The Harmony of Peace

Someone sent me an email that set me to thinking. Consider the following.

... For decades scientists have been trying to find out what holds the universe together by finding the smallest particles that are the foundation of all creation. Here it is ...Years ago scientists thought the Atom was the smallest particle inthe universe; then they split the Atom and found Electrons ... Years later they were able to break down Electrons and found Protons and Neutrons ... but it's not over yet. Later they were able to break down the Protons and Neutrons and found what they thought were the smallest particles of all ...Quarks. Ready for this? Not too long ago scientists finally broke down the Quark, what they thought was the smallest particle in the universe, and they found the root of every living particle that holds theentire universe and every living thing in it together ... VIBRATIONS, CAUSED BY SOUND WAVES ! HERE'S THE IMPORTANCE OF IT ALL ... The Bible, written over a period of thousands of years before there were any scientists, tells us that GOD SPOKE the entire universe into existence and that it is HIS SPOKEN WORD which is alive and living is what holds it all together ... Thus in the form of ... SOUND WAVES; once again proving ! that the Bible is really the Word of God and cannot be disputed.> >>> Pretty Cool, isn't it? He who kneels before God can stand before> >>> anyone!

In other 'studies' I have come to understand that 'sound' consists of 'vibrations' or 'frequencies'. Color is a label used when a person is 'seeing' 'frequencies'. Scientists can measure 'brain waves' and many more areas of life that, bottom line, involve frequencies, vibrations, waves, etc.

Is it so very far fetched, then, to accept that when I am in agreement with the Creator God of the universe -I am in harmony with Him, in sync with the vibrations emitting from Him, or in more Biblical terms, united to Him - that God's power will be 'seen', revealed in and through me?

Even more awesome is the realization that when I not only am in agreement with God but am sharing that love with others God uses me as an avenue for His love to flow out to others as well as return back to Him.

Interestingly enough I believe that is what Jesus said when talking to some of the leaders of His day. They asked Him what was the greatest command. His two part answer (Matthew 22:37-39) simply put is: Love God supreme and love others as you love yourself.

In this sense Harmony with God is true Peace.

Jesus warned us that in this world we would have problems. But then He went on to say, "Be of good courage, I have overcome the world." Combine that with Jesus' promise of "Peace I leave with You, My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The kind of Peace Jesus gives is being in sync, in harmony with the Creator God of the Universe. WOW!! What power that is.

Peace to You today.

Bringer of Peace

Sharing God's Peace

I only have a few minutes right now. This morning a friend shared with me some of her challenges in life. We occasionally get a chance to 'stop and talk' . I have a feeling that since we hadn't seen each other for almost a week the stresses of life had been building. She has been sued legally and had some questions. We unpacked some possible reasons based on what I am learning about God's desire for Peace and Joy to be in our lives. She has often encouraged me in the past when I would be 'down' so I felt thankful that there was a possibility to return the favor to her. She has a whole pile of paper work that needs to be filed in just a few days so I have a feeling we will be 'working' as well as talking.

I would be helping her right now but I brought her clothes home to dry - since someone disconnected her dryer in this legal 'issue' (not particularly fair but happened nontheless).

As mentioned earlier I believe the blessings received at campmeeting were many. Just getting us there was a small miracle. We really didn't have money to go but had made reservations anyway. A few weeks ago a couple of ladies visited our church. We ended up talking most of the afternoon. One sweet lady, just before leaving, shared a little 'love gift' with me. Yes, it was more than enough to get us to campmeeting - Praise the Lord. Then, later, the sister of this lady shared a whole bag of books with us that have proved very interesting and informative as well. Praise the Lord again.

Time is passing so I will need to go for this time. May share more later.

Bringer of Peace

A little 'side trip'

I am still rather new at this 'blogging'. My brother 'tagged' me while I was away for a few days.

This 'tagging', according to his definition is:

Tagged! You're It
I have been tagged as “it” in the world of blog. This seems to be a very interesting game being enjoyed by various bloggers who are expected, when tagged, to publish 8 random facts about themselves on their blog page and then tag 8 more people who in turn become “it”.

I am going to be 'hard put' to find 8 other 'bloggers' mainly because I don't even 'know' that many myself.

But as far a 8 'random facts' I've decided to give it a try - for whoever may happen to read.

1. I am the fourth born in my family. My name means maiden, bringer of peace (or peace maiden). I believe that meaning has had a very positive impact on my whole life. I learned later that my father's mother's original name was also Olive even though when I knew her she went by the name of 'Frances'.

2. Music, particularly music related to spiritual topics, has been an important element in my life. I was told that after my mother lost a baby, Paul Dean who was born after me, I would say to her "sing mama, sing" (I was somewhere around 2-3 years old). She would sing and I got the distinct impression that it helped both of us. As a primary and junior age child I remember the enthusiastic song services particularly at campmeetings - we just got back from a Holy Spirit filled campmeeting during this last week. And summer camp memories always included singing around the campfire. In my early twenties I was introduced to 'scripture songs'. I was a student elementary school teacher and during my first year of teaching the 'school choir' learned to sing Psalm 119. I decided if I could learn to sing that anything else would be easier. Over the years those Bible songs have been a tremendous influence in my heart. When I began studying more about God's plan for Peace and His JOY power available to my life, I ended up collecting 60 some portions of scripture relating to either JOY or PEACE which have had a strong power in my mind.

3. From about as young as I can remember I wanted to be a missionary and a teacher. God was gracious enough to let me experience the best of both. I have taught in a school classroom setting for a while. I have also taught in a Vacation Bible School format for many years. The 'missionary' part has also been varied. The Lord sent me on my first 'missionary' assignment to teach a 'mission' elementary school in the hills and hollers of West Virgnia. (Did you know that West Virginia only has 'three' directions? 'Up, down and around.) After I was married my husband and I spent six years in Zambia, Africa on mission. More recently I had the wonderful privilege of participating in two short term overseas mission trips to India - WOW!

4. During my high school days - which I navigated at a boarding school called Wisconsin Academny - I earned part of my tuition working at a 'book bindary'. Later, while a student teacher I again assisted with text book preparation. I guess the Lord was preparing me for another assignment. After the India mission trip God asked me to complete a series of lessons called 'HIS STORY - the Creator God of the Universe' . Each lesson includes some part of HIS STORY as well as word searches, questions, music, pictures or other activities so that the participant will be able to 'take part' rather than 'only read' in the learning process. It has been a challenge and yet a real blessing to me as well.

5. Another area of interest to me has been 'alternate' health. I would go to a Dr. if needed but there are also many 'remedies' other than 'drugs' that may work just as well and at times may be less expensive. After returning from Africa I found out that many symptoms I had experienced for many years were due to 'food allergies'. A common suggestion is to avoid the foods that bother, except I am allergic to around 100 vegetarian foods. Keeps life interesting. After trying many remedies I came across 'clay' . For me it has been a 'God-send' for it takes away the majority of my food allergy reactions often from within seconds to minutes. If you are interested in more about clay you can visit http://www.eytonsearth.org/
I also have 'airborne' allergies. Something that has helped me a whole LOT is an orange cleaner. If you are interested you can learn more at http://www.healthyhomesonline.com/

6. As mentioned earlier I am the fourth in my family - the oldest being a brother ten years older, then two older sisters and two younger brothers (one died shortly after birth but the other one is very much alive and well. He has a blog at http://www.clayfootsteps.blogspot.com/ which I find very thought provoking.) In fact he is the one who 'tagged' me.

7. I presently reside in the peidmont area of lovely Virginia. Just today we were out in our garden digging potatoes. Thanks to an extra dose of Vit. E my muscles are only telling me that I an not quite used to that kind of work on a daily basis, but not yelling and screaming that they have been abused.

8. Ah, the last of this assignment. What better way to end this 'tag' than to let the world know - at least the world of those who read this - that I love Jesus and would love to share with anyone who is interested some really neat things I have been learning about how God has wired our minds to operate at optimum capacity by tapping into two disctinct and yet closely related experiences which science today calls JOY and PEACE. And from my own life experience may I testify that what science has discovered WORKS! for real.

I will have to try to come up with 8 other blogsights later. It is getting late and I must get some sleep.

May God give you His peace just now

Bringer of Peace

Peace and JOY

I received some challenging news last evening. Someone very dear to me is being attacked. My hubby and I presented them to the Lord before going to sleep. This morning I spent some time 'unpacking' Psalm 16. I had already done a limited 'word study' and was re-reading it to put it in my own words. As I completed paraphrasing it I believed that it was also a message for the 'one' dear to me who the devil is attempting to 'crush' through others who are envious of him.

Following is my 'paraphrase' of Psalm 16 for anyone who wishes to consider it. (I have also posted it at my paraphrase blogspot - see side bar.) In the King James Version verse 11 reads "Thou wilt show me the path of life, in Thy presence is fullness of JOY, at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore". I had learned that verse also as a scripture song so it was rather familiar to me. But this time as I spent more time on it the context became even more interesting. Following the paraphrase I will include the KJV with definitions from Strong's Concordance for the last two verses.

1. A permanent poem written by David. Take care of me, Almighty God, for I have confidence in You.2, 3. My heart said to You, my Creator God: "I am not comparing my goodness with You, my Sovereign, rather to Your family here on earth and to those who are special to me. 4. Those who 'go with the flow' and get behind shall have a lot more sorrow. What they make more important than You I won't even mention with my mouth."5. My Creator God is my inheritance and He takes care of me.6. I accept this covenant as agreeable. Yes, I consider this to be extremely good.7. I kneel before my Creator who advises me; my 'inner self' also corrects me at night.8. I have chosen to always be guided by My Creator God so I won't waver.9. It gives me intense pleasure knowing I can trust Him.10. You, Creator God, won't leave me in demanding situations to be overcome by horrible messes.11. Your guidance leads me to be with You, giving me real JOY. This is the best place I can ever be.

In the following KJV quotes are in black and Strong's definitions are in red.
10 For thou wilt not leave loosen, relinguish, permit my soul breathing creature, vitality, in hell inquire, request, demand; neither wilt thou suffer give, put, make, thine Holy kind, pious, courtesy to an equal, One to see corruption sink, bow down, incline, humble, a pit, destruction
11 Thou wilt show ascertain by seeing, know, me the path to travel, well trodden road, caravan, of life alive, raw, fresh, strong: in thy presence before the face [is] fulness satisfaction of joy brighten up, blithesomeness, glee, intense pleasure; at thy right be right, be on right hand side, stronger side hand [there are] pleasures agreeable, delightful for evermore. Glitter, eminent, permanent

I realize that verse 10 does apply as a prophecy concerning Jesus. I also believe that whatever promises applied to Jesus when He lived here on earth as a human can also be applied to those who choose to belong to Him as His sons and daughters.

My present definition of Peace includes being so comfortable in someone else's presence that I feel at rest and confident they have my best in mind. I believe the above Psalm portray's that. And as a result of that confidence in God I also receive true JOY - not just now but ever onward.

Sounds good to me. Now to keep myself focused on that reality as God sees it for me.

We have much to do today so will 'go' for now.

Bringer of Peace

Sharing the Source of Real Peace

I needed to 'take care' of my cell phone so stepped out of church. A couple of ladies had just arrived from another city. They had heard that a special speaker was going to be at our church and had decided to come to hear him speak.

After church we visited with them as we ate lunch. After talking on for a while we invited them to our home to continue our visit. They were interested in what we have been learning concerning some Bible topics and relationships with God and others. As we shared the Lord continued to open topic after topic to our deeper understanding as well. Story after story opened to our minds more of what God is really like.

One of Satan's countereits is to get people to think that God uses 'force' at least once in a while. True peace, however, cannot flourish when a mind believes in force - either giving or receiving. If a mind thinks that someone else is attempting to force, it often causes resistance. God commands - yes - but at the same time He also allows a person to choose to obey or otherwise.

It is Satan that attempts to make people believe they 'have' to do 'this' or 'that' even if they don't want to. God sends His love to all creation. It is God's love that is the life of everything.

When a person realizes that God can be trusted then he or she can come into a confiding peace in God's presence. As we shared some of how to do this and saw these dear folks gain a better understanding of God's plan for peace it brought peace to our hearts.

Bringer of Peace

Peace in Attitude

Early on this week the water pump shorted out leaving our farm with no 'running' water, except what we 'run' to get. Praise the Lord that happened before August when the 'service agreement' runs out. (We hope for 'well water' again some time next week.) Praise the Lord for the rain this week that replenished our rain barrels so we have water that can be used for toilets etc. The rain also knocked out our phone line. When calling to report that proplem I decided that the spirit of complaining wasn't making me happy for sure so I decided to 'be nice'. The operator offered to forward all calls to my cell phone for free while our land line was out. That turned out to be a real blessing for some friends wanted to come visit and they didn't know my cell phone number but I got their call anyway. I have been seeing more and more how my attitude so greatly affects what I see - both in others and in situations.

Is that one reason the Lord says "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid? "
Peace beginning in my attitude 'flavors' every other area of my life.

My present definition of 'sin' also deals in part with attitude. Here it is. Sin - an attitude, resulting in action when the opportunity presents itself, of any will other than God's will for me, for my life.

The Bible says that whatever is not of 'faith' is sin. My definition of 'faith' also deals in part with attitude. Faith - an attitude, resulting in action when the opportunity presents itself, of choosing and being in God's will for me, for my life.

So how does this all tie in with true Peace? One way is "Great Peace have they which love Thy law and nothing shall offend them."

So long as I choose to remain in God's will - Supreme love to the Creator God and loving others as myself - God gives me His 'great peace' as a love gift. Does that mean nothing will 'go wrong'? No! Does that mean every one will 'like me'? No!

Peace is my life often seems to 'come' to me 'in spite' of problems. Jesus promises "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth give I unto you, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

In the past when we have had trouble with our pump I got really upset. I could have had a repeat experience this time but having listened to the part of my brain that was trying to get me to have a 'repeat performance' as before of upset and frustrated, etc. I decided that since it had not helped me in the past I was going to 'react' differently. Having made that choice God gave me His peace - Praise Him!

It was even more evident in the matter of the phone. When I chose to 'be nice' instead of chewing out a phone operator who most likely couldn't do anything much about it anyway, I immediately had a 'change of attitude', Praise the Lord.

It has been a busy week on many 'fronts' in my life. I praise the Lord.

Oh, I have plenty of reason to tell others where they are wrong, but it just doesn't seem to be the way Jesus did things in His family of followers on a day by day basis.

He is called the Prince of Peace. The more I look at how He did things the more I believe I can 'act like Him'.

More later,
Bringer of Peace

Peace of Mind

This morning in our 'worship' we read the following. " Peace of mind, which comes from pure and holy motives and actions, will give free and vigorous spring to all the organs of the body. Inward peace and a concience void of offense toward God, will quicken and invigorate the intellect, like dew distilled upon the tender plants." (from a book called Sons and Daughters of God page 169)

Sounds like this 'peace' is quite important. It quickens and invigorates the intellect. It gives free and vigorous spring to all the organs of the body.

This is the experience of peace I choose - God's peace in me.

May you have that kind of peace in your life today also.

Bringer of Peace

Peace - a goal

I listened to a snippet of a conversation on 'overcoming'. One of the comments had to do with setting goals and then making 'do able' steps toward reaching that goal. One of my goals is peace. One of the steps toward reaching that goal has been to bring an order in our surroundings.

Today was a rather busy day. While we were eating breakfast we got a call from a friend that her water had gone off during the night. As soon as we finished feeding our own faces we headed over to see if there was anything we could do to help. Sad to say, earlier someone had cut a 'hot wire' to the well to 'stop her from having water'. Of course today she wondered if something else had been done. Indirectly it was related. Someone related to the party who had cut the wire in the first place had removed the well pipe cover and taken a picture supposedly showing that nothing was 'wrong' (after an electrician had fixed the wire). But in putting the cover back on one of the wires had gotten caught between the cap and the pipe and eventually - this morning - it caused a 'short' thus turning off the pump again. Whether it was on purpse or not I will not judge. My hubby was able to stop the short until such time as it is checked or worked on again.

Getting back home we spent quite a bit of time helping one of the folks living here on the farm with us. She needed some more room to work so we were able to get a desk and a bookcase and get her computer set up on the desk.

After lunch we were able to get a few more pieces of furniture in place for my new office area. We are still getting things settled but it is moving along in the right direction.

This evening we even got to sit together for a few minutes before getting ready for bed.

I do believe that the closer I get to getting things organized the easier it will be to also share God's peace with others.

May the God of Peace share His peace with you this day.

Bringer of Peace

Peace in fellowship

I was cleaning for a friend and took a short break. A magazine article caught my attention. It gave suggestions for how to deal with 'bad habits'. Some I 'knew' but toward the end of the article it shared some ways that the human mind works. Combined with some of this information was a Bible concept that was reinforced through what I learned. One extremely helpful 'step' to 'reprogramming' from a bad habit to a 'good one' is to 'synchronize' with another mind who has already 'matured' - 'grown up' - in the area we need help in. Yes, God's peace comes from Him into our hearts, spirits and minds. Remember also that Jesus prayed that 'they' become 'one'. Christ never prayed that we would be successful 'lone ranger' Christians.

God created humans to 'create' families. God designed that the more mature members of a family would synchronize (unite) with the less mature members to lead them, to help 'grow them up'. In the process the older, more mature members in a family would also continue to 'grow'.

What does this have to do with peace? A 'body' that is synchronized is healthy - I believe a form of peace. A family that communicates and is in harmony one with another can also produce 'peace'. God's plan for the family of God - His church here on earth - is that a harmony, a unity in diversity be exemplified in the relationships found in that family - His body here on earth. Fellowship 'grows' when minds synchronize, come into a community, a family as God has outlined in the Bible.

Keep in mind, though, that a group can 'come together' and 'bond' for other 'reasons'. Fear can bring people together. But be assured that 'true peace' does not come from that form of bonding. Biology can 'tie' people together, but statistics show that 'blood' relations along are not always enough to bring or cause 'peace'.

God knew the importance of 'right' relations' and I believe that is why God's plan for family has been 'blasted' so much by the devil. Satan knows that if he can destroy God's plan for family he can often be as successful in ruining one' s peace as can be accomplished when a person wanders from God's plan for Sabbath peace and rest - which can also bring lack of true peace in a person.

Family ties are nice but there are other ties that can bring peace into a person's life as well. What I have been learning is that 'friends' can have a very integral place in leading to and developing peace. A person who appreciates you and is willing to share not only what they know but what you are learning can go a long way toward 'growing' peace in both you and them.

Though God wants us to synchronize our minds with Him He has also been showing me the importance of friends. As we 'bond' with others who are coming ever closer in their relationship with God we are not only encouraged to 'go' in the same direction but we are also enabled to 'grow up' and experience 'peace' in our hearts and lives.

Communications are one important component of relationships. Respect of each other is also key in a 'peace' producing relationship.

There is more, but for now, may the God of peace bring you into a unity with Him and others is my desire.

Bringer of Peace

In the process

Just a quick reminder to me that I am making progress. The 'storage' room still has a way to go but the room I am turning into my office looks pretty good. I already have an appointment to meet a friend there tomorrow to explore plans for this summer's Vacation Bible School. My concern now is where I will put everything. And to think that most of what I have taken over there - except for a small and a large rocker, a long slender table, a small couch and a few pictures were in what we 'called' our living room or close by. It definitely needed a weight reduction plan.

Some other things are also in progress and in the midst of it all I have still been thinking about Peace in this and other situations. Not only do lies that we have believed - either about God or another person - ruin Peace that comes from Jesus, but not allowing God to enable us to see others as He sees them can play havoc with Peace. And to take that just a bit further, if I don't view myself as God sees me that can also contribute to a lack of Peace in my life.

I am so thankful for the Bible promise "Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ. "

Bringer of Peace

Peace through bonding

I was taking a 'break' yesterday and noticed an article concerning how to handle 'bad habits'. Some of the ideas were like what I have heard before but then the author began to explain in simple terms some of how a 'habit' (good or bad) is 'anchored' in the brain. They also explained that the original 'action' memory is stored in one area of the brain but the 'reaction' is stored elsewhere. The original situation may be long forgotten but particularly if there has been 'trama' or 'pain' involved the brain will most often react the same way in all future circumstances as it was 'taught' to do the 'first' time.

This can create some real challenges particularly if the first 'reaction' was not 'right'. When a child in particular (but it can also happen to an adult) has been 'shamed', 'blamed' or caused to 'fear' through the wrong use of force, into doing something or even 'being' someone other than who God originally intended for them to be, that 'wrong habit' will effect them in a negative way for the rest of their life unless and until they are set free (possible but not often by one's own 'self') from the 'fear, shame or blame' that was used to form the habit in the beginning.

I was thinking about it in relation to myself and in the process got to talking with my brother, who has obtained a lot of good information in this area of knowledge. As we talked I realized that I definitely have a number of areas where 'bad habits' are rooted in one of more of the above mentioned 'reasons'. Another way of stating it is 'fear, force and fake'. I don't think (at this point in time) that fake has had as much influence as have fear and force in anchoring habits that have given me much 'grief'.

One of the first steps in breaking the power of 'bad habits' is 'acknowledging them'. Another step (and not particularly in this order) is synchronizing with another mind. As my brother shared an experience he had just gone through on this point I realized that for years I have felt like a 'lone ranger' with little if any support group in which I was involved. Recently I have developed a number of 'supports' and I have been seeing some real blessings from this arrangement.

On the other hand, due in part that we 'manage' the farm where we live, we also at times get involved in 'non-synchronizing' experiences. The contrast the past couple of days has been quite obvious. On the one hand a couple of people were sharing appreciation of my attempts to aid them in ways that I could do so. At the same time we have been attempting to 'deal' with certain situations that seem almost unsolveable - and I think due at least in part to the fact that there is no synchronizing between the parties involved.

My brother shared that his friend had found that when he would be faced with a 'bad habit' or it sounded like almost any problem, if he could 'synchronize' with some other 'positive' mind even for a short time the 'habit' lost 'power' in his life.

The more I thought about it the more it made sense. The ideal 'other mind' to synchronize with is, of course, God's mind. I am also becoming more and more convinced that synchronizing and bonding with other human minds can be an extremely powerful source for forming good habits and overcoming 'bad habits'. Thinking back just over the past few days I saw that concept in practice. When I worked with certain people who I believe I also synchronized with I was blessed (and I hope I gave the same in return). On the other hand, when attempting to deal with 'complaints' and requests on the farm here in situations where I am not particularly in agreement with the requests, I sensed a 'loss of power'.

That was one reason I called my brother (now that I look back on yesterday). After talking with him I often seem to be able to 'face' life a little easier and with more JOY and PEACE. Even though it is a long distance relationship I believe our minds are still able to synchronize. That does not mean we always agree. Synchronization between minds might also be called harmony, unity leading to bonding. That doesn't mean we are clones, but it does mean that, like two properly working gears, we get much more accomplished than when trying to 'go it' alone.

I believe God is looking for people who will first bond with Him (First commandment - love God supreme) and then in the strength of that synchronization reach out to bond with others (Second commandment of God - love others as a person love self). That doesn't mean that everyone we offer to bond with will accept the offer, but thank God there are some other minds and hearts that can come into unison with ours and that 'bonding' is what God calls 'His Family'.

Thanks for listening,

Bringer of Peace

I need to

To be honest, if what could be seen says anything, I am in complete disarray at this moment. I am typing at my laptop which is situated on top of my printer on a file. BUT!!! I believe it is for a good purpose. About three months ago a couple who had been living here since 2001 moved to Tennessee. They had been staying in what might be considered an apartment in the upstairs of the big farm house. (We live in a small house next to it.) For several reasons almost nothing had been done to the upstairs apartment (4 rooms) area since they left. I hadn't even taken time to clean it up.

A week or so ago we decided that we would get the kitchenette room back in order and let one of the ladies living here use it. Early this week I was up there while my hubby was working on an electrical 'fix'. I was just sort of 'standing there'. It was sort of a sudden idea, but the thought came to me, 'Why don't you use the 'living room' area for your office.' The rest of my mind did somewhat of a double take in a state of 'surprise', but as I stood there a little longer and began to think along those lines I began to like the idea more and more.

To make a long story short, from then until now I have been alternating between cleaning and moving and making messes and attempting to straighten them up.

Here is just a little outline of my dream. (We will see in a few days what the reality check is, but for now) - My personal activities will still take place in our little living room (for those of you who have visited us you know it isn't much more than perhaps 6X8 as 'my office' part of our living room in a room about 12X 16 or so). I will still do my personal emails, letter writing, bill paying, etc. there on a small table or desk Anyway, the new office is probably at least 12X16 and I will have the use of all of it. My plans at present for the new 'office' is where I will work on my music, Sabbath School programs, Vacation Bible School programs, Bible correspondance programs and lessons, etc.

The room that was used for a bedroom in the apartment will be used for my 'archives' - what I am not using currently but need at times for referencing in relation to the above areas. I will probably also store some furniture in there that is not being used but I am not quite ready to let go of. On the other hand I am getting rid of some furniture in this 'upheaval' that I don't see we will need. Some will go to the 'dump' and some to a local 'thrift' shop which takes furniture. Either way I plan that a lot of things that have been excess around here will soon be 'gone'.

Yes, room for peace is what I am seeing as part of my dream. As has often happened in the past, one of Carl's dreams helped me get started. He gave me his dream for making his room more useable. He really could use some of the furniture we had in the living room and I liked the idea. But where was I going to put what was in those pieces. Now I believe he may have the opportunity for his dream to take shape and in the meantime my dream also may soon be a reality.

I haven't gotten everything into the new office area from our place but I am attempting to put things away as I go rather than 'stack and store til later' method so it is taking maybe a bit longer (although stack and store takes lots of time too - only use when absolutely necessary for the stacks begin to haunt you after while). I am very glad that I am not in the process of a whole move at the same time as this one room move. That gives me more hope that it may get done soon. Actually, this morning I already got a call from someone who needs to work with me in 'my' office on the upcoming Vacation Bible School. That is putting a little more pressure on me to get it done quick. But that may be a good thing too.

Room for Peace. Not only does that sound good for my office area but I am beginning to have some room for peace in my home - for my living room area too. The living room had gotten so full that at times there were aisles only. (Yesterday there wasn't even that much room but thankfully that is because of the move going on. We did get the 'aisle' back to our bedroom door open by the time we went to bed.)

I need to go to another job right now (this one I get $ for so it does help out in that respect) so I need to sign off. In the meantime, if you are reading this far, you might look around in your life to see if there is more 'room for peace'. You might also get a surprise.

Bringer of Peace

Peace in Growing up

I just finished looking at Psalm 7 again (if you are interested in the updated results you can go to the 'paraphrase' link listed on the side Paraphrases by Maiden, Bringer of Peace ). I went back to it after thinking about it for a while and got a clearer picture - to me anyway. I had also shared some thoughts about it with my brother who often helps me to see things clearer. One of my favorites is the last verse: 17. I will throw up my open hands to You, O Self-Existent One because You have made things right. I will sing praise to honor the authority and love based character of You who are the Supreme, Self-Existent God who is above all creation. That word 'praise' in the KJV in this particular usage has to do with raising open hands to God in honor of who He is. Wow! This morning I looked at Psalm 13 also. It is short but powerful. I have also added my paraphrase to Paraphrases by Maiden, Bringer of Peace. At first glance it almost seemed that David was complaining. But the more I unpacked the meaning the more I realized that David, although starting out wondering why God wasn't listening to him, came to the conclusion it was more of the case that David wasn't listening to God. On second thought I'll share my 'take' here.
Psalm 13 On permanent file, a celebration in song written by David.
1. How long, O Self-Existent One, will You ignore me? What is Your goal? What will it take to get You to pay attention to me?
2.So, how long will I keep giving myself directions and getting in trouble all the time? How long will those who hate me get the best over me?
3. O, Supreme heavenly Father, please look at me and listen to what I am saying. Enable me to see the way you see, or else I may die.
4.Otherwise those against me will say ‘I won’ and celebrate when I make mistakes or do the wrong thing.
5.But I’m hurrying back to you and find refuge in your kindness; Every part of me celebrates that You set me free by Your love.
6. Wow! I will sing to my heavenly Father because HE is growing me up.

Somehow I think this has to do not only with contrasts but with coming to peace. Great Peace have they which love Thy law - which is a picture of who God is - and nothing shall offend them. Praise God. Bringer of Peace.

Peace - Biblical

Peace is a result of being in synchronization with the mind and heart of God.

Isaiah 27:3-5 I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest [any] hurt it, I will keep it night and day. Fury [is] not in me: who would set the briers [and] thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of my strength, [that] he may make peace with me; [and] he shall make peace with me.

God is called the 'Prince of Peace'.
Isaiah 9:6-7 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 9:7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Genuine Peace is a gift from God.
Numbers 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Great peace comes from returning the love of God that has been given to us.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

The following thought about Peace to me is very interesting. Here peace sounds as an effect.
Isaiah 32:17,18 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

God has made a covenant of peace
Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

God has thoughts of peace toward us.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

That is some powerful PEACE.