Stress Detox day 5 Daily Giveaway

The other day I posted a quote on the Stressed-Less Living book fan page that simply said "Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply?"

If we are honest with ourselves, our answer would probably be NO! Yet even knowing that, we still race through life, often without taking time to stop and smell the roses, or the Sweet Pea.

Sometimes we just need to pause and take time to rest. Physically, and spiritually.  We know that the Bible encourages us to be still and focus on God, in our hearts and in our actions, but this is especially hard when life is going one hundred miles an hour.

Today I want to encourage you to stop and rest, no matter how much chaos and busyness calls for your attention. Take a breather. Set aside time for Jesus. Slow down the pace. And maybe even pamper yourself a little bit. Rest in every form is good for the soul. So just be still.

And since it is the anniversary of 9/11, during your 'still' time today, be sure to pause and pray for all the families that were affected, and for God to cover our country with protection and provision. 

Today's Giveaway: 
A signed copy of Stressed-Less Living
Sweet Pea Body Lotion
A Spa Pouf
A Mini Manicure set
A Worship CD

How to enter to win:
Click here to visit the Stressed-Less Living Facbook page, and "LIKE" it.    Then recommend the page to your Facebook friends!  Once you have done both of those things, hop back over here to my blog and leave a comment saying "I LIKED it and shared it!"

Isn't this fun!?   :) 

Stress Detox Day 4 Daily Giveaway

I had so much fun, and even got teared up a few times, while reading all the fragrant memories that were posted on Friday''s giveaway entries! Special thanks to all who participated!

I've always heard people rave about journaling and how important it is, especially when it comes to a spiritual walk with Jesus. But to be perfectly honest, I never really felt it was for me, or that I had time to do it.

And who even uses a pencil anymore?  Once when I tried to fill out a form for my daughter at school, I felt like I had forgotten how to write?!  Because we spend so much time on computers and smart phones,  our fingers feel foreign with a writing utensil clutched in them.

But despite my rustiness in using a pencil at that time, I have since learned that journaling can bring great stress relief.

A couple years ago I kept a journal every single day for 365 days while I read through the Chronological Bible. Not only did it provide an outlet for me to express my feelings and write out my burdens, stressors and prayers, but it also allowed for treasured encounters with God that I may not have had otherwise.

That journal is now a precious keepsake. I can look back and remember what I was thinking, feeling, experiencing, and praying, and how God worked in those situations and brought me through them. It's also neat to have a glimpse into the past, and not just from looking at a still photograph.

Today's giveaway is meant to help you kick off the habit of journaling in the hopes that it can become something that you enjoy and treasure. After all, we all need to pick up a pencil every now and then, just for old times sake. And the spiritual benefits are pretty incredible.

Today's Giveaway: 
A signed copy of Stressed-Less Living

John 3:16 Writing Journal

Sweet Lavender Scented Candle

How to enter to win: 

Introduce your Twitter friends to the Stressed-Less Living website by sending a tweet today!

To make it quick and easy, I've crafted a few pre-made tweets below, or you are welcome to write your own (just be sure to include @traciewmiles and  #stressless in your tweet so I can keep track of entries!)


Ready-to-go Tweets: 

Is there relief for stress that you may be overlooking? Visit this new website for more info. http://tinyurl.com/8th4bmu @traciewmiles #stressless

Are you tired of feeling frazzled and burnt out? Need stress relief that lasts? Check out @traciewmiles   http://tinyurl.com/8th4bmu #stressless

If you are drowning in stress and desperate for change,visit @traciewmiles Stressed-Less Living website http://tinyurl.com/8th4bmu #stressless


Note: If you are not a Twitter user, leave a comment about your thoughts on journaling and how it might be a beneficial tool in your spiritual walk.


** If you are interested in reading through the Chronological Bible or simply making a commitment to do daily Bible reading to help keep your stress at bay, click HERE for a previous post that explains further about the journal I kept that year, and how to make one of your own.

Stress Detox Day 3 Daily Giveaway

Sometimes life, or people in life, can make us feel like we've been beat up, run over and left in a pit.

Hurtful words, criticism, the weight of stress and the shame of failure can build up in our hearts over time, causing us to see ourselves through tainted lens.

Many times I have felt so beaten down, that I wondered if I had the strength to climb out of the pit - a pit filled with self-doubt, insecurities, and a lack of self confidence. Ye somehow, every time, God gave me the strength climb back up by reminding me that my value lies in who He is, not in who I am, and certainly not based on the opinions of others.

Sometimes when we are feeling discouraged, although God is the only true spirit lifter,  sweet fragrances can calm our spirit and make us smile.  In fact, since our sense of smell is closely linked to the emotional center of our brains, just one whiff of a sweet or aromatic fragrance can bring a feeling of calmness, and even conjure up a host of pleasant memories.

Hopefully today's giveaway can offer an emotional lift through your senses, while God's message of hope over our stress offers a spiritual lift.

Today's Giveaway:
A signed copy of Stressed-Less Living

A Bodycology lotion set including fragrances of Vanilla Sugar, Cherry Blossom and White Gardenia

A Spa Loofah

How To Enter To Win: 

Close your eyes and think of a scent or smell that brings back pleasant memories and warms your heart. 

Leave a comment about what your special fragrant memory is and how it helps take you back mentally to a place of serenity and brings a smile to your face.


(For example, an aroma that is tucked away in my memory bank is chocolate fudge cooking on the stove. When I breathe in the sweet chocolatey smell, my mind is taken back to going to my grandmother's house as a child, and the feeling of peace, comfort and familiarity that would melt into my heart as soon as I walked in. I also love the smell of evergreen scented candles and toasted almonds, because they remind me of Christmas, my favorite time of year.)

** The Stress Detox will continue next week! The Day 4 Stress Detox challenge will be posted on Monday, September 10th. Over the weekend, consider praying over the ways God may have spoken to your heart this week, and ask Him for enthusiasm, motivation and an open, willing heart to participate in all of next week's challenges and giveaways!**

Stress Detox Day 2 Daily Giveaway

Before I tell you about today's giveaway, I felt compelled to share how moved I was yesterday at not only the incredible response to the Day 1 stress detox, but also at all the stressors and heartaches that so many of you are facing. Over 260 comments were posted, but the reality is that the real number of stressors mentioned, and those unmentioned, are infinite. 

There were countless unique challenges mentioned, and many common stressors that we all share, but each one made me pause and pray. My heart sunk upon reading some of your concerns and felt burdened for the stress running rampant in everyone's life. I have read and prayed over all these comments, and will be seeking God's guidance about addressing them more closely in the coming weeks. But in the meantime, please know that prayers are being lifted up for all of you. 


Today's stress detox message talks about the real picture of peace, versus our distorted views of peace in today's world.

Reading and listening to worship music is an excellent way to not only settle down after a long stressful day, but also opens our hearts to hear from God and let His peace sink in. So it seems only appropriate to give some incentive to do just that with today's giveaway.  These  giveaway items, along with your own personal Bible, are perfect to set the mood for some soul searching, heart cleansing, and gentle quiet time with Jesus.

Today's Giveaway items include: 

A signed copy of Stressed-Less Living

A soothing worship CD

A pink Taskbright mini-book lamp so you can read in any quiet area of your choice


How to enter to win today's giveaway: 

Simply share the link to the Stressed-Less Living book website on your Facebook page, with a brief comment about it to your friends. Be sure to 'tag' me in your post so I can keep track of everyone who enters to win.  (If we aren't friends yet, feel free to send me a request!)

Here is the link to the website: www.stressedlessliving.com

Happy posting and good luck!

** If you are not a Facebook user and want to enter the giveaway, just leave a quick comment saying "Me too!", and you're name will still be entered into the drawing.  Smiles. :-) Good 'ol word of mouth is awesome as well! 

I Just Couldn't Help Myself..... & Stress Detox Day 1 Giveaway

If you are visiting my blog today after receiving the Kickoff, and the Stress Detox Day One email, then I'm so glad you are here! I pray that your enthusiasm is peaked after kicking off your stress-less journey, and I look forward to your coming back every day to enter to win the giveaways and stay plugged into our sweet sisterhood. (If you are not currently signed up for the Stress Detox, be sure to visit my blog after September 18th so you can get signed up for the next detox journey!)

As I stated last week, my plan was that only those who signed up for the Detox would be eligible for the prizes.

But..but...I have a confession to make - I'm a softie. 

You see, I got so excited about the thought of officially kicking off the 10 Day Stress Detox, and giving away all the fluffy goodie bags, that I just didn't want to leave anyone out. My softie traits emerged, and I couldn't help myself. :)

So for all of you who procrastinated about signing up for the Stress Detox, or who simply feel you are not stressed out and don't need a detox right now, I have a surprise for you!

I want to give everyone an opportunity to participate (because who doesn't like to win free stuff?!).

Each day during the detox I will be posting the instructions here on my blog for what you can do to enter to win the daily giveaways.  Giveaway instructions will be posted every week day between September 4th - September 18th ( no weekends ).

All 10 Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 19th, so if you enter to win any of the daily giveaways but you aren't subscribed to my blog already, be sure to check back on that day to see if you won!  Or subscribe today to be sure you don't miss out on any pertinent announcements.

So, drum roll please......  Here are your instructions for how to enter the Stress Detox Day 1 giveaway - the very first giveaway of the 10 daily prizes: 

Today's Giveaway: 

 A personalized, signed copy of Stressed-Less Living, hot off the press!  (Personalized for you, or for a friend) 

A wonderful devotional bookm titled 31 Days of Praise by Ruth & Warren Meyers

A spa loofah.

To Enter To Win:

Leave a comment here on my blog stating what the biggest stressor is in your life right now, and commit to surrendering that situation to God from this day forward. Your comment can be as short or as long as you wish. 

* Please note: If you are posting as "anonymous", remember to state your first name and your city/state along with your comment., so you can be easily identified if your name is drawn. 

10 Fluffy Reasons To Sign Up for The Stress Detox

The very first 10 Day Stress Detox will kickoff on Tuesday, September 4th! Are you signed up?

Once this original challenge is complete, there will be other opportunities to sign up for the Detox journey, however, this initial challenge is the only time that lots of great freebies, in addition to 10 copies of my new book, will be given away every single day for ten straight days!

Below is a picture of all the fun (and fluffy!) prizes, ready to be won next week!  Giveaways will include 10 personalized signed copies of my new book, Stressed-Less Living, in addition to other motivational books, various spa items, worship CD's, scented lotions and candles, Starbucks gift cards, and more!

So if you have been hesitating about subscribing, get signed up by 10:00pm on September 3rd. After all, you have nothing to lose, and less stress to gain.