Keith Lancaster - Hearing Voices :: "No problem, mon."

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"No problem, mon."

by KeithLancaster on Fri 10 Aug 2007 10:44 AM CDT | Permanent Link

Travelers can't help but remember their first impression of the Caribbean people - namely, a laid-back attitude. I can recall Gary Moyers' first trip to the Caribbean as the road manager with Acappella. The Islanders' stark contrast in time management attitudes was literally a shock to his normal, highly-detailed and organized scheduling routine.

Which leads me in an unusual way to the subject of stress. How much can we learn from people who don't seem to become anxious about situations that drive others crazy?

There is entirely too much stress in my life. I realize that much of that stress is "self-inflicted."

Do you have too much stress in your life?
Does it affect your sleep, your attitude and well-being and your dealings with others?
Do you "generate" stress in others? (a "carrier")
How do you cope with and manage stress in your life?
How much does diet and exercise help or hurt?
How does extreme stress reflect upon our spiritual health?

(This is a heavy topic for a Friday.) I appreciate your comments since I need extra help in this area.

*******

Today is my baby girl's birthday. Allison is turning 18. Watch out universe - here she comes!
When God was dispensing personality, He gave her an overabundant supply of a wonderful, energetic, kind, loving and beautiful spirit that makes her truly unique and a blessing to everyone who knows her.

Next week, our firstborn child, Melissa will celebrate her birthday as well. Melissa is overflowing with creativity and talent and is another beautiful blessing from God who attracts friends and points them to Jesus. What a blessing to have four lovely children who make us proud to be parents! Also, though not in this picture, Allen Brantley makes me proud to be his father-in-law.

You can tell this photo was not taken in today's 100 + degrees of heat.

*******

On yet another note, this month I am celebrating ONE YEAR of being Star Bucks Coffee free! (Is that a special recovery group?) Gone are the days of my daily venti latte. My pocket book thanks me. The lower caffeine is a plus. Now, if I could only get off chocolate! (Now THAT would be a miracle.)

*******

If you are in any of these areas in the next few weeks, please look us up:

8/11 - Guntersville, AL
8/15 - Keller, TX
8/18 - Marion, OH
8/25 - Valdosta, GA
9/01 - Frederick, MD
9/08 - Tulsa, OK
9/15 - Calgary, Canada
9/19 - Morgantown, WV
9/23 - Farragut, TN
9/27 - Newburgh, IN

God is abundantly blessing the Praise & Harmony workshops. Please pray for Sharon and me as we focus on restoring the beauty of highly participatory, four-part harmony to the church.

More information at my calendar.

Keywords: stress, PraiseAndHarmony

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Re: "No problem, mon."

by Jeremy Johnson on Fri 10 Aug 2007 11:23 PM CDT | Profile | Permanent Link

Wow, now that was a long post. First of all, Happy Birthdays all around. I can't wait til the 25th for the workshop in Valdosta.

As for the stress, we just started school today. So the stress level is sure to be rising. My family is my stress relief. Playing with the kids, going out with the wife, just being in the moment with them makes all the stress of work go away. I have also learned that worrying about things I can't change is pointless. There is always something out of our control and no matter what we do they won't change.

As a matter of fact, my co-work and I are probably the best form of stress relief for each other. We have taught together for five years and even though he is almost thirty years my senior, we seem to be able to bring out the best in each other. I am glad for people like that in my life.

Re: Re: "No problem, mon."

by KeithLancaster on Sat 11 Aug 2007 07:12 AM CDT | Profile | Permanent Link

Jeremy - you are right. Not to oversimplify, but people we know seem to fit in one of two categories: 1. Those who bring stress and 2. Those who help you deal with stress. Friends are important, aren't they?

Re: "No problem, mon."

by SongInMySoul on Sat 11 Aug 2007 09:40 PM CDT | Profile | Permanent Link

I hope you don't mind me sharing, but stress has been my middle name lately. In the past several months, I've undergone elbow surgery/recovery/therapy, missed months of work (and much income), watched my dad rapidly deteriorate and finally pass away as I held his hand, held my mom's hand as she was having a second heart attack the week following my dad's death, spent lots of money I didn't have on traveling expenses to be with my parents/family through their ordeals, then my family and I packed up and moved from Kansas to North Carolina (arriving without a car or job) to plant a new church and campus ministry. I've just found out my brother back in Kansas has filed for his second divorce. We still need a car and I'm still looking for a full-time job. We don't know how we're going to make it from one week to the next, but we do.

Whew! I feel better getting that out! Sorry about the "woe is me" stuff, but this topic really struck a chord.

I suppose it depends on what kind of stress I'm under. Stress from money (or the lack thereof, rather) does show on me. Other kinds of stress I handle better. It is easier to hide my stress outside of the home but it isn't hidden so well at home. Even if I think it is, my family can pick up on it.

Music can really help me with my stress levels, either by listening or playing. Sometimes a good movie does the trick. Prayer is always good for stress, even if I don't feel its results immediately. I do agree that having friends, especially Christian friends, who will listen and who you know will pray for you is a tremendous help. In fact, I don't see how people can survive without God and His church. I know we couldn't have / can't.

I've had a lot of stress and hurt pretty good from it, but I've never had sweatdrops of blood. I can't even imagine how Jesus must have felt. All my stresses are nothing compared to His on that day.

Re: Re: "No problem, mon."

by KeithLancaster on Sun 12 Aug 2007 09:45 PM CDT | Profile | Permanent Link

I agree - I don't see how people can cope who don't know the Lord. Music is one avenue that takes us to the "Prince of peace." Thanks for sharing positive thoughts in the midst of your stress.

Re: "No problem, mon."

by Cathy on Thu 16 Aug 2007 09:40 AM CDT | Profile | Permanent Link

Stress is an inside reaction to outside pressure. You can't always control what happens to you. Stress comes when you are not controlling your reaction. The best way to handle stress is to evaluate the importance of the stress, assess what (if anything) you can do about it, do what you can and give the rest to the Lord. This is an active, conscious thinking process. Worry increases stress and does nothing about the problem or the stressor. Instead of worrying, focus your thinking on these things. It takes practice and the more you do it the better you get at it. 95% of the things we worry about never happen. So, "Don't worry, be happy". On purpose.

Re: Re: "No problem, mon."

by KeithLancaster on Thu 16 Aug 2007 09:55 AM CDT | Profile | Permanent Link

Great advice Cathy. Are you a counselor? That's the funny thing - we worry about so much that never actually happens!

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