Christian Ways To Reduce Stress

An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
1 5. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus.'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS
AROUND FOR YOU.
'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31)

Simple Home Remedies., Remember SIMPLE.

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES
1. If you're choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.
2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone Else to hold while you chop.
4. For high pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to Use a timer.
5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you'll be afraid to cough.
7. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't Move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the Duct tape.
8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
9. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

I am so excide to see our Men's Bible Stuy

Yes last week we started meeting again on Saturday morning. It was such a joy to see 12 to 14 men show up at 6:30am. We have started using a book by Bob Veere. this book deals with every item that us men have problems with. The core is about our walk and what we do during our times of stuggles. You know like the way women dress these days and how froward they can be. I know living over here how that is so true. Just a short note. I have been asked in married twice since I have been here alone. Plus just how we as men look on to our wives if they are honored or not. Do we talk good things about them or do we tell others about our troubles and how they just don't understand us. Please guys out there I am asking as a fellow believer, lift up your mate and never speak ill of her and what is happening in your lives. I have known a lot of men love to share their lives with other women and how the women love to get involed with your troubles and then you see that couple ending their married because the woman he has been talking with looks better and as time goes on, she must be sent by God to be his wife. Please guys keep your family trouble at home and if you need some one to talk with let it be another man or even better, your Pastor. Guys and s are all looking at the grass on the other side of the fence is greener on the other side. Please work with God and He will work it out in His time.

Thank you and I am asking for your prayers for this next group of Patmos students are here now and the time for change is going to happen in all of our lives.

Coffee

Coffee
A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general... Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee. When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering... ''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems! "He continued...''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups....'''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the Life we live. Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us. God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups. Enjoy your coffee!''The happiest people don't have the best of everything - they just make the best of everything they have... So please remember: Live simply. Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the Rest to God. And remember - the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.
Happy New Year! May your cup overflow with happiness, good health and
great fortune!

The Bathtub Test

During a visit to the Mental Asylum, a visitor asked the Director, "How do you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalized?"
"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."
"Oh, I understand, "said the visitor. "A normal person would use a bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
"No." said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"

Hello all, long time no hear.

Hey I just want you all to know that I have not forgot about this. I love writing and sending pictures too. But this last week I just have not had any thing to write. I have some pictures to0 share but still not working. I am well and we are all trying to get ready for Patmos 3. I know I have told some of you about how we have help now and how my job has been changed some what. David is here and he is doing his thing trying to get on top of problems and repairs. It sure nice to have a brother come over and help us out. I have two more people to tell you about. Bob and Faye are back for two months too. So the maintenance things should be getting easier each day. But as I say this I see a lot of old things just falling apart. The train is one of them. There is so much rust and just worn out parts, that I am not sure if it can be saved at this time. I will send pictures when I can and you can see the rust and just it is old. Now I know what you are thinking, I am old too so why is there any thing different? Well by His grace and all He does for me, I can say I believe I will make it through another year here and see what He does. I really am happy to have help and now I can help out more with Pastor Chet's things. So this is so neat to see happen. Please keep us in prayer and let see what happens this turn. Thank you, I would love to hear from you all out there.
toms@alcbahamas.org

This is JUST for FUN.

God asks Peyton Manning first: "What do you believe?"
Peyton thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says, "I believe
in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in
giving. I was lucky, but I always tried to do right by my fans." God
can't help but see the essential goodness of Manning, and offers him a
seat to his left.
Then God turns to Tony Romo and says, "What do you believe?" Tony says,
"I believe passion, discipline, courage and honor are the fundamentals of life.
I, too, have been lucky, but win or lose, I've always tried to be a true
sportsman, both on and off the playing fields." God is greatly moved by
Tony's sincere eloquence, and he offers him a seat to his right.
Finally, God turns to Brett Favre: "A nd you, Brett, what do you believe?"
Brett replies, "I believe you're in my seat.

Hey just wanted to stop bye to say HELLO

This last week I have going through my budget and looking at what I spent this last year. Folks I am sorry to say it was more than what came in and I am now looking at even my trip back to Florida. This trip and the one I took in June. Just looking at them I am not sure if they really were a good investment. June it cost me about $1700.00, the reason was a funeral, I stayed a extra week and drove to Winter Haven. Then this last one cost me $1092.00. I received $500.00 dollars.
Please folks I am not trying to drum up business. I am just looking at the facts and seeing that ether trip never received the funds for them. Just alone I spent more than double than I received. Please I am NOT trying to sound like poor me. But I am trying to show you that, He has shown me, just this morning. Matthew 6:24 to 33. Just to explain why I am reading Matthew. I have always started the year out reading through the Bible. This year I decide to start in the New Testimony. So I know I am on the right track but, I need to get the word out, I need your prayers and support to keep up with what is going on. Folks I am really sure I am to be here and if you believe any thing different. Please show me and explain. Just like I said in the beginning, I just need to get the word out and let Him do His thing. Thank you for your support and prayers. I know He is blessing you and me at the same time.
I am asking one more thing. If you know of my friends and family that doesn't get my blog. Please pass it on. Thank you again and may His blessing be beyond your dreams.

Surrender the past to GOD

Surrender the Past to God
Richard Roberts
Sometimes the things that have happened to us in the past hold us back from moving forward with God. They make us feel unworthy or hopeless, unable to look toward the future with hope and expectancy. But the Bible says that Jesus came to set us free from our past. His precious has washed away our sins, our failures, our hurts, and made us brand new in His sight. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. I remember one time when I was preaching in a church and people were coming forward to give their lives to Christ. As I looked over to one side of the altar, I saw a man, and in my spirit I saw two words appear on his forehead-THE PAST. I blinked my eyes. I was having a vision. I had never witnessed anything like that before.Then I remembered that earlier in the service a baby had been dedicated to God. So I asked, "Is that baby who was dedicated still in the building?" She was, so I asked the mother to bring the little up to the platform. As I held the baby, I told her how beautiful she was, and then I said to her, "Now, young lady, I want to talk to you about your past. Oh, excuse me," I said. "You don’t have a past, do you?" No, she was a brand-new baby-a new creature-without a past. And I turned to the man at the altar and said, "In Christ Jesus, you don’t have a past either!" Those two words-THE PAST-vanished from his forehead, and he surrendered his past to God. Today is a great day for you to surrender your past to God also so you can step out in faith toward an exciting future!
My Declaration of Faith for Today
I am a brand-new person in Jesus Christ. I surrender my past to Him, and I look forward to an exciting future in the Lord.
I pray that this is very one of you out there and this year is new for you too.

DO YOU BELEIVE IN GOD?

NBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the Percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words, IN God We Trust and God in the Pledge of Allegiance 14% against
That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.
I was asked to send this on if I agreed or! delete if I didn't .
Now it is your turn . . It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such A mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Why is the world catering to this 14%?
AMEN!
In God We Trust

This from a friend here, The Bahamas.

Hi Tom,

I am wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year. I hope 2008 is filled with many more gracious things -- good and positive for you.

I hope all is well with you and your family, or loved ones.

It is my prayer that the challenges you face this year will not break you but make you. Believe me, challenges will come. It is my prayer that the challenges I face this year will not break me but make me.

I pray that this year will be a year of few disappointments and no regrets.

I pray that this year be a year of greater spiritual commitment and spiritual prosperity. May your confidence in God and love for Him increase.

I pray that this year would be the year where you and I accomplished most, if not all, of the goals we have set individually whether those goals are spiritual, physical, family, personal, financial, career, or whatever.

I wish you a gracious 2008.

Until then,

Gus

This is from a good friend of mine here in The Bahamas. Now you can under stand why I love it here. Guys like this are so encouraging and willing to lend a hand. I know a lot of you out there have had some rough times this last year. So my prayer is the same. That you will NOT break, BUT MAKE YOU. May His blessings be a pond you this year.

See you all next year. Tom

I am back at home and loving every mintue

I am back at home

Hey everyone I want to say thank you to all of you that took the time to ask me over, or for going out. It really was a great time for me to get caught up with my Christian family. It so good to know that I have a big family, like all of you. The 11 days just seamed to run together. These last days have been such a blessing to me. I am sorry for not seeing all of you; I promise my next trip will be writing out a schedule and sent to all of you. So you can make your plans around it. But like I said before, THANK YOU for every thing you guys have done. I did know some of you wanted to know how to help me out. If He has put me on your heart to help. Please write the check out to Adventure Learning Centre. Then take a post note and stick it to the check. Please don’t write my name on the check, if you want to get it wrote off for taxes. If you have any question on this please feel free to write me.

My e mail address is: toms@alcbahamas.org

I am sorry but I don’t have a personal phone as of today.

I know most of my time there was to get the word out about my needs. I pray that He will use you in any way to help.

Thank you so much for your prayers and suppose. Please let me know if you need any prayers, I would love to be here for you too.

My trip back home

First of all I woke up thinking I would be late for my flight. My reason is, when flying from there to here. I need to board the plane by 9:25am. So I called my ride Bill, and asked him to see if we could go earlier. He said no problem. So we got to the airport by 7:30am. While at the ticket counter. The tells me I need to take 13 pounds out of my bag. I looked at her and ask could I just pay for the weight. She said NO. So, my extra bag I gave to a friend last month and for got to ask for if back. So I opened my bag and just looked for heavy stuff. Well I had 4 bags of cookies and fruit cake. I took them out and it was correct weight. So my friends and family that gave me those, I didn’t get a chance to eat them. They all went into the trash and the just said okay. I was not a happy boy. I was really looking forward in sharing them and even eating them. So if you gave me anything like that. Please remember me the next time I am in town. Okay back to the flight, I didn’t need to be there until 8:30am. So I got some what caught up on e mails. Until my battery went . So if I owe you an e mail, I will write to you this weekend.

See I don’t have intern net at my apartment. I need to go over to the office. But I can write my blogs and save them and send them when I can get on line. Thank you for your prayers and suppose.

I want to share a God story

While in town I rented a car for $191.00, 6 days. I would have liked to hold it for the rest of my stay there. But it would cost 420.00 more. That is right $420.00 for 5 days. I know it is Christmas but it just is not fair for people that can not afford it. So I called a friend of mine, Bill. I was telling him about the rental. He told me, that I could use his truck. I just love how our Lord just loves to bless each and every day of our lives. Then he told me he would love to take me to the airport. Man our Lord is SOOOOOOOO Good.

Okay if any of you out there would like to write to me. Please do at toms@alcbahamas.org

While in town I bought a $19.99 phone at ATT. It was such a blessing to have a working phone. But while at the airport this morning, I was trying to set up my security on the phone. Just to let you know why, my phone got ripped off while in my apartment here in the Bahamas. So I was playing and guess what? Yes I locked it and now I can not get into it. I went to one of the phone guys here, he told me it would cost $75.00 to free it up. I just bought it for $19.99. He said sorry, but that what it will cost. I will try some other places to see if I can save a couple of bucks. I need my phone here and back in Ft Lauderdale. I have $87.00 still on this phone there.

Having some trouble sending pictures

I am sorry but for a couple of days I have tried sending pictures to my blog. I am not sure why. But when I get a chance I will try to do something else. I am sorry for no pictures. Hope and pray by next week it will be working again. Thank you Tom.

While here in town

I was driving along US 1, yesterday, I remembered I needed to go to the Library to check e mails. So I turn right down this street and guess what? I saw a manhole open and looking at it, I remember the set up we used during my time working for Madison Barr. So turn down the road and guess what? It was them, so I stopped and talked with Craig and ask him all kinds of questions and just to get caught up. It has been over three years since I have seen anyone from that company. We talked and it was a good time. Craig told me that there was a Christmas party at the old place this morning around 9am. I was there and boy was I surprised to see so many of my old workers. These guys have been working for the same company, ( name chances 4 times), for over 20 years. The picture you are looking at is just a few of them. The rest were still working in other areas of the state. It sure was a nice time to get caught up and just see how we all have aged a little more.
Okay, my trip has been a wonderful time and just seeing old friends and even getting a chance to go to a movie last night. A friend of mine, Rose and I went and saw August Rush. A real nice and clean movie. I do know if you see it your eyes will leak a little and walk away saying that was a good movie. Well my time is winding down and I still need to see other people. I have been tried calling some , but number are no good. So if you have not hear or seen me, as of today. Please call me at 954-304-0249. I am only here until Thursday this next week. One more problem I will not have a car after tomorrow afternoon. So my time at night is limited. I will be using a bicycle. Plus the use of Tri Rail. I really hope I get to see you all. Merry Christmas and talk with you later on.

Watch out for this.

If you want to see more about this, check out this web page. http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp

ABOUT AREA CODE

We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said 'Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I Have something important to tell you.' Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809 . 'We didn't respond'.

Then this week, we received the following e-mail:

Subject: DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809 , 284 AND 876

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY

AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809

This one is being distributed all over the US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure you read this and pass it on. They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has-been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls. If you call from the US , you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute. Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24,100.00.

WHY IT WORKS:

The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas).The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong. Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam

Sandi Van Handel, AT&T Field Service Manager

Additional information on these area codes can be found from ATT at:

My flight and fun this day.

Well a normal day in the Bahamas, Customs computers go down. It only took a little while for them to come back. Then our flight was delayed about 1 hour. On the plane ready to go, traffic on run way, another delay. Took off and on my way over. All is going well and get off the plane, Ft Lauderdale. Down in the baggage area, power goes out three times. Lord I am suppose to be here? Hey going to Alamo, piece of cake. They have these computer setup, if you have place order before, you can go to them and sign in and get a little piece of paper and go out and look for a car. I ordered a small one. So I am standing wanting for some to come and tell me which car is mine. I saw a guy and asked, he tells me just pick the one I want and leave. OKAY nice. I standing next to a Saturn so I took that one. Now in the car I playing with the buttons and I hear On Star is here for you??? I push the button next to it. RED ONE, DON"T TOUCH IT. I did and hug up right after he said On Star 911. He called me back and ask me is there a problem. I said no but thank you for calling.
Guess where I went then????? That is RIGHT, Char Hut and boy did I enjoy that.
ATT next, got a phone there and saw Roger from Calvary and just talking found out that Gio's wedding was not where I was going Calvary FT Lauderdale? It was down about 20 miles in Plantain. Drove a little fasting to get there. Made it and changed clothes and the picture that you see is, he did it and boy was he HAPPY BOY NOW. Well folks I will be here until the 27. Hope to see everyone Wednesday night at the church service. Bye for now.

My friend Gio and his new wife, Christain

Good Day All. I know you all are out looking for a GIFT for me.

I have made it to the little town called Fort Lauderdale. Came in Sunday afternoon. Things are going well now. I have made it to ATT to get a New PHONE NUMBER----- 954-304-0249 That is correct, I even checked it on the phone to make sure. Hey I made it to Gio's wedding. It really was a nice service and Pastor Chet had some fun. Okay I just want to make sure every one knows my NEW phone number 954-304-0249. I will be in town here until Dec 27, so if you want to see me or have me for some time. Please call me and I will work it out. Please keep me in prayer here, I really want to connect with friends and family while here. Plus raise up some funds too. May your Christmas be a the BEST it has ever been. He is right long side you as you read this and YOU too can have Him dwell inside of your heart, just by asking Him to enter. Please remember why we have Christmas. It is all about HIM, not gifts and stuff. I will be putting some pictures in later on this week. May you ALL have a BLESSED CHRISTMAS. Bye for now.