SHALOM is Hebrew for peace and literally means to be COMPLETE and WHOLE. Shalom can also mean a number of things as referred to in the Bible: prosperity, well-being, safety, success, wholeness, integrity, concordance, truth, balance, harmony (friends, family, nations), symphony and health. Shalom has also been used as a greeting or a blessing. It conveys the message that one is wishing all good things to the person being addressed. Shalom is the work of God as He is the author of all things. He creates harmony, balance, Justice and peace. He is Truth and Peace itself. We can learn a lot from our Jewish brothers and sisters in regards to Shalom. In Jewish understanding, there are 4 areas of Shalom: 1) God: We are all perfect reflections of Our Heavenly Father, having been made in His image and likeness. He desires a relationship of peace and love with each of us, and for each of us to have relationships of peace and love with each other. 2) Self: One has peace when there is true self-knowledge. When we know who God made us to be and are aware of the distinct traits and gifts He gave us, then we can have peace by living a life of integrity, worth and purpose. 3) Others: We must love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:31) Jesus inspires and encourages us to be and bring Shalom to others...most importantly, starting in our own homes. 4) Surroundings/Environment: God desires that our home and workplace bring us Shalom. Dona Nobis Pacem
spiritual One way to live Shalom and bring it to others is through enthusiasm and joy for God's word. Is there a particular Bible passage that brings you great joy? Here are a few to meditate on today that will lead you to peace: The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace. ~Psalm 29:11 My grace is enough for you, for My power manifests itself in your weakness. ~2 Corinthians 12:9 Peace I leave with you, My own peace I give to you; a peace the world cannot give, this is My gift to you. Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid. ~John 14:27 I have told you these things so that you will have peace in Me. In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage! I have conquered the world. ~John 16:33 Click the link below for a fun video with Lisa Cotter explaining 5 Catholic Hacks to grow in peace. My favorite is the Holy Water spray bottle! 5 Catholic Hacks for Peace
self
Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you clear and free your mind to achieve peace and wholeness. By writing things down it helps to identify and manage your emotions and give you a sense of clarity on your thoughts and feelings. This increased self-awareness can help you manage your emotions in a healthy way, and helps you make decisions which leads to a greater sense of peace.
Journaling also encourages reflection and personal growth. By regularly reflecting on your experiences, thoughts, and feelings, you can identify patterns and areas for growth. This process leads to a greater sense of peace and fulfillment.
If you don't already journal on a regular basis, give it a try. If you are like me, you journal a few days and then take a few weeks (or months) off! One thing I have found helpful, instead of writing, is to verbally journal using the "notes" app on my phone. I just start a new note, or add to an old one. Instead of typing, I just talk and talk until I'm done. Sometimes I read it and sometimes I don't. I'm not really attached to it, but I do like the brain dump!
Your challenge here is to journal - one way or another - using one or all of these prompts on Shalom - Peace. Use the Bible verses above for inspiration and guidance.
Even though your life has struggles and trials, is your overall spirit peaceful? When you face difficulties, do you remain peaceful?
Do you have a sense that even difficult things will strengthen your faith and push you to grow?
Do you choose to find joy when circumstances are difficult, resulting in a shift in your emotions? Are you certain that God is in control of everything?
service
Peace is the simplicity of spirit, the serenity of conscience, the tranquility of the soul and the bond of love. Peace is order, it is the harmony in each one of us, it is a continual joy that is born in witnessing a clear conscience, it is the holy joy of a heart wherein God reigns. Peace is the way to perfection, or, even better, in peace dwells perfection. And the devil, who knows all this very well, does everything possible to cause us to lose our peace. ~St. Padre Pio Peace is order says Padre Pio. So, with that in mind, think of an area of your life that needs more order and do something about it. Is that "junk" drawer overflowing and driving you nuts? Is there a stack of paper/mail/books/clothes that needs just 5 minutes of your attention to throw away, put away or donate? Are your food storage containers all mismatched and you can never find the right lid for the container you chose? Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes, whatever works for you life today, and do a simple project that will bring some order )and the resulting peace) to your life.
today's recipe CROCK POT STEAK BITES This easy recipe has become a favorite among my teen girls. They love it served over mashed potatoes. Or, add a little soy sauce with some sliced green bell peppers and serve it over coconut rice for an Asian flare. Or, add sliced mushrooms and serve over egg noodles for stroganoff. Ingredients (serves 8)
3-4 lbs stew meat (sirloin steak cut into 1" pieces)
1 cup beef broth
2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 Tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (thickener)
4 Tablespoons butter (sliced into little pats)
additional salt and pepper to taste
Directions Place the steak in the bottom of a crock pot. Cover with dry ingredients/spices then place the pats of butter on top. Pour the beef broth over the steak.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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