Sunday, December 28, 2008

Peaceful Ponderings For The New Year

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With a new year almost upon us, do you ever find yourself fretting about the future? Our world certainly is tipsy-turvy, chaotic even, but when we look back into history, every age and era had its grim, dark times to get through.

Perhaps that's why I find comfort from this little meditation by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622). He lived in Europe during the divisive and chaotic times resulting from the Protestant Reformation, so he certainly knew about societal upheaval.

Today I offer it to you as my little New Year's gift with the hope and prayer it gives you courage to face this brand new year with calm and peaceful hearts.

DO NOT LOOK FORWARD

to what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you tomorrow and everyday.
Either he will shield you from suffering,
or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace, then,
put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations,
and say continually: "The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped.
He is not only with me...but in me....and I in Him."



Wishing you peace and hope,
Brenda
xox




7 comments:

  1. good thoughts as we head into another new year.

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  2. This is a beautiful post!

    I'm browsing and found you via my interests , one being "letter writing"

    I'll be back again!

    Have a peaceful evening:)

    ~Sunny

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  3. Lin -- I'm always so glad to see your face on my comment page! Yah!

    Judy -- Good to hear from you. Ahhh, letter writing.... that has been a long-time joy for me. It seems to be second nature to want to jot notes and cards and letters to people. I think I love the 'romance' of it -- knowing that someone will find something other than a bill in their mailbox!

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  4. When Christ said, "Peace be with you. My peace I give unto you.", He was speaking of internal, not eternal peace.

    Yur point is beautifully made, Brenda. Were you wise when you were a toddler or did you have to grow into it? Wisdom just flows so easily from you, I'm thinking it was a gift at birth.

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  5. okay... that should have read eXternal... not eternal peace. I'm sure Christ offers eternal peace. Have I mentioned that I really should get into the habit of proof reading? Have you noticed that I evidently haven't developed the habit? Sheesh!

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  6. Caryn, You made me chuckle! You did have me scratching my head about the 'eternal' peace comment.

    About wisdom.... I must admit it's been a 'growing into' experience.

    And if there's any wisdom in the words I post, it's not 'my' wisdom. Over the years, I've taken to heart the encouragement written by James in the New Testament, who says if we lack wisdom, we can ask God who gives it liberally and without reproach. So I've taken him up on it and have asked many times. I'm always amazed at how many 'good' ideas come just when I need them. I am grateful!

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo