White Caps

Peace.  It’s a gift from God.  What I love most about gifts from God, is there are no strings attached.  It is yours because He loves you.  All you have to do is receive it. 

When was the last time you felt peace in your life?  Peace and quiet can be felt when the kids go to go bed, or after a hectic day of work is over; but I’m not talking about that kind of peace.  I’m talking about a deep, deep peace.

Our lives are built around hectic schedules of “to do” lists.  We run from point A to point B juggling kids, spouse, work, home, and all the other tasks required to keep up.  With all the technology, I think we, as a society, are more stressed out than ever!  Technology is supposed to help, but I think it has hindered us in many ways.  We’ve become “unplugged” from relationships, conversations, and gestors of kindness.  We no longer need to “bump” into someone at the grocery store because now we can order our groceries on-line.  No need to even get out of the car, as the customer service representative will load it for you!  Don’t worry about getting your steps in….you can go to the gym...maybe, if your can squeeze it in!  What will it take for you to slow down, breathe, and cherish life?

A deep peace can carry you through difficult times in life when things are uncertain.  This type of peace is noticed by others you encounter.  It shows in how you act, speak, and live your life.  It’s quite refreshing to feel that even on the darkest day, God can give the gift of Peace that passes all understanding. 

Maybe you are wondering how you can receive this gift?  It’s quite simple, really.  Just ask for it.  The Lord knows your heart.  He sees your hurts.  He knows your struggles.  He feels the tangles in your relationships. 

As I sit, looking out my window, I watch a tidal river sway with its white caps that then settle and flow along.  Each of us experience those white caps in life.  The turbulence can be difficult leaving one to wonder how it will end, or if we will survive it.  I’ve grown to appreciate life, because life is fragile.  That fragility helps me gather the important people in my life and keep them close.  Things can change in a second and that white cap becomes tall and resilient.  The current seems strong and swift.  Even in those days, peace is available to the recipient.  All you need to do is ask and receive.   

It seems simple enough, yet so many go through life not experiencing true peace.  That includes me.  It’s easy to get caught up in this world.  We run from situations because it’s easier than dealing with them.  We look for answers in this world and try to gain control, but it’s futile.  The only answer is to turn it over to the Lord.  He came to set us free from bondage.  He came to restore peace and joy. 

Think of life as slices of pie.  Time spent is a slice out our of life that can never be reused, recovered or replaced.  How that time is spent should be meaningful in building up the world rather than taking it down.  Take a PEACE of pie today and enjoy each bite.  Savor the love and warmth; remember to express gratitude to the one who set you free.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart!  And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27

“And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should. How long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it.  And so at last you will be filled up with God himself.”  Ephesians 3:17-19

health-bite:  Take your gift of Peace and share it with others.

Finding the Joy

Life is difficult and each of us will experience a season in life when joy seems unattainable.  We are left wondering if God is listening, does He care, what does this mean.  During the holidays the family unit is placed with high expectations on gathering and making memories.  It’s an opportunity to take time out of the normal schedule to visit with loved ones.  Difficulties arise when members of a family are no longer present at the dinner table.  Others still dread seeing their family due to fractures and hurts from the past.  The emptiness could be overwhelming.

It’s also one of the busiest seasons of the year with a host of commitments, purchases, and demands, one can feel…well, exhausted and wishing Christmas were over.  Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness or rejoices.  Is that how you are feeling right now? Are you feeling happy?  How can someone find joy in the midst of this hectic season you may wonder? 

During the next year, I will be learning to be a health coach.  One of the things I have learned so far is that health begins with other things that are not food…such as relationships.  A loving relationship can bring joy; in contrast, one that is toxic brings turmoil. Here are some ways to try and find your joy:

• Pray. Deep relationships with Christ will open doors that will otherwise stay closed.  He cares for us and wants to know every detail we are dealing with.  He has the answers and there is something wonderful about turning our troubles over to Him.   
• Be grateful.  Practicing gratitude is important in finding joy.  Be thankful for the many blessings in your life.  Everyone has blessings.  Living in the United States is a blessing.  We don’t have to worry about bombs going off today.  Be thankful for family, food in the refrigerator, work, health, family, and the lists go on.  Even a warm house on a cold winter night is a blessing.  Think on these things throughout your daily, and joy will come.
• Say “No.”  Self care is important. We are conditioned to help others, lend a hand, give care to family, work hard, etc.  We sacrifice ourselves and end up exhausted and sick.  Take time for you.  You are important to many people….they will understand.  Get enough rest so your body can deal with all the things that come at it; and get a massage.

One more thing to consider is that constant negativity will steal not only your joy, but the joy of those around you.  Our brain naturally moves toward negativity.  We find fault and judge others, because that’s our tendency.  That negativity creates anxiety in both parties, which blocks access to higher cerebral functioning.  We will then have difficulty with problem solving and ultimately our relationships with others will suffer.  You may know someone who is negative and you may know someone who is positive.  Which person do you want to spend your time with?  How do people view your position?  Not sure?  Maybe you should ask someone you are close to.

Joy is obtainable.  “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—mediate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9.

Health bite: Joy is inner peace...find yours