Unfortunately, these are tough times for many people — and for the world as a whole. In fact, many in the world have been hurting and in need for generations. Only in recent years has our country joined the list of those nations experiencing increased poverty, increased crime, and increased fear. The number of Americans turning to antidepressants bears witness to the physical and mental toll of stress. The number of suicides in our country is rising, and the suicide rate among our military men and women now exceeds the national average.

The statistics are sobering. The prognosis is grim. However, we know that trouble is no stranger to this world. In writing to the church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul instructed:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

Let’s be honest for a minute or two. Most of us struggle with this notion of being joyful always. Western society is so focused on happiness, which is invariably dependent upon our circumstances at the moment. We understand with our heads this thing called joy, but we fail at many points to somehow separate our situation from our status as Christians, often falling prey to the prevalent message of the prosperity gospel that tells us God blesses us because we do good. I’ve been unable to locate the basis for that message anywhere in the pages of Scripture; perhaps that’s because it doesn’t come from there at all.

As Christians, none of us are exempt from the problems of this life. Just think about the many troubles that plague us:

• Unemployment
• Health issues
• Crime
• Family conflict
• Financial stress
• Moral ruin
• Wars

The list goes on and on and on. Whether you realize it or not, this collection of issues poses a very real threat to life as we know it. While the news media tries its best to put a positive spin on the world situation (particularly the US economy), the facts just continue to mount up, pointing to the grim reality that the ‘new normal’ will require us to live with less. And less, I believe, is not in and of itself a bad thing; that is, so long as our faith is not in the stuff of this life.

I contend that the majority of people in our nation, Christians included, have become so enamored — if not consumed – with the trappings of this world that we just can’t imagine having to surrender some of the things we enjoy most: our smart phones, our designer coffees, our big houses, our fancy cars, etc. The truth is that for many of us, we probably won’t have to surrender them; they’ll just become irrelevant to us as our need for the essentials in life becomes greater. Ultimately, we’re all going to have less trouble distinguishing between our wants and our needs.

As I ponder our world situation, with its perpetual drumbeat focused on globalism, I’m reminded that God is bringing everything under His purpose and plan. He does not forget His people. He is not surprised by the corruption of man. He is not perplexed and in a quandry as to how to make things better. Quite the contrary! He provided a plan for us many years ago, a plan that would result in the sacrifice of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. And God is not the least bit concerned with making things better for us — at least not as we so often think of ‘better,’ in terms of wealth and material possessions.

The imminent collapse of the US economy will present a myriad of challenges for us all, the likes of which have not been experienced since the Great Depression. I believe the impact will be much greater though, because the gap between our debt-driven standard of living and our eventual fall will be absolutely unparalleled. The difficult days ahead may indeed find those who profess Christ persecuted as well. These days will serve as a fire through which the hearts of true believers are refined and their loyalties laid bare for all to see. We can expect to more closely relate to those who have sacrificed the stuff of this world in order to share the message of salvation with people whose standard of living actually allowed for an openness to the Gospel. In the end, it will be the missionaries who may experience less distress from the fall-out of the global economy because they never became hooked on the insatiable cravings for more that so characterize the American way of life.

Of course, this post is really supposed to be about Thanksgiving. When Thursday comes, we’ll have all witnessed the President pardoning the turkey. We’ll have scouted out the best places to get deals on the latest greatest foreign-made gadgets. And we’ll have stuffed our bellies with a feast fit for a king. Let’s enjoy it — and give thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow. Just do so mindful of the fact that you might not realize just how grateful you really are until that bounty of blessings begins to disappear.

Perhaps we should practice now what we should have practiced all along — a steady dose of thanksgiving for all the things that really do matter most: our family, our friends, our health, our freedom, and most of all, our salvation through Jesus Christ. These are the intangibles of life, the blessings that demand our gratitude.

As you gather together with friends and family this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take the time to offer heartfelt thanks to God for the blessings you enjoy. Prayerfully remember those who are hungry, homeless, and hurting in a multitude of ways. Consider the ones who are serving their country far from those they love, and pray for the missionaries who are working tirelessly to share the message of salvation to a world very much in need.

I am more grateful this year than I’ve ever been. And that is as it should be every year, no matter what.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are you most thankful for this year? How do you distinguish between happiness and joy?

As a child I was afraid of the usual things: the dark . . . the shadows in the night . . . the monsters under the bed. It seems kind of silly now, but those were really things that could make my hair stand on end. As an adult, I’ve found that fear never really goes away; rather, we tend to transfer it to other situations. I’m still afraid of heights to some extent. And I hate roller coasters. I don’t particularly like to fly either, although the latter two examples are probably more rooted in the loss of control experienced.

However, some of you know that in recent years I have learned what it is to suffer the effects of anxiety in my own life. For many years I counseled individuals with regard to anxiety and phobias, but it was not until I experienced it for myself that I could truly empathize. The heart palpitations. The profuse sweating. The overwhelming sense of impending doom. Not fun at all!

Truly there are so many things in today’s world that give way to some legitimate anxiety. Our 24-hour news stream sounds a lot like Matthew 24, does it not? Wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes. Famines. And on and on and on.

During the recent AACC conference, Dr. Ken Nichols of ALIVE Ministries presented a talk on the subject of fear. He pointed out that the message we receive from the media is clear: “Be afraid. Be very afraid!” And even if you think the sky isn’t falling, realize that it will. Just keep watching, it will!

In my own life I find that my anxiety level is directly related to the amount of news and information I allow to come into my mind. The reality is that all of us would do well to limit our intake of negativity — and let’s face it: that means shutting off a good chunk of the news. The late ABC newsman Peter Jennings was once asked why the news coverage seemed so overwhelmingly tipped in favor of bad news. In his suave Canadian accent, he quickly offered what I found to be a most candid and thought-provoking reply: “We must report on the planes that crash — not the ones that land safely.”

Nichols in his talk on Friday pointed out several facts about fear that I believe bear repeating in this space:

• Fear is absolutely unavoidable.
• Fear is a normal part of our everyday life.
• Fear is not sin.
• Fear is always temporary.
• Fear can be a healthy source of motivation.
• Fear is used by God to grow us in our faith.
• Fear is used by Satan to defeat us.

Nichols says that the major challenge for believers is to learn “how to transform fear into faith.” He says that when we really dig into Scripture we can face our storms of life with an eternal perspective. Nichols writes, “We can experience calm not confusion; poise not panic; relaxed not restless; composed not controlled; peace not pain; faith not fear.”

Nichols says there is a direct relationship between fear and faith:

That is why there are hundreds of reminders of the need to be strong, take courage, stand fast, and don’t be afraid. I believe that God ordains fearful circumstances in life as an excellent opportunity to cultivate a deeper quality of faith. Our human experience is not fear or faith . . . it is fear and faith.”

When you get right down to it, there are three primary areas from which most of our fears radiate:

1. The Unknown
2. The Unexpected
3. The Unbearable

I don’t know about you, but I have some things even this week that could really drive me toward anxiety and fear. To be honest, since that’s the way I naturally seem to gravitate, I have to work extra hard to make sure I’m grounding myself in the promises of God’s Word. I’m incredibly blessed to have a team of prayer warriors who lift me up daily. These are men and women I trust with details that I simply can’t make available to just everyone. In times of weakness, I find strength in the care, concern, and prayers of others.

Perhaps you’re going through something right now that has you anxious and afraid. If so, let God help you make the transition from fear to faith. If you’ve never come to a place in your life where you reached out to Him, then you can do that right now — no matter where you are or what you’re facing. Discover new life today. And find the peace that only He can give to see you through the inevitable storms of life.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
In which areas of life do you experience the most fear or anxiety? How do you cope with that?

Just this week alone I’ve found myself in the path of a wide variety of people — people in my office, people on the street, people many states away via phone or internet — people who are . . .

. . . questioning the existence of God

. . . struggling to know He cares

. . . dealing with the reality of death

. . . grieving a complicated loss

. . . seeking to connect with God

. . . processing impending unemployment

. . . celebrating a newborn baby

. . . asking tough questions of God

. . . working to save their marriage

. . . dealing with rebellious kids

. . . contemplating the purpose of life

. . . hoping for the best

. . . expecting the worst

Sometimes there are no words.

Sometimes there are no actions needed.

Sometimes the tears just come. And I realize that no words are required. Only love. Only compassion. Only tenderness.

It’s at those times that God takes over, and I sense His Holy Spirit at work in me and around me.

And I know that He is good . . . faithful . . . completely in control.

And I remember that He is love.

And that His grace is enough for me . . . just as it is for you.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who controls our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. — Romans 8:26-27

INTERACT WITH US
How have you had the opportunity to minister this week? How has God used someone to minister to you in a time of need? Let your words encourage someone today. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

We started with a couple days in Orlando, where we did a little sight-seeing and paid a visit to the world’s largest entertainment McDonald’s. It was a pretty cool restaurant, even if the workers couldn’t quite seem to figure out how to take orders. Despite the fancy menu items, I suppose it ran pretty much like any other McDonald’s in that respect. We intentionally saved the whole Disney World experience for a return trip, when the daughter will be old enough to really soak it all in. We did squeeze in a trip to Downtown Disney for some window-shopping and people-watching.

Following our time in Orlando, we drove to West Palm Beach, where we took a two-night cruise to the Bahamas. This was a very fun time for all of us. The scenery was beautiful, the food was delicious, and our time together just couldn’t have been better. The best part though was that my phone was out of service! No calls . . . no emails . . . no text messages — for 48 whole hours!

After docking, we drove to Fort Lauderdale and enjoyed some real down-time at our hotel with a full ocean view. We spent leisurely moments on the beach, riding the waves, collecting seashells, and soaking in the sunshine. Even with some high-powered sunblock, generously re-applied, we each managed to get pretty nasty sunburns. I suppose the sunburn is the closest we came to a lasting souvenir. The burn on my back actually has finger outlines, thanks to the kids hasty help with the sunscreen!

I’ve always enjoyed a good vacation . . . but this one was different. We really were able to enjoy some real rest and relaxation. Although our locations changed every couple days, we didn’t feel rushed. We had great weather, great laughs, and even got to reconnect with some great friends — and make some new ones.

Now it’s Monday again . . . and there are many things that need attention at the office. I think I just might take a few seashells to work so that I can ‘hear the ocean,’ as my little girl says.

Money is tight in this economy. Perhaps you can’t afford a big vacation . . . that’s OK. Just be sure to take some time to enjoy the ones you love. You’ll be glad you did. And you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

I typically move at light-speed, juggling a-million-and-one tasks, each of which someone out there thinks should be priority #1. I’m learning though the important discipline of self-care; that is, making sure my own spirit is nourished, refreshed, and recharged so that I can be most engaged as a husband and father — and most effective as a minister.

After a routine doctor’s appointment on Monday revealed an abnormality in my chest, the doctor scheduled an ultrasound to rule out breast cancer. Of course, you can imagine my surprise when the nurse told me that the office radiology lab would be unable to handle that task. Instead she referred me to the Baptist Breast Center.

Now I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, the words ‘Baptist’ and ‘Breast’ should never go together . . . it just begs me to go there – ‘Methodist Breast,’ ‘Catholic Breast,’ etc.

Never mind the fact that when we moved to the Little Rock area, my family and I joked that the Baptist Breast Center was actually a Baptists-run chicken strip drive-through restaurant. I know, sad, isn’t it? But I digress.

Back to my story.

Well, I met one of our Sunday School teachers for lunch today and then headed down to that place for my little test to be done. Upon arriving at the clinic, three different female employees looked at me like I was lost and needed directions. When I assured them that I was at the right place (no matter how wrong it might have felt), I checked in and filled out all the necessary paperwork.

As my eyes glanced bashfully at the various women with whom I shared a waiting room, a scrub-clad assistant came through the door and seemed to scream, “GARRICK CONNER?” I got up from my chair, walked briskly to the door, and asked her, “Was it really that hard to tell?” The lady smiled and said that she knew it must feel a bit strange but assured me that other men have been there before too (She didn’t say if I was the first this year or not, but it was clear that she was trying to diffuse any embarrassment I might have been experiencing.).

She did ask me how long the place in question had been present. “A couple years,” I told her. “Other doctors have said it’s probably nothing.”

“Ooooh,” she said in a very concerned tone. “It’s good that you’re here.”

I was taken into a small room that I thought was a dressing room. The nurse told me that I would need to take off my shirt for the test. I could have sworn that I heard an ‘s’ on that word as she finished her sentence.

“Tests, plural?” I asked.

“Yes, sir. The doctor ordered a mammogram AND an ultrasound,” she replied flatly.

“He didn’t tell me that,” I insisted.

Then she asked that question that I suppose all breast nurses are supposed to ask, “How long have you had this issue?”

Hadn’t I already heard this question before? I said, “A couple years.”

“Ooooh,” she said along with a slight sigh. “It will be fine,” she assured me. “Someone will be back to get you in a few minutes.”

I was confused. “Well, what am I supposed to do in here?” I inquired.

“Nothing. Just have a seat,” she said. Then she closed the door behind her.

As I turned to sit down, my eyes were drawn to the sign on the mirror that said simply, “Please watch the Breast Self Exam video while you wait.” I thought to myself, “Hmmm. I’m not sure my wife really wants me watching that . . . better not.”

Then I saw something I had never seen before: a breast model. Not a nude female but a silicon-like breast on a platter . . . . I mean, tray. OK, I honestly don’t know what it was sitting on because I couldn’t help but look at it and wonder, “Why in the world am I in here with that?”

I decided that I needed to read something while I waited. Southern Living? No, I wasn’t really interested in that. Besides, I often see issues of that magazine when Michelle’s subscription is delivered to the house. RedBook? No, that didn’t really strike my fancy either. The only other available options were a copy of a Gideon-placed Bible and a breast cancer support magazine.

I have never more regretted my choice to pass over the Bible as I did on this day. On the cover of the breast cancer magazine, the headline story just jumped out at me: “Men Share Their Breast Cancer Stories.” Oh, golly . . . just what I wanted to see. Of course, I turned to that article and read all about men wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. I learned several things about male breast cancer, and to be honest, it made me think I was probably a goner.

What was probably just a few minutes seemed like an eternity as I thought through such pertinent matters as who I would call first, where I wanted to be buried, and what musical selections I would definitely want sung at my funeral.

Then another nurse-looking person came in and told me to follow her. We went into a room for the dreaded mammogram. I removed my shirt and undershirt and did exactly as she instructed. The woman said a few things to try and make me feel more comfortable – like, “You’re not the only man who’s had this done.”

“Yeah, right,” I thought to myself.

As I scooted closer into the contraption, she told me that the pressure she applied would hurt for a bit but that it wouldn’t take long. Let’s just say that I have a whole new appreciation for women. This test was particularly painful, and I struggled to even know what the nurse was saying to me as my mind seemed to turn to mush.

“Are you alright?” she asked. “Yes. . . I mean, no,” I answered, as a dizzy feeling washed over me.

“Here’s a chair. Sit down,” she said. Then she opened the door, and called loudly to a co-worker, “I need a cold pack in here!”

Now I must admit that I am a real wuss when it comes to medical stuff. I mean, after all, I once passed out cold at the eye doctor. Too much information just does a real number on me. And today I felt a bit overloaded.

After placing the cold pack on my bald head, the nurse said, “You just stay right there. We can do the other side sitting down.”

“The other side?!” I asked with complete bewilderment. “But that side is fine!”

“Well, we just want to be sure,” she replied.

So here I was in a clinic I didn’t want to be in, surrounded by stuff I didn’t want to look at, trying to somehow press my hairy chest into a contraption that it clearly was not designed for. You can imagine my relief when she said, “All done.”

The ultrasound was WAY easier than the mammogram. The only pain with that was when she snatched off the ‘x’ of adhesive tape that marked the spot in question. And really, I’d have preferred a full-body wax job to the humiliation I felt during that first experience.

Following a conversation with the doctor and nurse, my fears were confirmed – no, not that I had a major problem . . . but that I DIDN’T and had gone through this experience for seemingly no reason.

I asked the doctor if this was something I should be concerned about in the future.

“No,” he answered. “Besides, if you’ve had this for two years, if it were malignant, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Just as I suspected. They did think I was a goner!

What did I gain from this experience? Well, let’s see:

• Peace of mind that I’m going to be OK.
• An incredible sense of empathy for women throughout the world
• A strange identification with cows
• A real understanding of why a man might hesitate to follow-up at a place called the Baptist Breast Center

Any regrets? Well, yes, just one. Given the chance to do it all over again, I’d definitely have touched the fake boob. I mean, after all, it’s kind of like Halley’s Comet. How many times will that opportunity come knocking?

Oh yeah, one more thing. The next time I wear my pink shirt or tie to church, I’ll be sporting it with a much greater respect for those who have not only been affected by breast cancer — but also for those who have merely endured the diagnostic tests.

I’m finding that in those times of difficulty, it is important to take time to reflect on the blessings of life. And I have many of them. When discouragement comes, we have a choice to make. We can focus on the negatives, or we can focus on the positives.

For example, no matter what I may be facing, God has blessed me with a wonderfully supportive wife, two incredible kids, and a thriving ministry in a church that I love dearly. These are truly blessings from above, and when I pause to recognize them as such, I help any feelings of discouragement to diminish.

You know, I’m a lot like the apostle Paul. He was a man who knew how to make good choices — but that didn’t necessarily mean he always made them (Rom. 7:15). He was a man who was passionate, zealous, and strong-willed. He knew what it was to have plenty and to be in want (Phil. 4:12). He struggled with weaknesses and a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Cor. 12:7), yet he trusted God to reveal His power even through those things (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Paul knew the joy that comes from putting others first and considering them better than himself (Phil. 2:2-3). In fact, many of us understand the truth in those words as well. When we serve through a ministry or volunteer in our community, we are exposed to needs that make ours seem less urgent.

For today I will seek above all to follow Paul’s instructions in Phil. 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

No matter what your struggle or state of mind, may you find strength for today as you focus on blessings, as you pray with thanksgiving, and as you rest in the shelter of His unfailing love.

I know this might seem a bit absurb, but I actually have to work at rest. You see, rest doesn’t come easy for me. I love my work. I love my family. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from striking things off a list, putting new ideas in action, and developing people and processes. Unfortunately though, all those things require another four-letter word: t-i-m-e. And for most people, it seems that time is one commodity that is in short supply.

Of course, the truth is that there have always been only 24 hours in a day. We just didn’t insist on packing them out, meeting ourselves coming and going, until finally we crashed and burned, having not one more ounce of energy to expend. That is, after all, by some standards a hallmark of success in our culture.

I’m personally ashamed sometimes when I realize how narrowly I set the margins in my own life . . . always working to squeeze in one more task, one more meeting, one more phone call — until I take a look around and realize that I’m all by myself. I think of a statement from author Michael Zigarelli, who gently reminds his readers that even Jesus knew the importance of rest and establishing boundaries. After all, for every place Jesus visited, he invariably had to say no to other invitations . . . other opportunities to do good things!

I hear so many ministers caution, “Don’t do what I did and live at the church.” Or, “Remember you’re not married to ministry.”

Those cautions have resonated loudly in my mind in recent weeks, as I’ve sought to come to grips with the demands of a new ministry setting. But Heather Zempel recently reminded me of the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy. Funny thing . . . for most ministers, the Sabbath is anything but a day of rest. That’s why we must be diligent to create adequate margin in life that allows those most important to always know — and never doubt — their value and significance. Moreover, that margin must allow for adequate time with our Creator . . . in personal worship, study, celebration, and meditation.

I think of two of the Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods before me”; and “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

How often I’m guilty of breaking those two in one fell swoop.

I’m going to be working harder. You can count on that. Sure, margins have to be adjustable with the give and take of life. But I’m going to be working harder to make sure that my default margins allow enough space to breathe . . . to rest . . . to recreate . . . and to remember that one day when I’m gone, the world will most likely keep right on spinning, never missing a beat.

James 4:14 points it out clearly:

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Lord Jesus, thank you for the energy and opportunities you give me to do your work. Help me daily to honor You not only in the way that I serve — but in the times when I simply remember to be still and know that You are God.

So, how do you maintain adequate margins in life?

Our new-this-morning unemployment rate of 9.7% doesn’t begin to fully tell the story of the 7.4 million jobs lost since the current recession began in December 2007.

And for every one of those people without work, there is a story. . .a story of lost income. . .a story of emotional upheaval. . .a story of psychological distress.

Those families where jobs are lost experience higher rates of health issues, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. And the snowballing effects of unemployment lead many to feel that suicide is the only way out.

Yet somehow this weekend, we will celebrate Labor Day in the United States. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for celebrating holidays. And I’m all for celebrating the jobs that we do have in our nation. I just pray that in our quest to put an exclamation point on summer that we will find it in our hearts to be mindful of those who feel left behind by an economic environment that shows marginal improvement, at best.

Here are a few tips on how to connect with others in need this Labor Day weekend:

• Invite an unemployed family over to your place for a cook-out. Show them you care, and for a couple hours, help them escape from the constant worry that comes with being out of work and low on hope.
   
• Help someone polish a resume. A well-written and cleanly formatted resume can set a person apart in job screening processes. Your assistance could make a huge difference!
   
• Write a letter of recommendation for a friend or former colleague who is struggling to find work.
   
• Send a card or note of encouragement to someone who needs to know you care about their situation.
   
• Offer to watch the children of an unemployed parent for a few hours. This break will do wonders for them!
   
• Give a gift card for food or gasoline to someone without work. In this economy, even the basic resources are hard to come by, as indicated by the record numbers of people on government assistance.
   
• Make a donation of good-quality dress clothing and/or shoes to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill Store. After all, how many of us have far more than we need — in a wide range of sizes — hanging in our closets? Your gently used but poorly fitting garments might be great for a job interview situation for someone in need.

As the old saying goes, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” I contend that if our nation is to get back on the right track, those of us who belong to Christ must start acting like it! It’s time for us to turn back to God, fall on our knees and repent of our sin. . .and demonstrate His amazing love to those in need.

You can be missional right where you are. No travel required. Look for the opportunities around you. . .and get involved in Jesus’ name.

Remember His words?

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25: 35-39)

But tonight the vacation officially ended. We attended my son’s ‘meet the teacher’ night at the new school. Don’t get me wrong; it was a good experience. But the very fact that we were there could mean only one thing: summer is over.

I don’t mean to complain, but just stating the obvious, it was not the most fantastic of summers. While we spent a lot of time physically together as a family, there was lots of stress as well. Interviewing, house-hunting, and moving really took a toll on the usual quality of summer we’ve come to enjoy. The fact that we had a few periods of separation as a family during that time just exacerbated the frustration and made it seem like the season was literally flying by.

And tonight — just like that — summer officially bid us good-bye. Strange thing though. Its voice was barely a whisper, as if no one had bothered to notice its presence in the first place.

So many of the things we’ve always enjoyed just didn’t happen this summer. No baseball games. No swimming. No official family vacation. Now that I think about it, I didn’t even have a single bite of ice-cold watermelon this season. Now those summer possibilities have been replaced by things I’ve never particularly enjoyed: earlier wake-up times, earlier bedtimes, homework, packed lunches, and the like.

In spite of my admittedly pathetic ramblings, I still look around and realize how very blessed we are as a family. God has blessed us in innumerable ways. Every day is a gift from Him. And whether that day is kissed by the summer sun — or not — I have the responsibility to make it count. After all, no one else can do that for me.

Perhaps I don’t have to say good-bye to summer after all. Maybe, just maybe, the sun shines brightest in the hearts of those who take the time to seek Him.

And if that’s true, then there’s simply no reason I can’t experience the blessings of summer every day of the year.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Stress is a very normal part of life. All people experience it — some to a greater extent than others. In this crazy world in which we live, there is no shortage of factors that can cause stress — or distress, which ever term you like best. Stress can show up in ways that are physical, psychological, or emotional/spiritual. And all of us have experienced some symptoms in each category at some point in life.

Anytime stress impacts us, it also impacts those around us — especially those closest to us. It affects us as spouses, as employees, as parents, and as friends. Sometimes the people around us are able to recognize the effects of stress in our lives even before we ourselves.

Change of any kind can produce stress. In times of political and economic change, as we are currently experiencing, stress can take a real toll on the culture. As I mentioned a few days ago in my post about unemployment, people who are without work — or facing the threat of a lay-off — are at high risk of suffering from stress in many forms.

The fact is that none of us can know what the future holds. But, praise God, we know He holds the future. If you are experiencing a time of high stress, I encourage you to take adequate care of yourself. Here are a few tips:

• Be spiritually centered through prayer and meditation on the Word of God.
   
• Get proper rest and nutrition. Don’t skip meals!
   
• Carve out time to exercise at least several days per week. Exercise is a natural stress reliever.
   
• Find safe people with whom to share your frustrations.
   
• Do your best to leave work stress at the office. Don’t dump the stress on your spouse or kids!
   
• Find ways to unplug from work. In this world of advanced technology, it’s easy to always be “on” and constantly connected through e-mail, voice-mail, etc. Set aside some protected time to get away from it all.
   
• Make a daily list of things you are thankful for. It’s easy to focus on the negatives in life.
   
• We must be intentional in finding things that are positive. Surround yourself with positive people, positive music, and positive literature.
   
• If you find the news distressing, as many people do, limit your access to it. One time per day of listening to a typical radio or TV newscast will provide plenty of negative information!
   
• Find time each day to connect with your spouse and kids for at least a few meaningful minutes. These moments will remind you what’s most important in life — and keep you focused during difficult times.
   
• Set aside time each week for an extended focus on building your marriage relationship. Something as simple as a half-hour walk together, a lunch date, or a leisurely drive can really give you and your partner a boost.
   
• Enjoy sex with your spouse. Yes, you read that right! The sexual relationship is gift of God to help us connect with our spouses. When we take time to enjoy that gift, we experience relaxation and stress relief as an added bonus.
   
• Get involved in something bigger than yourself. Studies show that those who are involved in church and community activities typically handle stress better than those who live more isolated lifestyles.
   
• Find a few times per week to refresh your spirit. This may be through reading a good book, watching a light-hearted comedy show, taking a long hot bath, or some other favorite activity.

These are just a few ways to help manage stress. Hopefully you have found some other things that work well for you. I leave you today with a favorite Bible verse:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-5, NIV)

If you are married, please take a moment to answer this poll question: