How to Stop Worrying: 3 Powerful Ways to Find Peace

Worry loves to fight in my brain the first moment of the day. I’ve spent years learning how to stop worrying. If the outside world is bright, my brain rings with peace. But if circumstances are scary, my brain goes off like a bobcat in a hen house!

Watchful bobcat illustrating worry
Bobcat staring anxiously in the hen house / Doovi

Reading the obituary of a good friend reminded me how suddenly life can change.

John Pitman was diagnosed with glioblastoma. He died 14 months later at 68.

Jeffrey Weiss, a business reporter for the Dallas Morning News, died of the same disease.

He documented his diagnosis and treatment in his newspaper columns.

One of Jeff’s final columns made me wonder how he faced the fear of dying.

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How to Stop Worrying: 3 Powerful Ways to Find Peace

Camp Mystic Flood: How to Transform Your Loss into Life-Changing Redemption

One year after the Camp Mystic flood, the devastating losses of July 4, 2025, still reverberate across Texas and beyond.

At the gym today, I saw an interview with three dads who lost their daughters in the flood, sharing how and why they maintain their unwavering faith in God.

Twenty-eight people at Camp Mystic died in that flood, including 25 campers, two counselors, and camp director Dick Eastland.

Across Central Texas, the catastrophic flooding claimed at least 137 lives.

The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in less than an hour at dawn on July 4, 2025.

This is worse than a 100-year flood event, according to experts.

Approximately 100 billion gallons of rain fell on Kerr County, more than the daily flow of Niagara Falls.

Camp Mystic flood aftermath
Cabin where 20 girls went missing on July 5, 2025, in the Guadalupe River flood/Ronaldo Schemidt/gettyimages

Is it possible to storm-proof the future?

And later, loss?

Some folks say it’s never wise to camp by a river, especially one in the middle of “Flash Flood Alley,” where historic floods in August 1978 and July 1987 caused multiple fatalities.

But I think it’s fair to say there’s no place in the world to camp without risks.

An old Spanish proverb says, “There is no home which does not at some time know its hush.”

Three decisive steps may set a healing course for anyone drowning in tragedy.

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Camp Mystic Flood: How to Transform Your Loss into Life-Changing Redemption

Overwhelming fear? This phone call from God levels chaos

You fear what lies ahead.  Why?  I am here with you now, and I am with you always.  How do you know?  The sky, air, light, and creatures mirror my presence.

God wipes out fear
Phone call from God at Lake Athens, November 2019/©Steve Blaising

I formed all of these and surround you every day, calling out to you.  Yes, I can manage your cares.  Bring them to me.  Allow me to help you.  Name them and talk with me about each one.  Follow me no matter how hard your trials.  I love you, and I will lead you through all of them.  I will set your feet upon a rock.  Let me lift you out of the slimy pit.  I will put a new song in your heart. Trust me. Here’s how.

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Overwhelming fear? This phone call from God levels chaos

Experience daily bliss and capture inner calm in a breathtaking prayer garden

My prayer garden removes heavy burdens. It’s easier than you think to find a beautiful garden and spend a few minutes there every day.

Some mornings I drive to this landscape of cascading white roses for a devotional time.

Prayer garden opens doors
Looking past barriers from your prayer garden/Steve Blaising/Highland Park, TX, 9/10/2023

At 7:00 am hardly anyone is stirring except birds and rabbits.

Most of the time, the weather co-operates, and I put the top down on my old sports car.   

I drive slowly as the morning light bathes my soul.  

Good morning, Steve.  Here’s another day of magnificent colors, just for you.  I’ll see you in the garden.

This year has been tough, as Judy and I have wrestled with various health maladies. 

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Experience daily bliss and capture inner calm in a breathtaking prayer garden