"How Ya Feel'n?"

"HOW YA FEEL'N?"

"How ya feel'n" "How ya doin'?"
Often asked most anytime.
And whether well or doin' crummy,
Often answered, "I'm just fine!" (CWH 9/22/98)

Now, not everyone may really want to know how we are doing, and we may not want to wear our emotions on our sleeve, but some people are truly interested. There are times we need to admit things might not be as well as we'd like. When we do that, hopefully it is with those who can help us with a word of encouragement, or a bit of advice, or a genuine "I'll be praying for you." etc. Sometimes when we might be facing things outside our control we need someone to remind us of the things that are unchanging and dependable in our relationship to God.

What are some other ways to help our focus amidst a down moment? Reading some of God's promises from the Bible can help us during the down times. Keeping a list handy of Scriptures dealing with various trials can also be a help.

Sometimes the use of tangible objects can help to remind us of how God is willing to help us. The following idea and list was shared with me from a teen in Tacoma Washington, who had gotten it from their church bulletin. (Thanks for sending it to me Raychel). You can create your own "Stress Sack" [or "Stress Pack" which I did with a 6 1/2 X 9 1/2 envelope) with tangible reminders to let go of what's beyond your control. Here are some of the suggestions (you may think of others):

"STRESS PACK"
(Tangible reminders to let go of what's beyond your control.)

1. A BAND-AID to remind you that a hurting heart can be mended
with God's healing love.
2. A TISSUE to remind you to dry someone's tears with a kind word,
a note, or a hug.
3. A PIECE OF CHALK to use when something unpleasant happens,
so you can "chalk it up" to experience.
4. AN ERASER to remind you to wipe your slate clean of guilt and
grudges every day.
5. A THUMBTACK to remind you not to just sit on your problems,
but to A-tack them one by one.
6. A FAVORITE CARTOON, bumper sticker, or greeting card to
remind you to laugh often.
7. A SMALL BOTTLE to remind you that God collects all your tears.
He knows all about you (Ps. 56:8)
8. A SMALL STONE to remind you that God is your rock.
9. A NAIL to remind you that Jesus coped with some pretty heavy stress, too.

Have a great day UPLIFTED BY THE REALITIES OF GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/23/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Stress