"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 . . .
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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 . . .
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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 . . .
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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 . . .
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 . . .
Sunday, August 31, 2008
TOMORROW
“. . . Do not fear or be dismayed; Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” ~ ~~2 Chronicles 20:17
There’s an old adage that says “Tomorrow never comes.” And people of various backgrounds and cultures take these words to heart and live their lives based on the belief that there's no such thing as tomorrow.
Even though there is a progression of time from one day to the next, the notion of no tomorrow lingers in the hearts of many. What we decide to do, or not to do, while clinging to this mindset can make a world of difference in the way we handle our daily stresses.
The idea of not being able to pick up where we leave off, or not having the option to pursue a desired path can frazzle our nerves and create endless hours of aggitation.
During a time of much uncertainty and stress, the Lord gave King Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah instructions on what to do--and He specifically told them to do it “tomorrow.” Honestly, if God acknowledges tomorrow, then tomorrow surely exist.
As we align our affairs from day to day, do we address our tomorrows with doubts and fears? Are we positively focused as we plan for the future? Or are we slightly superstitious as we entertain the flak of frivolous people?
Whether we tell ourselves we’re just kidding or we actually believe "tomorrow never comes," our challenge is to accept the facts of what God says about our future and start doing as He has commanded.
When we take the time to seriously think about it, there is something that God has instructed each of us to do--tomorrow.
Peace I leave with you . . .
There’s an old adage that says “Tomorrow never comes.” And people of various backgrounds and cultures take these words to heart and live their lives based on the belief that there's no such thing as tomorrow.
Even though there is a progression of time from one day to the next, the notion of no tomorrow lingers in the hearts of many. What we decide to do, or not to do, while clinging to this mindset can make a world of difference in the way we handle our daily stresses.
The idea of not being able to pick up where we leave off, or not having the option to pursue a desired path can frazzle our nerves and create endless hours of aggitation.
During a time of much uncertainty and stress, the Lord gave King Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah instructions on what to do--and He specifically told them to do it “tomorrow.” Honestly, if God acknowledges tomorrow, then tomorrow surely exist.
As we align our affairs from day to day, do we address our tomorrows with doubts and fears? Are we positively focused as we plan for the future? Or are we slightly superstitious as we entertain the flak of frivolous people?
Whether we tell ourselves we’re just kidding or we actually believe "tomorrow never comes," our challenge is to accept the facts of what God says about our future and start doing as He has commanded.
When we take the time to seriously think about it, there is something that God has instructed each of us to do--tomorrow.
Peace I leave with you . . .
Sunday, August 24, 2008
MIND OVER MATTER
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .
~ Romans 12:2
Are there certain obligations that you’d rather take a whipping than tackle? Ever had things on your mind and dreaded doing them so badly, you stressed out just thinking of the matter?
Resistance and regret can back us into the worst kind of stressful corners. Because it’s our prerogative to decide how, when, and what to do, we often cater to negative thought patterns that generate high levels of stress.
Although the world screams, “Do whatever you want to,” circumstances and situations don’t always agree. Many times freedom of choice lures us between a rock and a hard place.
Our elders preached an incredible message on “Putting mind over matter.” According to the aged generation, it’s absolutely imperative to set the mind to do what needs to be done, over and above any ill feelings for undesirable matters.
To see how effective this philosophy is, select a couple of dreaded things that must be done. While proceeding to do them, speak the words “mind over matter” to yourself . . . convincingly, again and again.
Renew your mind and notice how stressful symptoms gradually fade away.
Because we are the masters of our minds, we must take authority over our minds . . . never ever vice-versa.
Peace I leave with you . . .
~ Romans 12:2
Are there certain obligations that you’d rather take a whipping than tackle? Ever had things on your mind and dreaded doing them so badly, you stressed out just thinking of the matter?
Resistance and regret can back us into the worst kind of stressful corners. Because it’s our prerogative to decide how, when, and what to do, we often cater to negative thought patterns that generate high levels of stress.
Although the world screams, “Do whatever you want to,” circumstances and situations don’t always agree. Many times freedom of choice lures us between a rock and a hard place.
Our elders preached an incredible message on “Putting mind over matter.” According to the aged generation, it’s absolutely imperative to set the mind to do what needs to be done, over and above any ill feelings for undesirable matters.
To see how effective this philosophy is, select a couple of dreaded things that must be done. While proceeding to do them, speak the words “mind over matter” to yourself . . . convincingly, again and again.
Renew your mind and notice how stressful symptoms gradually fade away.
Because we are the masters of our minds, we must take authority over our minds . . . never ever vice-versa.
Peace I leave with you . . .
Sunday, August 17, 2008
THE HANDS OF TIME
Throughout the years, we've wrestled with time. Over and over again, a great number of us have regretfully moaned, "If I could turn back the hands of time."
Stressing day after day over what didn't turn out like it was supposed to, and who didn't do as they'd promised to, will not change the past. While we're stressing with perils of the past, we're sadly being blinded to God's blessings in the here and now.
Thanks to a good friend, just recently, I was reminded of the godly wisdom King Solomon gives concerning the hands of time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of Peace.
Whatever the time, whatever the season, thank God for the time, the season . . . and the reason.
Peace I leave with you . . .
Stressing day after day over what didn't turn out like it was supposed to, and who didn't do as they'd promised to, will not change the past. While we're stressing with perils of the past, we're sadly being blinded to God's blessings in the here and now.
Thanks to a good friend, just recently, I was reminded of the godly wisdom King Solomon gives concerning the hands of time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of Peace.
Whatever the time, whatever the season, thank God for the time, the season . . . and the reason.
Peace I leave with you . . .
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)