The Peacegiver page 3-25.

I have so many new books I want to read that I have them lined up on my nightstand. However, I want to talk about a book that has changed the way I look at myself. It has helped me see what I need to do to be a better person. I have just finished reading it for the third time and I found new things during this reading that really have helped me out. And, no, it isn't the Book of Mormon but it helps me understand some of the passages in the Book of Mormon. (Which is another book I am working on right now, along with a study companion, but that is another story.)
I was given the book The Peacegiver by my visiting teacher, Joann Ehler. She is such a special person and gave me a listening ear so many times. She has moved to Roosevelt now (sorry if I didn't pass that on to some of you), and I will be eternally grateful for her letting me borrow her book. I since purchased my own and have it all marked up, like I teach my students to do, jotting down thoughts in the margins and writing my thinking. That is what I would like to do here. If you are, or have been, or would like to read the book, join in on my discussion, but only telling about how it is helping you see yourself so you can better yourself. Because, in reality, we can't change anyone but ourself. Darn it! :)
Did you notice in my heading that I quoted page 33 from this book? That sentence just jumped out at me the first time I read it. I think that is the message of this life written in one sentence. We all get mistreated. There isn't a person on this earth that hasn't had others say, do, write, think, or act toward them in a negative way. But how we react is the key to our lives.
I have told my own children many times as they were growing up that the "second" response is the most important. Someone says something to us and how we react sets the mood for the rest of the interaction. So true. How we react to someone's treatment of us tells so much about us. It doesn't matter if we are justified in our reactions or words, we must still learn to react the way the Lord would want us. Even HE was treated poorly, spit upon, accused of wrong doing, called names, spoken about falsely,yet he still treated his accusers with kindness. That is His example to us.
On page 19 I thought it was interesting that the Grandfather (who has died)states: "I've been watching you, Ricky. I ask for reports as often as possible, and occasionally I am even allowed to check in on you." I have often wondered if this is possible because so many times I feel my mother so close. It's a nice thought. But then, sometimes I probably haven't made her too happy. I guess I need to think "Would you do that if your mother were standing next to you?" Maybe she is!
A few paragraphs down it says "You've been in my prayers for years, and never more so than now. There are many who are praying for you, my boy." Isn't it a nice thought that those on the other side have concern for us? But I never thought of them praying. I guess that is their way of communicating with our Father in Heaven. Makes sense to me.
The rest of the chapter talks about the story of Abigail and David in First Samuel 25. I need to read it so I can compare it with the story in the book. I am sure they are the same, but I need to read it from the source.
So much for one night. I would like to write more about the next part of the book another time. I will continue to go through this page by page from the notes I took. Join in if you would like.