Zap Them!

#Jesus, #inspiration, peaceThe deal was too good to resist, so we didn’t! End of season sales can yield some amazing bargains. That’s how we ended up with an electronic bug zapper.

The mosquitoes were no longer a bother but we had more than our share of pesky flies. On a September weekend my husband and I headed to our trailer and brought the zapper along to try it out.

We were able to sit outside and enjoy a meal with fewer disturbances than normal from these annoying insects. The occasional crackle sound means there was one less to bother us.

I thought about this device and wondered what was capable of zapping away my doubts and fears; all those pesky negative thoughts that swarm around in my mind. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to dispose of them this easily? Something that would eliminate them before they became a problem would be wonderful.

Actually, I don’t need a device to take care of this. All I need Jesus. When I call on him, he is faithful to calm my mind and leave me with a peace that eliminates the worries of this world.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NLT)

Is Your Heart Healthy?

#God, #inspiration, prayer“I feel fine,” I said to my doctor, “just thought the changes to my family medical history should be brought to you attention.”

When the heart disease of past generations started affecting my siblings I decided it was time for me to be proactive.

No problems were found in the initial tests but as a precaution, I was referred for a cardiac risk assessment, which included a stress test.

This made me think of the stress I’ve had in my life. Most of it was self-imposed. When I focus on negative things I cause myself stress. This can be hard on me both physically and mentally.

Thinking of only positive things can be quite a challenge. I used to worry about many things that were out of my control. When I started bringing these troubling thoughts to God, my life became more peaceful. Praying about my worries reduced my stress. I will freely admit that I haven’t perfected this. The good news is, the more I do it, the easier it becomes.

I have learned the benefits of consciously searching for the blessings God has surrounded me with. My attitude of gratitude is what will keep my heart and mind healthy.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

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