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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: STRESSED - Begins January 18 / Ends January 25 (01/18/18)
I love pressure. I love to work under pressure. I love to run so late that I’m scrambling to put on my clothes, brush my teeth, and my hair, all at the same time. I love to pack my lunch while I’m dressing the kiddos for their day. I love to blow a kiss in the air and tell them to ‘pass it on’! I really love it most when I’m so disheveled that as I’m doing all of these things, I’m barking out orders for the kids to pick up their rooms when they get home, or shouting at my husband to take out the trash… Said no one, ever.

Unfortunately, this is the scenario many mornings in my house. My husband is firm when it comes to his bed time. When the clock strikes a certain hour, he shuts down and goes to bed. That man can fall asleep quicker than anyone I know. I, however, feel a need for some ‘me’ time in the evenings, and end up playing a game on my cell phone or watching a movie. Finally, when I’m ready to go to sleep, I crawl into our bed, only to have my husband, who I lovingly call “Buzz Saw Louie”, snoring loudly in my ear. After I wake him and tell him to roll over, I’m able to fall asleep. Obviously, since I didn’t have enough sleep, I hit the snooze button way too many times. And so begins the events as described in the first paragraph!

Needless to say, starting your day this way leaves very little time to converse with the Father. I can just see him up there shaking his head at me. He waits patiently as I scramble to get us all out the door. Finally, whether I choose to ride the bus into work or drive myself, I have a few moments to be with my thoughts. It’s then I realize how crazy I make my own world. Nobody to blame but myself. On bad days, I like to have a major pity party and go down a list of reasons why life is so hard. I go through my other list of ‘if only’s’… “If only I were single with no young ones to look after…”, “If only I could get away for a vacation far, far away.” On my good days, like today, I say, “Forgive me Father for my selfishness.”

Our church is in the middle of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Fasting isn’t always about food. This time, I have chosen to ‘fast’ from negative thoughts. If those all too familiar words of the enemy creep into my mind, telling me how worthless I am, I rebuke them and replace them with thoughts that are uplifting. If I find my thoughts are leaning toward being critical of others, I stop them in their tracks. I’m only into the fourth day of my commitment, and I must tell you it has already lifted many heavy burdens from my heart. What can you fast from that might lessen your load? Is there something you can give up that may be hindering your communion with our heavenly Father? Give it a try. I feel so blessed today.
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This article has been read 716 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
LaVonne Wood
01/28/18
There are probably a lot of people that can relate to your story. Finding time alone with God is not easy in this fast pasted world. Blessings!
Jenny Fulton 
01/29/18
Great job presenting your real life example and the lessons you are learning. You actually had me thinking you were serious with the first couple of sentences ( since there are actually people who like and work well under pressure) until i realized the direction you were going. I enjoyed your challenge of fasting from negative thoughts.
Susan Montaperto
01/30/18
Thank you for showing how easy it is to get "caught up" in folly, while ignoring what the Lord has to offer us.

God Bless.

Deborah Porter 
02/02/18
Hello Lisa. Your entry has been highlighted in our new Someone to Watch showcase (posted in the forums, on Facebook, and Twitter). Keep rising to the Challenge. http://bit.ly/2DSNpaM Deb (FaithWriters and Breath of Fresh Air Press)
Noel Mitaxa 
02/02/18
Loved the natural flow of your story - though discovering that your first para was a tad short in honesty was a sad moment for me.
Thanks for a funny but challenging read, and congrats on your placing.
Noel Mitaxa 
02/02/18
Loved the natural flow of your story - though discovering that your first para was a tad short in honesty was a sad moment for me.
Thanks for a funny but challenging read, and congrats on your placing.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/02/18
You have a delightful sense of humor. I chuckled several times. The only red ink I have is tiny. You slipped from first person to the universal you in the opening of the third paragraph. Switching the word your to the would fix that. Your message is a great one, and something I think we all need to remember. You made me stop and think.
Congratulations for ranking 2nd in your level and 11th overall. Happy Dance!
Catrina Bradley
02/05/18
As I read the first paragraph, I recognized myself, except for the loving it part. Then I read on and laughed. Yep, this IS me. :D Great motivational writing! You connected with me in one of my weaknesses.
Rachel Rudd
02/07/18
I totally recognized the stress in the first paragraph. I couldn't understand how someone could love that until I realized that they didn't. :) Good, encouraging piece of writing! Congratulations on your well-deserved placing!