Do you know someone who radiates God's Peace?! It's a very attractive quality in todays hectic world, and it may have us feeling like "I gotta get me some of that!" PEACE is the absence of turmoil, fear, & inner strife. It is a state of untroubled, undisturbed well-being --a tranquil spirit and harmony with others. Yep, I do know people like that! Aren't we drawn to them? God's Word encourages us to seek and pursue Peace (1Peter 3:11). Peace contributes to the quality and enjoyment of our lives. It is not the absence of pain and grief. We can be filled with deep sadness and still possess a wonderful sense of God's Peace... a "peace that transcends all understanding." When we give God our burdens rather than worrying about them, He removes our anxiety. When we give Him our doubts and fears, He replaces them with confidence. When we trust God, obey Him, and depend on Him in all things great and small, He gives us the gift of Peace. The peace of God is a gift, but we have to seek, pursue, and even ask Him for it.
"Lord, You are the Prince of Peace... I ask You to fill my spirit with Peace, and to take away any negativity, anxiety, or fears I may have. Please give me wisdom to treat others with sympathy and compassion, to live in harmony and love.. to be humble. Thank you for filling my heart and mind with Your peace and for the many gifts You bestow upon me and mine. Amen."
It's hard for me to fathom that over 2 years have passed since I've last written! "The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." And in that time, I've navigated my oldest to college, with an extremely successful start, and a wonderful girlfriend now... my daughter to her Senior year with great grades, honor of Homecoming Queen, super Tennis season plus a great boyfriend.. my sophomore son to almost driving and outstanding grades & athletic success in football & basketball... my 7th grade son to the adjustments of Jr. High & a promising start with football & basketball like his older brothers... and lastly to my "baby" who's almost 7, savoring the Joy & Laughter & uninhibited Love he shares daily! God has blessed each of them abundantly & what a privilege it is to be their mom!
Here in northern Ohio, we are having our 3rd snow day tomorrow (after 2 weeks of Christmas break)! We've had wind chills exceeding -40degrees! I truly enjoyed Christmas break, but I'm really savoring these snow days! Life is so busy for all of us, and these days without school, multiple sports practices, games, meetings, work... well, these days are giving me some needed PEACE! (not "peace & quiet" mind you, just Peace!)
Thanks for stopping by ... be.peaceful & Stay Warm :)
~God's Peace, Love, & Joy~ Amy