Peace For The Holidays
Sherri and I have been very intentional in our attempt to make our home a place of peace and to be peacemakers. In the hope our holiday season will be stress-free and peaceful, here are a few suggestions from our house to yours.
Do Everything You Can To Make It Peaceful: Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Pray For It & Prophesy To It: I mean, “Have a little talk with Jesus.” Then, declare/prophesy the promises of God over your home and holiday gatherings. Then, believe it and expect it.
Manage Your Expectations & Be Thankful: Every family has at least one weirdo, so be prepared and don’t be in denial. Why? Because you may be that weirdo!
Keep your expectations within reason. Don't ask too much of your family. Just the fact that you are together is a miracle all by itself. Thank God for that miracle, and be thankful.
Make It Easy For Others: We’ve done this for years. This year, we will host a 9:00 AM Breakfast for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Why? Then, our kids can go to all their other family dinners. Things like this create peace and don’t add to their stress.
Set The Atmosphere: I put on a playlist of super-chill music, and it affects the entire house. I don’t put on blues or praise music; I just put on some chill instrumental music, which works great. Smiling and laughing is another way to affect the atmosphere. Let the joy of the Lord shine through.
Be Forgiving: Forgiveness is the hallmark of the Christian experience. It is where everything with God begins. We must be astute in giving and receiving forgiveness. Christmas is all about forgiveness.
Enjoy Yourselves: We have a sign at our front door that is the title of one of my songs; here is what it says. “Check Your Blues At The Door.” every moment we have together is precious. So put aside your worries and enjoy your time together.
Peace on earth,
Jimmie & Sherri
