NIKI FLORICA

The past few months have taught me a lot about myself—for one thing, that I spend way, way too much time in my own head. Novel-writing is my passion, but it can be an all-consuming one, and once it reaches that point, I usually start to feel it. It's the same with any task, any undertaking. As long as my physical goals are kept in perspective and balanced with my spiritual life, things feel manageable. I have God's peace with me, His Presence beside me, and they keep my goals

Peace comes from Christ. It's not something we can manufacture for ourselves, though we still must be proactive and cooperative with God's w

The world outside my window this morning was blanketed in peace—gentle snow falling in heavy, silent flakes, a crisp white drapery over every branch and sprig, the air itself muffled by quiet. There was a stillness to it that demanded attention. Peace is one of the many spiritual gifts that Jesus offers to those who follow him. He said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you." Not just any peace, but his. The peace of Jesus, given as no one in the world can give—in

At the start of the semester, a friend of mine took the initiative to resurrect a Christian club at our high school from a group that had existed in past years. It's been such a blessed and rewarding experience to meet with Christians every week within a school setting, and today more than usual, since, in the spirit of the season, it was the day of our Christmas service! Shaking up our usual proceedings for the occasion was a lot of fun. We met in the school music room, sang

In reading through Daniel the other night, I was blown away by the gems of wisdom and encouragement to be found in this book of the Bible. Not only in the stories of the lion's den or fiery furnace (which of course are epic and inspiring in every way), but in the accounts of Daniel's heavenly visions, there are so many profound verses that remind me of the love, strength, and peace that God offers to his followers. I love it when the Bible comes to life this way, when verses