I'm Stressed by Back to School!

Transitioning seasons is always stressful.  Finishing one thing while starting another is just plain difficult!  We're transitioning seasons here at CCC as well, and, by nature, it can be stressful.  Here's 3 ways to reduce the stress of everyone involved in your faith community.

1. Take ownership of knowing where you plug in at church.  Take the initiative to figure out now where you and each member of your family will be plugging into church activities throughout the fall.  Balance your schedule by asking, "Am I plugging into a smaller community of believers that can sharpen me?" and "Am I loving others by serving?"
   
   
2. Make sure your schedule is realistic.  This one is tough for me personally.  Overcommitting is the fastest way to feeling guilty.  Say no now and feel temporary guilt or feel guilty again and again as you find yourself unable to keep a commitment.  This is closely tied with your priorities.  Will your spiritual development be a priority you commit to or something you will feel guilty for not being able to keep your commitment to?
   
   
3. PRAY! Pray for Joe, Rodney, Blake, Kari Jo, and Billy.  Pray for the teachers and leaders of your families groups.  Pray for your kids.  It doesn't have to be a beautifully developed prayer.  A simple, "God guide ______ to live his/her life for you today, and give him/her the wisdom to make decisions that honor you." will do
   

As my mom always told me, "We're too blessed to be stressed!"

Taking Root,

Blake