PEACE is Resting in God’s Plan (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 – 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.

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, and 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

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? Harmony, Unity, Respect, Compassion.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, April 6, 2016

PEACE? Harmony, Unity, Respect, Compassion.

Another day to present two points of view from St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. Another day to see what kinds of thoughts these sincere people have.

As I considered the next two definitions, I saw similar actions in both of the personal definitions of PEACE: ways of acting towards other people.

Our first point of view comes from one of the few adults who wrote down a definition. (Several more came up and talked with me.) John’s personal definition:  “PEACE is the manifestation of our choice to live according to the order, harmony, and unity of God’s creation.”

Such rich words. I stopped short and read this definition several times, to grasp the enormity of the description. Accordingly, I asked John for further explanation. He told me, “We have in this world the residual of God’s plan for the universe. When God created Genesis 1 and 2, there was peace.” (John, a vivid description, to be sure.)

Joanna’s personal definition: “PEACE is mutual respect and compassion towards one another.” ❤

I asked her to tell me more about her definition. Joanna said, “Just think when people are sympathetic or compassionate towards each other. If that is true, then peace and serenity can happen throughout the world.”

Both personal definitions, both different, yet both involving others in an intimate way. This shows me—yet again—how infinitely inventive individual humans can be.

Dear God, thank You for such heartfelt ideas, such as compassion, respect, and most of all, harmony. Help each of us to practice these. Please.

@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