"Time-Outs" Are Not Just for Grumpy Kids

My husband Richard and I are taking an extended "time-out" during the month of November.
So...

During this time-out, I plan to sleep as late as I want to every day. Ahhh. And I purpose to avoid TV, the phone, emails, all social media and the internet. Ahhh again! :) 

I'll enjoy God's creation, listen to nature, breathe deeply.

I'll relish someone else's cooking, take walks, explore, share fun adventures with Richard.

And pray with a less-anxious mind and a grateful heart. 

Taking a break to reflect, breathe and regroup is not only a good idea for super-active, grumpy, tired kids, but for super-vigilant, hard-working adults, as well!  

How do I know?

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After experiencing chronic heart palpitations, my doctor sent me to a physical therapist. His goal was to teach me how to alleviate my stress symptoms.

He suggested biofeedback to help me learn how to relax. Attaching me to a device, he showed me how to monitor my responses, and then left the room. Immediately my pulse quickened and my mind locked up. The meter on the machine flipped out of control. 

"Someone must be messing with the controls from the next room," I concluded. How I wanted out of the room!

Hey, I had a hard time relaxing. I not only felt it was a waste of time, I thought it was un-Christian. When forced to go against my beliefs, my mind sent out negative impulses and almost broke the machine!

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Gradually, I changed my beliefs about the value of relaxation techniques, and taking intentional time to slow down, re-group and cease from working or serving. 


I discovered God is not opposed to me "taking it easy" at times. In fact, God is pleased when I relax. 

What About You?

God takes joy in your "time-outs", too. You don't have to take a month-long time-out like I'm starting next week. Begin with just an hour or two. Just for fun. Regrouping. Relaxing. Adventure. 
What will you do for your next mini-time-out? When?

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PLEASE NOTE:
While I'm on vacation I'm grateful that my grown children will be holding down the fort at home and that my assistant Karen will be hosting 4 guest bloggers on my website:

• 11/4 Kathy Collard Miller (Book Give-Away Opp)
• 11/11 Jodi Shaw
• 11/18 Lucille Zimmerman (Free book drawing) 
• 12/2 Becky Johnson & Rachel Randolph (Free book drawing)

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