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Monday, October 15, 2012

10.14.12 A day of peace, love and remembrance


Bountiful Blessings

October 14, 2012

Yes, I have been slacking off a little. A recipe? I know. But it was good, wasn’t it? This week I decided to talk about one of the reasons that I havent had a lot to say… peace, or lack thereof. it’s a good word, isn’t it? We talk about world peace and peace amongst men and all that. Very important stuff. But today, I am simply talking about inner peace. The peace that God provides.

Today I attended a prayer breakfast with my friends and fellow members of Eastern Star. The breakfast was a memorial for members who had passed on this past year. It was both beautiful and touching, a wonderful tribute to those who had gone to join the Lord. I left there and went to a wedding of a friend. (With a short stop off for a nap but we will keep that secret between us, ok??) The wedding was out in the country at this beautiful farm on the lake. Bride and groom were glowing and absolutely stunning. Ceremony was breathtaking, flowers, dresses, reception, all of it amazing.

So why am I filling you in on my itinerary for the day? We go back to peace. Life has been up and down lately. I got a cold (I am a horrible patient - total baby when I am sick). Summer was suffering for days before a diagnosis of severe vertigo. Work sometimes stresses me. Basic worries stress me. I was letting the weight of the world take away my peace. Now whos fault is that? You would be correct. Mine. You will notice my use of pronouns.. “I”, “Me”, “My”. That is the problem. See, I cannot do it alone. I cannot handle the stress nor the worries. And I shouldn’t. God tells me to turn to him. To turn my worries over. My stress over. To trust him. Sometimes I am guilty of doing so, only to snatch my problems back. Control issue? All about me issue? Trust issue? I am not sure. All I know for sure is that I AM WRONG. So for a brief period today, I prayed and released it all. I asked God to relieve me from my worldly burdens, to lighten my load. And our merciful God did just that. I had a full day of peace and of love.

I am not aiming for a day of peace and love. I want a life of peace and love. And I most certainly, want the same for you! On your knees. Standing in the shower. In the car on the way to work. God doesn’t care when you talk to him. He just wants to hear from you. Take a little time today to turn your worries and your cares over to the Lord. He is always there for you. Always waiting. You have to take that first step. You have to trust him. And the feeling of peace…. Wow. Think about how much more you could do with your life and for him if only you could release some of that negativity.  I know that I do things that are wrong. I know that I pray for mercy and grace and then do something stupid. But God forgives me. The very next time I talk with him, he treats me like that stupid thing I did? It never happened. I want to get to the point where the stupid things are fewer and farther between. The point where I have more peaceful days. The point where he is actually proud of me rather than simply forgiving of me. But until then….

My day of peace? I cannot say that I was productive. I was a participant in both events. But with the peace of God flowing through my body and my spirit, my eyes were opened to the beauty and wonder that was swirling around me. Thank you, God, for my day!


Bible verse for the week:
Jesus said” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be trouble and do not be afraid.”        John 14:27

Prayer for the week:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this day. A day filled with peace and love. May I go forward this week turning over my worries and my cares to you, O Lord, so that my mind and spirit may be free to serve you unconditionally and without restraints. You bring peace, happiness, and love to my humble life; please help me to share it with others. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bible fun for the week:

Weddings, Dowries and Divorces trivia

1. Which gospel states that Jesus considered adultery to be grounds for divorce?
2. What gruesome objects did Saul require from David as dowry for his daughter?
3. Who prompted the Jews after the Babylonian exile to divorce their foreign wives?
4. Where was the wedding at which Jesus changed water into wine?
5. Who, according to John, is the bride of Christ?
6. Who gave the bride away at the first wedding?
7. How did Boaz obtain Ruth as his wife?
8. Who was the first polygamist?
9. In Jesus’ parable, how many virgins were to accompany the bride and groom?
10. What did Jacob have to do to marry Rachel?

Answers (not in order):

The church, Ezra, Cana, God, Matthew, he purchased the property of Naomi, her mother in law, serve Laban for 14 years, Lamech, a hundred Philistine foreskins, 10.

Couples matching

Abigail                                      Abraham
Bathsheba                                Adam
Elizabeth                                  Ahab
Eve                                          Adam
Hannah                                    David
Jezebel                                    Elkanah
Mary                                        Isaac
Rachel                                     Jacob
Rahab                                      Joseph
Rebekah                                  Moses
Ruth                                         Nabal
Sarah                                       Salmon
Zipporah                                  Zechariah

Have a wonderful and blessed week! My thoughts and prayers are with you today and everyday!
I love you!
Terri





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