Let God be Your Peace

The last couple of months I've pretty neglectful of this blog site. I've let the demands of life take over.  Occasionally I've wandered back on here (when I've thought of it).  Sometimes I've thought about getting on here and second guessed myself thinking, "Does anyone really read the words that I write?"  "Am I making a difference by keeping this site active?"  But today I thought - The holidays are approaching... "remember how difficult the holidays used to be for you, Carol?"  Yep, I remember!  Then, I thought - Even if only one person is reading this blog... even if I (through the grace of God) am only making an impact in one person's life today - than it's worth it.  So, here I am.

The Prayer of St Francis is on my heart today.  I hope you are able to draw strength from it.

Please know, if you are going through difficulties during this time of year - and I know many are struggling - know that you are not alone... Let God be your Peace, Love, Pardon, Faith, Hope, Light, and Joy.

Characteristics of a Child of God

It would be great to be able to get up every morning and live out our perfect intentions.  But unfortunately - life happens and we let down ourselves and God.  In our dream worlds, we would all be able to go through our days being the "Children of God" that Jesus calls us to be.  But until then - we are able to strive to be the best we can possibly be; showing the following characteristics through our actions.

C – concern for others

Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

H – humility

1 Peter 5:5-6

You younger [brothers and sisters], likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that [God] may exalt you at the proper time…

I – inspiration

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

L – loyalty and love

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

D – dedication

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.

O – open mindedness (non-judgment) 

Luke 6:37

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven..."  

F – faith

Romans 1:17b

The righteous will live by faith.   

G – graciousness

2 Timothy 4:22 

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

O – obedience 

Romans 15:1-2

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

D- devotion 

Luke 10:27

He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"