Life can be stressful. It is easy to get caught up in worrying about everything from major projects and day to day activities all the way down to small things.
This semester is by far the busiest one in college (however, it should be my last!) I am taking 18 class credit hours, which is broken down into seven classes. I am the industry information intern for Certified Angus Beef. I am a teaching assistant for an agricultural communications technical writing class, editor for the agricultural communications magazine and I continue to do a little freelance writing on the side.
During Christmas break, I made myself sick one afternoon thinking about having such a busy semester ahead of me. As I sat there, I thought to myself, ‘there is no way I’m going to survive with this mindset. Something has to change’.
In the book Power Thoughts, Joyce Meyer describes worrying like rocking back and forth in a rocking chair – “it’s always in motion and it keeps us busy, but it never gets us anywhere.”
Stress and worry are a waste of time and energy. The following are a few ways that I have learned through devotionals that help me to stay stress free this semester:
- I refuse thoughts that are not from God (and stress is definitely not from above!). We have control over what we spend our time thinking about and we do not have to let thoughts make their home in our mind.
- Reasoning is another word for worrying. I tend to try to help God out by going through different scenarios in my mind of how things could work. I’ve learned that this is a form of sin because I am not putting my confidence in God. Having faith and truly knowing that God is in control is an amazing feeling.
- In Power Thoughts (which I highly recommend!), the Power Thought #6 is, “I trust God completely; there is no need to worry!” When I feel a hint of stress creeping in, I say this in my mind over and over until it is gone.
- Joyce Meyer makes the statement, “The instant you begin to worry or feel anxious, give your concern to God in prayer. Release the weight of it and totally trust Him to either show you what to do or to take care of it Himself.”
- And one last thought – “There will always be situations that cause you concern, but with God’s help, you can live above all of them and enjoy life.”
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
“I” Statements
I’ve come to the realization that any time you are working with human beings, there is going to eventually be conflict. And I believe that until the day comes when we sit all alone and work with robots and computers we will have conflict with others. (In pondering the thought of working solely with robots and computers rather than people makes me think that a little conflict isn’t all that bad!)
I have a piece of advice for getting through a potentially tough subject with anyone – chose your words wisely.
As a journalist and agricultural communications student, I focus a lot on words. Why was this word chosen over that one? Could I rearrange this sentence and have the same meaning? What can I change to simplify this sentence?
I’ve learned to apply this same concept to how I talk to people in all situations whether it be a casual conversation or settling a disagreement. The old saying “Think before you speak” applies in all cases.
Use “I” statements.
Rather than saying, “You told me to.” Simply rephrase the sentence and say, “I understood that you wanted me to.”
Which would you respond better to?
In visiting with a friend whose boyfriend wouldn’t call every evening, I advised her to say, “I love to hear your voice before I fall asleep at night.” rather than, “You need to call me every night.”
The “I” statement applies because there is no finger pointing. It changes from a demand to a request.
While at home, it drives me up the wall when it is said, “Thank you, Kristen, for doing the dishes.” before we even get up from the dinner table. I would respond much better (and be much more willing to do more to help) if I was asked, “Kristen, I would really appreciate it if you would take a turn at the dishes tonight”.
I personally would rather choose to volunteer rather than be, as one of my good friends calls it, ‘voluntold’.
“I” statements apply to every relationship – friends, acquaintances, strangers, significant others and I would assume even within a marriage.
And one last thought – I’ve heard it said that when you are praying for a change in another person, it may just be you that needs a change of heart.
I challenge you to think before you speak and test the “I” statement. Let me know how it works for you!
I have a piece of advice for getting through a potentially tough subject with anyone – chose your words wisely.
As a journalist and agricultural communications student, I focus a lot on words. Why was this word chosen over that one? Could I rearrange this sentence and have the same meaning? What can I change to simplify this sentence?
I’ve learned to apply this same concept to how I talk to people in all situations whether it be a casual conversation or settling a disagreement. The old saying “Think before you speak” applies in all cases.
Use “I” statements.
Rather than saying, “You told me to.” Simply rephrase the sentence and say, “I understood that you wanted me to.”
Which would you respond better to?
In visiting with a friend whose boyfriend wouldn’t call every evening, I advised her to say, “I love to hear your voice before I fall asleep at night.” rather than, “You need to call me every night.”
The “I” statement applies because there is no finger pointing. It changes from a demand to a request.
While at home, it drives me up the wall when it is said, “Thank you, Kristen, for doing the dishes.” before we even get up from the dinner table. I would respond much better (and be much more willing to do more to help) if I was asked, “Kristen, I would really appreciate it if you would take a turn at the dishes tonight”.
I personally would rather choose to volunteer rather than be, as one of my good friends calls it, ‘voluntold’.
“I” statements apply to every relationship – friends, acquaintances, strangers, significant others and I would assume even within a marriage.
And one last thought – I’ve heard it said that when you are praying for a change in another person, it may just be you that needs a change of heart.
I challenge you to think before you speak and test the “I” statement. Let me know how it works for you!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Investing in Your Youth
The spring was always my favorite semester in high school. Stock shows, FFA judging contests and 4-H projects filled my afternoons and weekends. It also probably didn’t hurt that I knew that each passing day meant that summer break was one day closer.
In thinking back over my experiences through FFA & 4-H, I want to thank everyone that has ever helped support these organizations. Whether it was a donation of your time or assisting financially, it would not have been possible to do as much without your help.
There are some states, such as Ohio, that are beginning to phase out 4-H due to lack of funds. The non-profit program was established in 1902 and has the mission to empower youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. The pledge that is said at ever meeting is, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world. They have the motto of “To make the best better”.
The FFA program “is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education”.
FFA’s motto is “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve”.
These organizations are near and dear to my heart and it is sad to see a 4-H club closed down due to lack of funds or an agriculture program closed at a school (students must be enrolled in an AG class to be an FFA member). I have seen multiple students gain knowledge and skills that they have used throughout their lives as a result of these programs.
As a result of being a member of both 4-H and FFA, I have a coffee table I built, a prom dress, two quilts, 10 state contest certificates, the ability to cook, nearly all my college tuition paid for with agriculture scholarships and I have the confidence to stand up and lecture to a class of 100 plus students at Texas Tech.
January 22 is the county stock show where both FFA and 4-H students will be exhibiting their animals that they have been working with since August. I highly encourage everyone to go watch the show, buy a ticket to the BBQ dinner and stick around for the premium sale. For those who are there year after year, THANK YOU for all you do! Other ways to help the FFA and 4-H clubs include donating your skills, materials, time and donations are always appreciated as well.
Have a blessed week!
In thinking back over my experiences through FFA & 4-H, I want to thank everyone that has ever helped support these organizations. Whether it was a donation of your time or assisting financially, it would not have been possible to do as much without your help.
There are some states, such as Ohio, that are beginning to phase out 4-H due to lack of funds. The non-profit program was established in 1902 and has the mission to empower youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. The pledge that is said at ever meeting is, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world. They have the motto of “To make the best better”.
The FFA program “is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education”.
FFA’s motto is “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve”.
These organizations are near and dear to my heart and it is sad to see a 4-H club closed down due to lack of funds or an agriculture program closed at a school (students must be enrolled in an AG class to be an FFA member). I have seen multiple students gain knowledge and skills that they have used throughout their lives as a result of these programs.
As a result of being a member of both 4-H and FFA, I have a coffee table I built, a prom dress, two quilts, 10 state contest certificates, the ability to cook, nearly all my college tuition paid for with agriculture scholarships and I have the confidence to stand up and lecture to a class of 100 plus students at Texas Tech.
January 22 is the county stock show where both FFA and 4-H students will be exhibiting their animals that they have been working with since August. I highly encourage everyone to go watch the show, buy a ticket to the BBQ dinner and stick around for the premium sale. For those who are there year after year, THANK YOU for all you do! Other ways to help the FFA and 4-H clubs include donating your skills, materials, time and donations are always appreciated as well.
Have a blessed week!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Year’s Resolution: Staying Fit
It is always interesting to hear people’s New Year’s Resolutions. ‘Lose weight’ and ‘get fit’ are very common goals for the new year.
I enjoy staying in shape but I don’t like spending hours at a gym. Here is what I recommend:
Get Fit Daily Dozen – 12 moves in 12 minutes by Denise Austin for those who want to start a daily workout plan. While at school, I set my alarm just a little earlier and I use my laptop to play the DVD and use a small space in my room to workout.
The great thing about this workout DVD is the fact that it is short and sweet. Each day of the week is different including cardio – athletic fat blast, lower body sculpt and abs, cardio kickbox burn, upper body sculpt and abs, and yoga on the weekend. Small hand weights are recommended for a few of the workouts.
For those who have been working out and have some endurance built up or for someone who is looking for a challenge, I recommend 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.
I just started this workout video and it is intense! There are three levels with each featuring the 3-2-1 interval system which mixes strength, cardio and abs. The 20 minute workout starts with a good warm-up, three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute of abs then this is repeated two more times with different moves for each category. To end the workout session, Jillian shows stretches to keep the body in good condition.
If neither of these sound fun, go for a walk. We are having a very warm winter so throw on a light jacket and go exploring.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse is focused on sexual purity, but I believe it is applicable to how we use our bodies overall. It is important to be healthy through eating right and exercising and that is exactly what my New Year’s Resolution is – to keep my body in a condition that is proper and pleasing to God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I enjoy staying in shape but I don’t like spending hours at a gym. Here is what I recommend:
Get Fit Daily Dozen – 12 moves in 12 minutes by Denise Austin for those who want to start a daily workout plan. While at school, I set my alarm just a little earlier and I use my laptop to play the DVD and use a small space in my room to workout.
The great thing about this workout DVD is the fact that it is short and sweet. Each day of the week is different including cardio – athletic fat blast, lower body sculpt and abs, cardio kickbox burn, upper body sculpt and abs, and yoga on the weekend. Small hand weights are recommended for a few of the workouts.
For those who have been working out and have some endurance built up or for someone who is looking for a challenge, I recommend 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.
I just started this workout video and it is intense! There are three levels with each featuring the 3-2-1 interval system which mixes strength, cardio and abs. The 20 minute workout starts with a good warm-up, three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute of abs then this is repeated two more times with different moves for each category. To end the workout session, Jillian shows stretches to keep the body in good condition.
If neither of these sound fun, go for a walk. We are having a very warm winter so throw on a light jacket and go exploring.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
This verse is focused on sexual purity, but I believe it is applicable to how we use our bodies overall. It is important to be healthy through eating right and exercising and that is exactly what my New Year’s Resolution is – to keep my body in a condition that is proper and pleasing to God.
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Trusting God
Christmas has passed and New Year’s is upon us. It’s so great to hear people saying that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ around the holidays, but as soon as Christmas is over, does Jesus go back in the box with the decorations?
I’m guilty of this also – we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and then the next week we look to New Year’s and what we want to do or change in the upcoming year. How amazing could 2011 be if we remember that Jesus is the reason for every season?
If we expect God to do a little, He can do a little. If we don’t expect Him to do anything, He won’t do anything because Jesus says, According to your faith will it be done to you (Matthew 9:29).
In 2011, what are you going to put your trust in – yourself, education, the economy or another person? Or are you going to trust God, the Creator and King of the Most High?
Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34 says ~ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I challenge you to trust God entirely – with all you have – in 2011 and keep Jesus as a part of your everyday life, then watch what he does in your life. I look forward to seeing and hearing about amazing things!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
I’m guilty of this also – we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and then the next week we look to New Year’s and what we want to do or change in the upcoming year. How amazing could 2011 be if we remember that Jesus is the reason for every season?
If we expect God to do a little, He can do a little. If we don’t expect Him to do anything, He won’t do anything because Jesus says, According to your faith will it be done to you (Matthew 9:29).
In 2011, what are you going to put your trust in – yourself, education, the economy or another person? Or are you going to trust God, the Creator and King of the Most High?
Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34 says ~ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I challenge you to trust God entirely – with all you have – in 2011 and keep Jesus as a part of your everyday life, then watch what he does in your life. I look forward to seeing and hearing about amazing things!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Why Jesus is better than Santa Claus
Santa lives at the North Pole… Jesus is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh… Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year… Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stocking with goodies… Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa… Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap… Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all the can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… Jesus knew our name before we were born… not only does He know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… Jesus has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is Ho Ho Ho… Jesus offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, “You better not cry”… Jesus says “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys… Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but… Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree… Jesus became our gift and died on a tree… the cross.
Put Christ back in Christmas… Jesus is still the reason for the season!
I pray that God fills your heart with the love and joy that only His Son can bring this Christmas season. Have a blessed Christmas!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Santa rides in a sleigh… Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year… Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stocking with goodies… Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa… Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap… Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all the can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… Jesus knew our name before we were born… not only does He know our name, he knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… Jesus has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is Ho Ho Ho… Jesus offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, “You better not cry”… Jesus says “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys… Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but… Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree… Jesus became our gift and died on a tree… the cross.
Put Christ back in Christmas… Jesus is still the reason for the season!
I pray that God fills your heart with the love and joy that only His Son can bring this Christmas season. Have a blessed Christmas!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What if Mary had said ‘No’?
From Luke 1:26-38 ~ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
What if Mary would have said “no” to the angel that appeared to her to announce that Jesus, the Son of the Most High, would be born through her? God has given us free will to choose what we do.
In verse 29, it Luke says that Mary was troubled. What if she would have dwelled on her concern wondering why she was chosen or worrying about all the details? What if she had told the angel that she would have to pray about it and get back to him?
As humans, we want to reason things out. We want to know the who, what, when, where, why and how of every situation.
God may not use us to bring His One and Only Son into the world, but He does use us to do His will. Have we missed some of God’s opportunities because we were reluctant to know it was the Holy Spirit leading us?
My personal prayer this week, and I hope you will adopt it as one of your own, is that I be more like Mary. When I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, my answer will automatically be, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
What if Mary would have said “no” to the angel that appeared to her to announce that Jesus, the Son of the Most High, would be born through her? God has given us free will to choose what we do.
In verse 29, it Luke says that Mary was troubled. What if she would have dwelled on her concern wondering why she was chosen or worrying about all the details? What if she had told the angel that she would have to pray about it and get back to him?
As humans, we want to reason things out. We want to know the who, what, when, where, why and how of every situation.
God may not use us to bring His One and Only Son into the world, but He does use us to do His will. Have we missed some of God’s opportunities because we were reluctant to know it was the Holy Spirit leading us?
My personal prayer this week, and I hope you will adopt it as one of your own, is that I be more like Mary. When I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, my answer will automatically be, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Have a blessed week!
To contact Kristen, email her at kristen_odom@hotmail.com or send a letter to The Wellington Leader, Attn: Kristen’s Corner, Box 992, Wellington, TX 79095.
Happy Trails & God Bless!
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