A man was pushing a shopping cart containing a screaming, thrashing, bouncing baby boy through a supermarket.  The man kept repeating such admonitions as, "Don't yell, Brian.  Calm down, Brian.  Don't get excited, Brian."

A woman standing next to him said, "You certainly are to be commended, young man, for trying to soothe your son Brian."

The man looked at her and said soberly, "Lady, I'm Brian!"

I'm confident that those of you who are parents can relate to this (and those of you who aren't parents need only borrow someone's child for a day or two to be able to relate!).  Sometimes we need a little admonition to calm our souls, even if it is self-administered.

Feeling a little stressed? Try this:

"Answer me when I pray to you, my God who does what is right. Make things easier for me when I am in trouble. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer..... The LORD listens when I pray to him .....Think about these things quietly as you go to bed.  Do what is right as a sacrifice to theLORD and trust the LORD.  Many people ask, 'Who will give us anything good?' LORD, be kind to us.  But you have made me very happy, happier than they are, even with all their grain and new wine.  I go to bed and sleep in peace, because, LORD, only you keep me safe."
(Psalm 4:1,3b-8, NCV)