Tag: peace

faith, God, Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

14 Quotes on Keeping Your Peace

Some days are more peaceful than others. I wish I had a switch to turn on and off. Life gets crazy sometimes. These are the days I need to guard my heart and keep my peace, no matter what is going on around me.

This world is so LOUD. Ugggh. We are constantly bombarded with things, people, information, news, and life. Sometimes I just unplug, listen to music, and just be. I like candles and music. That helps me calm down. Sometimes I play piano or bass and just relax.

I like to connect with God and let the world just turn.  God is peace. His presence brings peace, no matter what the storm we are going through. I don’t need Facebook or Twitter to do that, just prayer and praise. God inhabits our praise. Want to feel closer to Him? Start praising Him. Pray to Him. God likes to talk with us, we are His kiddos. Thank Him – for anything. And just let it be…

What about you? How do you calm down and keep your peace?

14 Quotes on Keeping Your Peace

  1. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
  2. “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
  3. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ― Jeremiah 29:11
  4. “The Simple Path
    Silence is Prayer
    Prayer is Faith
    Faith is Love
    Love is Service
    The Fruit of Service is Peace”
    ― Mother Teresa
  5. “Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
  6. “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” ― Martin Luther
  7. “The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace. True wisdom is never argumentative or quarrelsome. It does not strive. It maintains harmonious relationships with everyone, as far as possible. It is impossible to quarrel with a man who is filled with Divine wisdom, for such a man is a peaceable man.” ― Zac Poonen
  8. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.’ – Galations 5:22-23
  9. “Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.” ― Martin Luther
  10. “As we pour out our bitterness, God pours in his peace.” ― F.B. Meyer
  11. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Phillipians 4:6-7
  12. “The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
  13. “If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” ― Thomas Watson
  14. “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”― Mother Teresa

 

Boundaries, Bullying, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Jezebel, Narcissism, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Why Jezebels and Narcissits Spoil Every Holiday and How to Keep Your Peace

You may know one – or have known one. The Killjoy, the Jezebel or the Naracissit who consistantly ruins every holiday. It may be a birthday, a Thanksgiving, or even Christmas.  Every year they make a scene – to be seen. It’s almost like they are on steroids. All those criticizing, belittling, and blaming behaviors come out in stereo. Loud and proud as they cut down everyone and everything in their way. But why? Why do they insist on the drama every Holiday? And more importantly, what can you do to keep your peace?

 

Why Jezebels and Narcissists Spoil Every Holiday and How to Keep Your Peace

  • Jezebels and Narcissits have a self control problem. They have none. So they create drama all around them so they feel important. It’s all about them. They want to be the star of the show. So if they cut you down, they think they shine.
    •  It’s a pretty dull sparkle if you ask me. Don’t react. Let them be stupid all by themselves.
  • Holidays bring crowds and they love to be the star of the show. Once again, you don’t matter to them. They have no real heart. It is cold and closed. More people mean a bigger audience for them to play their leading role.
    • They are a legend in their own minds.  Too bad it’s the size of a pea, lol! They think they are God and everyone should bow down and worship them. Don’t do it. Don’t put them on a pedestel, or cater to their whims. There is no throne for that type of behavior. It’s abusive.
  • Jezebels and Narcissists are insecure –  only they don’t want anyone to know about it. They often overreact to the dumbest things. They will blow a gasket at the drop of a hat, over anything. They are maniupulaters and blamers. In their mind anything that goes wrong is never their fault. They think they walk on water.
    • They will blame whoever is in their way. This way they feed their own ego. You can almost see their head blow up with their own hot air. When the blaming starts, take a deep breath and don’t belive them. Whatever comes out of their mouth is not true. They lie to cover things up all the time. Half of the time they do not even remember all the lies they tell.
  • Jezebesl and Narcissists  love to stir up drama. Have you ever noticed how they will poke and prod and gossip just to get someone upset? It makes them feel in control. They love to get other people angry.  I really think anger is fuel to them. They thrive on it.
    • Don’t play. Don’t react. Let their words fall to the ground.  Just because they said something doesn’t mean it is true. Sometimes this makes them even angrier, be prepared. It’s healthy to walk away, take a break, leave the room. You don’t have to watch them crash and burn.

Keep you peace this Holiday. If they want to be a jerk, let them. We have no contorl over other people’s bad behavior. It is not our fault they are jerks, that is their choice. What we can control is our reaction to it.

“Don’t feed the Jezebel or the Narcissist – they will only get uglier.”

Remember to put on your full armor and stand strong. Let it go, God will deal with them just like He did with Jezebel. Keep your peace. Don’t play. Pray, ask God to intercede. He will, and watch the Jezebels fall!

 

Anxiety, faith, God, Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Learning to Rest

Learning to rest. It is not always easy in this digital world. There are so many pretty things to look at. Plus you can see who is doing what any time you want. It’s insane. I miss the simpler times. The days without cell phones – when you had to leave a message on the answering machine and we could call them back when we wanted to. Our kids will never know life without cell phones. I mean really – I did not have internet when I grew up. No computer at home. Really. My kids think I’m a dinosaur.

There are times I have to unplug. Just rest and be. Go for a walk, dig in the dirt, just breathe. This life is so fast. The older I get, the faster time flies.

Can you relate?

 

God’s Word for You:

  • “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
  • “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
    I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
  • “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” – Mark 6:30-32 NIV
  • “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.” – Exodus 34:21 NIV
  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Help us to let go of this world and rest in you. Bring to our minds the peace of spending time just resting in You. Let us choose to trust you with all our trials and tribulations knowing that this life is only temporary. You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Forgive our disbelief. Our beginning and our ending is in You and what you have already done. Increase our faith, in Jesus Name.

 

 

faith, God, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

Bring Peace to the Storm

“Peace. Be still.” That all He said. The wind stopped, the waves quoted, and the boat stopped rocking. What if we did that? What if we brought peace to the storm in our lives and the lives of those around us?

What would we feel like if we brought peace to our spirits?

What would our family look like if we brought peace?

What would work look like if we brought peace?

What would our world look like if we brought peace?

 

I have to admit – it’s not my first thought. I think God knew that. That’s why He had to give me His peace. He knew mine wouldn’t always be so agreeable, lol!

 

 

God’s Word for You:

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. – Colossians 3″15-17 MSG

 

 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. – Philipians 4:6-7 MSG

 

 

When Jesus saw that a curious crowd was growing by the minute, he told his disciples to get him out of there to the other side of the lake. As they left, a religion scholar asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said.  Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”  Another follower said, “Master, excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have my father’s funeral to take care of.”

Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.”

Then he got in the boat, his disciples with him. The next thing they knew, they were in a severe storm. Waves were crashing into the boat—and he was sound asleep! They roused him, pleading, “Master, save us! We’re going down!” Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you such cowards, such faint-hearts?” Then he stood up and told the wind to be silent, the sea to quiet down: “Silence!” The sea became smooth as glass. The men rubbed their eyes, astonished. “What’s going on here? Wind and sea come to heel at his command!” – Matthew 8:18-27 MSG

My Prayer for You:

Lord help me bring peace, not chaos, to myself, my friends, my family, and my world. Let me not say the first thing that I think. Let me bring grace and peace to those I love. Let me be a peace-maker, not a peace-taker in Jesus Name.

 

Here is a video I made about PEACE – enjoy!

faith, God, Healing, Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality

Where Hope Grows – Inspirational Quotes

Where Hope Grows

~Copyright 2016 Diana Rasmussen~

there is life

there is breath

there is longing

there is dirt

there is growth

there is harvest


“Hope is like a flower – it grows in the dirt!” -Diana Rasmussen of Prayers and Promises


Inspirational Quotes on Hope

  1. “Hope is the thing with feathers

    That perches in the soul

    And sings the tune without the words

    And never stops at all.” – Emily Dickinson

  2. “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth the fighting for.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

  3. “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to never stop questioning.” -Albert Einstein

  4. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

  5. “We must accept the finite disappointment, it never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

  6. “Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.” – Robert H. Schuller

  7. “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

  8. “My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and to try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.” – Maya Angelou

  9. “Hope is the word which God has written on the brow of every man.” – Victor Hugo

  10. “God’s mercy and grace give me hope – for myself, and for our world.” – Billy Graham

  11. “I always entertain great hopes. ” – Robert Frost

  12. “Hope is a waking dream.” – Aristotle

  13. “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” – Martin Luther

  14. “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.” – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

 

 

(all images from Pinterest)

Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Pass the Peace Please

Peace. That sense of calm that all is well. It will work out. We are good. All is well.

What would happen in we would pass that on? Not our attitudes, not our pride, not our thoughts – but our peace.

What would the world look like then?

God gave us peace – His peace. Peace that surpasses all understanding.

What if we shared that with our fellow man and woman?

 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. – Luke 10:5-6 

Deliverance, faith, God, Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Be Prepared for Resistance When You Reach the Promised Land

One thing I have learned in my walk with God is that you must be prepared for resistance when God brings you to a Promised Land.  Remember Joshua? He finally led the Israelites into the land that God promised. It was not empty. It was full of enemies. There was a battle that had to take place for God’s chosen people to enter. It was not just a show up and let’s move in kind of deal.

Let me share a personal story to show you what this looks like. I recently finished up my part time job at school. I applied for a summer job at a local company. They offered me full time with full benefits. Of course I said yes! I have not had a full time job with benefits in over 16 years!

Here is what my battle looked like:

  • 3 days before my start date – the water heater in our home went out.
  • 2 days before my start date – the gas stove started leaking and we had to turn it off.
  • 1 day before my start date – the brakes went out on my truck.
  • The night before my start date – I was up for most of the night killing demons in my sleep.
  • My first day – the water heater still didn’t work and I took a cold bath.
  • My first day at lunch – one of my kids got in a fender bender. All is well but the car was ruled a total loss by the insurance company.

 

 

Expect a battle when God brings you to the promised land. Keep you peace. Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world. Keep your peace. Stand on the Word. Stand on the promises of God. Watch God deliver you and your family. Keep your peace.

The results:

  • My husband and our Pastor fixed the brakes for $42.00!
  • My husband fixed the water heater with a new part. we now have hot water!
  • My husband bought the new hose for the gas stove, this too will be fixed!
  • And the car – we elected to keep the car and my daughter’s boyfriend has all the parts but one to repair it! Praise God!

 

Thank you Jesus!  The Lord will deliver you, He promised!

God’s Word for You:

God’s Commission to Joshua
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory.  No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.

 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:1-9 NKJV

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Please be with your people as they travel from the land of slavery and bondange into the promised land You promised them. Be with them as they stand before the Enemy and watch as You deliver them. Give us supernatural strength and resolve as we enter new territories. Let us lean on You and You alone as we conquer the land and possess the territory You have promised us, in Jesus Name.

Healing, Hope, power of words, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Let’s Just Agree

Church – Can we just find some common ground and find something to agree upon?

Yes, we are all different. Yet we are all part of the same body – the Body of Christ. We all have flaws, we have all fallen short. So can we stop finding fault with one another? 

Why is it we always see the shortcomings in others and not in ourselves? I admit it, I am guilty. I have faults. I have places that still need healing. I’m not all perfect yet. Guess I’m still human. Besides, God isn’t finished with me yet. I may not be where I want to be, but I am way better than I used to be. Can you please find one thing I am doing right instead of 10 things I am doing wrong?

What would happen if we thought before we spoke?

Is it necessary? 

Is it helpful? 

Is it kind?

Does it build up or tear down? 

Are we trying to do the Holy Spirit’s job?

What would happen if we quit picking on each other and found something to agree upon?


God’s Word for You:

Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” 

1 Corinthians 1:10-11 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 

Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. 

Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it isFor brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore. 

Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 


My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

Forgive me for finding fault with your kids. Please help me keep my mouth shut unless it will build up a fellow believer. Let me be an instrument of your peace, in Jesus Name. 

faith, God, Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Don’t Judge Your Life By the Color of the Puzzle Piece You Are Holding

Have you ever done a puzzle? I love opening the box. It doesn’t matter if its 100, 250, or 500, or 1000+ pieces. Each one different. Yet each one in needed. Some are yellow, some are red, some are blue, and some are black. Many have lots of colors on each individual piece. Before you even begin you know that it will come together in the end and make the most beautiful picture. It will look just like the box. A Masterpiece.

Do you start with the end pieces first? Or are you a color person and do it section by section? I like to dump all the pieces out on the table and see what I got first. I’m not the fastest puzzle girl. More slow and methodical. It’s not a race after all. I could take as long as I like to put the pieces together. Each one special. Each part needed.

What if each of those puzzle pieces was a part of your life?

There would be happy colors and sad colors, light pieces and dark pieces. Yet they would all fit together in your life to make a beautiful creation.

What if we didn’t judge our whole life by the color of the puzzle piece we are holding right now?

Puzzles always go faster with a helper. Sometimes they see things differently and things come together. I saw this tweet this morning and it started this whole thought process.

 

 

Today may be a dark puzzle piece. Hang on – your story is not over yet. The puzzle is not finished yet. There is more than you know right now. Trust God. Let Him help. His Masterpiece is just coming together!

 

 

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV

(Image Sources – starpoempickjuly.blogspot.com and Pinterest)

faith, God, Healing, Hope, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Videos

Be Still and Know “I AM”

I woke up singing this song today. It’s from the Fray. I love how God sings over us when we sleep and we wake up praising His name!

 

BE STILL

by the Fray

 

Be still and know
That I’m with you.
Be still and know
That I am here.
Be still and know
That I’m with you.
Be still, be still and know.
When darkness comes upon you
And covers you with fear and shame.
Be still and know that I’m with you
And I will say your name.
If terror falls upon your bed
And sleep no longer come
Remember all the words I said
Be still, be still and know.
When you go through the valley
And shadow comes down from the hill.
If morning never comes to be
Be still, be still, be still.
If you forget the way to go
And lose where you came from
If no one is standing beside you
Be still and know I am.
Be still and know
That I’m with you.
Be still and know I am.

Psalms 46:10 – Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Mark 4:39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!”And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

faith, God, Healing, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Receive Peace Today in the Middle of Your Mess

If there is one thing you bring with you wherever you go that this world needs it is Peace. The Spirit of the Living God lives within you if you have believed on Jesus. And He is Peace – the Prince of Peace. Receive it today. Let His peace reign in your heart when the world is crazy. Let his peace reign in your heart when things are out of control. Receive His Peace in the storm and in the quiet. And carry the Light of the World into the darkness. Bring kindness and humbleness and rest in Jesus today. The World around you will see it. Shine on!

 

 

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:5-7

 

 

Hope, Spirituality

God Went Ahead to Get Things Ready for You

Wherever you are going, whatever you are doing, God promised to go ahead of you to prepare the way. I can’t tell you how many times I have depended on these verses. I started a new job this week. I’m back in the School District helping kids. That part is exciting. But can I tell you I was really nervous the first day. I didn’t know what to expect. It’s not always easy being the new kid on the block. Walking into a new environment with all new people. I was pleasantly surprised. The Staff was amazing. The Secretries in particular have made me feel at ease each day. And I am setting up my classroom, learning new equipment, meeting new teachers, and learning new things.

I asked God to show me if this was the right move for me. Can I tell you He answered? I felt His Presence in an amazing way on my first day at school. There weren’t any kids there yet, just teacher work day. No bells, no whistles, no trumpets from Heaven or anything – just a calm peaceful feeling and the amazing awareness of His Presence. God was there – He went before me and prepared the way. He was waiting for me to get there. I just didn’t know it yet!

Who knew such a good thing was right round the corner?

What about you? What new things are you facing?

Are you a Mom with the kids going back to school? Are you starting a new job? Looking for a job? A student heading back to school? A soldier heading overseas?  Are you retired looking for your next adventure?

How can I pray with you today?

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU:

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deut. 31:8 NLT

“I will go before you and make the hard places smooth. I will break the brass doors to pieces, and cut through their iron gates.” – Isaiah 45:2 NLV

“But you will not go out in a hurry. You will not leave as if you were running for your lives. For the Lord will go before you. And the God of Israel will keep watch behind you.” – Isaiah 52:12 NLV

MY PRAYER FOR YOU:

Dear Lord,

I thank you that You go first. Thank you  for leading us in the way we should go. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that you have put inside of us so we can commune with you anywhere at anytime. Thank You for confirming Your Word with Your Presence in our everyday lives, in Jesus Name.