It Makes Sense to Want Peace in Our Homes

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Peaceful faces and scary faces.


January 15
Positive change is always a good thing and it makes sense to start with those changes in our lives at home.  Recently, I received a link to a blog called "Club13Women" and came across this list titled
"7 Ways to Bring Peace Into Your Home".
Speak Kindly
1. Listen to yourself. Not so much your words, but your tone. Can you say the same thing, but say it in a softer way? Try it. Soft is the new strong.
2. Do something thoughtful and quite unexpected -- maybe even undeserved. And don't get frustrated if it goes unnoticed at first. You're making the first move. And it might be that you have to make the second and third move, too. But watch as it slowly starts turning around the tone of your home.

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." ~ Ephesians 4:32

Forgive Quickly
1. Search your heart. If you've been holding on to a grudge, it's time to forgive and let go. Don't be held in bondage by bitternesss.
2. Be willing to look honestly in the mirror. Maybe you're the one who has offended someone or been in the wrong. Choose humility and seek their forgiveness.
3. Act quickly. Make a pledge that from now on, you will do all you can to encourage quick resolve. Don't waste another minute hanging on to offenses!

"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." ~ Colossians 3:13

Work Cheerfully
1. Stop complaining. A good attitude begins with you. So decide you're done with the sighing, the mumbling, and the resentment of the work that's before you.
2. Start rejoicing. She's kidding me, right? No, I'm quite serious. You'd be amazed how thankfulness turns things around for everyone. Glad you have those dishes to wash . . . because it means you have food to eat. Grateful for laundry to wash . . . because it means you have people to clothe. Decide you're going to give thanks for each of those somewhat "hidden" blessings!

"Do all things without complaining and disputing." ~ Philippians 2:14

Pray Frequently
1. Begin your day with prayer. It doesn't have to be fancy or formal. Simply ask God to bless your day and give the strength you need. Lift up any specific concerns you have for that day.
2. Pray as needs come up. Don't wait for a convenient or even a quiet moment. Just start praying! Know that God is listening and He cares about you and your home.
3. Pray at the end of the day. Remember to thank Him for the good that happened and trust Him to handle the hard things.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Stand Firmly
1. Don't let yourself be easily swayed. Examine the compromising influences in your home. If they go against what you believe in and hope for, then consider removing them wherever possible.
2. Be loyal. Be true to your convictions and to the people you love. Don't leave anyone in doubt as to what -- and who -- you stand for in this world.
"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." ~ I Corinthians 16:13

Give Generously
1. Think of a gift that would delight someone in your home. Maybe it's your time or a task or even a literal gift. Then quietly give your gift freely -- with no expectation of return.
2. Encourage a generous spirit. Create a family culture that believes in giving -- to each other first and then to others outside the home, as well. Try to "outdo" each other in generosity.

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap."~ ,Luke 6:38b

Love Geniunely
1. Choose love above all in your home. Write or print out the verses below and post them throughout your house as a reminder of what it means to love each other.
2. Call on God Who is the Author of love. Ask God to put this kind of overflowing love in your heart, and in the hearts of the others in your home.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." ~ I Corinthians 13:4-8b

Lord, make me a peacemaker today.  In Jesus' name, Amen.



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