What to write….what to write? Sometimes it feels like different topics are warring in my mind to be what I w
rite about, but it never really takes shape till my fingers start typing on the keys.
My emotions are in a bit of a roller coaster this morning, and it all started last night. While it was nothing specific, there was a general feeling of anxiety. I would put it in the class of “anxiety attack” although last night’s version was pretty mild. I started to get a little panicky and was feeling hot. I even slept on the couch last night because when I feel this way, I just need a little more space, cooler air and not stressing over waking my hubby.
I have general anxiety like most people do, but a couple of years ago I started having what I call attacks. Immediately stressed, can’t breathe, hot sweaty periods of time where I have to work to bring myself to some kind of control. It is hard, and they are scary. It mostly happened at night, when distractions were taken away and my subconscious could do its worst. So this morning, I was really interested in taking time to spend time with the Big Guy and find some type of peace.
So I was reading about Jesus and his nighttime encounter with this religious leader, Nicodemus. It’s kind of funny how it starts out. Nicodemus comes to Jesus and is like, “hey….we know you are sent by God because you do these great miracles.” And instead of saying something logical like, “thanks….glad to be here,” Jesus gives an answer to a question. The problem is, no question has been asked? What? Now you can go in and check out the answer and what Jesus explains to him, but that is not the point of my little writing this morning.
So what is?
Well, I love the fact that Jesus gave him the answer, before Nicodemus even knew he 
wanted to ask the question! God knows us, and so does His Son. Jesus knew Nicodemus deepest, darkest, subconscious thoughts, dreams, stress and heart’s desire. He knows mine too.
And in reading that this morning, I realized that even before I knew I would have a night of anxiety, He did. And in what I wrote yesterday, He has already given me the answer for the peace I need today. So this morning, I’m taking the time to remember, reboot and refocus on what is true. The God who provided yesterday is the same one who will continue to do so today and in the future.
What’s going on in your life today? Do you really need an answer to that question, situation or stress? Look back! Remember, reboot and refocus. You might be surprised at what answers you may find!
step carefully as I walked, making sure to navigate around the bumps and place my feet on flat ground. Why? Because I am such a clutz! Now there was plenty of good ground to step on, but I had to pay attention to make sure that is where I was walking. I took the picture because that is really how I am feeling right now. My life’s path feels a bit bumpy, so I am taking it slow trying to make it through. The picture gives me hope, as the path does eventually smooth out, and I know my life’s path will too. It is only a matter of time…..
So this morning when I woke up, there were clouds in the sky and some relief from the oppressive heat. While it will still reach 100 degrees today, compared to yesterday, it is a much needed breath of fresh air. (OK it’s the valley…the air is never really “fresh”) According to the weather reports, we have at least nine more days of triple digits, which makes today’s cool breeze only a brief respite. So where am I now? I am sitting outside while I can! There is a slight breeze and the clouds are doing a good job of keeping those scorching rays at bay. As I sit here enjoying the little bit of heaven, it reminded me of a prayer that I had yesterday.
and praying for her, I just asked God to give her some normalcy. Just a little something that day to remind her of what life would be like after her treatments were done. Just a little relief from the pain and stress she is going through. It was exciting for me to hear her post later that morning, that she had taken a small but encouraging step. It was not the “end of the tunnel” for her, but just a bit of light to keep on going.
So if you’re walking that tough road, whatever it may be, look for those moments of relief. Don’t miss them. They are hope given to you today, that gives strength for the steps you will take tomorrow.
What happens when you focus so much on yourself and your own problems that you can’t see anything else? I have gone through so many different emotions today. I woke up and was feeling pretty down. I am feeling some stress from the decisions I have made, and so I was trying to work out some of my feelings. (wow….used the word feelings a lot) Maybe that was my problem this morning? So many feelings, but so little perspective.
What happens when in one day, you are going from the mid eighties to the mid ninties, after weeks of the mid seventies? You head to the coast. And when your hubby wants to take sunrise pictures, you get up at dark thirty so that you can make it to the coast before the sun comes up.
At 3:30 this morning, I was really not in the mood to worry about my own camera, so I just decided to use my iphone. I snapped a good amount of pictures, but not too many. It had been a long week. My brain had been on overload and I wanted to spend some time just enjoying the beauty that surrounded me. 
talking about kids and stress. They gave a few suggestions on how to help them deal with it, like meditation or yoga, and getting out into nature. They also pointed out that the parents stress level and how they dealt with it was an important factor. Which I think could be THE most important factor. Anyway, as I sat there I thought she had missed something. There was no mention of God. Now I understand that He is not everyone’s cup of tea, but isn’t He at least an option?
going) but I changed my mind. I had already been feeling a little sad, mad, and irritated this morning, so I decided that I would need some encouragement. So the Christian rock station was the choice for today. While at times I have to admit, I am a little bored with the station, this morning I knew I probably needed it. While I don’t always love the music, I cannot argue with the lyrics. Well on some I probably can, but that is a whole different post.
I did like some of the suggestions from the show this morning, but I would add to them. If you or your child are feeling the inevitable stress of life, why don’t you give God a chance? Seek out a church, a Christian friend, a bible study or just sit down and have a chat with Him. You may find some peace, comfort, and rest from the stress that is plaguing you.
Cheryl Mendoza 