Janet Chester Bly
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| Janet in office |
Need peace? I sure do. Especially today. Here's what I'm trying to do.
Start at your place. In your home. In your own heart.
Plant peace among your own kith and kin. Then, branch out from there.
How? Here's some hints:
1) Aim for unity, but don’t insist on uniformity. Respect those who don’t think just like you do. Determine to love them anyway.
2) Flee when you can from those who spark continual explosions. However, strive to do the hard work of getting along with difficult people. Sometimes you just have to let them be. Admit you can’t ‘fix’ everyone.
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| Bly bunkhouse |
3) Pray and release. Find a private place where you can scream or cry when you want and no one’s disturbed. Wrestle with your burdens. Figure out a temporary escape route. A healthy retreat. A haven of rest. Even if it’s a closet. . .or bathroom. A perfect Peace Place can be a sanctuary, a wooded area, a corner of the library, or a table at Starbucks. Prove to yourself that peace is possible, even if you snatch it for only a few instants each day.
Stop by a church on a weekday. Claim a secluded beach or bench. Drive, bike, hike … or take the subway … to the most scenic place closest to your dwelling – a park, a lake, a river, a reserve or a garden.
4) Head for your house. Close the curtain. Shut the door. Just for today.
5) Or maybe all you have is privacy. You’re alone all the time. If so, what’s your main need? Take it to God in prayer … until you know from your heart that he is enough, whether or not he provides a friend or mate right away.
6) Practice God’s peace today in every phone call, every irritation, every contact, in any disappointment or sorrow. Build a habit of peace when you’re confronted by a person who you just don’t get. Who needles your most fine-tuned nerve. Who seems to use you.
7) Be calm. Be cool. Be collected. Be kind and gracious … no matter what is said or done. Just for today.
"Try to stay out of all quarrels ... Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God's best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives." (Hebrews 12:14,15 NKJV).
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How hard has it been for you to find peace lately?
What's your best solution?
Article: Download for free “31 Days To Win The Fight For Personal Peace” at http://BlyBooks.com/articles.htm
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3 comments:
Great post!
Blessings,
andrea
Being able to tell the difference between those who will only spark explosions and thos who I can love in spite of our differences is important. I appreciate the reminder that I can't "fix" everyone. That's not my job! Blessings,
Andrea and Connie Sue: Thanks much for the notes. Appreciated!
Blessings,
Janet
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