Category: Peace

  • Time to withdraw?

    “Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.”

    Going through a rough patch right now? Possibly your creativity has all but stopped. Maybe life seems unfair as you battle depression, a job loss, or rejections from numerous publications? Has the weather got you down due to seeing only snippets of sun in the last week? It’s tough to write from an empty heart, but then again, it could be rewarding in the end.

    "Life's roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors."
    “Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.”

    Take comfort in the fact that Jesus himself felt the need to withdraw from the crowd. In fact, Luke 5:16, states that he often withdrew – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If Jesus felt it necessary to come aside, how much more should I? While away, scripture says that he prayed to his Heavenly Father.

    Dear God, you are my Rock, my everlasting shelter in the midst of a storm. You do not waver and your love and mercy has no limit. Thank you for being my steady, solid anchor. I can depend on you no matter what I may face today. Amen.

    There’s no reason to feel guilty about taking the time to take care of me. This valuable period is worthwhile, nurturing, and necessary.

    When you and I do return to the masses (or just our family and friends), we will be a much better happier and healthier person for having taken the time to slip away into the wilderness.

  • A Christmas Carol

    A Christmas Carol

    In the bleak mid-winter
    Frosty wind made moan,
    Earth stood hard as iron,
    Water like a stone;
    Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
    Snow on snow,
    In the bleak mid-winter
    Long ago.

    Angels and archangels
    May have gathered there,
    Cherubim and seraphim
    Thronged the air;
    But only His mother
    In her maiden bliss,
    Worshipped the Beloved
    With a kiss.

    What can I give Him,
    Poor as I am?
    If I were a shepherd
    I would bring a lamb,
    If I were a Wise Man
    I would do my part, —
    Yet what I can I give Him,
    Give my heart.

    by Christina Rossetti (abridged version)

  • Trust the engineer

    “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer — Corrie Ten Boom.

    ***

  • Red Door

    Golden Rock Plantation, Island of Nevis
    Golden Rock Plantation, Island of Nevis

    Moss covered walls
    Adorn stone blocks
    Brightly painted door opens wide

    Beckoning “Come inside”
    Who knows where
    The passageway might lead

    Palm tree laden down
    Carries fruit of the vine
    Hovering over inviting arch

    Will you risk walking in?
    To discover the next adventure
    So close — just on the other side

    –Golden Rock Plantation, Island of Nevis – enjoyed a delightful meal in outdoor gardens, Nov., 2012

  • Things aren’t as they used to be

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:14–16).

    This verse suggests that I should not be complaining, moaning and groaning about the non-working or poor-working parts of my body. Since I am fearfully & wonderfully made (Scripture says so) and God’s works are wonderful, then my body is as it’s supposed to be.

    Every day has been pre-arranged. God is aware of the exact state of my body today, yesterday, and tomorrow.

    “Though the process of aging continues, inwardly you grow stronger with the passing years. Those who live close to Me develop an inner aliveness that makes them seem youthful in spite of their years,” Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

    I must trust that He knows what He’s doing & all is going according to plan.

    • Do you grow tired of certain body parts not functioning as they should?
    • Can you turn the grumbling into thanking God for what is going well in your life & what body parts are functioning well?

    ***

  • Feeling weak today?

    “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength” – Corrie ten Boom.

    This is so true! How many times have you worried & fretted about this or that and the very thing you stressed about never even happened? Or, the results weren’t nearly as terrible as you’d imagined them to be.

    Wasted energy. Wasted time. Those are the situations when I needed to go straight to God at the beginning of my worry. It would have saved myself much heartache & headache.

    “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” – Luke 12:6.

    Thank you, God, for caring for me. I find it hard to imagine that you care for me so much. But it says so in your word. So I believe it!

    Is there something in your life right now that causes big-time stress? Maybe it’s money issues, loss of a close friendship, or an upcoming job interview?  Can you tell it to Jesus & ask for his peace that passes all understanding?

    ***

  • Harvest Blessings

    apples

    The fruit of Silence is Prayer.
    The fruit of Prayer is Faith.
    The fruit of Faith is Love.
    The fruit of Love is Service.
    The fruit of Service is Peace.

    —    Message printed on little cards given out by Mother Teresa, which she referred to as her “business cards”

  • Are you content in your own skin?

    awesome sky

    Do I always rejoice? Am I continually thankful for what comes my way — always? That’s easy to answer: No! Should I be? Yes! The Apostle Paul, inspired by God, writes in the book of Philippians that I should be content in whatever life circumstances come my way.

    I tend to be more on the side of: why me? Why now of all times — haven’t I got enough on my agenda already? Sarah Young, who wrote Jesus Calling, says this “Bring your moments to Me, and I will fill them with vibrant Joy. Now is the time to rejoice in My Presence!”

    It doesn’t say to rejoice as soon as my body heals, or when I get a job,  a newer car or house. Or when my child isn’t in trouble at school. “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! (The Message)

    There are no options in that clear statement. All day and every day. Even the ones that stink and reek of loneliness, heartache, pain, or even boredom.

    What should I do instead of wallowing in self-pity? I do have healthy alternatives that I can consciously focus on such as:

    • Pray to God. Tell him my sorrow and concerns.
    • Refuse to linger on the negatives, instead, think on positive things:
      • Whatever is true
      • Whatever is noble
      • Whatever is right or reputable
      • Whatever is pure and authentic
      • Whatever is lovely
      • Whatever is admirable
      • Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy

    Result: the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4). And isn’t that what we all long and hope for in this world … internal peace and contentment with God.

    Dear God, thank you for the reminder that you care enough to be there when I need you most. You are always near to me and close enough to answer my prayers. You are real. My fantasies are unreal and futile. Focus my thoughts and energy on constructive positives. I rejoice in the countless blessings you’ve given. You are all I really need. You offer Life, Joy, Peace and Contentment. No one or nothing else can fully satisfy!

    Do you feel like your world is upside down? That you don’t have a grasp on reality? Do you find yourself fantasizing about how your life could be more perfect or happy?

    “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds” — Philippians 4:4–7.

  • Quest for Truth & Justice

    Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, “The Bungalow Mystery,” by Carolyn Keene

    I just had to check out this book at the library. My Mom had the whole Nancy Drew book series and I’ve read them all more than once. But that was many moons ago and I felt a nostalgic urge to open up a Nancy Drew book on vacation.

    In The Bungalow Mystery, Nancy Drew is on a mission to help a new friend whose guardian may be suspect to stealing her inheritance. Of course, Nancy encounters a crook and uses her expertise to solve the mystery crime. Predictable? Yes, but still allowed me a trip down memory lane. Originally written in 1930 and reprinted numerous times, Nancy Drew mysteries were centered on an old-fashioned quest for truth and justice.

    *  Simpler times
    *  Less hurry, less worry
    *  Less modern technology, more relationship building
    *  Exercise consisted of farms & outdoor gardening
    *  Less crime & violence
    *  Neighbor watched out for your child & you watched out for theirs
    *  Moms, Dads, and families raised children

    Those were the days … anyone remember the Nancy Drew mystery books?

  • Green beans & Growing up

    Green Bean Seeds

    “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

    Sometimes I wonder if I ever will grow up. When I repeat the same mistakes over and over again, I begin to doubt my spiritual growth. I realize that maturity is a process, not a one-time event. It takes 52 days to see the harvest from green bean seeds. In the meantime, I need to water and fertilize with proper nutrients and pay attention to the environment. Just like growing green bean seedlings, my faith takes perseverance and patience.

    As I read my Bible and learn more of God’s will and way, he speaks contentment and peace to my aching heart.

    Dear God, thank you for extending mercy to me when I falter or doubt what’s happening in my life. As your child, I want to please you. I will pray and tell you my heartaches, lay them at the foot of the cross, and not take them up again.

    Do you feel defeated as if everyone is against you? I, too, have felt that way. Can you trust God with your whole being? When you do, joy and peace will return to your starved soul.