Thankful Thursday ~ Stress Relief

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
(Colossians 3:15 ESV)

Do you have ways to combat stress at home, at work, at school? I have several ways to combat stress; here are my top three:

1. I have one of my Bibles and some index cards in my desk at work. It depends on how my day goes (concerning stress), I use either one, or both. The index cards I use to write out Scripture passages and pin in my cube, right in front of me. Believe me, over the years I have written quite a few Scripture passages on index cards and they are now in my prayer book. The index cards I also use when I want to encourage co-workers; I write a Scripture passage for them to pin in their cube 😉

2. I know I have shared this often here, but I LOVE music!!! My current favorite album is “Burning Lights” by Chris Tomlin. I would say that I listen to it at least twice a day during my 8-hour-workday. The other day as I was listening to the last song, I started bawling my eyes out (another stress relief – ha). Although the lyrics are simple, but that day, the beginning went straight to the heart: “I’m no hero of the faith, I’m not as strong as I once thought I was…” I know, simple words, but the truth.

3. A very HOT shower before going to bed. Tonight is one of those nights! Number 1 and 2 got me through the day, but now the pain in my neck is so bad, that only hot water can release the tightness in my muscles.

I am very thankful for all the above; they help me to stay focused and not lash out when under stress.

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: there are many ways to stay focused and not lash out when stressed.

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Pia’s Journal
2. Jerry and Danielle’s Life in Kenya
3. LaughingLady
4. Heather @ Living In the Moment
5. bp
6. Daily Journey
7. The Gloria
8. On the Quilt (A Great Date!)
9. Sing for Joy!
10. Rapture to Heaven: Triplets of Eternity
11. Pamela of the Songs on the Way

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Thankful Thursday ~ Family

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
(Psalm 9:1 ESV)

So, the holidays are all over for 2012. I have to say that this year Christmas was double special for me. Not only was I able to chat with my sweet sister and niece in Germany via Skype, but also our one and only son celebrated with us yesterday. It really is a long story and the past is in the past.

German DinnerI made one of our son’s favorite meals: rouladen, red cabbage and dumplings 🙂 …I hadn’t made it in such a long time (the picture is from February 2011) that I wasn’t sure I can get it all together. But yeah, I did!!! Not only was the food good, but also the company.

It was so great to eat, talk, and laugh as a family once again. We even went for a walk together (after the apple pie of course). All I could do this morning was thanking God for the time we had as a family yesterday.

Sometimes we have differences in our families, but Christmas is the best time to put those differences aside and allow God to work in our hearts.

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: through God’s love differences can be overcome.

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. One Thing I Never Want To Forget
2. Bethany
3. Heather@Living In The Moment
4. Stewards
5. 2013-My list of 10
6. Hope, I Can if I Will
7. LaughingLady
8. Pamela @ the Songs on the Way
9. Highly Favored
10. The How to Blog
11. The End of a Momentous Year

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Thankful Thursday ~ Erin & Photography

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
(Colossians 3:15 ESV)

I had mentioned last week that I am getting back into portrait photography. I have been very busy over the past 4 weeks. Now I have to find a way how to make this a full-time occupation. I have some ideas, but it takes time to really get going when you work full-time in accounting.

This week, I want to share about Erin and how thankful I am to have her in my life. Even though we don’t see each other (actually we met only once in person), Erin has become my mentor. For me personally, Erin is the best portrait photographer in town. Especially when it comes to children and wedding photography. When you have time, please check out her website: Erin McFarland Photography.

You might say: “but Erin is competition”. Not really; you see the Valley of the Sun is very big and there is room for many photographers. Not only is Erin a fantastic photographer, but also a beautiful woman of God.

This upcoming weekend Erin has given me a huge gift; she is allowing me to shadow her at a wedding photo shoot. Not only can I see her in action, but I will be able to photograph too. How cool is that?!? I am very excited and especially thankful about this opportunity.

So, Erin McFarland, this week I am particular thankful for you and your generosity. You have cheered me on since I started with photography and you are a huge encourager. So, thank you!!!

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: be thankful for the people God has placed in your life; not all of them are competition.

Love & peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Kathleen – The Joyful Servant 🙂
2. It Feels Like Chaos
3. Admired
4. LaughingLady
5. Pamela @ the Songs on the Way
6. Vintage Homemaker
7. How to Have Perfect Peace in Every Trial
8. Bethany
9. What Gifts Will You Bring Him?
10. This I say to my fears…
11. Who cooked the meal at the Last Supper?

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Thankful Thursday ~ New Adventures

    Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
(Proverbs 3:5 ESV)

I literally had to dust off my blog; the last entry is from September. Yikes!!! But none the less, I am back :)…

The last couple of months have been nothing but a new adventure. As you may recall, I was blessed to go back home in October. Oh, what a splendid time I had with my family. It was great to wake up at my mom’s home; having coffee and breakfast together. I believe that she also enjoyed my company. Here are some pictures of our day in Hamburg 🙂 …My mom, my aunt and me had had a great time!!!

(my mom is the lady on your right, my aunt behind her and me behind the camera)

After my vacation in Germany, I decided to return to portrait photography. I had stopped for over a year (had some not so nice comments about my work). My heart is in portrait photography, and with God’s help I will make it this time around. I have to trust Him and step out in faith!!!

Next week I will be sharing a little more about my portrait photography and work I am thankful for.

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: don’t lean on your own understanding, but trust God with your path.

Love and peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. God will provide!
2. Pamela @ the Songs on the Way
3. It Feels Like Chaos
4. LaughingLady
5. Take it Off
6. Vintage Homemaker
7. Jess @ Homestead For Him
8. Bethany
9. Kathleen – The Joyful Servant 🙂
10. Lauren @ The How to Blog
11. The Glamorous Life of a French Housewife
12. Praise Break
13. Christ’s Crucifixion: Triplets of Sacrifice

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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