With compliments from my Kitchen
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
The Boot for John Terry ?
Should John Terry be sacked as England's foot ball Captain?
No. Definitely No.
Do I support adultery? No again.
Although , Sex Scandals ,wherever they erupt from, don't shock me any more because I am not naive and gullible; that does not mean I would condone infidelity.
While I would not be surprised to hear that certain persons have been caught in sexual sin , there are others who I would expect them to uphold fidelity in marriage.
Especially people under God's authority and those who have so much to lose.
John Terry is an athlete who wears the colours of England , occasionally.
He cannot make policy statements on behalf of his country.
He is not a politician , government official or a Christian clergyman who occupy positions of trust and are expected to abide by strict moral codes.
If John cheated on his wife , that is their private problem and business ; to be sorted out quietly , behind closed doors or , if the two of them so wish , as a free-for-all brawl in the full public glare!
How does his cheating on his wife affect his performance as a star footballer or his position as England Captain?
Is England a squeaky-clean country with high moral standards whose football captain must be a spotless saint or knight in shiny armour?
Since when did we start expecting high moral standards from football stars and other celebrities before we can accept and enjoy the entertainment they give us?
If a precedent is laid whereby every one who is caught in adultery is skinned , quartered and hung to dry ; who will be left standing?
Only those who are innocent and those who HAVE NOT been caught .
Let him who has no sin cast the first stone! John 8:7.
John Terry has performed his duties as a top English footballer , excellently.
Is this the first time he would cheat on his wife?
Only he knows the answer to that because up till now , he had not been found out.
Whatever. Cheating or not cheating. Who cares?
So far, we know that John Terry ,"Terry the Untouchable " , has been a star professional who has maintained a comparably dignified life-style on and off the pitch.
Although , I am not a Chelsea Fan ,Terry's composure and achievements have earned him my admiration and that of Chelsea Club management and millions of fans world wide.
His popularity and professionalism earned him the England captaincy, not his fidelity to his marital vows.
For the above reasons, millions of Britons support that he should remain as England Captain.
For all this public opinion is worth, this being England, I suspect that there will be pressures to "do what is right" and John could lose the England Captaincy.
John Terry's sponsors would also want to keep their images clean ; so he could lose millions in sponsorship deals.
Some columnists wrote that Terry "is a low-down cheat who has betrayed the trust reposed on him and he is a poor role model for the young who look up to him!"
PAW-LEA-SE! Don't make me laugh!
Betrayed whose trust? Role model to which youth?
Don't even mention it! Don't even go there!
The youths look up to him for his skills and ENTERTAINMENT which he gives them as a footballer and not as a role model.
Some of the youth in the U.K. cannot be " role-modelled" by anyone . They have a mind of their own and they are a law unto themselves!
There are stuff about sex and wild living which young persons (even as young as 8 to 12 year-old ) in this country know and engage in which would shock experienced adults like John Terry and his group of eminent friends into stunned silence !
Stuff that would make any self - styled "role model" faint from shock .
As usual , those who would laugh to the bank in this mess are the "Kiss -and-Tell Mistress", the publicist Max Clifford and the gutter press.
This further confirms that there are women who embark on a revenge mission and would derive pleasure from destroying what they cannot possess.
Women and men who have made it a lifestyle to hunt down celebrities are watching and praying for their next big catch to kiss and tell.
The press and other scavengers stand to gain a lot by fanning the flames of any sex scandal and blowing it out of proportion . The hotter the scandal , the more newspapers are sold.
Two months ago , it was all about Tiger Woods and his "transgressions" .
Last month it was the shocking sexual scandal about 60 year-old Mrs.Iris Robinson, top female politician in N.Ireland and evangelical Christian , embroiled in a love affair with a 19 year-old boy ! This scandal has derailed and wrecked her decades-old career as Member of Parliament and her husband , Peter's laudable political career as First Minister of N.Ireland! She has resigned and her husband's position is suspended
I wrote in my blog "Tiger Woods: Getting on With" on 12/12/09 that not only Tiger Woods is guilty ; but that hundreds of other celebrities and millions of " commoners" are cheating on their wives and husbands but they have succeeded in covering their tracks and have not been caught , yet.
As with every secret , there is a Day of Revelation.
Today , the heat is on John Terry .
Who next?
Would married men (and married women )learn from these and previous scandals and keep their pants up , especially when they have so much to lose?
I don't think so .
No. Definitely No.
Do I support adultery? No again.
Although , Sex Scandals ,wherever they erupt from, don't shock me any more because I am not naive and gullible; that does not mean I would condone infidelity.
While I would not be surprised to hear that certain persons have been caught in sexual sin , there are others who I would expect them to uphold fidelity in marriage.
Especially people under God's authority and those who have so much to lose.
John Terry is an athlete who wears the colours of England , occasionally.
He cannot make policy statements on behalf of his country.
He is not a politician , government official or a Christian clergyman who occupy positions of trust and are expected to abide by strict moral codes.
If John cheated on his wife , that is their private problem and business ; to be sorted out quietly , behind closed doors or , if the two of them so wish , as a free-for-all brawl in the full public glare!
How does his cheating on his wife affect his performance as a star footballer or his position as England Captain?
Is England a squeaky-clean country with high moral standards whose football captain must be a spotless saint or knight in shiny armour?
Since when did we start expecting high moral standards from football stars and other celebrities before we can accept and enjoy the entertainment they give us?
If a precedent is laid whereby every one who is caught in adultery is skinned , quartered and hung to dry ; who will be left standing?
Only those who are innocent and those who HAVE NOT been caught .
Let him who has no sin cast the first stone! John 8:7.
John Terry has performed his duties as a top English footballer , excellently.
Is this the first time he would cheat on his wife?
Only he knows the answer to that because up till now , he had not been found out.
Whatever. Cheating or not cheating. Who cares?
So far, we know that John Terry ,"Terry the Untouchable " , has been a star professional who has maintained a comparably dignified life-style on and off the pitch.
Although , I am not a Chelsea Fan ,Terry's composure and achievements have earned him my admiration and that of Chelsea Club management and millions of fans world wide.
His popularity and professionalism earned him the England captaincy, not his fidelity to his marital vows.
For the above reasons, millions of Britons support that he should remain as England Captain.
For all this public opinion is worth, this being England, I suspect that there will be pressures to "do what is right" and John could lose the England Captaincy.
John Terry's sponsors would also want to keep their images clean ; so he could lose millions in sponsorship deals.
Some columnists wrote that Terry "is a low-down cheat who has betrayed the trust reposed on him and he is a poor role model for the young who look up to him!"
PAW-LEA-SE! Don't make me laugh!
Betrayed whose trust? Role model to which youth?
Don't even mention it! Don't even go there!
The youths look up to him for his skills and ENTERTAINMENT which he gives them as a footballer and not as a role model.
Some of the youth in the U.K. cannot be " role-modelled" by anyone . They have a mind of their own and they are a law unto themselves!
There are stuff about sex and wild living which young persons (even as young as 8 to 12 year-old ) in this country know and engage in which would shock experienced adults like John Terry and his group of eminent friends into stunned silence !
Stuff that would make any self - styled "role model" faint from shock .
As usual , those who would laugh to the bank in this mess are the "Kiss -and-Tell Mistress", the publicist Max Clifford and the gutter press.
This further confirms that there are women who embark on a revenge mission and would derive pleasure from destroying what they cannot possess.
Women and men who have made it a lifestyle to hunt down celebrities are watching and praying for their next big catch to kiss and tell.
The press and other scavengers stand to gain a lot by fanning the flames of any sex scandal and blowing it out of proportion . The hotter the scandal , the more newspapers are sold.
Two months ago , it was all about Tiger Woods and his "transgressions" .
Last month it was the shocking sexual scandal about 60 year-old Mrs.Iris Robinson, top female politician in N.Ireland and evangelical Christian , embroiled in a love affair with a 19 year-old boy ! This scandal has derailed and wrecked her decades-old career as Member of Parliament and her husband , Peter's laudable political career as First Minister of N.Ireland! She has resigned and her husband's position is suspended
I wrote in my blog "Tiger Woods: Getting on With" on 12/12/09 that not only Tiger Woods is guilty ; but that hundreds of other celebrities and millions of " commoners" are cheating on their wives and husbands but they have succeeded in covering their tracks and have not been caught , yet.
As with every secret , there is a Day of Revelation.
Today , the heat is on John Terry .
Who next?
Would married men (and married women )learn from these and previous scandals and keep their pants up , especially when they have so much to lose?
I don't think so .
Your Body is His Vehicle.
What would you call someone who goes to sleep or goes on a long journey but leaves his house gates, doors and windows unsecured after raising his hands to the heavens to pray and decree that "all is well and all will be well!"
What would happen to such unsecured compound during his/her absence?
"Who would do a thing like that?" You may ask.
Well, who would fail to take proper care of his or her body?
The extent people go to secure their lives and property is commendable.
Some people live in fortresses; complete with twelve-foot high walls and electronically controlled steel and iron gates!
Nowadays, not only homes but offices and churches are secured behind high walls, iron bars and steel gates.
We take extra care to lock up our valuables in steel cabinets and safes.
Some people who can afford it ,do not venture outside or move around without being guarded by armed body guards and all sorts of "minders".
The Age we live in demands such extra care and security.
Surprisingly ,while some people employ adequate security for their lives and properties; they turn up their noses at any suggestions of relaxation and medical care.
All humans need healthy bodies to function effectively here on earth.
The human body is the covering and it is the vehicle which the Inner Man resides in and uses to operate on Earth.
When the body is destroyed , the human being bids farewell to this world.
We are Custodians of our bodies which were wonderfully made by the Creator so that we can express his will here on earth through our soul and spirit which reside in our bodies . Romans 6:13.
When we yield our earthly vehicles or our members to Him , they should be in top form ; not only spiritually but also physically.
Often we forget to "listen" to our bodies and we fail to pay attention to the fact that caring for the human body is as important as feeding our human minds and spirits.
When did you last find time to stand before a mirror and take a good look at your body ; checking every inch from your hair to your toes?
Our bodies do speak to us; sending warning signals when we are not treating our bodies right. They give us commendation signals when we are in top form.
Just the same way as we receive messages from our minds (soul) and spirit.
When our bodies are not in top form , we can tell.
But knowing something and doing something about it ,are two different issues.
Apart from the regular outward dressing up , cosmetic grooming and preening; our bodies also need regular exercise, a daily healthy intake of good food and drink; and regular medical check-ups.
Prolonged " spiritual exercises" like fasting , praying, darting non-stop, from one corner of the world to another, north to east; west to north , preaching the Gospel and doing great exploits for our God are glorious pursuits.
But if and when done in excess ,they take their toll on any human body.
While we hold on to the promise in Isaiah 40: 29-31; we should not forget that God created days of rest for our bodies. Occasional periods of rest is our just reward.
For some people , doing stuff like taking a holiday to relax is inconceivable.
They would argue that one should " not give room to Satan by embracing infirmities and engaging in sinful pastimes of worldliness, laziness, hedonism and the pride of life!".
However, many destinies have been derailed and truncated by avoidable diseases and death.
Millions are suffering from ill-health and millions have died due to careless use of their God-given bodies.
Ignorance, heretic doctrines and poverty are taking their toll on human bodies and lives.
There is a finality about dead bodies .
Broken,diseased or dead bodies are like broken down vehicles which are stagnant and are of no use to anybody. They cannot and do not glorify God.
"The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence". Psalm 115:17.
Men are more unwilling than women to pay attention to their bodies and general health.
Early this month , I was distraught to hear that a beloved man of God and one of my Fathers in the Lord, collapsed as he was leaving home to honour a preaching engagement.
Those of us who know him and his hectic and tight schedule, knew that he collapsed simply because his body succumbed to sheer exhaustion !
But not so, for some people.Even in his church, gossips called him all sorts of names and cited all sorts of suspicions as reasons for his fainting fit.
While outside the Church ,God's enemies had a field day boasting about bringing him down by "releasing incantations and enchantments" into the crusade venue!
Now, he has agreed, at last, to cancel all his engagements and come to the U.K., for a well-deserved one-month holiday.
Hopefully , he will consent to complete rest and medical attention during his holiday. Thank God he didn't die.
In the past, Satan and his agents have been heard thumping their chests and boasting ("We got him " or "We got her"!) ; whenever they heard of the sudden death of servants of the living God .
May God deliver His Church from every thing which will bring reproach to His name . Amen.
Thank God for Divine health which encompasses both our physical and spiritual well-being. This is our portion , as Believers.
God knew that at a point in our lives , we would need healing in our physical bodies. He has made provisions for our healing by giving us His Word as well as giving knowledge and power to researchers and physicians to recognise and use the proper herbs , chemicals and technologies for producing remarkable medications and other inventions to aid our healings and deliverance from numerous diseases and infirmities.
There are diverse reasons and causes ; (spiritual, emotional and physiological and viral infections); for the variety of ailments and infirmities which plague the human body and mind.
Just as there are different types of ailments and afflictions ,so there are different types of healings for them.
Healings for some of these diseases could be, solely, by spiritual or faith healing .
"Howbeit, this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting". Matthew 17:21
While some others would require the application of both faith healing and medical science.
Neglecting our bodies, rejecting faith healing and medical science are the same attitude as going on a long journey and failing to secure our homes and our valuables !
Then, we would give the Thief ample opportunity to move in ; to steal , to kill and to destroy. John 10:10
What would happen to such unsecured compound during his/her absence?
"Who would do a thing like that?" You may ask.
Well, who would fail to take proper care of his or her body?
The extent people go to secure their lives and property is commendable.
Some people live in fortresses; complete with twelve-foot high walls and electronically controlled steel and iron gates!
Nowadays, not only homes but offices and churches are secured behind high walls, iron bars and steel gates.
We take extra care to lock up our valuables in steel cabinets and safes.
Some people who can afford it ,do not venture outside or move around without being guarded by armed body guards and all sorts of "minders".
The Age we live in demands such extra care and security.
Surprisingly ,while some people employ adequate security for their lives and properties; they turn up their noses at any suggestions of relaxation and medical care.
All humans need healthy bodies to function effectively here on earth.
The human body is the covering and it is the vehicle which the Inner Man resides in and uses to operate on Earth.
When the body is destroyed , the human being bids farewell to this world.
We are Custodians of our bodies which were wonderfully made by the Creator so that we can express his will here on earth through our soul and spirit which reside in our bodies . Romans 6:13.
When we yield our earthly vehicles or our members to Him , they should be in top form ; not only spiritually but also physically.
Often we forget to "listen" to our bodies and we fail to pay attention to the fact that caring for the human body is as important as feeding our human minds and spirits.
When did you last find time to stand before a mirror and take a good look at your body ; checking every inch from your hair to your toes?
Our bodies do speak to us; sending warning signals when we are not treating our bodies right. They give us commendation signals when we are in top form.
Just the same way as we receive messages from our minds (soul) and spirit.
When our bodies are not in top form , we can tell.
But knowing something and doing something about it ,are two different issues.
Apart from the regular outward dressing up , cosmetic grooming and preening; our bodies also need regular exercise, a daily healthy intake of good food and drink; and regular medical check-ups.
Prolonged " spiritual exercises" like fasting , praying, darting non-stop, from one corner of the world to another, north to east; west to north , preaching the Gospel and doing great exploits for our God are glorious pursuits.
But if and when done in excess ,they take their toll on any human body.
While we hold on to the promise in Isaiah 40: 29-31; we should not forget that God created days of rest for our bodies. Occasional periods of rest is our just reward.
For some people , doing stuff like taking a holiday to relax is inconceivable.
They would argue that one should " not give room to Satan by embracing infirmities and engaging in sinful pastimes of worldliness, laziness, hedonism and the pride of life!".
However, many destinies have been derailed and truncated by avoidable diseases and death.
Millions are suffering from ill-health and millions have died due to careless use of their God-given bodies.
Ignorance, heretic doctrines and poverty are taking their toll on human bodies and lives.
There is a finality about dead bodies .
Broken,diseased or dead bodies are like broken down vehicles which are stagnant and are of no use to anybody. They cannot and do not glorify God.
"The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence". Psalm 115:17.
Men are more unwilling than women to pay attention to their bodies and general health.
Early this month , I was distraught to hear that a beloved man of God and one of my Fathers in the Lord, collapsed as he was leaving home to honour a preaching engagement.
Those of us who know him and his hectic and tight schedule, knew that he collapsed simply because his body succumbed to sheer exhaustion !
But not so, for some people.Even in his church, gossips called him all sorts of names and cited all sorts of suspicions as reasons for his fainting fit.
While outside the Church ,God's enemies had a field day boasting about bringing him down by "releasing incantations and enchantments" into the crusade venue!
Now, he has agreed, at last, to cancel all his engagements and come to the U.K., for a well-deserved one-month holiday.
Hopefully , he will consent to complete rest and medical attention during his holiday. Thank God he didn't die.
In the past, Satan and his agents have been heard thumping their chests and boasting ("We got him " or "We got her"!) ; whenever they heard of the sudden death of servants of the living God .
May God deliver His Church from every thing which will bring reproach to His name . Amen.
Thank God for Divine health which encompasses both our physical and spiritual well-being. This is our portion , as Believers.
God knew that at a point in our lives , we would need healing in our physical bodies. He has made provisions for our healing by giving us His Word as well as giving knowledge and power to researchers and physicians to recognise and use the proper herbs , chemicals and technologies for producing remarkable medications and other inventions to aid our healings and deliverance from numerous diseases and infirmities.
There are diverse reasons and causes ; (spiritual, emotional and physiological and viral infections); for the variety of ailments and infirmities which plague the human body and mind.
Just as there are different types of ailments and afflictions ,so there are different types of healings for them.
Healings for some of these diseases could be, solely, by spiritual or faith healing .
"Howbeit, this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting". Matthew 17:21
While some others would require the application of both faith healing and medical science.
Neglecting our bodies, rejecting faith healing and medical science are the same attitude as going on a long journey and failing to secure our homes and our valuables !
Then, we would give the Thief ample opportunity to move in ; to steal , to kill and to destroy. John 10:10
Coping with Stress.
Good health is an indication of a balance in the human body .
It is a proof that the various facets of the human entity; the spirit , the soul (the mind , intellect and emotions) and the body are correctly aligned .
This balance , or harmony , is evidenced in a sense of well – being , characterised by a high–level of energy , a zest for life ( a merry heart!) with a calm confidence that no mountain is too high to climb.
Malfunction sets in when this harmony between the spirit , soul and body is upturned.
Stress and fatigue are our bodies' ways of letting us know that we are doing something which is not good for our health .
Due to the hustle and bustle of daily living , most people just go on pushing themselves ; to meet up with the rat race.
This striving causes fatigue and anxieties.
Stress is an indication that a person’s energy is being overstretched in excessive concentration on some facets of life to the detriment of others .
When there is a “pull for attention” from the different areas ,as in a tug-of-war; tautness and tension results in the body and mind .
Then stress and fatigue sets in.
Stress is a silent killer and is usually a precursor to heart and mental disorders.
Some of the unpleasant symptons of stress and fatigue are:
Depression, low self –esteem ,persistent feeling of tiredness, migraines, poor concentration , poor memory , sleeplessness, short temper and inability to perform even basic tasks which the person used to do before.
These are the mildest signs of stress in a person.
Stress- sufferers are aggressive and blame everyone for their misfortunes.
Acute stress causes alcohol dependancy, stimulants and drug abuse, schizophrenia ,high blood pressure , heart and mental disorders , suicide and even murder.
Attempting to alleviate stress by resorting to substance or drug abuse leads a person into a vicious cycle. Stress induces cravings for stimulants abuse and the latter brings on additional stress which demands for more drug abuse!
Common stress- triggers are fear, unanswered prayers, anxiety, anger, distress, helplessness, work – related pressures and even heartbreak caused by relationships break down.
Financial burdens ,losses and huge debts are challenges faced by many people, which have crippled countless lofty dreams and resulted in acute stress for millions of people.
The greater the fall in revenue, the greater the risk that the loser would suffer from acute stress.
Crime ,noise, traffic jams, bullying and receiving constant nagging and criticisms are major irritants which could bring on stress.
Other major causes of stress are guilt , failed expectations , terminal diseases and bereavement.
Stress also results from planning and executing a major event, from excessive multi-tasking and competitiveness .
A major underlining factor for stress is Envy.
There are persons who are stressed up because they do not want to see or hear of the the good-fortune of others.
Deep-seated hatred and resentment towards persons who are more successful and who possess what the stress - sufferer desires but cannot attain are destructive maladies.
Persons filled the spirits of Envy and Bitterness are some of the most unpleasant and destructive persons to live, work or socialise with.
Envy is the root of the evils of slander, witchcraft, sorcery and murder.
Inevitably, envy , bitterness and unforgiveness poison the mind and body ;they gnaw on the sufferer's guts and heart resulting in ulcers and acute hypertension .
The Holy Bible describes envy as " the rottenness of bones ". Proverbs 14:30.
From the above , it is apparent that stress must be recognised and treated with dispatch .
The causes , effects and treatment of stress is a vast topic .
Space allows me to state that whatever the cause and level of stress and fatigue; the first step in coping with stress and fatigue is to accept that; it makes for a calmer life if you realise that there are certain things , situations and persons which you can change and there are others which you cannot change .
In order to maintain a fulfilling , stress-free life , you would need to change what you put into your life , into your body and into mind .
Then and only after then , would you change how you feel , what you think and how you look .
You should be your own best friend by taking your life in your hands and making necessary amends.
You cannot run away from your demons. You have to confront them and deal with them.
If refuse to deal with them , sweep them under the carpet , go on a long holiday or on a drinking and drug-popping spree; when you return , they will be there waiting for you and they will welcome you with a warm smile!
The stress-sufferer must act or seek expert counselling to be relieved of stress.
To maintain equilibrium , one has to remove all stress-causers by self-help and by seeking spiritual , medical , financial and legal advice .
If you are your own problem-causer and your attitude has brought stress into your life; then personal life style changes are necessary .
The best way to identify your stress-inducing attitude and to realise the harm they are doing to you and people close to you ,is to ask your family and trusted friends to write you anonymous notes , detailing your bad points.
Trust me , they will tell you exactly what they think you are doing wrong!
To maintain the good changes you have made in your life, you would need the help and counsel of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit .
Stressful periods are when we enjoy the benefits of a life of prayer and faith in God.
Prayer, prevailing prayer is an infallible stress-burster.
Take the stress – inducing challenges to Him for direction and peace of mind.
This close relationship with the Holy Spirit should be maintained , not only in times of stress but after the end of it.
Failure to receive continuous spiritual help would lead to a return to stressful living.
Also ,during your recovering process, decide to love and pamper yourself back to a state of all – round good health.
If you don't do this for yourself, nobody would do it for you.
Say good and nice things to yourself, daily.
Keep away from stressed-up persons who have refused to deal with their stress.
Get involved and interact with profitable people.
Exercise regularly. Give yourself a treat.
Why? Because you deserve it!
Retail therapy, beauty treatment , sauna and full–body massage with warm aromatic oils do wonders to relieve stress and fatigue .
Most of all , know when to stop and take a break from your normal routine.
Occasionally, go for a well- deserved holiday.
Have a stress –free day and a stress-free life!
It is a proof that the various facets of the human entity; the spirit , the soul (the mind , intellect and emotions) and the body are correctly aligned .
This balance , or harmony , is evidenced in a sense of well – being , characterised by a high–level of energy , a zest for life ( a merry heart!) with a calm confidence that no mountain is too high to climb.
Malfunction sets in when this harmony between the spirit , soul and body is upturned.
Stress and fatigue are our bodies' ways of letting us know that we are doing something which is not good for our health .
Due to the hustle and bustle of daily living , most people just go on pushing themselves ; to meet up with the rat race.
This striving causes fatigue and anxieties.
Stress is an indication that a person’s energy is being overstretched in excessive concentration on some facets of life to the detriment of others .
When there is a “pull for attention” from the different areas ,as in a tug-of-war; tautness and tension results in the body and mind .
Then stress and fatigue sets in.
Stress is a silent killer and is usually a precursor to heart and mental disorders.
Some of the unpleasant symptons of stress and fatigue are:
Depression, low self –esteem ,persistent feeling of tiredness, migraines, poor concentration , poor memory , sleeplessness, short temper and inability to perform even basic tasks which the person used to do before.
These are the mildest signs of stress in a person.
Stress- sufferers are aggressive and blame everyone for their misfortunes.
Acute stress causes alcohol dependancy, stimulants and drug abuse, schizophrenia ,high blood pressure , heart and mental disorders , suicide and even murder.
Attempting to alleviate stress by resorting to substance or drug abuse leads a person into a vicious cycle. Stress induces cravings for stimulants abuse and the latter brings on additional stress which demands for more drug abuse!
Common stress- triggers are fear, unanswered prayers, anxiety, anger, distress, helplessness, work – related pressures and even heartbreak caused by relationships break down.
Financial burdens ,losses and huge debts are challenges faced by many people, which have crippled countless lofty dreams and resulted in acute stress for millions of people.
The greater the fall in revenue, the greater the risk that the loser would suffer from acute stress.
Crime ,noise, traffic jams, bullying and receiving constant nagging and criticisms are major irritants which could bring on stress.
Other major causes of stress are guilt , failed expectations , terminal diseases and bereavement.
Stress also results from planning and executing a major event, from excessive multi-tasking and competitiveness .
A major underlining factor for stress is Envy.
There are persons who are stressed up because they do not want to see or hear of the the good-fortune of others.
Deep-seated hatred and resentment towards persons who are more successful and who possess what the stress - sufferer desires but cannot attain are destructive maladies.
Persons filled the spirits of Envy and Bitterness are some of the most unpleasant and destructive persons to live, work or socialise with.
Envy is the root of the evils of slander, witchcraft, sorcery and murder.
Inevitably, envy , bitterness and unforgiveness poison the mind and body ;they gnaw on the sufferer's guts and heart resulting in ulcers and acute hypertension .
The Holy Bible describes envy as " the rottenness of bones ". Proverbs 14:30.
From the above , it is apparent that stress must be recognised and treated with dispatch .
The causes , effects and treatment of stress is a vast topic .
Space allows me to state that whatever the cause and level of stress and fatigue; the first step in coping with stress and fatigue is to accept that; it makes for a calmer life if you realise that there are certain things , situations and persons which you can change and there are others which you cannot change .
In order to maintain a fulfilling , stress-free life , you would need to change what you put into your life , into your body and into mind .
Then and only after then , would you change how you feel , what you think and how you look .
You should be your own best friend by taking your life in your hands and making necessary amends.
You cannot run away from your demons. You have to confront them and deal with them.
If refuse to deal with them , sweep them under the carpet , go on a long holiday or on a drinking and drug-popping spree; when you return , they will be there waiting for you and they will welcome you with a warm smile!
The stress-sufferer must act or seek expert counselling to be relieved of stress.
To maintain equilibrium , one has to remove all stress-causers by self-help and by seeking spiritual , medical , financial and legal advice .
If you are your own problem-causer and your attitude has brought stress into your life; then personal life style changes are necessary .
The best way to identify your stress-inducing attitude and to realise the harm they are doing to you and people close to you ,is to ask your family and trusted friends to write you anonymous notes , detailing your bad points.
Trust me , they will tell you exactly what they think you are doing wrong!
To maintain the good changes you have made in your life, you would need the help and counsel of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit .
Stressful periods are when we enjoy the benefits of a life of prayer and faith in God.
Prayer, prevailing prayer is an infallible stress-burster.
Take the stress – inducing challenges to Him for direction and peace of mind.
This close relationship with the Holy Spirit should be maintained , not only in times of stress but after the end of it.
Failure to receive continuous spiritual help would lead to a return to stressful living.
Also ,during your recovering process, decide to love and pamper yourself back to a state of all – round good health.
If you don't do this for yourself, nobody would do it for you.
Say good and nice things to yourself, daily.
Keep away from stressed-up persons who have refused to deal with their stress.
Get involved and interact with profitable people.
Exercise regularly. Give yourself a treat.
Why? Because you deserve it!
Retail therapy, beauty treatment , sauna and full–body massage with warm aromatic oils do wonders to relieve stress and fatigue .
Most of all , know when to stop and take a break from your normal routine.
Occasionally, go for a well- deserved holiday.
Have a stress –free day and a stress-free life!
I am Excited and Expectant !
Welcome to 2010 ! Happy New Year !
Here is wishing you and your loved ones a glorious year . Amen.
I believe you've had a pleasant holiday with your family and friends as I have .
As usual , we all have started the year with great expectations.
I can feel the excitement in the air and in my spirit!
I am excited because I know that great things are in store for me this year.
I know I am in a permanent relationship with the Great Giver and the Lover of my soul.
In 2009 , God caused the lot to fall for me in pleasant places.
He has promised to give me my heart's desire, so that I can say:
" This is the Lord's doing ,and it is marvellous in our eyes!"
Mark 12 : 11
So, like last year, I have drawn up my "Must Have" List.
You know what? Greedy me ! Like a spoilt child, I expect my Father to supply every desire I have listed for 2010 as well; because he did exactly that for me ,last year.
I have the assurance that he will be beautiful for situation, as usual, in 2010.
What a mighty God we serve !
" Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is
no variableness , neither shadow of turning". James 1:17
Are you living the life in him ? Have you given him your list,yet?
Taste the Lord and see that the Lord is good.
Here is wishing you and your loved ones a glorious year . Amen.
I believe you've had a pleasant holiday with your family and friends as I have .
As usual , we all have started the year with great expectations.
I can feel the excitement in the air and in my spirit!
I am excited because I know that great things are in store for me this year.
I know I am in a permanent relationship with the Great Giver and the Lover of my soul.
In 2009 , God caused the lot to fall for me in pleasant places.
He has promised to give me my heart's desire, so that I can say:
" This is the Lord's doing ,and it is marvellous in our eyes!"
Mark 12 : 11
So, like last year, I have drawn up my "Must Have" List.
You know what? Greedy me ! Like a spoilt child, I expect my Father to supply every desire I have listed for 2010 as well; because he did exactly that for me ,last year.
I have the assurance that he will be beautiful for situation, as usual, in 2010.
What a mighty God we serve !
" Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is
no variableness , neither shadow of turning". James 1:17
Are you living the life in him ? Have you given him your list,yet?
Taste the Lord and see that the Lord is good.
Wake Up and Smell The Coffee !
Have you caught the bug ?
There is this tendency for people to do a complete annual re-organisation and redecoration of their homes, just before Christmas and to usher in the New Year.
These "make-overs" would entail a lot sorting-out, dusting, cleaning, painting and decorating.
Changing wardrobes, home furniture and fittings for new and latest one is fashionable.
Apart from the delicious food , desserts and drinks ;the latest clothes, shoes , bags, home gadgets, equipment, electronics and even cars, do add some spice to life during the festive season.
Everyone knows the joy of opening our Christmas presents and finding therein, exactly what we wanted and dreamed of receiving as gifts from our loved ones; you know, the perfect dress, shoe, parfum , jewellery, iPods , DVD, or whatever!
And the pleasure which a shopping trip gives the entire family is immense!
This is the season for : "Out with the old , in with the new and the latest!".
Everybody knows this and don't the shops and stores know this? They sure do!
This is the time for them to tempt us with all those fantastic bargains and offers which keep us shopping for more and more , because every body loves a bargain.
For Londoners, the shopping spree is not only at Christmas but all through the year.
The January sales is now the talk of the town. It starts on Monday January 4th.
It is amazing that thousands of people are willing and passionate enough to queue up in the freezing cold, from night till early morning when the shops open.
So that they would be among the first group to rush in for the best bargains.
For some people , this "redecoration" is all encompassing. They extend it to touch every area of their lives which needs a special touch.
Included in the redecoration list are "failed projects" at work, in business and in personal relationships.
When we need a new wardrobe, home or car , we could shop around for replacements.
There are certain things in life which we cannot shop around for.
When they fail to meet our expectations, we work at restoring them; we seek help , believe and pray for changes in those situations.
When you are not fulfilled and fruitful in ministry ; what do you do but pray and press on.
When a business plan which you have invested so much time , prayers, efforts and money in , remains unproductive, what can you do?
Then you know , maybe , it is time to re-assess and it is time to try a new approach to your business goals. Or even to drop the idea for something better.
However, for every one, there comes a time when we wake up, one fine morning and smell the coffee.
When we, inevitably, come to the conclusion that something is not right ,is not good enough, or is not working. It just has to go .
This is the time of year for "New Year resolutions".
These are , usually born out of a deep realisation that we do not need certain clutter or stress in our lives and so we have to effect drastic changes of direction.
Some people do keep these " New Year resolutions" and never go back to square one.
Their testimonies ,usually ,are that their lives changed for good when they stuck to their "New Year Resolutions".
May this be our testimony in the new year as we hand over our lives and situations to Jesus Christ who makes all things beautiful.
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me : your mercy O Lord, endures for ever:
forsake not the works of thine own hands . Psalms 138:8.
The best life-style is not one that is based on these endless year-end resolutions ( which are soon discarded , anyway!); but a life that relies on a Relationship with the Giver of Abundant Life.
Let's face it, there are loads of "stuff" we do, places we go to and there are some people we are connected to, who we have to do away with.
Wake up and smell the coffee! There are certain things and certain people who will not budge and will not change to conform to our expectations or to the norm.
We should not, even pray to retain such "stress-inducers" in our lives, at all.
Why? Because WE KNOW that, they are not good for us and they DO NOT enrich or bless our lives, in any way.
So these have to go OUT with the old year and be kept out of your life , thereafter, for our own good!
It could be very painful to do this and one would need a mean and hard heart to do this periodic life re-organisations.
But we've got to be strong and resolute to overcome "bad habits".
There are times when we must open the doors and windows and let stuff fly away.
Let out stale air and let fresh air in.
If we are resolved to discard toxic habits , toxic relationships and toxic activities, soon, we would realise that, that was one of best things we ever did.
This complete overhaul and disconnection is life-saving and imperative.
It is similar to the gorging out of the right eye and amputation of the right hand which the Lord Jesus strongly recommended in Matthew 5: 29 -30
May you receive grace for strength to de-clutter and detoxify your life , permanently.
Here is wishing you a happy and glorious New Year ; filled with the fragrance of His presence. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
