People seem to get frantic and uneasy around Christmas time. I understand everyone wants to please everyone, and get the best things. I'll be honest I don't. The older I get and more mature I get in Christ I see life in such a different light. So I thought I would share some ways to bring peace into your season and hopefully restore joy where it belongs. It will be a series since I have a lot to share. Please feel free to contribute how you keep peace this time of year.
Listen, listen, and listen some more... James 1:19 encourages us to be "quick to listen slow to speak, and slow to anger." Listening carefully creates peace and harmony. So many people are thinking about what they want to say they forget to listen.
Learn to adapt...this was one of my hardest to learn..I wasn't good with change, but God is helping me through this one. Learn to have the mind set that you can handle unexpected situations when they arise and life will go more smoothly.
Work off stress...Having a stressful day work it off, go for a walk or go work out. Medical experts tell us that the release of endorphins that provide a boost to our outlook on life.
Review you expectations...Improper expectations often cause disappointment and strife. Add peace to your life by setting realistic expectation regarding situations and relationships.
Get lost in music...Turn up the Christmas (the positive lyric kind) music and just let loose whether it be with your kids or alone and have fun, dance and sing at the top of your lungs (forget about how silly you look). You'll be glad you did.
Pray...Well there's a shocker..or not. Lift your concerns up to God. He will help you realize never have to carry your burdens alone. (hint read Philippians 4:6-7)
Watch your tongue...That little muscle can bring peace and in an instant can bring chaos. Learn to guard it, not allow just anything out but control it. Speaking of only love, peace, joy, and hope. In Psalm 34:12-14 "Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
Eliminate clutter and disorder... Peace comes when things are in order. I know when I clean up a pile of papers or toys, it feels so nice and I feel accomplished.
Plan...Keeping to a schedule helps create order in your life but make sure that if unexpected events do occur you resort back to "Learning to Adapt"
That's all for today, will continue tomorrow, come join in the conversation tell me your ideas of how you Bring Peace Home.
I find that constantly reminding myself of why I am doing what I am doing, its all for Jesus. If I stay focused on that it helps get rid of all stress. Making Him smile is the goal.
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