A Recipe for Peace

So first thing's first, am finally back home for the summer! On a gloomier note, I've recently been going through a valley in my life that has somewhat robbed me of comfort, peace and joy in my life. So much so, that I was actually not as excited as I usually am to go home...which is very unlike me. I'm usually always the first person to count down the days to home, and jump for joy and start packing 2 weeks before I fly, post a hundred countdowns and things I'm looking forward to and etcetera, but this time was different. I don't think I can type out the reason here so I apologize if this post keeps you wondering. Please don't get me wrong, I love my home, and I am indeed overjoyed to see my family especially my adorable grandma and three dogs, friends, and loved ones. But....yea, this something has really taken a toll on me. I can only pray that God restores me and makes me whole again because I know that no one but He can.

So today I went to church, and Pastor Ben preached an insightful sermon based on Philipians 4:4-9. It was that of a recipe for peace, and I'd like to share this with anyone out there who may be like me, in need of some peace in their life, because this recipe for peace is a simple one. It consists of no convoluted concoction or ingredients nor perplexing directives that is impossible to follow. Just a simple three steps. 

Step 1: Quit worrying and start praying

....for worrying never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it just robs today of its joy.

Matthew 6:34 serves as a good reminder for us not to worry.  ^"34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)"

Step 2: Change the way you think and you will change the way you live

Remember that the mind is the battlefield in which the outcomes of wars are determined; whether won or lost.

Roman 12: 2 reminds us not to "conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" 


Step 3: Occupy yourself with constructive activities

This one's pretty self-explanatory yea? :) Plus I'm a lil bit tired and sleepy from [occupying myself] with a late night of playing Gin Rummy with mum and her friends earlier [constructive activities]! lol :)


And finally, to end this post, I'd like to share a quote that was shared by our pastor today, and I quote, 
"When you can't sleep, don't count sheep, talk to the shepherd." 

Pray for me dear friends, I really do need it (and appreciate it) :) 

Philipians 4:4-9 
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.⁸ 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. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.