Being kind is more important than being right – Andy Rooney.
On prayer: I should pray in the car more during my commute, but usually I'm listening to books during that time. On the rare occasion I’m out walking / running, I usually use that time for prayer and reflection. On a treadmill I might try to listen to my book, but it’s noisy and distracting. Outside I try to keep my ears clear to listen for cars and animals, plus I don’t like to carry my phone.
Lately I’ve tried to more proactively pray whenever I’m stressed, anxious, or worried – to quickly give concerns over to God in prayer instead of letting Satan run wild through my thoughts. I try to “pray without ceasing” particularly when I sense bad thoughts entering my head, or when I’m stressed at work. Also giving thanks for answered prayers the moment I realize how God has acted.
I’m not the greatest pray-er, but try to stick to the good old ACTS method of praying my regular prayers: acclamation, thanksgiving, confession, and supplication. That way I’m not selfishly asking for stuff. Whenever I do find myself asking God for things, I try to turn it into a regular ACTS prayer, praying for others as opposed to myself. Or having a conversation with God about it, how He knows what I need more than I do. Lifting up what’s going on in our country, asking God to show me what’s right.
I’ve been trying to pray for God to be glorified through the most challenging and hopeless things I’m going through. I try to stick to “regular talk” when praying, instead of using fancy theological words and such. Ceil’s prayers are confident and powerful, filled with scripture, rivaling the most spiritual people I know.
Not sure why, but oftentimes when I’m backing my car out of the driveway in the morning I get reminded of a hymn. When I do I try to run with it, singing the entire hymn once or twice. Hallelujah Thine the Glory was a recent one.
Extended periods of silence improves critical thinking for both parties in a discussion. Also known as letting God speak to you. Use the STOP method:
STOP what you’re doing, pause your thoughts.
TAKE deep breaths to center yourself
OBSERVE what is going on with our sensations, emotions, assumptions, and feelings.
PROCEED, incorporating what you’ve learned.
Low stress jobs for people with anxiety. Look for jobs with flexible deadlines and workspace. Freelance writing. Social media. Accounting. Computer programming. Librarian (few jobs). Dog trainer. Pet groomer. Landscaping. Forest ranger. School bus driver. Uber driver. Book store employee. Graphic designer. Court / Medical Proofreader / Transcriptionist. Retail / grocery restocking. Data entry. Web developer. Video editor. Virtual assistant.
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