May 14, 2020 Handling Stress - Father Michael's Words to Live By

“A hot-tempered person stirs up dissension, but a patient person calms a quarrel.”  (Proverbs 15:18)

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER:

In each and every day of life, we experience a great deal of stress, both positive and negative.  Experts tell us that positive (e.g. EUSTRESS) is good for us.  However, negative stress (e.g. DISTRESS), especially cumulative negative stress creates in us a myriad of physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, and relational problems. 

Some of the warning signs of negative stress:  Anger, short tempers, boiling over, hot tempers, conflict with co-workers, etc.  Negative stress creates more and more stress until one day – we realize we are out of control.  And when that happens, the most important thing we can do, is recognize the warning signs and act appropriately.

WORDS TO LIVE BY:  

“Over the years your bodies become walking autobiographies, telling family, friends and strangers alike of the minor and major stresses of your lives.” ~ Marilyn Ferguson

 “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.” ~ Lee Iacocca

 PRAYER FOR TODAY:  Lord, today I pray you will help me find balance in life.  Help me to recognize when stress becomes harmful to me and others.  Enable me to realize that my angry outbursts not only hurt me but those I care about as well.  I pray for wisdom and strength.  Change my heart, my thinking, and instead of being recognized for my hot-tempered outbursts; may you instill in my spirit, the gift of peace and patience.  Amen.

 ON A LIGHT NOTE: [Church Bulletin Bloopers]

 1) The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.

 2) Ushers will eat late comers.

 3) The Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 a.m.  All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

4) Evening massage at 6 p.m.

 5) The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

 6) The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.

 7) Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.

 8) The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.

 Blessings,

 Fr. Michael+