in the coffee place (a different one than normal). Two employees, behind the counter, were talking. They were talking a little too loudly. They talked about money. One said, "I needed to give ___ (daughter’s name) some money this morning, but I didn’t have very much." The other woman said, "Why… Continue reading Spending, Stress, and Following Jesus
Who’s In Charge, Anyway?
You know fear. That jagged, raw edge of fear. Your stomach draws up in knots. Adrenaline surges through your veins. You may know what it is to experience a constant anxiety. Maybe you have become a brooding worrier. You fear that things won’t work out. Some fears happen during the storms we face (Mark 4:38-40). … Continue reading Who’s In Charge, Anyway?