I’m concerned that there’s something missing that needs to be found and put back in place.  So, I’m making it my goal. Please join me in finding peace in this New Year of 2020.

1. Find peace within. It’s today and here we are. It really doesn’t matter what brought us to this day, what we have or haven’t done, where each of us came from, or why we ended up where we are. To have peace we have to make peace with the past and those things we cannot change.

2.  Make peace with today. It doesn’t matter if it’s Monday or Friday or the weekend, embrace the day and make it the best day possible, good hair day or not.   Live for every day not just the weekend. Peace is available every day of the week to every one of us.  We make the decision to choose it or not.

3. Make peace with the weather. Don’t let the weather dictate what kind of day you have.  Regardless of whether the weather requires sunglasses, rain boots, or a heavy coat receive each day as a blessing with challenges and opportunities.  Just make it count for good.  It might sound a little corny but spread some sunshine.

4. Find peace at home. Though sometimes hard and often lopsided, peace doesn’t keep score.  Work to have peace among those you love the most instead of hurting those who love you.  Leave the day’s disturbances at the door and proceed with a peaceful heart and attitude.

5. Speak peace. Think about every word that comes out of your mouth and let the word “peace” be one you use often.  Extend greetings of peace, pray for peace, and talk about “peace” instead of hatred and bitterness.  And conduct conversations, even disagreements, with courtesy, calmness, and respect. The high road is the peaceful route.

6. Spread peace up and down the road.  Practice being kind while driving… sure beats getting angry over other drivers’ poor and dangerous driving habits.   Don’t let bad drivers make you mad. Instead of road rage utter a little prayer for discourteous and aggressive drivers to reach their destination safely and know that you may have saved a life while keeping your own peace.

7. Make peace with your rebellious spirit. Turn the desire to be destructive into something constructive.  Be a rebel with a cause. Use your energy and frustrations to fight hunger, poverty, poor health, illiteracy, litter or other issues you are passionate about. Find ways to provide a helping hand instead of creating grief or pain. Never settle for meanness.   

8. Work for peace.  Work off whatever disrupts your peace. Angry? Pick up a rake and rake leaves for someone who cannot do it for himself.  Upset with someone? Practice being courteous to others…open the door for someone, help someone carry their groceries or just smile and say hello. If you find yourself “hating” do a good deed. Practice paying it forward; buy a total stranger or a friend a coke or a cup of coffee, take someone a casserole. Little things count too. Random acts of kindness aren’t just for the Christmas season. They never go out of style and rarely go unappreciated. And good deeds do more for the doer than the receiver!  Thinking beyond self brings peace.

9.  Practice peace every day.  Exhibit a peaceful spirit. Use your strengths to bring about peace to your own house, your neighborhood, your city or county, your school, and this nation.   

Prayers for a peaceful heart and a peaceful year.

Recipe of the Week

Corn & Potato Chowder

Share a bowl and a good conversation.

2 cups baking potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼ inch cubes

1 (14.75-ounce) can cream-style corn

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

14 ounces chicken broth

½ cup chopped onion

½ cup chopped celery

¾ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon white pepper

1 bay leaf

1 cup whipping cream

¼ cup butter or margarine

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Place first 10 ingredients in a 5-quart slow cooker.  Cover; cook on LOW 8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Remove bay leaf. Add whipping cream and butter, stirring until butter melts. Ladle into warm bowls; top each with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Serve with crusty bread and fresh fruit.