There will always be stress in life: Work stress or being unemployed, financial problems, parenting challenges, physical/health issues, relationship issues...the list could go on and on. The question is, will we allow those challenges to define and consume us, or will we realize life is happening in the midst of the challenges and we can't wait for life to get easier to live it. It is our choice every day whether or not we take care of ourselves in spite of our difficulties.

I ...

There will always be stress in life: Work stress or being unemployed, financial problems, parenting challenges, physical/health issues, relationship issues...the list could go on and on. The question is, will we allow those challenges to define and consume us, or will we realize life is happening in the midst of the challenges and we can't wait for life to get easier to live it. It is our choice every day whether or not we take care of ourselves in spite of our difficulties.

I have faced a lot of challenges in the last couple years:
husband unemployed
working 3 jobs to try to make ends meet
possible loss of my own primary job
parenting two teenage boys
son being expelled from school and facing legal charges
mortgage and housing challenges
financial and debt challenges
parent with Alzheimer's
tennis elbow and a herniated disk in my neck
While these may be valid reasons why life can be difficult, I used them as excuses. I had "too much on my plate" to focus on taking care of myself and, of course, had the sympathy of others agreeing with me. The thing is, none of these things really "excused" me from anything. While I temporarily felt like my burden was lightened with not having to exercise or take time to plan healthy meals, the consequences of those choices quickly caught up with me, and I regained 75 pounds and my health deteriorated. I finally woke up and decided to stop being a victim to my circumstances. I may not be able to do everything perfectly all the time, but I can at least do something every day to take better care of myself and improve my health.

So, just because life throws a couple of curve balls, that's no reason to fofeit the game. In this game called life, the only ones who lose are the ones that forfeit. Stay in the game and do something good for yourself every day. When life gets crazy, call out to your "team" for support, and most of all, stay connected to your "coach." Whatever you do, don't walk off the field!

My name is Anita, and I chose the screen name Case4Grace because I consider myself a case for God's grace. He is my Coach, and with Him I know all things are possible no matter how difficult they might seem.

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Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ~ Romans 12:12

Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. ~ Edward Eggleston

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ~ Galatians 6:9

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. ~ Confucius

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.~ James 1:12

Read More About CASE4GRACE (Updated February 17)

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