The following list is something I read recently and found convicting.
Cultivating Home Peace
Begin each day by taking note of, and appreciating, the blessings that are currently in your life. (I love this idea, and at times I do write in my journal “things I am thankful for”)
Be the guardian of your words. Words are powerful and can destroy in seconds what may have taken years to cultivate. (ouch! very convicting! and, very true!)
Make it a habit to look for and praise positive behavior and attitudes of your family members. By recognizing and building up the positive traits, they become stronger, leaving less room (and little time) for negative qualities to take root. (I love this idea! So often I nit-pick my husband or my kids)
When your partner and /or children are speaking to you, look up from what you are doing and offer your full attention to their words. (I practiced this as I typed, David brought me something that he found and I looked right at him while he told me all about it. He didn’t seem too startled, LOL)
Make every effort to master a quick temper. Seek to consciously check anger and impatience in yourself, as these are the streams from which negative words flow. (Amen!)
Keep in mind that bad moods are contagious. Try to differentiate between a sour mood and a true dilemma (your own as well as others’).
Never underestimate the power of an apology. Be prepared to look at yourself with complete honesty and admit and apologize when you have snapped unnecessarily. (I try to make sure I do this w/the children during the day, too)
Pride and stubbornness are inhibitors to happiness and will negatively influence your life. Always accept a sincere apology, avoiding the habit of unforgiveness. (ooooh, ouch! thank you Lord, for showing me why it’s hard to accept apology at times. . .because of my own pride and stubbornness!!)
The human family is a precious thing. In is within the family circle that we conduct our apprenticeship to life and make our first social contact. Each of us is alive for a purpose. It is our responsibility to find the gifts that were bestowed upon us. Once found, it is our joy–as well as our obligation–to cultivate and make use of them. (so so true)
~Tracey McBride, in Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons
(Spot was in a box this morning, playing, so I took his picture. Cats make me feel peaceful)
“God the Father is called the ‘God of peace’ (Hebrews 13:20).
God the Son, the ‘Prince of peace’ (Isaiah 9:6).
God the Holy Ghost the ‘Spirit. . .of peace’ (Ephesians 4:30)”
Thomas Watson
“. . . .seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14
Good to be Home 
What a wonderful list to live by! I agree with you most, if not all of those things are very scripture orienated.
Hugs
wonderful advice- I like the words on peace the best. In light of the quote, I think a better interpretation of Ps 34:14 might be: “seek peace and pursue HIM.” 😉 cool cat pics
Amen! Wow, those ARE convicting words! But at the same time are simple and practical, which is encouraging. I will have to try working on a few of those.
p.s. once again, when I read your post I stopped and lingered so that I could hear the rest of the play. I will have to look into getting that CD
Great list ~ but that cat looks kind ornery ~ he may interrupt that peaceful feeling ~
I loved this list, and in my mind added “don’t interrupt people” (my biggest self-imposition) Thanks again for the good words. Happy and Blessed New Year dear heart! blessings and renewed love in SC
What a great list! I especially love the one about giving the person talking to you your full attention. How often I don’t! Donika started saying, “Mom!” I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and say something, then she’ll say, “No Mom, LOOK WITH YOUR EYES.” Wow… puts me to shame!!
Thanks for sharing… I think I’ll copy and paste this and leave it leave it on my desktop for a reminder!!
Have a wonderful day!!
P.S. I love your profile picture!! Your hair looks so great!!
So much truth! Thank you for sharing.
Oh how I needed this list. Thank you so much! What encouragement and a list I pray that I can start practicing! Much love and happy New Years!
Thanks for the good list, something I reallllly need to be reminded of frequently!! =/ I like your cat….=)
You make me cry. Thank you for the honor beloved friend! Hugs! M
Great advice – I esp need to remember the one about temper!!
I’m LOVING the new picture of you! It’s awesome, you hair looks amazing!
Suz
Very nice post – thank you for sharing! What a cute and playful kitty you have there!
Hope you are having a blessed day!
Ouch. I needed to hear these today. You’re right, these can definitely be scripturally supported. I’m putting these on my desk in clear view, they’re just that valuable.
Thanks for sharing these.
Wonderful life tips! I especially think the one about stopping what we are dong and looking our family members in the eye is so important. : ) I too try especially hard on that one. As a mommy, those things are soooo big.
You are such a sweet wife and mom…love your profile pic, very, very pretty like you! Have a most blessed New Year and may we all carry Christmas in our Hearts year round. ~Amelia
Those are all great….good to focus on such practical ideas. I know , especially when young I have said “look at me” with my boys when I want to make a point…but it goes both ways I can remember little hand taking my face so I would look directly at them. I also esp like noting good and being thankful! Cute pictures of your kitty! ~ Jenny
I LOVE this post, Shanda. You don’t know how much I need to hear these things today. I am in a VERY crabby, yell at the dog, the kids, the husband kind of mood…… Thank you
That would be a list God would smile about!! Great post, thanks for sharing!! Lisa
So true about bad moods being contagious. Also loved the note on giving those that we love our full attention.
Great advice….will start practicing today…again.
Love your kitty cat… Everyone seems to think that cats are evil. =( But I wuv them. =) We had a kitten like yours once, except that he was brown and white.