Happy New Year

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and I wish you all a very happy New Year. The calendar of programs for the upcoming year year is in the planning process. Stay tuned!

Reduce Stress at the Holidays

In the midst of holiday demands, try to care for yourself by making one small healthy choice a day. A few simple suggestions: Laugh. It's impossible to be stressed when you are laughing. Get moving. Exercise is not only a good distraction, it also boosts norepinephrine levels, which researchers believe help modulate stress. Meditate. Stress increases the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, which causes dangerous plaque buildup in the atreries. Meditation has been known to lessen these levels. Take a mini-vacation.Our brains are not wired to be on all the time and our bodies aren't meant to be stimulated 18 hours a day. We need to have time to just stare at the waves. You don't even have to travel- just turn off your cell phone and avoid e-mail for half a day. It will make you feel as if you're on vacation without leaving home. Happy Holidays!

Blood Pressure Screening/Helping Hands

Blood Pressure Screening this Sunday, December 11th between the 8:45 and 11:00 services.

We could all use a little extra help during the holidays. But I promise you, there is someone out there that needs it more. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.

Giving the Perfect Gift

If you are like me, it is always difficult to know what to get someone when you want to give them a gift. Giving just the right gift takes knowing a person well, takes time to look for the right thing and takes money to pay for the gift. Recently I read the following clip and was reminded of some of the best gifts we can give.
The best gifts we can give are:
To a friend- loyalty
To your enemy- forgiveness
To your boss- service and honesty
To your child- a good example
To your parents- gratitude and devotion
To your spouse- love and faithfulness
To all men and women- charity
To your God- your life.

Holidays can be stressful. Take time to care for yourself. Please join the Redeemed Caregivers on Thursday, Dec.9th at 7:00 P.M in the Grace House for an informative speaker on "relaxation". She will be sharing lots of tips to help you relax and enjoy the holiday!

 

Blood Pressure Screening

It's that time again!
Blood pressure screening will be available this Sunday, November 14,
between the 8:45 and 11:00 services.

National Caregiver's Month

November is National Caregiver's Month.

Many of us find ourselves in the role of caregiving these days. Perhaps a family member has been diagnosed with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's disease or a physical disease. Caregiving is a long and hard full-time job. How can you, the caregiver, care for yourself? Stay physically fit: get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and take an exercise break. Stay emotionally healthy: take breaks from caregiving, keep laughter in your life, call a friend, ask for help,take time out to be social, and hang onto hobbies. Reduce stress before stress happens: go for a walk, listen to music, and take some deep breaths. Use prayer as a resource.Talk to God on the spot! Remember, you are not the general manager of the universe. That's God's job. Join a support group, such as our very on St. Mark's Redeemed Caregivers.

On Thursday, November 11, the Redeemed Caregiver's will meet at 7:00 in the Grace House to hear a wonderful speaker give tips, encouragement and advice on caregiving. Please give yourself a break and join us.