In This Issue
4 Ways to Feel Less Stressed and More Blessed
Upcoming Event
Book Give Away

4 Ways to Feel Less Stressed
and More Blessed



We struggle as we juggle the demands of our typical schedules plus the added demands of Christmas preparations such as decorating, shopping, sending cards, wrapping gifts or baking cookies. Although it's impossible to eliminate stress, these four suggestions will add more peace and joy to your holidays.
 
1. Accept your limits. 
Be realistic. Research shows the majority of us are really only productive for about four hours a day. Surprised? I was. Choose which holiday traditions are most significant to you, and then have the courage to adjust your schedule accordingly. Say no to everything else.
 
2. Take time for rest. 
Vance Havner said, "The Bible has as much to say about resting as about working. Our Lord would have us to come apart and rest awhile, for if we don't we will just come apart!" Adequate sleep and times of quiet do wonders in reducing our stress.
           
3. Remember what matters most.
We may desire fresh greens with scented candles, an array of homemade holiday desserts, and beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree, but special times with family and friends are the memories that will be cherished. It's all about relationships. 
 
4. Refocus on Jesus.
When my son Kyle was about 10 years old, he said, "Mom, the devil really has to work harder at Christmas, doesn't he?"
 
I was absorbed in wrapping the last of the Christmas gifts, and I didn't understand what he meant.
 
"I mean," he said, "with more stories and songs about Jesus this time of year, if you didn't believe in him, wouldn't you at least think about him?"
 
I stopped working and smiled. His comment helped me refocus on the greatest present of all, the precious gift of Jesus.
           
If the cares of Christmas are distracting you, remember to be grateful for the gift you have already. Refocus on Jesus. Remember what matters most. Take time for rest and accept your limits. When you do, you will feel less stressed and more blessed!  


 

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 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27, NIV
 

  

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UPCOMING EVENT

 
March18-20, 2016 at Sandy Cove Conference Center


I will be keynoting a cancer survivor weekend for women called Alive!

Whether a woman is now cancer-free or newly diagnosed, the weekend is for survivors and the women in their lives who support them. Consider giving one woman this weekend as a special gift!
 
*An Opportunity to Give*

Mourning Glory Ministries is offering several scholarships and partial scholarships for the Alive event!  If you know someone who would like to attend but does not have the money, have them email Georgia@GeorgiaShaffer.com for details of how to apply. 

If you would like to contribute to help one woman attend, mail your tax deductible donation to:
 
Mourning Glory Ministries
PO Box 3113
York PA 17402-0113 

Mourning Glory Ministries is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit corporation. You will be sent a charitable contribution receipt.


BOOK GIVE AWAY



Build a Beautiful Life
Out of Broken Pieces  
by Kris Reece
We all have broken pieces in our lives: a dysfunctional or failed relationship, abuse, addiction, anger, anxiety. While no one gets off without experiencing some hurt in this life, you don't have to remain trapped by the wounds of your past.

In this powerful book, Kris Reece guides you through practical solutions to overcoming the negative thoughts and patterns of your past. With a mix of inspirational real-life examples, practical exercises and Biblical teachings, you will learn how to rewrite your story--first in your own mind and heart, and then in the circumstances of your life. Don't let another day go by stuck in frustration and brokenness. Your beautiful life is closer than you think.

To win this book, please e-mail your name and mailing address to:
 
 
by December 22, 2015 and you will be entered to win!  
 
(If you win, we will announce your name in January's newsletter)

April Chapel from Alabama 
 was the winner of the previous Give Away.