Tag: Peace

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Occasions

Posted on by Paula Davis

‘Tis the time of the year to celebrate occasions. Thanksgiving is just a few days away and Christmas will quickly follow. In my family we add a couple of birthdays in between as well. So much to do in preparation and anticipation, then the day comes and goes and what do we have left? Memories, both good and bad. Scrapbook worthy moments, and unfortunately often moments we wish we could do-over.

Occasions are often seen as times to look back. We remember holidays of the past, what has changed and traditions we still treasure. We remember special times spent with ones we love. These are precious memories to be held in our hearts.

rearview sunset
I’m afraid too often – especially on our birthdays (although other occasions as well) we may look back with regret for things we have done, or perhaps opportunities we feel we have missed. It’s easy to look in the rear view mirror of our lives and play the would’ve, should’ve game. And while we can learn from our past, we should never dwell there.

Truly nothing can be gained by dwelling in the past. If we settle in times gone by for too long our focus begins to change. We either long for those good times that are now just memories, or we lose momentum we’ve made in our lives moving forward from times we wish we could go back and change. In Philippians 3:12-14 the apostle Paul gives us a great example to follow.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Throughout the books Paul has written we never see him settle for less than God has for him. While he certainly may have had regrets of how he treated God’s people before he was saved by the grace of Christ’s salvation, once he accepted the forgiveness offered he only looked ahead. We read of Paul stating that he was content in his life, but we never see him stagnant. He continually looked ahead towards the ultimate prize of Heaven…and did all he could to take others along with him.

As the occasions of the next few weeks and months come our way, treasure them. Remember the good of occasions gone by and allow God to take away any regret for those that you wish had been different. Focus on making new memories for yourself and those around you.

Remember we have the opportunity to make every day and every encounter an occasion in itself. When we focus on staying in touch with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through us we can touch lives and change each moment into an occasion. It may not be one for the history books but may  leave an impression that makes a difference to someone else.

There is a wonderful movie called Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (created from a book by Suzanne Weyn) I leave you with my favorite quote and hope you’ll carry it with you:

Life Occasion

Blessings and peace to you on this occasion called today.
Paula

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Does It Really Matter?

Posted on by Paula Davis

How do you eat an elephant?

eat an elephantOne bite at a time.

So goes the commonly quoted encouragement to conquer big projects.

It’s clever, but somehow I rarely let it encourage me. My response was usually something like, “sure, but it will NEVER get done”.  What does one little ‘bite’ matter?

This state of mind allowed me to remain stagnant and not push myself to overcome things in my life that seemed overwhelming and more than I could handle. It wasn’t comfortable, but I couldn’t believe that some teeny tiny change could make much of a difference.

A scripture came to mind that previously I had mostly glossed over, thinking it applied in Jesus’ day but not for us today.

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 17:20

I was convicted and realized I needed to give it a try.

Last year as I set aside the excuses and adopted the elephant-eating philosophy I completed and published my first book! You can learn more about Cherish This Christmas here: https://pauladavispeace.com/2012/11/01/exciting-announcement/

This fall I adopted this concept to living a more healthy lifestyle. Finally admitting this year to being middle-aged I thought about the future a little differently before. I realized continuing current eating habits and the mostly sedentary lifestyle I was living would lead to even more difficulty over time. Always before I had jumped into a change like this ‘all in’, believing that I had to cut out all foods that weren’t healthy for me and exercise for hours a day.

Always before I had failed. This time making small changes has me 10 pounds lighter in 4 weeks and feeling less sluggish and craving less of the fatty, high calorie foods.

Small changes really do matter.

  • If you save 25¢ a day, after a year you would have almost $100
  • Completing one chore each evening (dusting, vacuuming, laundry, etc.) leaves most weekends free of housework.
  • Spending just 20 minutes a day walking, cleaning the house or grocery shopping burns about 500 calories a week.

What elephant(s) are you facing today? Do you look at them the way I used to…does one bite really matter?

I encourage you to change that thinking!

Choose one small change to adapt this week. Then add another.

Give it time…at least a month before giving up. (this may be the toughest part!)

And be encouraged! (If you need help with encouragement, send me a note.)

blessings & peace to you…
Paula

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Falling for Fall

Posted on by Paula Davis

Fall is a challenging time for me.

You see, I love Summer.

Oh, Spring is nice. It’s exciting to watch the world wake up. It’s great to rediscover relationships with neighbors and friends whom we only saw from beneath our hats and scarves while operating snowblowers or shovels. I enjoy planting flowers and seeds, digging in the dirt and watching things begin to bloom.

But Summer. Ahhh…the sun shines down it’s warmth and life is more relaxed somehow. People look for excuses to spend time together. Friendships are made or strengthened around picnic tables, bonfires, or lounging on the back deck. Fairs, Festivals and Farmer’s Markets are everywhere. I love Summer.
So as the leaves begin to change and temperatures begin to cool I begin to panic.

frosty morning landscape2

This year I wondered what stirs up these feelings in me. After all, there is much about Fall I am fond of.

The colors are brilliant.

The scents are delicious.

The flavors of pumpkin, apples and spice are wonderful.

Why the melancholy?

I began to realize that in my mind I have been skipping over Fall and worrying about Winter.

And then a verse came to mind:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.        Matthew 6:34

Instead of enjoying the fun of Fall every year I dread the cold weather and snow (both of which I am not fond) that are ahead. I worry about something months away so I don’t enjoy the beauty all around me.

I realized I do this in my personal life as well.

Sometimes I worry about problems in life that may never materialize and I begin to despair. By looking ahead at what challenges may present themselves in the future I am pulled away from the blessings of today.

And it steals my peace.

This year I’m working on enjoying the beauty of the changing colors and the crunch of the leaves under my feet. I’m breathing in the sweet smells and relishing the special flavors that are only available this time of year.

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And I’m not worrying about the “s” word right now. The ground will be white soon enough. I don’t need to rush it. Who knows, perhaps this year I can find something to enjoy about Winter as well.

What is your favorite season?

Do you share similar struggles with the changing seasons?

Blessings and peace to you this beautiful Fall day…
Paula

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Loving The Unlovable

Posted on by Paula Davis

Yesterday a friend of mine challenged us on Facebook:

Consider as you walk today and for the weekend:

“..if you love those who love you, what reward will you have?”

There’s value in loving those who are difficult to love.

As I read it I contemplated just how well I do with this as I go through the mundane sameness of every day. I thought about the difference between putting myself in a position to love someone who is difficult to love and choosing love or acceptance toward someone who crosses my path in everyday situations. I actually think the latter is more difficult.

Challenge accepted, I began my day and headed to the orthopedic office where I work at the front desk. I prayed that God would give me the proper responses to those around me and that I would react as Jesus would when placed in difficult situations. As I got to work I encountered:

  • The impatient caller who was worked up because she didn’t get the answer to the message she left quickly enough.
  • The inefficient drugstore clerks who can’t seem to get people through a check-out line in a timely manner.
  • The grumpy patient checking in who didn’t have his insurance cards and didn’t want his time wasted signing forms.
  • And my favorite…the pickup truck who barreled out of a parking lot and almost hit me on the way home.

There were others of course, too many to list here. In my job we talk to so many needy patients on the phone and in person that there are numerous opportunities to choose. And I will admit I didn’t always choose love when someone was ranting on the other end of the line. I was reminded just how difficult it can be to not fall into the trap of grumpiness, sarcasm and gossip. Thankfully there were several times I caught myself softening my responses mid-conversation or looking that grumpy person in the eye with a smile.

When I changed my responses to a more loving, accepting tone I saw a change in the other person as well. It was sometimes subtle but to me it was significant. I knew I had made a difference, however small.

Bestselling author Harvey Mackay said,

“Little things don’t mean a lot, they mean everything!”

Take a minute right now to reflect over the past day or two and the little things others have done for you that brightened your day or lightened your load:

  • Did someone hold the door and let you walk through first?
  • Did a stranger smiled as you passed?
  • Perhaps a co-worker shared your workload…or a sweet treat!

….you get the idea.

If these little things made such a difference to you, imagine the difference you might make to others.

And in these situations it’s not a stretch to consider you are making a difference for eternity.

Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.    Matthew 25:40

So today I am issuing the challenge to you. As your weekend begins and you encounter the grumpy, impatient and rude people who are a part of our everyday life, make a choice, and make a difference.

Least of These

Please come back here and share with us how your encounters made a difference. I’d love to hear about them!

blessings and peace to you!
Paula

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Reprogramming…

Posted on by Paula Davis

A week ago our side-by-side refrigerator/freezer died. Since we will likely be moving in the next few months it didn’t make sense right now to purchase another so we’re using an old fridge from our garage and purchased a small chest freezer for overflow.

The non-working fridge is still in our kitchen. It took several days before I stopped opening the doors to get something out or put something away, still conditioned to reach for that spot in the kitchen. Finally it seemed I was conditioned to walk out to the breezeway for refrigerated goods. I was finally re-programmed to a different path.

Or was I???

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This morning as I reached for cream for my coffee I saw the doors propped open slightly on the non-working fridge and thought, “Oh NO! Someone didn’t close the refrigerator door tight.” In that split second I had images of spoiled food and no cream for my coffee (not a happy thought!). Then just as soon as that thought came out it was replaced with, “Duh…the fridge is on the breezeway now!” I fetched my cream and sipped my morning beverage, still somewhat dumbfounded that I’m not yet reprogrammed on such a simple thing.

What about on more important issues?

From childhood each of us is programmed to look at the world and the people in it a certain way. Some of us were raised with prejudices and our minds programmed to expect not that every cloud has a silver lining but that every cloud means rain. This mindset often makes us quick to judge without knowing all the facts or details of a situation. Our environment doesn’t help either with tabloids looking to create drama from every situation, sensationalizing the details and usually seeking negative even when it doesn’t exist.

The bible has very specific directions towards how we are to address every situation we encounter and people whom we meet:

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.        Philippians 4:8

It’s not too late to reprogram the way we look at the world around us and the people in it. If we concentrate on the positive and sift every negative thought for truth we will begin to expect different outcomes.

reprogramming brain

Allowing the Holy Spirit to show us through the eyes of Jesus what is deeper than the surface of a situation will also change our perspective to see the truth and perhaps how we can be part of a solution instead of rushing to quick judgement.

Now, before you tell me you’re too old and set in your ways to be reprogrammed, or that it’s just fighting a losing battle please consider this:

If we, as children of God go the way of the world instead of the way of Jesus, how will the world come to know Him? 

When we choose to stay set in our ways, rush to judgement on others and continually see the negative instead of a glimmer of good we cannot make a difference in this world. We begin to blend into the darkness and the light of Jesus is snuffed out.

I’m feeling a little convicted this morning…and all from a refrigerator!

Blessings and peace to you as you consider how God is speaking to you.
Paula

 

 

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More Lessons From the Garden

Posted on by Paula Davis

Every year we plant beans in our garden. Green beans and Yellow beans. Usually enough to can and eat through the winter. Last year the beans came up and were quickly eaten off by my nemesis the woodchuck. Not a stalk was left un-nibbled and no beans were to be found.

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This year we planted again. Two long rows of beans, one green, one yellow, stretching the length of the garden. They started to sprout and soon we had beautiful beans – 1/2 a row of green beans and 1/2 a row of yellow beans. Between the woodchucks (of course they multiplied over the winter), the bunnies and our deer friend the beans were once again nibbled. I’m not sure why they left half the rows untouched but I’m thankful they did. We had our first fresh beans for supper just last night.

bean row

Tonight I was out weeding and I uncovered something remarkable. Partway down the devoured section of a row was a beanstalk peeking through the weeds. It’s leaves were gone and the top of the stalk had been nibbled.

bean

I weeded carefully and looked closer. This little stalk has a blossom on it and it will probably soon produce beans!

bean flower

The little beanstalk was a reminder to me of how God wants to use each of us, regardless of whether or not we feel beautiful, complete, or just like everyone else. To Him it does not matter how many times we’ve been nagged or ‘nibbled’ at, we are still productive people, loved and longed for by the God who created us.

I know too often I use excuses that I’m not enough this, or I’m too much that, or something’s not perfect with me so I can’t be useful to God like that other person over there who looks to me like they have it all together.

If we had it all together, we wouldn’t need God!!

I hope the next time I start making excuses for God not using me because everything doesn’t seem ‘just right’ I will remember this beanstalk and its little blossom. Perhaps it will inspire me to make the most of what I have right now and do something wonderful for God.

It might seem a little hokey, but perhaps you’ll remember this little bean too when you’re having a day when you don’t feel like God can use you the way you are. Hopefully you’ll see that you have more potential than you might think, and God is waiting to produce wonderful things if you’ll only allow Him.

blessings and peace to you in the garden of your life!
Paula

 

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Faith is Believing

Posted on by Paula Davis

It’s interesting how stepping out in faith in God can be so difficult for us and yet faith in earthly things so easy.

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We have faith that when we sit in a chair it will not break.

We have faith that when we turn the key in our car it will start.

We have faith that when we flip a switch light will flood the room.

So why is faith in God often so hard for so many of us?

Is it because we cannot see Him? All the things mentioned above are tangible things that we have proven time and again. But we cannot see God. Even those of us who have proven Him to be true and faithful over and over in our lives reach circumstances even sometimes simple ones – where it is hard to put our trust in what we cannot see or know.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

As children many of us believed in Santa and because of our faith that he would fill  our stockings on Christmas Eve we wrote him letters and left out cookies and mild for him, and carrots for his reindeer.

And that faith was rewarded.

How much more should our faith be in our Creator? The God who knows us better than we know ourselves asks us to put our faith in Him — believing that what He promises will come to pass.

I believe that faith will be rewarded as well.

We are humans who are independent and often want immediate results, and immediate reward. I am believing more and more that when we put our trust in God to bring good things into our lives, to resolve situations and to bring us peace BELIEVING it will come to pass, it will indeed.

No cookies are needed!

Is there something you’re struggling with believing right now? I hope you’ll put your faith in God and believe that He will bring blessings your way. That is His desire for His children as well.

blessings and peace on your day…
Paula

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Freedom

Posted on by Paula Davis

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Today is the Fourth of July ~ Independence Day for Americans. It’s a day when we honor our country and celebrate the freedoms gained over 200 years ago. It’s also a time to spend with family and friends, celebrating with cookouts, picnics, festivals and fireworks.

As I reflect on the freedoms I have as an American my mind also wanders to the freedoms I have as a child of God.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.    Galatians 5:1

We are born as slaves to sin. Our very nature is to question authority and want to do things our own way. But this sin separates us from God and keeps us from spending eternity with Him in Heaven. The immediate sense of satisfaction we have by exerting our   independence in doing things our own way keeps us from an even better reward after our time on earth is done.

Thankfully Jesus came from that incredible Heaven and lived a sinless life here on earth.  For anyone willing to submit to God’s will for our lives and trust in Jesus to lead us in His ways we receive freedom from our sinfulness and so much more.

We are free:

  • from guilt and shame 
  • from bad habits 
  • from believing the lies of the evil one!

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  John 8:36

Wouldn’t it be something if we celebrated our freedom in Christ as jubilantly as we celebrate our country’s freedom?

Happy Independence Day from me to each of you!

blessings and peace…
Paula

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It’s Your Choice ~ Words Worth Remembering Week #17

Posted on by Paula Davis

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15b-16

God has been talking to me about choices lately and brought this verse to mind recently in my time with Him.

My first reaction was to say, “Yes, Lord. I choose You. I serve You.”

And He replied something like, “Are you sure?”

It reminded me a little bit of the conversation He had with Peter in John 21 when He asked three times if Peter loved Him. I imagine Peter losing patience with the Lord a little by the third time to think that Peter didn’t love Him. Hadn’t Peter walked with Him all those years? Peter even tried to keep the soldiers from arresting and killing Jesus. Of course Peter loved Him!

Was Jesus really asking Peter simply if Peter loved Him, or was it whether Peter chose to love Jesus more than other things in his life? Did Peter love Him more than his zealous pride? Was Peter willing to forget about what the other disciples were doing or who was the most important to Jesus and love Him more than all else?

Thus God’s question to me.

choose-god

He wasn’t questioning whether I serve Him but instead whether I choose to serve Him over other less significant things.

God has a mission for me. A role for me in His kingdom. Do I choose this role over selfish desires? Am I choosing to use my ‘free’ time in a way that will please the Lord or do I waste it on things that have no significance?

Do I choose to serve Him or my own whims and ideas?

Do I even think about whom I’m serving or how I spend my time?

How about you? What do you choose?

Whom do you choose?

blessings and peace to you as you choose and serve this weekend.
Paula

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Follow The Leader

Posted on by Paula Davis

It’s one of the most iconic images we all know and love…

ducks-in-a-row

The image is one of trust. These ducklings instinctively know their mother will only do what is best for them and will take them to where they need to go as safely as possible. She will teach them to swim and to fly, show them how to find and identify food and to know a predator from a friend. She might have to push them to do things that frighten them because she knows they can and the result will be what’s best for them.

What about us? Who do we follow?

Society would have us follow those who are rich or famous. The suggestion of following in the footsteps of someone who has ‘made it’ even comes in some Christian circles. There is occasionally a notion of promised wealth and happiness if a certain formula is followed. Unfortunately even some Christian leaders pick and choose from God’s word to create a message that people want to hear and willingly follow.

Consider for a moment this photo:

ducks follow chicken

While I found it adorable it also caused me to pause as I considered that this is not a great example of leadership. While the chicken has much to offer these ducklings, chickens cannot fly (for extended periods of time) and HATE water. She will not be able to teach these little ones to swim or to fly away from those who wish to harm them. In a sense (if you will forgive the pun) she is teaching them to be sitting ducks.

So how do we know who we should follow?

As Christians Christ is our leader and the ultimate example for us to follow. Through Christ we have also been given the Holy Spirit to lead us when we are uncertain of what God’s word is saying or if we are on the right path. The first place we should go is to our knees to seek God’s will for us and follow His direction.

Thankfully we are not alone on our journey. God has given us advisors to walk with us and at times lead or even  push us when we are stuck. They can help us see what we cannot and get us turned around if we are headed in the wrong direction.

In the Bible Paul gives us the ultimate identifier of a good earthly leader. He was bold enough to say:

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.     1 Corinthians 11:1

In all that Paul did his aim was to follow Christ. Those who followed him knew that he would not intentionally lead them astray because his eyes were set on Christ and his guidance from the Holy Spirit. When we see this in those we follow we can also be assured they are good leaders.

What kind of leader are you?

Before you say that you are not a leader, look ‘behind’ you. Is there anyone following your example? If so, then you are a leader. You may not stand before large groups of people or teach a class but if you influence anyone you are a leader.

Hopefully we can stand with Paul and boldly encourage others to follow us as we follow Christ and His example. We won’t be perfect (we are human after all) but when we aim to point others to Christ our leadership will be sound.

I am thankful for the good leaders and advisors that have been placed in my life and I hope those who follow me will see Christ in me.

I pray that each of you have the same aim.

blessings and peace to you today as you follow your Leader!
Paula