PEACE – Knowing Christ is in Me (Repost)

This repost is especially for the Facebook site “Pursuing Peace.” God’s blessings on all my readers today.

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

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

PEACE: How You Want to be Treated

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, April12, 2016

PEACE: Treating Others How You Want to be Treated

Another day of listing some special personal definitions of PEACE. These definitions came from my invitation to visit the Muslim Community Center last Sunday afternoon. This was after a lecture. The president of the Sunday school reminded the gathered crowd that I was there to ask the simple question “What is PEACE, to you?”

I am featuring one definition first, but it is unidentified. I did not have an opportunity to speak to each and every person, because so many people gathered around the table where I stood. Several people wrote heartfelt definitions, and left without speaking to me. (It is still an excellent definition!)

A personal definition: “PEACE is when there is a presence in the heart and mind.”

The second definition comes from the daughter of a woman who attended the lecture. The young girl was particularly articulate and earnest.

Ashna’s personal definition: “PEACE is treating others how you want to be treated.”

I thought this was a wonderful definition, especially coming from one so young. I asked Ashna a follow up question, for more information. She responded, “If you’re nice to people they can be nice to others. And, then, to others after that. It can continue.” I nodded, and mentioned that her definition just kept going and going. Ashna nodded again, and smiled her shy smile.

Both of these points of view are so applicable. The first is internal, talking about an inner peace. The second is a mix of both—internal and external.

Gracious and merciful God, thank You for such a variety of definitions! And, thank You for giving people such creativity.

@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

(Thanks to everyone at the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove, for making this week of personal definitions of PEACE possible.)