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How’s everyone doing during these very stressful times? We’re almost four months into the quarantine and now we have protests throughout the country and world. A pandemic and civil unrest simultaneously. It’s a lot to process. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had many sleepless nights wondering ‘where do we go from here’?
I find myself praying for patience, wisdom, and guidance daily. I pray for the health and safety of the people who are near and dear to my heart constantly. I knew that I was blessed before the COVID-19 pandemic, but this event has reminded me how tremendously blessed I am. The time on lockdown have given me with an abundance of time for reflection.
The Serenity Prayer has always been a favorite prayer of mine. In the past several weeks, I have sought the solace and comfort this prayer offers more than ever before. There are several versions but the original dates back to the early 1930’s.
The Serenity Prayer
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
What are some of the coping mechanisms you utilize in times of extreme stress? High blood pressure, heart attacks, depression, lower immunity and anxiety have all been linked to stress. My stress relievers include interacting with my animals, talking with my Dad, praying and walking. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine recommends five stress-busters.
5 Ways to Relieve Stress
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Eating Healthy - Eating whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats will help to regulate and lower stress hormones in your body.
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Shaking & Dancing - Exercise releases endorphins which help to alleviate stress.
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Get A Good Night’s Sleep – The optimal amount of sleep is 7-8 hours. A well-rested individual is better equipped to handle life’s stressors.
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Guided Imagery – Visualizing positive, relaxing images is an effective tool for stress relief.
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Breathe – Deep breathing slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relieves stress. Meditation aids in relaxing and remaining calm.
The next time you are feeling overwhelmed by these tumultuous times in the world, try using some of these stress relieving techniques. You may be surprised by how well they work. We need to be kind to ourselves and others because everyone is dealing with unprecedented and extremely stressful events.
Erica E. Turner
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Spaghetti Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles broken in half
- 1 cup quartered and sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 2/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cup homemade or store bought Italian dressing
- salt and pepper to taste
- toss, chill & serve
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Thank you, Ms. Wanda (D4), for sharing this simple, delicious and nutritious recipe.
SARA FELTNER JULY 5TH
JARED TOWNES JULY 9TH
BARBARA NICHOLS JULY 16TH
MARY WHITLOCK JULY 21ST
SUSAN HUGHES JULY 26TH
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INDEPENDENCE DAY, SATURDAY, JULY 4TH
TAX DAY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH
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My canine kids are Eva LaRue (left) , who is 14 years old and Rusty LaRue (below), who is 6 years old. They fill my life with laughter, love and joy. Having two Jack Russell Terriers guarantees that there is never a dull moment in the Turner household. Eva has the personality of a cat. She is aloof, independent and anti-social. I only see her when it's dinnertime or she wants to go outside. Rusty is my stalker. He must be touching me, laying on me or watching me at all times. I've considered taking an EPO out against him to get him to leave me alone.
Eva enjoys leaving the room when Rusty and I enter it, and then returning once we have left. I don't think she likes either one of us very much. Rusty couldn't care less about his sister's likes or dislikes. His primary concern is annoying watching me at all times. His favorite thing to do is sleep on my stomach when I lay on the couch reading, especially after I have eaten a large meal.
I couldn't imagine my life without my canine companions. Anyone who knows me knows there is very little I wouldn't do for the welfare of my canine kids. They are my heart.
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“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
Erica E. Turner
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CHANELLE SMITH JULY 20TH
NORMA MADDOX JULY 21ST
SCOTT HARRINGTON JULY 22ND
More people speak Mandarin Chinese than any other language.
In a room of 23 people, there is a 50% chance that two of the people in the room will share a birthday.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll llantysiliogogogoch is the hardest to pronounce town in the world – it is in Wales.
North Korea and Cuba are the only places you can't buy Coca-Cola.
There are more twins now than ever before.
Indonesia is home to some of the shortest people in the world.
The coldest temperature ever recorded was -144 degrees Fahrenheit.
Japan is the world's most earthquake-prone country.
There are only two countries with names that begin with "The."
New Zealand has the highest concentration of pet owners on the planet.
I pray for peace in the streets of every city in our country. Peace for all the countries marching in solidarity for the equality of all people. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect everyone deserves. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Erica E. Turner
EQUALITY IS THE SOUL OF LIBERTY;
THERE IS, IN FACT,
NO LIBERTY WITHOUT IT.
- FRANCES WRIGHT
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