Reading = Stress Relief

One of my favorite things that I like to do during my free time is read.  Reading sends me into a different world, it takes me into a magical place, it helps me relax.  So some individuals, reading is more like a chore.  I'll be honest, it use to be a chore for me, literally.  Every summer morning my sister and I had a chore list and on it: 20 minutes of reading (among several other items).  Reading has not always been a pleasure for me, but sometime around 6th or maybe 7th grade it changed. 

Currently my favorite author is Nicholas Sparks.  I enjoy his tastefully writing style, his simple but complex story lines of love and occasional heartache.  I enjoy Nicholas Sparks so much, I have dedicated several vacation trips to some of the locations that his movies have been set in.  (I'll attach a picture with a description).

(Me infront of the house in The Last Song...Tybee Island, GA)

I'm not writing a blog today to talked about Nicholas Sparks.  I'm writing a blog to talk about 2 things, stress and God.  Stress is a part of life, something that is inevitable at times.  We, as humans, as individuals, need to find ways to let go of our stress and take care of ourselves.  God even calls us to do this.  1 Peter 5:7 says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT)  Stress = Worrying.

I'm going to be honest with you, this is something I struggle with daily.  My mother has always told me, if I don't have something to worry about, I'll worry about not having anything to worry about.  I have become a professional at worrying.  However, since I know that this is a weakness of myself, I need to be more aware of the times I worry and place it in God's hands. 

When we surrender our worries, cares, stress, whatever to God, He can fully work in our lives.  If we place our heart, our desires, and love in God's hands, His will can be fulfilled.  So, what are you waiting for?  Worrying does not solve our problems.  Corrie Ten Boom has a valid point, "Worrying does not empty tomorrow of it sorrows, it empties today of it's strength."  Give it to God!

Dear Precious Father, I thank you for your abundant love and support.  Thank you for knowing my needs even before I know them.  Thank you Lord for providing for my needs and even at times my wants.  I praise You for my blessings.  I place all my worries and cares in your hands today and every day Lord.  In Jesus' Name, AMEN.