I’ve been working hard, so very hard, lately.  I’ve got pressure on me to get a lot of things done in a very short amount of time.  And over the years as I’ve learned about my health issues – how to manage them and improve them, I’ve learned that stress is a very big enemy.  And I am so good at adding stress to myself.  I am an excellent worrier.  I have had tons of experience physically internalizing my concerns, worries and fears.  I also take my responsibilities and carry them, not in my hands or on my shoulders, but in my gut.  I fret and churn about the fear of failure; the fear of dropping the ball and disappointing someone.  And I’ve learned that I absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, MUST change this about me.  Carrying burdens like this is destroying me, and not slowly either.

God has been showing me things, a little at a time to help me do this.  God has been revealing to me truths, promises, insights, comforts & solace, through the Word.  I’m going to share with you what God reveals to me.  Each time, new promises or reminders, to help keep us focused and at peace.

I remember being deep in the throws of labour contractions, losing my mind because of the excruciating pain, and the nurse grabbing my face and getting her nose right up to mine.  “Focus,” she said.  “Calm down and focus.  Breathe with me.”  And she breathed controlled soothing breaths and I copied her.  And soon we were breathing together, my mind cleared, my pain under manageable control.  She taught me that proper, focused breathing keeps your mind clear and gives you the power and strength to get through even the hardest of trials.

God has been lovingly doing that for me.  “Focus,” He says. “Calm down and focus.  Breathe with me.”