Day 23

I'm beginning to notice a trend in my morning devotions for women.........the majority of them mention "STRESS".  What does that tell me? Women find STRESS as one of the major obstacles in their life.  Why?  Is it because of the high standard we set for ourselves?  Our desire to DO IT ALL regardless of the pressure, stress or anxiety it may cause and, of course, keeping a SMILE on our faces through it all? I mentioned yesterday that I have reduced my after-school responsibilities at work to help "de-stress" and allow me time to focus on my weight loss goal and my family.  Although having time to exercise, extra quality time with my family, and a "somewhat" clean house feels great, it's not the "fix-it-all" solution.....turning to Jesus will provide the peace and serenity we, "Superwomen" long for.  In today's devotion Tracie Miles says, "Stress is not a sign of the times; it's a sign of living. Always has been, and always will be. Our stressors may be different today than when Jesus walked the earth, but the overwhelming power stress holds over our hearts is the same.Maybe you have tried massages, vacations, relaxation techniques, shopping, and soft music or bubble baths to help you manage stress. Or maybe you've coped with stress through drugs or alcohol. Perhaps you've tried every stress relief tactic known, to no avail.All the stress management tactics in the world cannot hold a candle to the very real stress relief Jesus offers. His methods have withstood the test of time, used by generation after generation for thousands of years"  Click here to read the full devotion.  The next time I'm stressed, instead of turning to chips, chocolate, or some other "high WW point food", I need to pause, stop, and ask Him for peace to get me through it............and of course, I need to remember Everything 4:13!