PEACEMAKERS

"Blessed are the peacemakers . . ." ~ Matthew 5:9 ~


What's the first thing that comes to mind for "peacemakers?" Someone who is kind? Gentle? Sweet-tempered? Agreeable? Good-natured? What about an advocate of good will?

The Bible affirms blessings for the peacemakers who strive to keep peace. But for the sake of us stress-survivors, let's consider the peacemakers who seek to make peace.

It's no secret that we're living in an era where peace is not exactly plentiful. People are guilty of snatching peace whenever and wherever it can be found. And some are sad and stressed out for a total lack of it.

We all can agree that periodically we yearn for peace--not necessarily an undisturbed atmosphere--but an inner tranquillity that soothes the heart, mind, and soul. A peace that produces those long-awaited "Aaaahs."

Living in a stressful world with stressful people, we must learn to be peacemakers in our own lives and initiate peace. In other words, we must make peace.

How do we do that? First and foremost, to make peace we must make time for prayer. Those who regularly engage in prayer know its stress-busting power. Those who are skeptical of it should try prayer and see the peace it gives.

Next, to make peace, we must make priorities. Placing everything in proper perspective is essential to making the best of our time and our affairs.

Above all, we must make up our minds not to worry or fret. Sure, there are constant issues in our lives, but we must make certain not to allow them to camouflage the beauty that surrounds us.

Peacemakers have the awesome task to personally and professionally make peace.


Peace I leave with you . . .

LITTLE THINGS

"For who has despised the day of small things . . ." ~Zechariah 4:10 ~

One of the root causes of tension and stress in our lives is our disregard for little things. Many stress-survivors have found truth in the old adage, “Little things mean a lot.”

Let’s see . . . When was the last time you took a day to rest, relax, or engage in a favorite activity? How long has it been since you sat with family or friends and enjoyed hours of fellowship and fun?

For ages, people have encouraged one another to take time to smell the roses. Whether people literally beheld the fragrance of roses didn’t really matter. The point intended was that we take time to savor the little things in life--things that keep the heart happy and hopeful.

Bravo to the handful of folk who seek to indulge in small things to de-stress the mind. Those who often gather to share a pot of coffee or sip a cup of tea can testify how refreshing it is. Those who set aside time for group get-togethers and outings will readily recommend that others join in.

Perhaps it’s time for more of us to consider some little things.

Things that will put a smile on an unhappy face.

Things that will make a sad person laugh out loud.

Things that will put the sparkle back into stressed eyes.

Things that will lighten the burden of a heavy heart.

Go ahead. Play your favorite games. Put together a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle. Go out to see a movie and enjoy hot-buttered popcorn. Take a walk in the park with a friend and giggle all the way. Soak by candlelight in a tub filled with scented bubbles. Curl up in bed with a good book and read all night long. Call an old friend and reminisce over old times.

Call it crazy, corny, boring, old-fashioned, or whatever . . . but never under-estimate the value of little things.


Peace I leave with you . . .

ASAP

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~~Philippians 4:6~~

Ever been caught up in a situation where you wanted something and you wanted it right away? Do the notable words "as soon as possible" seem to ring any bells in your life?

It's amazing how, in a twinkling of an eye, something or someone crosses our path and outright fascinates us . . . and Wow! There're no ifs or ands or buts about it, we want it and we want it ASAP!

And when we don’t immediately get what we want, we yield to stress. In some cases, we can't eat, can't sleep, can't concentrate. While overly-anxious, we subject ourselves to a host of unhealthy worries and stress.

What is it that causes our hearts and minds to become so anxious and yearn so strongly for mortals and materialistics? Why do we allow the things of this world to consume us to the point that we loose sight of all logical, not to mention godly, reasoning?

In the book of Philippians, God’s Word outlines exactly what we should do. In making our request known to God by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, we are assured "peace." Peace beyond anything we could ever imagine.

Instead of being anxious, be prayerful. And expect the peace of God . . . ASAP.


Peace I leave with you . . .

HOW SWEET THE SOUND

She lay unresponsive on a hospital bed in I.C.U. It had been three stress-filled days since she'd suffered the devastating stroke, and yet there had been no change in her condition.

A close friend stopped in to visit. Listening to the family’s sad sobs of “no change,” the friend recalled an experience from the past with another unconscious victim.

“Bring in her favorite music and put the earphones to her ears and let her listen to the music,” she suggested to the mother. “I’ve seen even the comatose mind respond to good music."

Soon after placing music to the victims ears, they noticed her lips moving to the sounds of the music. Little by little, she continued listening to music and mouthing words until she finally spoke out loud again.

Studies show that music harbors magical powers and it greatly relieves anxiety. So much so that many hospitals use music therapists to aid patients laden with pain.

Nowadays almost everyone enjoys some sort of music. People often attest how music soothes their soul, brightens their mood, changes their disposition, and lifts them up from "down in the dumps."

Make certain to listen to music during tense times and extreme stress. Choose your favorite Christian, classical, country, jazz, R&B, rock-n-roll, or what have you, and drench your mind and soul with the sweet sounds of music.

The sound of music indeed melts away stress and chases away funk and blues.


Peace I leave with you . . .