Got Peace?

We are studying the fruit of the Spirit on Sunday nights.  So far, we've looked at love, joy and this past Sunday, peace.  We spent a lot of time defining and describing peace.  A few of the results were...

• calm
• quiet
• free of chaos or strife
• serenity
• being right with God
• being right with others

Scripture defines a godly woman as one with a meek, and quiet spirit.  I think she has an aura of peace that those around her cannot miss.  I so desire to be that woman.

Lately, I have felt "not at peace" about a couple of projects.  One I've been involved with for awhile, and the other was a new project I'd been offered.  You know that uneasy feeling you can't get away from.  I have experienced the uncomfortable feeling of being challenged and stretched by God when He calls me to something new as well.  When I know God has told me to do it, I just have to step out in faith, beyond the discomfort.  This time I wasn't sure if God was telling to do it, so, I finally let them go. (secretly hoping and praying I was making right choice)

Not too long ago, I accidentally visited a site I rarely go to, and I saw they were seeking pastor's wives to write devotionals for a book that will be given to pastor's wives at the SBC National Meeting in June.  I thought, "I want to do that."  So, I sent her my information, thinking they would never select me and forgot about it.  Yesterday, I got the email that I will be writing one!  I don't know my topic yet, but I have perfect peace about it. The "funny" thing about all of this, is every single project involved writing or speaking to minister's wives.

I couldn't help but wonder if it was in letting go of the things I wasn't supposed to do...that the thing I am supposed to do then came to me?   I thought of the milk campaign, "Got Milk?" when I started to write this post.  What sort of picture would illustrate, "Got Peace?"

My daily scripture yesterday was Proverbs 16:1..."We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer." (NLT)  How timely.

So, how about you....Got Peace?

Blessings!

Prayer Monday

Yesterday was a good day!  Got to be in God's House with His people...worship Him in the Word and in song.  Our choir did an awesome job singing "My Lips Will Praise You".  A message on pride...ouch! 

A lazy afternoon...worked on my canvas project...

It actually should be turned landscape direction.

I also worked on learning sign language to Amazing Grace, the new song for AWANA this week.  It went great!  They learn so quickly. We are planning big closing program for the parents and grandparents.  I'm beginning to get excited. 

I've been praying all morning. As soon as I woke this morning, people started coming to mind and I started praying.  So many who are sick, hurting, dying, grieving, lonely, trying to make decisions, trying to be patient, trying to find love again...it goes on and on and on.  All I can do is pray. Then I have to remind myself that is where the power is! 

The very best thing I can do is pray...on Monday and everyday.

Saturday, February 25

I've been home all day today, except for a quick run to the store.  I am working through my little projects one by one.  Last night I worked on my music wreath...it hangs above my piano. 

                                I still have to find or make something for the center...any ideas?????

Today I've done the mundane things we all do...laundry...cleaning.  I've tried to hang my flower lamp in the sunroom, but haven't succeeded in getting a hook into the mortar of the brick wall.  I have started on my canvas project, and didn't get to the curtains.  I made a big pot of soup (how do you make a little one?), cornbread and made this cake I saw on pinterest:

                                                                Strawberry Yogurt Cake
Yum!!!!  Fresh strawberries, lemon zest and Greek yogurt...how can it not be luscious?

I'm in baking mode lately...in the mood to try new recipes!

I'm not sure if it's been a productive day or not, but I know we won't go hungry.  Ha!

Valentine Thank You

We just had the ultimate "heart" day - Valentine's Day. I saw lots of flowers, balloons, teddy bears, and jewelry. Every year I get to take a valentine treat to our widows and single folks. I love that God gave me a little ministry to those who no longer have a loved one to give them a valentine; or maybe they have never married.

I spend lots of time looking for a new treat to make. It's so much fun! I love the search equally as much as the making and the taking. I have made sugar cookie hearts - half dipped in chocolate...chocolate peanut butter fudge...and a cupcake with a chocolate heart on top. This year...

Pecan Shortbread Hearts

Jay was my delivery man this year as I was scheduled to work. I was able to add ribbon to hang them on the door if not at home. I could not have done it without him.

We are studying the fruit of the Spirit on Sunday nights. The first fruit in the list is Love. My favorite truth about love is this...

"You can give without loving....but you cannot LOVE without GIVING."

God is LOVE...and God gave His own Son for me. Romans 5:8 says that He demonstrated His love by dying on the cross in my place. Love is meant to be demonstrated. Someone has said that love is a verb...not a noun. (smile)

There is a hymn I love entitled, “Here I Am, Lord”. (Forgive me, I always turn it around because in my KJV Bible, Isaiah said, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.” Isa. 6)

I love the chorus:  “Here am I, Lord....Is it I, Lord?....I have heard You calling in the night...I will
                             go, Lord...if you lead me...this is my favorite part - I will hold Your people in my
                             heart”

That is what God has taught me in the short time we’ve been in our present pastorate. My biggest ministry here is to love “our” people. It’s important to treat everyone the same...to care about them equally. This time, I have made a conscious effort to LOVE...and to demonstrate that love by giving. I try to be sensitive to the Spirit, so I will know when this demonstration of love is most needed. It is not always a physical need, and doesn't always involve food.

It means paying attention (something I am not naturally good at). Knowing someone’s favorite food, or preferences. I have one member who loves pimiento cheese! So, every time I come across a new recipe using pimiento cheese...I file it away. So far, she’s gotten pimiento cheese soup...and pimiento cheese cornbread.

The crazy part is who gets blessed the most????   Me.  Well, God did say... “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

I often fail. I get busy and I forget. My own difficulties get in the way.

Thank You, Lord, for Valentine’s Day - my opportunity to minister.

Help me to hold Your people in my heart.

New Look and Craft #2

Well, it's taken me awhile to get back to this...and you might notice my blog has a new look!  Thank you, Faith! I love it.  My new look has made me want to add a fresh post.

I promised last time to reveal my 2nd craft project.  It also involved a new look ... for the bathroom/laundry room.  What do we do in a bathroom/laundry room????  We...

Yes, we wash!  My friend, Janet Slate, crocheted the doily for me years ago - and I love it,
but it looked quite lonesome on this big wall.  I am very happy with these patterns which are
full of the colors I really like right now.

My inspiration: "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow"...the old hymn based on Isaiah 1:18.

Blessings!