Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Peace At Christmas

There is so much hustle and bustle at Christmas time, with last minute shopping, and wondering what to serve at functions, or what to get this person or whether or not it is appropriate to buy them something. These are just a few of the things that cause stress during this time.

Well, let me tell you how to relieve that stress.

1. Start your day with the LORD and His word before you do anything else.

Matt 6 vs 33-34...But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things......

2. Pray and ask for forgiveness and ask the LORD to show you how you can be a blessing to others this day. Or better yet, ask Him how you might bless Him today.

3. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready for work, or to drive to work so that you do not get in a hurry and stress yourself out. Listen to a good Christian station while driving or Christian CD's.

4. Now that you have plenty of time, do something extra nice for someone today. In other words bless someone that you wouldn't normally think of to bless. (like the postman, newspaper guy, the teller at the bank, etc.) It is a proven fact that when you do something nice for someone your own spirit is lifted and you feel good all the way to your core.

Col. 3 v 23....And whatever you do, do it heartily,as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Jesus Christ....

5. Read the Christmas story in the Bible telling of the LORD's birth, and reflect on what He was. Peace!

Ephes. 2 vs 14...For He Himself is our peace........

6. Call your spouse or your children just to say you love them and wish them peace today.


7. If you are going shopping, allow yourself plenty of time, (you are not the only procrastinator out there at this time of year) don't try to get the closest parking spot, because this will just cause you stress when the other car beats you out of it. Instead park further away so that you can pray in the Spirit before you go into the mall, so that you may build up your strength.

Jude 20....But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.......


8. Now make up your mind before you go through those doors that you are going to only have nice things to say to every sales person you encounter, no matter if they are not nice to you, because remember they have been there all day dealing with nasties.

Col. 3 vs 15....And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful......

Phil 4 vs 4-5....Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand........

9. Plan your day so that you can end it with a nice dinner with your family, and then again some time with the LORD before you retire. (When people tell me they can not sleep, I feel sorry for them because I have been there, but now I know the way to a good nights rest is to get with the LORD before you try to go to sleep, He will always give you peace in your mind)

Phil 4 v 6-7.... Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus......

10. It is always a good idea to stop by the nearest Starbucks first. Get a Peppermint Mocha Frappacino, this will put you in the mood, and the peppermint has a relaxing effect on you.

Now if you are one of these people I am talking about, that still has not finished doing your shopping, and planning, then I wish you Peace, and Pray that you will do better next year.

Love ya


Neta

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