It's that time of year...kids go back to school, one day its hot and the next is cool, the roads are more crowded because of school, the stress of approaching holidays starts to kick in. With all of the busyness of the approaching season, how will we react or respond to it? Will we get caught up in the craziness and pressure of it all? Or will we choose to stand out in the chaos as the peaceful one, the one that remains calm through it all?
How do we want to be perceived? Remember that we are to be the voice of God, the eyes of God, the hand of God, and perform the works of God here on this earth through the working of the Holy Spirit through us. To be that is to be peaceful, full of joy, gentle, loving and kind, filled with patience, and faithful. If we are to be Christ-like, then we must possess the characteristics of Christ and allow the Spirit to move through us.
Just remember, as things start to get hectic, as schedules start to become more demanding, the roads begin to get more jammed, and the finances have to become more stretched that we can look at this season differently this year than what we may have in the past. We can be a light to a dark situation. There is always a solution in every situation...we just have to turn it over to God to find.
I tend to get caught up sometimes in the chaos of the demands of kids in school, a full time job, an approaching holiday and visiting family, BUT I don't want to. I want to remain calm and seek Him to provide the peace and gentleness that He wants to fill us with.
Let's be challenged this upcoming season and be there for one another, holding one another up in times of need.
There is an excitement to be found in seeking God for these gifts and in knowing that He wants us to be full of these things.

So, be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Let others see Christ in You...starting today in the decisions that you make and the reactions that you have to situations.

Jennifer