I wrote earlier this week about this summer being so hectic.  Chaos may be an even better word to describe it.  We won't rehearse the long line of complaints again but just keep moving along.  There are lots of reasons why the last few months are not fun and most of them are self inflicted.  The problem really is not the problem.  The real problem is me.  How you and I cope with our issues is the definitive word on how we get through them.  It is actually the measure on if we get through them at all.  We know that life happens in our mind.  Translating that into real world time is our main crisis. 

Let me confess to far too much anger this summer.  Not much of that anger was righteous either.  No doubt the blogger is to be above such emotion plus have all of the answers but not so with this one.  My anger is global over how events in the world do not go the way I want.  It is anger over the stock market and the oil prices bouncing around like a pinball game.  There is anger over the direction of our country.  We don't elect people to get things done anymore but choose candidates to stop anything we fail to approve.  There is anger over personal things such as schedules that get out of control.  This doesn't begin to cover the anger directed at me and by me.  My recent doctor visits were no help obviously.  Getting older isn't a bother but doing it with bumps in the road make me crazy.  All of this furor does not help spiritually nor does it make one healthy.  Just take my word on that one.

So what can the all wise blogger say to you?  Maybe a better question is do you want to know after that list of issues.  The good news is God keeps trying to get my attention to change my heart in terms of coping.  This may not be easy and it may take time but my intent is to let all of the anger go that is self inflicted.  Here are a few rough sketch ideas I am gathering so far.

• There is one God in the universe and I am not Him.  When you yield to the myth of control then you forget the real purpose of being.  Look to God so He becomes holy through your choices.
• The stress of wanting what you want when you want it is far less than praying for His best in your world.  Desiring your wants leads to demanding which leaves you no room for God's best.
• Learn to live in and trust in how God provides.  He can bring His very best even in those places you see as the very worst. 
• Make real sure you don't let bad relationships dictate your emotions.  Some may be in the past and some in the present but they can destroy your future if not given to God.
• All forms of evil should be avoided.  We tend to isolate our sin as whatever is bugging us now.  Make sure you are open to God working in other related areas of your life.
• Remember that your purpose is to honor God as you make your journey.  You cannot do this weighed down with emotion, defiance or a lack of repentance.  Change may be hard but that peace of God is greatly better than the alternative.  God is a creative God with unlimited power.  So keep looking to Him each day for His strength and courage.

Bro. Trey