Tag Archive for: peace

Three Sleeps Before Christmas

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“Fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called Thee by name; thou art mine,” Isaiah 43:1

Maybe like me, your Christmas holiday plans are not going as expected. I’ve been in physical therapy since October trying to help mend some worn body parts. Hubby Steve tested positive for Covid Christmas week and is really sick. This obviously put a kibosh on being with family and friends. No shared food or gift giving for now.

He’s stuck with me and our dog Skipper. We’re stuck with each other in a COLD climate with a winter stay-at-home blizzard approaching.

My expectations. My thoughts. My ways. Notice all the “My’s” in this paragraph? I keep saying, “Your will, God; not mine.” If I’m being honest, I still want My way and My expectations fulfilled. Forgive me, Lord!

A long-distance friend wrote that it will be a “Silent Night Christmas for us.” Another friend wrote, “Peace. Quiet. Serenity.”

Not the thought that came to my finite brain cells. More like: Really? At Christmas? This can’t be! Big-time Bummer. Waiting to see how it all turns out is more nerve racking.

I shared with a friend how I woke early with thoughts of a story. I propped myself up in bed with my heating pad on my neck and shoulders and penned some words. She suggested that this book idea is “for such a time as this. Maybe this time of pain and suffering the Lord will use to grow you and so many of your loyal readers into being more like Him…believe the best rather than assume the worst. I’ll be praying.”

She also quoted an older man from her church who’s known for saying, “The Lord knows.” All these up-in-the-air decisions, celebration gatherings, physical and mental anguish, broken and failed relationships—the Lord knows. In fact, He knew about all of these areas of our life long ago. My part is to trust and believe He’s working all these things out for my best. He knows and cares.

That’s another thing I love about my friends. They’re honest, loyal, and not afraid to point me to the Light, my Saviour. Isaiah 43:1 is a great reminder, to fear not for I am redeemed. He knows me on a first name basis. I am His and He is mine. What more do I need?

How about you? Do you fear certain things especially this time of year? Can you call on the Great I am, God, to rescue you from those fears? There’s no better time than now to say, “Here I am, Lord. I believe in You and want you to be my redeemer-friend-Saviour.” It’s as simple as that.  

post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

“The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others

And be thankful …

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“Forever is composed of nows,” Emily Dickinson.

My forever (and yours too) is composed of the nows. Exactly what I’m writing about in my new devotional/meditation book. Living in the present. Enjoying the moment right here and now. Even if it hard to accomplish.

When I first began writing about living in the now was during a personal health crisis. A neurologist discovered I had an operable tumor growing on the left temporal side of my brain. The tumor needed to be removed surgically and the sooner the better. All other life was pretty much put on hold. Daily details focused on an upcoming hospital stay and subsequent rehabilitation.

I’m writing this post seven years later. God chose to spare me; for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Life is pretty much back to normal. Except I hope and pray lessons learned never vanish.

  • Life is Good. Regardless of circumstances in my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good. I have a roof over my head, food on the table (I don’t go to bed hungry), modern conveniences such as electric, heat, indoor plumbing, and access to the finest educational opportunities. Not to mention ALL the freedoms I enjoy thanks to my ancestors and those serving now: freedom of worship, speech, etc…,

Through my health scare times, I realized we are not guaranteed tomorrow (not even tonight). Making the best of my situation right now promotes longer life and joy today. Isn’t that what each of us strive for? Being content and happy in our current situation. We are past Thanksgiving and entering the Christmas season. Many around you will exude happiness; some do not feel like rejoicing for whatever reason. Even those who place a smile upon their face probably face troubles and may be masking their inner feelings. Be aware that many fight tough battles. This time of year amplifies unrest.

Let’s strive together and rehearse our thankful lists. What’s on your thankful list?

“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”  (Colossians 3:15/AMP)

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Let’s walk through this day together

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“Your part is to live close to Me, open to all that I am doing in you … Just keep focusing on Me as we walk through this day together. Enjoy My Presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy, and Peace” – Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.

Trouble with anger issues?

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Last evening in our writer’s group, we discussed many things. One issue that continued to pop up involved emotions in the media and in people groups in general. It seemed to us that many people harbored anger. Some were angry about the way a recent election turned out. Stories abound about robberies, bullying, abuse, suicide and homicides. Anger often stems from depression and negative thinking patterns.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4 to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Personally, I know I do not always follow this thinking pattern. I know I should pray to God about everything. Unfortunately, I don’t always pray first. Seems it’s much easier to worry and be in a complaining mode. It takes a conscious effort to think positively. Nothing is too difficult for him.

Accordingly to this verse, the rewards are huge. My heart and mind will be guarded in Christ Jesus. And peace will reign. Peace — the opposite of depression and anger. I can’t think of a more worthy or sought after reward, can you?

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The way to peace

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Dove with fig leaf (Wikipedia)

Dove with fig leaf (Wikipedia)

‘Be still in My Presence, inviting Me to control your thoughts’ (Sarah Young, Jesus Calling).

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

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My anchor holds

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We sang a song in church a few weeks ago and my mind still rehearses the words. For some reason, this week I cling desperately to the words and meaning behind them. I must not allow the storms to shade the light of day.

Muskegon, Michigan pier - photo by Steve Lasher

Muskegon, Michigan pier - photo by Steve Lasher

“Though the angry surges roll on my tempest-driven soul, I am peaceful, for I know …

I’ve an anchor safe and sure, that can evermore endure. But in Christ I can be bold …”  – (My Anchor Holds – lyrics by William C. Martin)

The winds do wildly blow on my bark so small and frail. It’s as though I feel there’s no relief in sight and I may crumble at any moment.

But that’s when my God speaks peace to me, “Be still, my child — you are worried about things that I can handle. Your job is to rest in me and let me be your strong anchor in the midst of the storms.”

Rest. Abide. Trust.

2 steps to Decision Making

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Wrestling with a decision?  — 2 steps to help make that decision:

  1. Seek to discover God’s will. Meditate in order to seek answers and direction. Come aside by yourself and quietly wait before God. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Jesus’ schedule was hectic even by today’s standards. People pressed around him continually. He knew what the word busy meant.

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus and his disciples had just finished feeding the 5,000. You would think the people would be satisfied and would leave them alone for a time, but such was not the case. “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place” (Mark 6:31, 32).

2.   Get up and go!  “Arise, let us go from here” There’s a time to contemplate, and a time to do. Don’t linger or daydream anymore. Daydreaming time is over once I know what it is I am to be doing or saying. “But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commended me. ‘Come now; let us leave’” (John 14:31).

“Allow God to be the source of all my dreams, joys, and delights, and be careful to go and obey what He has said.” — Oswald Chambers

Do you have a quiet place where you can be alone with your thoughts and with God? It’s tough to come aside where no distractions bombard your brain. I get that, but you must make a concentrated, deliberate effort to seek out and dwell in this place until your mind is emptied of all but God-thoughts. Then, and only then, can God speak to you uninterrupted. His peace, which passes all understanding, will then guide you to the next step (Philippians 4:7).

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My life’s an open book (re-visited)

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“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts,” (2 Corinthians 3:2–3).

            My very life is a letter that anyone can read (or not read) just by looking at me. Scary thought. To think that anyone can trace my actions and hear my words and judge me — well, that’s a whole lot of pressure. This fact causes me to ask myself if I am truly living as God would have me live and saying and doing what he desires of me. His mark on me is written on the tablet of my flesh, not on a tablet of stone.

Prayer: Dear God, I confess that the mark I leave behind is not always pleasant, kind, or loving. Sometimes I leave a trail of strife and confusion—forgive me for those times. Help me to plant seeds of kindness, and tell others of the joy of my salvation. 

Ask: What kind of mark are you leaving today? Will others be able to tell that you belong to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Do others see the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

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Jesus: the Reason for the Season (part I)

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“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” –  Ephesians 4:2–3.  

Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time being patient with some people. Maybe it’s the season of the year. Christmas is approaching fast and I don’t have all the gifts purchased yet. The presents I do have are scattered all around my office. The room is a complete disaster. I’m waiting for the neat fairies to descend, wave a magic wand, and all will be categorized, packaged and labeled ready for delivery. I can dream, right?

Family members can’t make up their minds when they’re available so a Christmas time table can be set. My personality thrives on schedules and unity, and when neither happens, I tend to stress to the max. A gentle spirit rapidly gives way to an abrupt, cool personality. Patience melts into exasperation and love has a hard time finding a home in my heart. The results resemble anything BUT peaceful.

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Today’s the Day!

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Road trip day – soon to begin.  Anticipation high and somewhat difficult to sleep. After tossing some in the early morning hours – decided it was time to rise and shine (even though the sun had not.)  My mind/brain kept adding just one more thing to do or cram into my bags.

This evening: Muscatine, Iowa (355 miles from Grand Rapids, Michigan).  Plan to post again when arrive at our destination with Internet access. Until then, blessings to you all this day. 

“The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26).

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