PEACE is Compassion (Repost)

This repost gives a meaningful expression of a senior’s personal definition of PEACE.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, February 16, 2016

PEACE is Compassion

Today’s definition touched my heart.

I read some news online today. I read about a man who robbed a store several miles from my house. I read about a suicide pact carried out by two young people. I read about a hospital blown to bits by a bomb. I read about a family torn apart by a bitter divorce.

I wonder whether compassion might have made a difference in any of these situations.

This word is the definition given to me today by Lill Hutchins: PEACE is compassion.

Lill is the president of the congregation at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church in Morton Grove. She is a thoughtful, caring person. And, she took her time and thought about her personal definition for PEACE for quite a while. Really considered it.

She said to me, “If everyone in the whole world had compassion, there would be peace. People can’t shoot guns with compassion.”

Oh, yes. If individuals had compassion—if they truly felt with the people around them (which is where the word compassion comes from, from Latin com– or with, and pati, to bear or suffer), the world would be a very different place.

It matters less about differences between people when they concentrate on the challenges and difficulties each one must bear. Com-passion. Bear with. It’s hard to be mad at someone you are helping or praying for. If I know that my mean neighbor has a sick child, it’s difficult to be nasty to them. When I realize that nasty village employee has an elderly relative who is terminally ill, it’s hard to think mean thoughts in retaliation. Com-passion. Suffer with.

Something to consider. So, help me, God!

Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for today’s definition. Help me to bear with those around me. Urge me to consider those around me with compassion. Help us all to keep quiet and listen to others, hear their stories. And have compassion. Thank You, Lord.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza  And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE: Cruelty-Free and Respect

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, March 27, 2016

PEACE: Cruelty-Free and Respect

Continuing on my Pursuing PEACE Project. I think back to last Tuesday, and I include another  personal definition of PEACE.

(Thanks, Oakton Community College, for allowing me to come in to the space next to the cafeteria and set up a table. Thanks, members of the Oakton Christian Fellowship, for sitting by me and providing a welcome, too.)

The definition of PEACE I collected last Tuesday intrigued me to no end. Angel’s personal definition of PEACE: “Cruelty-free (animals including). Respect for every species on this planet.”

Angel is really into species-ism. She’s involved with UNICEF and against big corporations. She is also against factory-farming,… and prudent to live as one. She went on, “This is not classifying people on their income, on where they live, and women’s rights.”

So true, Angel. Your care and concern for all creatures on this earth makes me think that each creature is made by God. God made all the plants, all the animals. Every growing thing here on earth. God made it all.

Dear God, You made everything! You made me! We love You. Thank You for loving us. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Reminder: I will be posting more from the young people at St. Viator’s High School next week, after Easter. Have a great Spring Break and a joyful Holy Week and Easter celebration!)

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza  And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Calm, Integrity, and Commitment

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, March 7, 2016

PEACE is Calm, Integrity, and Commitment

As I ask people for their personal definition of PEACE, I am intrigued by the definitions I find unexpected. And, I am impressed by the people who immediately know what their definition is going to be.

Today’s definition falls into the latter category. The name of the person I talked to? Gloria Ludwig. Her personal definition of PEACE is calm, integrity and commitment.

Gloria attends the monthly Des Plaines Ministerial Association meetings. She also serves as City Clerk for the City of Des Plaines. She was happy to give me her point of view when I asked her about her definition of PEACE.

Gloria is a member of the town’s administration; I can tell that Gloria embodies the descriptive words she gave as part of her definition of PEACE. She is calm—she does not seem to get her feathers ruffled easily. She certainly has integrity! I can tell she is even-handed and fair. And, she has commitment…easily seen by all because of her hard work and diligent efforts.

She puts forth her best efforts, too! For instance, this past weekend, she participated in a Peace Pole project in Des Plaines. Apache Park (in the southeast corner of Des Plaines, a part of the Park District) is installing several Peace Poles. Gloria made an artistic addition to one of the poles. She is quite pleased to be participating in the Peace Pole project, and hopes it will continue the conversation of PEACE, harmony, and hope.

Gracious God, thank You for nurturing and peaceful opportunities like the Peace Poles in Apache Park. Thank You for kind, loving people like Gloria. May we all be encouraged to strive for peace, harmony and hope.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE – Knowing Christ is in Me

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, February 24, 2016

PEACE – Knowing Christ is in Me

Another day for me to sincerely apologize. I had a malfunction with my digital camera happen on Sunday, at Bethesda Worship Center. Again, I’d like to express sadness that I have no photos of any of the dear people who were so kind to pose with their personal definitions of PEACE. I thank Pastor Chuck for being willing to offer his smart phone as a last-minute replacement! (Sadly, my advanced-beginner expertise with social media is showing … in that I couldn’t get the dratted thing to send photos!)

However, I am continuing to post the sheets of paper on which these dear people wrote their definitions! So, for the next few days—and definitions—I will be posting the sheets by themselves.

The next definition comes from a gentleman who had a marvelous view of PEACE. Nick Kokoraleis’s definition was PEACE is knowing that Christ is in me.

It took Nick a little while to process my question: “What is PEACE, to you?” He told me, hesitantly, that he sometimes had difficulty responding in a quick manner. I let him know that he could take as much time as he needed! After reflecting on the question, he formulated his response in an excellent way. (As we can see, above.)

Pastor Chuck saw Nick’s response. He nodded, and said, “Nick is a wise man.” He sometimes has difficulties and challenges in his dealings with some people (who are usually impatient, and get irritated very quickly). Yet, he is a thoughtful, kind man, who is occasionally misunderstood. Thank you, Nick, for an excellent definition.

Dear Lord, thank You for Nick’s reminder. When I know that You are with me, in me, then I have the assurance of Your protection and care. Thank You, Lord.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Resting in God’s Plan

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, February 22, 2016

PEACE is Resting in God’s Plan

Next person in my journey towards PEACE, today.

In my continuing efforts to pursue PEACE, I talked with several members of the Bethesda Worship Center in Des Plaines, Illinois, yesterday.

I had the opportunity to talk with a number of people in the congregation. One woman, in particular, gave her personal definition of PEACE considerable thought. After some reflection, this is what she said. (And, again, she was shy of the camera!)

Nancy Nalbandian’s definition: PEACE is resting in God’s plan for your life, even when your future seems very uncertain.

She elaborated a bit more. (I did tell her that this particular personal definition is quite definite. And, personal!) Nancy considers the most important part of what PEACE means to her is the resting part. Moreover, “PEACE is trusting that God will work everything out in due time.”

This definition necessitates a belief in a personal God. I have such a belief, and so does Nancy. I know not everyone who reads this blog has such a belief. What I am interested in is whether this kind of belief in God (or in a Higher Power) is helpful to a wide group of people.

God willing, this blog post connects and draws many people together. Please, dear Lord, hear our words and earnest prayer.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Peace of Mind

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, February 21, 2016

PEACE is Peace of Mind

Continuing the journey today. I am traveling around to various locations over the next weeks in my efforts to pursue PEACE.

My friend and colleague from the Des Plaines Ministerial Association, Elder and Pastor Chuck Reid, invited me to attend the church he pastors, Bethesda Worship Center in Des Plaines, Illinois. I was so glad I had the opportunity to attend there today, after the service at my own church, St. Luke’s Christian Community in Morton Grove.

When the service had ended, I had the opportunity to talk with a number of people in the congregation. We had some lively conversations, and their personal definitions of PEACE touched my heart. I’m going to be sharing them during the next few days.

I will begin with Ne’Cole Fort, whose personal definition of PEACE is Peace of mind.

This lovely woman was camera-shy, but I assured her that I would certainly post her definition of PEACE even if I did not take her photo. And, what a wonderful definition it is, too!

Peace of mind. Ne’Cole said, “If I don’t have peace of mind, everything else seems out of order. My mind is the battlefield.” She talked of the orderly mind, and about how PEACE helped everything internal—in her mind and heart—to be properly oriented and in place.

As I reflected on this excellent definition, I thought of the verse in Romans 12:2 that tells us believers to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Yes, the mind is the battlefield! But if God is with us, on our side, we will win the battle (as Martin Luther tells us in his hymn “A Mighty Fortress”).

Dear God, thank You for the opportunity to worship with a new group of believers today. I thank Pastor Chuck, his wife Barbara, and all of the good folks at BWC for their warm welcome. Gracious God, I pray that You might be amidst their worship, empower their prayers, energize their outreach, and anoint Pastor Chuck’s preaching. I thank You for Sister Ne’Cole’s definition of PEACE, and I pray that You might send peace of mind to all those who so sorely need it, tonight. I pray these things in the powerful and peaceful name of Jesus, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Serenity and Calmness

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, February 18, 2016

PEACE is Serenity and Calmness

Today’s definition makes sense. Deep-down sense.

As I talked with the person who gave me this definition, she was cleaning up after the fellowship time at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church. She told me—in so many words—what she thought the definition of PEACE is. “I think that’s a wonderful definition! Could you write it down on a piece of paper? I would very much like to take a photo of you with that definition,” I said.

At first hesitant, she agreed. (And as she straightened her jacket, she told me she didn’t take very good photos. Which I disagree with!)

Carol Metler’s definition: PEACE is Serenity and Calmness.

How much more straight-forward could a definition be? Certainly serenity figures into peaceful living. Lack of drama and trauma. And, serenity implies an inner calmness. Carol added, “Even happiness enters into peacefulness. People who are happy are often peaceful.”

Sadly, many individuals are neither happy nor peaceful. Their lives are not serene and calm, either. Family units have disruption and disagreements aplenty. I have seen extended families living with a lot of difficulties; not only in terms of physical and medical needs, but even more extensive are the emotional and psychological difficulties. Lots to pray about.

A lack of PEACE can be divisive and devastating to relationships. Thank you to Carol for this excellent definition. (And, Carol looks happy and serene in her photo!)

I pray that all of our relationships may be touched with peace, serenity and calmness. Dear Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Pursue PEACE – PEACE is Quiet

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, February 13, 2016

Pursue PEACE – PEACE is Quiet

Quiet. Shh!

One definition for peace certainly can be quiet. Calm, serenity, peace. Yes, quiet.

This was the definition Celeste Magers gave to me, several days ago. Peace is quiet.

Many people pray and meditate as a regular part of their day. Celeste is a practitioner of meditation. This is what she says about how meditation informs her practice of quiet, which is foundational to quiet in her life.

“I’ve been meditating for over 30 years, and the style of meditation I use encourages inner quiet. If thoughts show up, I try not to latch onto them and run with them. I let thoughts flow on by – like light fluffy clouds in a clear blue sky. If I’m successful, after a while, the thoughts quiet down and stop intruding. And then I feel as if I’m immersed in a sea of peace and love. And the same is true of my emotions. When they are not in an uproar, when they are quiet, then I experience peace emotionally, too. So peace means quiet to me. I access peace through quiet.”

Celeste, what a wonderful explanation of how peace and quiet are so closely intermingled in your life, as well as in your practice of meditation.

As you and I come before our God, we can thank God we have the opportunity to calm our hearts as well as our bodies. I can feel the peace and quietude tiptoe into my emotions, my intellect, and my physical being—as well as into my spiritual self. Thank You, God, for such a soothing, calming experience. Gently breathing in—breathing out. Feeling my heart rate decrease, my thoughts become more serene. Thank You, God.
(Celeste Magers is a lecturer in meditation, healthful living, nutrition, and holds a laughter yoga certification. She is always ready to share about the power of laughter in healing and ministry.)

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Pursue PEACE – PEACE = Holiness

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, February 12, 2016

Pursue PEACE – PEACE = Holiness

Intriguing thought! Peace equals holiness. I had to step back and think about this particular definition for a bit. Let it penetrate my mind and heart.

The name of the person I talked to? Chuck. Also known as Dr. Charles L. Reid III, Chuck’s personal definition of peace: PEACE = Holiness.

Chuck did not waste any time in coming up with his personal definition. He knew. He was sure. He is the pastor of the Bethesda Worship Center in Des Plaines. His definition came straight from the New Testament, from Hebrews 12:14. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (NIV)

As I mentioned, I was quite intrigued by this definition. I asked Pastor Chuck to explain further. He said, “From what is given in Scripture as a guide for living, holiness should be an objective for our lives.  Therefore, PEACE = Holiness was what came to my mind when asked about peace.  The pursuit of peace and reconciliation reflects Christ’s ministry of bringing peace and reconciliation.  When holiness abides within, PEACE will live also.”

Yes, I do agree. Excellent concept. Truly a worthwhile objective to strive for.

As for a moral compass and guide to living, Scripture is certainly a time-tested compass. Thank you, Pastor Chuck. I appreciate you and your example of pursuing peace and reconciliation, with holiness a big part in your life.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for this thought-provoking definition of PEACE. Allow it to work into all of our hearts and take root. Thank You for Pastor Chuck, his wife Barbara, and all of the congregation at Bethesda Worship Center. Help each of them to live at peace with their fellows. Dear Lord, striving to be holy is a large part of walking with You. Help Your works and Your words to accomplish Your purposes. Especially Your wish to have all people live in PEACE. Thank You, God!

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Pray As I Consider Sin—and Peace

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Pray As I Consider Sin—and Peace

Ash Wednesday. I prepared ashes for the congregation. I taught bible study this morning—on peace. And, I finished the sermon (shorter meditation, really) for this evening. Sermon on Psalm 51. On iniquity, transgression, and sin. On God’s forgiveness and mercy.

As I mentioned in my meditation, understanding our sin (and sinfulness) prepares us to receive the forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ. And, yes. Each person in the service this evening who wished received the cross of ashes on their forehead.

I have also been thinking about the Pursuing PEACE Project. My personal journey around the Chicago area, asking people about their individual definition of peace. I am honing the information I will present. I want to be open to the individual stories, listening with an open heart.

Listen. Share. Pursue PEACE. (I will begin posting photos tomorrow. Stay tuned!)

However, the concepts of peace, forgiveness and mercy are becoming combined in my mind. If you like, what young people might call a mash-up. Sprinkle with honesty and openness. Season with genuineness and willingness to understand. That is what I am going to try to do in this Lenten season.

Yes, I still have the cross of ashes on my forehead. Yes, I thank God that I have peace with God through Jesus Christ. And, yes, I very much wish to see what other people have in their minds and hearts concerning peace.

I will close this penitential blog post with a prayer from my blogging friend, Rev. Bosco Peters (http://liturgy.co.nz). Through the cross of Christ, God have mercy on you, pardon you and set you free. Know that you are forgiven and be at PEACE. God strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er