HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS?

What is the definition of STRESS? 

Definition of STRESS

From Merriam Webster:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stress

1: constraining force or influence: as

a : a force exerted when one body or body part presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to compress or twist another body or body part; especially : the intensity of this mutual force commonly expressed in pounds per square inch

b : the deformation caused in a body by such a force

c : a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation

d : a state resulting from a stress; especially : one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium <job-related stress>

I've been trying to figure out ways to deal with stress.  We have recently lost our business due to the economy.  It took many months before my husband could find a job.  We are soo thankful that he has a new job, but now we are trying to adjust to making half the amount of money that we did before.

My husband has been dealing with some incredibly bad pain in his back from an L5 fracture & slip.  After going to a neuro surgeon he was told that surgery is not a good option as it's only a 50/50 chance that it would even help.  Each day is a struggle for him, but he continues to support our family with this new job which requires him to be on his feet around 8 hours each day.

I've been trying to learn to live with tinnitus.  After being tested by an audiologist, I found that I'm hearing between 750 to 1,000 decibals of my own internal noise.  It has truly been incredibly difficult to concentrate with such noise.  I went through months of not sleeping & had to have noise all around me to just try to sleep.  Whenever it is very quiet the sound is insanely loud.  Thankfully medication has helped me to get some sleep at night.  Something that I was soo great at before was concentration.  This has now become a source of great stress in my life.  The things I use to love to do so much, like writing cards & scrapbooking are super difficult right now. 

So how do I deal with stress you ask?  I'm still learning every single day.  Here are some of things that have helped me:

1)  Remember FAITH:  F-antastic A-dventure I-n T-rusting H-im

My FAITH in Jesus is the thing that's getting me through this difficult time in life.  I start my day out by reading one chapter in the Bible.  I then read two devotionals.  My favorite devotional is Dayspring.  I've been soo blessed by reading devotions that so many women are writing.  My heart SMILES :) because on my most difficult days God speaks through the devotions and gives me just what I need to get through the day.

2)  Remember to FROG:  F-ully R-ely O-n G-od

 An AMAZING boy named ^^ANGEL JACOB^^ taught me the meaning of FROG.  He was one of tripletts that passed away from cancer.  He had the most beautiful heart & the most brilliant bright blue eyes I've ever seen.  His picture is on my blog to the left.  He loved sharing with others :)  He left footprints on my heart 4-EVER <3

3)  Here are some quotes that help me by Corrie Ten Boom:

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.
Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.

 4)  PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

I find myself praying all day long.  One thing that I've learned is that Jesus needs to be my very Best Friend.  I am learning to take the fear, stress, & anxiety that surround me to Him in prayer. 

5)  Bible Verses That Help So Much:

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Psalm 27:1 -  The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Thanks soo much for taking a moment to read my post today.  Today has been a really stressful day & in writing this post I'm again reminded of how much Jesus loves each of us.  What a promise that is (:

Resting In Jesus' Love,
Stacey