Maiden, Bringer of Peace

Heat Wave - What kinds?

2011-07-21T00:34:00.002-04:00

Many folks are experiencing extreme heat about now. Today may not have been 'quite' as hot - upper 90s - but it is still just plain hot. We did register around 105-106 earlier in the week. The corn fields are displaying symptoms of the heat by looking more wilted. Those kinds of symptoms are not ones that are comfortable or most of the time wanted.

On the other hand my mind has been pondering another kind of 'heat wave'. Those who have been learning more about the Creator God of the Universe are acquainted with some times when things got 'intensely hot'. In the case of the four Hebrew men who chose to not worship the image set up by the king things got mighty hot. But that decision also revealed that when God goes through 'hot times' with us, we might even be given the privilege of walking with the 'fourth man' - Jesus Himself - in the midst of the heat.

Coming back to the more physical realm our garden seems to be doing very well in the heat. One reason has been it has been given extra water. Duane has been giving it a drink every day or so. The tomato plants seem to thrive in heat as long as their other needs are met - food and water.

Might that be something to consider looking at in the spiritual realm as well? When things get 'hot', those who are drinking and eating from God's Word on a regular basis may well reveal a power from above to 'keep them from falling' and to thrive in their relationship with Jesus. We may not be able to control the temperature but we can focus on our connection with the true source of life. Those who are wise will shine.

Could it also be that true peace in a person's heart is not based so much on the amount of 'heat' or 'stress' but upon who that person gets to know? To really know Jesus on an intimate level give not only peace but genuine joy as well.

Wouldn't mind a bit cooler weather though.

Bringer of Peace

Home Again - At least for now

2011-06-30T15:44:00.003-04:00

We arrived at prayer meeting at about 6:29 p.m. last evening at our church. Afterwards we followed my brother and his lovely wife home - at last. To say the least these past three months or so have been interesting, and in my opinion more like fascinating and challenging. Since we left in April we have been to Virginia; my hubby on to Florida; and then to Michigan before coming back home. We have helped several people move as well as a variety of other 'jobs' along the way.

My brother and wife will be heading out west in a few days so we will 'take care of the place' while they are gone. There is so much yet to be done here that I doubt we will have much time to 'twiddle our thumbs'.

A special friend is arriving this evening for the holiday weekend. She is bringing the 'rest' of the stuff that we couldn't fit into our car when we left Michigan. Thanks so much.

We have many pleasant memories of the past three months, but we are now looking forward to what God has in store for the future.

I have mentioned before of working with a ministry called "Passport to Life". The Lord opened the way for us to receive a laser printer (much better than what we have previously been using) and some other equipment to further advance our ability to share the good news of "Christ in you the hope of glory" as revealed in the Sanctuary of the Old Testament and the Armor of the New Testament. Thank you heavenly Father.

Before we left we had been working on getting a garden started. We had thought we would only be gone a couple of weeks, or so, and had planted tomatoes, peppers and a few other kinds of seeds. Needless to say without my brother's help the garden would have 'gone down the drain'. He has done a great job of getting the seedlings planted and getting the tomato plants tied up - so far. Now it will be back to us to keep things in order while they will be gone.

During this time of traveling from place to place we have also been having 'faith' lessons from the Lord. On our budget we do not have the financial resources to do what we just did. Time and time again we have seen God provide through various ways and means and using different folks to help us along the way, for which we thank Him who is our heavenly Father. We have also been in some training sessions on how to act more like Jesus all the time.

We have lots to do so will close for now, but we do want all who read this blog to be reminded that we ask God's Spirit to give you the kind of Peace that passes all understanding.

Bringer of Peace

On the Road Again (or rather, still)

2011-06-13T22:24:00.002-04:00

This has been a very interesting spring to say the least.
Back in April we agreed to 'revisit' Virginia to help a friend move, at her request.
Then we agreed to help my hubby's brother get packed to move to Florida.
Then we did some more packing for someone else in Virginia before heading back to Michigan.
After arriving in Michigan we have been helping another lady move.
My sister agreed that we could go to campmeeting with her in Michigan. But that doesn't start until next week so we have been helping her to get some final trim work done on her house before we go to the meetings.
Last week we got a call asking us if we could attend a special church meeting this week so we will be leaving for that tomorrow - we think.
My brother and his lovely wife are planning to be gone for several weeks in July so we do plan to be back 'home' in Illinois by that time, Lord willing.
In the mean time our son made a quick trip back to Virginia with our car to take care of some unfinished business. We are 'babysitting' our grandson so they could travel 'lighter' going and have room to bring back some things that got left there earlier.

As far as the 'trip' is concerned, it has been a lot of miles. But to me the biggest part of this trip has been the many lessons the Lord has been sharing with me and a lot of them have to do with relationships. There have also been a lot of lessons dealing with trusting the Lord. We do not, in our own financial resources have the money to make as extended trip of this length on our own. But time after time the Lord has 'come through' with what was needed at just the right time. Our car insurance came due and I really had no idea where those kinds of funds would come from. I took it to the Lord and He not only enabled the total bill to be reduced (from about $1,200 to less than $5oo) but supplied the funds to pay it with. Yes, God often impresses others to be His hands and feet (and pocketbook) but I still believe He is the mastermind behind these providences.

Perhaps I'll share more later but for now I praise the Lord for all He has blessed us with on this many week trip and the many lessons along the way as well.

May God's peace be with you as you choose to trust God's heart as well as His 'hand'.

Bringer of Peace

Getting Settled

2011-02-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

Progress in getting all our belongings where they can 'have a home' has been slow at times but still 'happening'. My brother and his wife were in Michigan for several weeks. We were trying to get our things 'arranged' but still haven't succeeded in completing that job even yet.

My brother sings in a barber shop style quartet. Every year they take an opportunity this time of year to sing 'love songs'. They came from Michigan on Sunday and Monday - Valentine's Day - he sang, in a quartet, 'love songs' (upon request) to 'special people'. Sounds like a good job.

Besides getting settled we have been having time to ponder some other aspects of life. This past summer I had the opportunity to visit an old friend who had been through some tough times and shared some 'regrets'. I do believe the Lord guided in the visit for it gave me the opportunity to pray with and for my friend - then and continuing.

Our community of faith has been encouraging everyone to pray [with a 'logo' 7-7-7. Pray at seven a.m., seven p.m., seven days a week. ] Some times I am not always able to pray at 7 my time, but it is 7 o'clock somewhere. The 'time' is not so vitally important as is the connecting with the source of power and peace - our loving heavenly Father. With so many challenges in our world today, it brings peace to my heart that in this 'war' zone, our commander who is also our Father in heaven, has 'all power' in heaven and in earth. That can truly give a peace that the world can't take away. And, by staying in 'tune' with our loving Father we can have the peace that this earth knows nothing about.

My time is running out for right now, but until we meet again, May God's peace be with you.

Bringer of Peace

Birthday Desire

2010-12-31T20:48:00.002-05:00

Not for quite a while have I really thought of a birthday gift for myself. I'm more than happy to come up with ideas of what others would like. I used to have fun giving gifts on my birthday rather than 'receiving' for it is much more interesting and exciting to give rather than receive.

But as I have been pondering this evening I have had a growing desire for a particular birthday gift this year.

I have had some surprises in the past years. I had thought that a couple of lady friends of mine who really enjoyed talking about their grandchildren were several years older than I am until they told me their ages - and I was definitely the oldest. (By the way I do have a grandson now which I guess adds 'grandma' to my name.) I have reconnected with a number of friends from 'yesteryear' and that too has been enjoyable. But as nice as those events have been there is something else that I have a growing desire to have as a gift.

I am longing more and more for the gift of the Holy Spirit called a 'new heart and a new spirit'. There are so many situations that I am aware of (some very painfully aware of) but without the Holy Spirit's power there is not much that can be done.

One nice thing about this gift is that my Father has already promised it to me. And because of that I am claiming it as my most valuable gift for my birthday this new year.

One other aspect of this gift is that you can have it too just for your asking your heavenly Father for it.

I will hasten to say that as we experience this gift there will be some changes in our lives. God takes us as we are but He doesn't leave us the way we were.

Whether we call it a birthday gift or whatever, just remember that God loves for us to be with Him and as we daily choose to belong to Him and accept His authority over us, He will transform us (change us to become like Him) so that we are enabled to experience ever more of Him - His Spirit. You can have that gift just as much as I can - just for the asking.

Happy New Year

Bringer of Peace

Christmas and beyond

2010-12-26T14:36:00.002-05:00

The way things are going recently I haven't found a lot of time to be online. That may be the best anyway. My brother's wife got an cat scratch infected and ended up in the hospital for a couple of days or so. She is home and much better.

My hubby and brother have been working on getting a kitchen set up in our part of the house. In one way it is going to be nice and I have so much appreciated the really good work. On the other hand I sure do enjoy being altogether for many meals and the fellowship.

Sabbath a visitor walked in. He looked very familier but since we are new here I figured it wasn't someone I would know. Someone else asked his name and he said his first name. It was the first name of someone I knew so I asked him his last name and for sure it was him. I had thought he was in Alaska - and he does live there, but he was visiting in the area so came to church. A very delightful surprise. Even more of a surprise was when I found out that my brother knew him too.

When asked for prayer requests I raised my hand to thank the Lord that my sister was getting out of the hospital. Then I heard her (behind me) say she was glad to be in church. She had come in but I didn't know it yet. That was another thanksgiving.

It snowed Friday evening some but just enough for a white Christmas. I don't need a white birthday but I doubt if I have a lot to say about that next Sabbath.

God is so good. I know I can trust Him. He loves for me to be with Him. That is essential for me to remember in order for me to mature. Our God is an awesome God.

My your new year be bookmarked as the year you learned a whole lot more about the loving Creator God of the Universe.

Yours in Christ,

Bringer of Peace

December Newsletter

2010-12-14T19:14:00.004-05:00

December, 2010

Dear family and friends

A lot has happened in our lives this past year or so. In January 2009 my hubby was laid off work and hasn't had steady employment since. But since we were still living at Torac Farm near Culpeper, Va., there always seemed plenty to keep us busy even though it wasn't for 'pay'.

The winter of 2009-2010 was one we will remember for a while. In December we were inundated with about 2 ft of soft white snow. We would have been content to hibernate (almost) in our little house, except other farm folk needed assistance. We had put the wood heating stove back in the big farm house and it was very 'hungry' for wood to burn. There was also a perceived need (by them) to clear the driveway in case of emergency. In time the lane got cleared, the wood brought in and the snow melted.

My older brother was flying in to Florida for a funeral, so my son, his wife andI headed south. They headed on down to the Keys while I went to the funeral. After the funeral I helped my older brother drive to North Carolina to visit a special friend of his. This gave time to visit with him before he flew back to Oregon. Weather forecast said another 'storm' was heading east so we drove all night to get home, but the main part of the storm ended up north.

After a few more smaller snowfalls (3 - 9 inches at a time) February slammed us with another two plus feet of (this time)wet snow. Hubby was concerned about the weight on our slightly slanted roof so we cleared our roof off part way through the storm. Another concern was our cut wood supply low. We tried to cut and chop as often as we could - but not enough. (We had logs but weren't getting them 'stove' ready fast enough.) A good friend of ours heard our problem and he and his son-in-law came over and cut, split and stacked wood for about four or more hours one day which was a super blessing to us. We still cut more wood, but that extra boost was enough to get us to springtime and warmer weather.

Spring finally came and we made four grow boxes for early gardens near the house for easier care and harvest. We were planning for more summer gardens but that turned out to be only a dream.

In May our church planned for two weeks of revival meetings. Someone else was to direct the children's programs, but about a week before, they asked if we could do it for the other folks couldn't. We agreed, so for the next three weeks we prepared and presented Passport to Life: God's Rescue plan as pictured in the Bible Sanctuary and His protection as illustrated by Armor. The Lord blessed very much.

Every year we have enjoyed several days of spiritual feasting at Potomac campmeeting in June. This year we were again blessed by seminars, sermons, renewing old friendships and making new friends.

Back at the farm there always seemed plenty to do. But one day in early July we got a call from a friend offering accommodations for us to attend our church's General Conference when people from around the world attend. It was a surprise offer, but I said I would consider accepting. One seeming potential problem was our car. It had bad tires, bad brakes, bad bearings (and who knows what else going bad). We had been debating if it was even worth putting more money into it or not, even though we still used it locally. We had gotten an advertisement from a nearby car dealer offering three gold dollar coins just to come by. On what seemed to be the spur of the moment we decided to again collect the three 'dollar' gold coins (as we had done before). To make a long story short, we drove home that evening with a newer car. A few days later we drove to Atlanta for the General Conference meetings and were greatly blessed.

Shortly after returning home we got a call from my brother's wife asking if we would come to Illinois and lead out in a Vacation Bible School at their church. We agreed and with our Passport to Life 'props' and materials headed to Illinois in the later part of July. We believe the Lord blessed the VBS and we are very thankful for the many helpers as well as for the children who attended.

On Sunday before the VBS began, though, my brother's wife's back 'gave out'. We found out a week or two later that she had 3 'bulging' disks and one ruptured disk in her lower back. Needless to say she didn't help with the VBS - or even walk for a few weeks. We stayed a week or so longer than our original plans to help. We then decided that hubby would return to Virginia but I would stay until she got better. By the end of September she was beginning to walk some for short times, for which we were all very thankful.

During this time, after much prayer, counsel, and consideration we accepted an offer from my brother to move in with them in Illinois. There were several factors involved, but one reason we considered moving was that for hubby the 'farm' work was getting a bit much, as he is not as energetic as in years past. Financial responsibilities were also calculated, for it did appear that living in Illinois may be less at this time.

After we decided to move, my sister came from Michigan to help rearrange things here to accommodate our 'stuff'. Then she, along with another friend and I drove to Virginia to begin the moving process there. Our friend was the moving sale organizer (very greatly appreciated) which continued for about three weeks. That helped reduce quantity - but not enough. A man offered to buy our pickup. We told him we needed it to haul trash and such away. He had a trailer and agreed to help clean up for a reduced price on the truck. He hauled at least 12-14 trailer loads of stuff. [Some were metals which he sold to offset expenses]. (We may have lost some revenue, BUT we are FREE from the stuff!!) Hubby drove a Budget truck load to Illinois near the end of October while I with others continued to prepare to the final move. My sister and her friend had to leave at the end of October to return to Michigan where they were scheduled to teach a 'paper toulle' craft class in November, but their help was very much appreciated.

We agreed to spend Thanksgiving with the rest of the folks at the farm before we left. It was also one of our friend's birthday so that made the day even more special.

After Thanksgiving weekend we loaded a Penske truck and, pulling the car behind, began the final phase of our move to Illinois. We may have our stuff here now but there is still a lot to do before being 'settled'.

For several years we have somewhat jokingly commented that we have been operating a 'moving and storage' business. Well, that business will be going 'out of business' in the near future. We are planning, however, to make at least one more move - but not with a rental truck. For that move we plan to 'fly' home to our loving Heavenly Father where we won't need our 'earthly stuff' anymore.

We cordially invite you to begin preparing now to join us on that move, which we pray will be very soon.

Yours in Christ,

Bringer of Peace

P.S. Count it all JOY (knowing God loves for you to be with Him) when you are challenged with difficulties. Each time you choose God's loving heart plan for your life, your patient trust in Him grows. Keep choosing God's will for your life and He will mature you to be like Him - with appropriate amounts His love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, faith, meekness and patience.

Our Heavenly Father supplies all we need - both yours and ours - according to His glory in Christ Jesus.

Settling In

2010-12-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

We have moved to Illinois and are slowing getting settled in.
In one respect it has been a relief to 'let go' of so much extra stuff.
On the other hand I think I may have a whole lot more to let go of yet.
That said, there are some things I hope to keep, at least for a while.
We are living in the 'upper level' of my dad's place.
My brother and his lovely wife have lived on the main level for a number of years.
I really think it will be very comfortable once we get things arranged, but for now the business of getting it straight and in order continues.

This move has been an interesting 'experience' in my life. For one thing there had been such a 'pileup' of stuff where we lived and it just seemed there was little or nothing we could seem to do about it. Once the decision to move was for sure it seemed we were able to make advancement on the removal of 'stuff'. I'm not sure but I think there may have been upwards of 14-15 trailer loads of stuff we were able to get rid of from the farm. Some went out via the yard (moving) sale, some went as 'scrap metal' and some went to the 'dump'. But whatever way it went, it was still gone.

We may have 'lost' a bit financially but on the flip side of this situation, we are free from the stuff.

Freedom from so much stuff has also brought to me, anyway, a type of peace. It has been good not to have so much stuff around. I am still getting rid of some stuff but fortunately it is not so much. We did make two trips with a 16 ft. rental truck to where we are now living, but that is a lot less. Some of what we brought was for our son who is presently in Idaho so we kept some of his stuff until hopefully he can get it. Some of it we are using for now in lieu of bringing more stuff with us.

Peace is this sort has been a blessing to me. Physical things can have an effect on a person. I am looking forward to even more peace as we get better organized, but for now I can enjoy what I have even now.

There is much to do for now so I will sign off for this time.

Until we meet again, may God's peace be in your hearts.

Bringer of Peace

Experiencing Faith develops patience

2010-11-06T06:36:00.003-04:00

We are still in the 'moving' process. If I had what I think is 'my way' I would long ago have been moved and on to another 'chapter' in my life.

My time (or rather should I say timing) is, however, not always 'reality'. And since this move is not only 'my' move but at least four other people are involved, the logistics have been 'interesting' at best. (There are three other people living at the farm as well as my husband and myself.)

I am reminded often that the trying (testing, experiencing, using, etc.) of my faith is what develops patience. And James goes on to say, "Let patience have her perfect work'. In other words, the process may be as important as the end result, which is usually the case in my 'walk with God.' The same text also says to count this type of experience as 'all joy'. So here goes.

One of the people who has been here on the farm has been having some challenges finding some place else to live. Going with us is not an option, to my knowledge, for where we are going is not really a place that person could 'navigate' due to health issues. I have been encouraging my friend that God is still in control and to keep trusting that He will guide to a suitable place. One response has been that the trust in God is there but not the trust in people.

That brings up interesting topics. I fully agree that people can let a person 'down', and a lot of other options as well. Having said that, however, is there a possibility that in so thinking we are in reality not really trusting that God is 'bigger' than human beings? Is that train of thought really a doubt that God will take care of us?

As I think about those questions I also begin to wonder if they are not a sly attempt of the enemy of God at getting our minds and hearts out of God's timing (patience) as well as out of His will (trust). I know it is nice to have our plans all laid out ahead of time and to have those plans 'work'. But who, then, would be running the show, so to speak? Why would we need patience?

As I look back on the past few months I see time after time when God has been changing plans. It has not always been 'easy' or even seemingly convenient, but when I look back I believe that I can trust God even when I can't understand always what is going on.

By the way, some folks move the 'normal' way. Just before we got into the 'moving mode', friends of ours moved from Ohio to Colorado. From the 'outside' it appeared to be a well orchestrated operation. (My brother helped them by driving the rental moving truck.) I'm sure there were a few hitches and unexpecteds along the way but they were pretty well settled in within a few days of leaving Ohio. I am very happy for them.

On the other hand, our move is much more complex. Maybe a good analogy might be that their move was a bit like transplanting a beautiful lilac bush and our moving is like trying to move an orchard into several locations.

One of our challenges has been that having been here so long there has been a lot of 'stuff' to take care of. I am reveling in getting rid of stuff. That is no problem. The logistics of removal, one way or another, has been challenging though. We had a yard sale for several weeks which did help a lot. We have been taking the remains to local thrift shops which has also helped.

My hubby and I have had a weakness (or so it seems at this point in time). We thought we were helping others and have 'let them come here' when they appeared to have needed a place to stay. (I just got a call asking if we could take in a person who needed a place - they didn't know we were moving.) I suppose there may be merit, but on the other hand we often got stuck with stuff when they left. Anyway, now is 'stuff' removal time - and it is disappearing.

I do think one of the bigger challenges to me, though, has been remembering that I am not in charge of where the other folks are going, especially the one who is having difficulty finding a place. (That is one reason that person was here was because there didn't appear to be anything else available.) So is that person to be left out in the 'cold'? Is God no longer interested? This person loves the Lord and I firmly believe that God has more care for this situation than I can possibly have. That is easy to say. Faith is trusting God. But when things get tight, do we still choose to trust God? When time seems to be running out, do we worry ourselves out of God's plan? My present understanding of patience is accepting God's timing as well as God's will. It appears that God is giving me 'time' to practice patience right now. Thank you, Father. I am choosing to let patience have the time needed to develop in me.

This past week has had some other challenges as well. One morning I just about burned my hands in the hot water. When my hubby checked it out we found out there were problems. He was trying to work on that when the water pressure began to drop. We could do without hot water - we are practically camping anyway - but no water, that is a little different story, especially since we are not the only ones here. Long story short, the water pump 'died' (haven't buried it yet though) and we had to go get another one to replace it. It is in and running , thank the Lord.

That led up to another character development opportunity. Pumps don't usually come 'free'. One of the folks here decided that everyone should help pay for this 'added' expense so we figured out 'costs'. That led to a discussion of electrical expenses (which has been a sore spot here for a long time. There seems to be an opinion by some here that we 'get rich' ? by what is given us for utility assistance.) The comment was made that the figures I have shared may not have been the 'real bill'. I ended up printing out the bill and giving it to the person. After they left though, I temporarily 'lost it'. (Thankfully my hubby was a good sounding board and didn't hold a grudge.) The short of it, looking back, was that I had temporarily forgotten who I am in Christ. My family seems to have a real challenge when we are called anything close to 'liar'. (I think we were instilled early with a sense of honor, and I am thankful for that.) If someone questions my integrity, if there is no question in my mind, then why would I get upset? My brother later reminded me of the issue of identity (who I am in Christ) and that really helped me. One other thought that has helped me is to realized that even though the devil tries to shame me I don't need to 'accept' it no matter who it comes through.

Time is marching on and I have some celebrating to do so I need to bring this to a close. May I share with you that through it all God has not deserted me. God is in the business of 'growing me up' and one of His tools is for me to continue 'counting it all joy' when He leads me through experiences that draw me ever closer to Him. Knowing that God loves for me to be with Him (JOY) is one of the ways He uses in my life to lead me to also experience His kind of Peace. Jesus in my heart is the kind of Peace the world doesn't know anything about.

Peace I leave with you, Jesus reminds us. May you experience that kind of peace today.

Bringer of Peace

Moving on in Peace

2010-08-30T19:02:00.003-04:00

Here comes September, ready or not.

I have enjoyed my time in Illinois and it hardly seems possible that I've been here for a month. It has been a little bit 'less hot' ,weather wise, for which we are grateful. Today there was a 'smattering' of rain, but not a lot.

My brother and I got to talking about what 'authority' means. It is sometimes easier to define what a word is not rather than what it really means in its original and genuine meaning. This is one of those words that we find easier to understand the counterfeit, probably because we know a whole lot more about it. Yet, a proper definition can really help enable us to have God's kind of peace in our lives and hearts. Here is my present perception of 'authority'.

Counterfeit or false authority includes the using of 'force' to control others to do what you want done. This form of authority is rooted in a hierachy type of organization. There are many facets of this kind of authority, but overall it is based on some form of 'independence' by the one attempting to use it.

Genuine or true authority comes from God and is based on a proper understanding of our relationship to our heavenly Father - we are His children - based on true love. Since this form of authority is based on the understanding that we are the children of the God who loves us, then we 'keep', or 'do', or 'abide' in His will for us.

Jesus gave his disciples 'authority' over evil spirits. But He went on to say that they were not to 'rejoice' in that authority but rather rejoice that their names were written in the book of life.

When we even begin to think that 'we' have authority over another spirit, have we not basically fallen into Satan's form of authority?

So long as we rejoice that we belong to God's family of love then the evil spirits cannot use their form of control over us and we remain in God's form of government.

Satan may think he has gained advantage by being able to hurt the body, but Jesus reminds us that we are not to be afraid of that. What we do need to guard against is coming under the control of another by loosing our connection with our heavenly family.

That is also why Jesus could say to His family: '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.'

Why do we need have no fear? We can remember who we are in the Father - His beloved child.

Until we meet again, May God's peace be in your heart because He consider's you His family.

Bringer of Peace

Hi, still from Illinois

2010-08-24T11:50:00.003-04:00

Here it is almost September, already. As mentioned earlier we led out in a Vacation Bible School in Illinois. My sister-in-law had been having some lower back pain but after we arrived it got so bad she couldn't walk. We stayed a week longer because my brother went on a business trip. There were some things that needed to be taken care of at our farm so we finally decided that I would stay here to help as I could and my hubby would head back home to take care of matters there.

Through this experience I believe the Lord is leading me to learn more about His kind of peace.
He has promised, "Peace I leave with you" (That evidently is a gift.) "My peace I give unto you".
This next part I have been thinking about more as well. "Not as the world giveth, give I unto you." Whatever God's peace includes, it isn't necessarily what the world calls 'peace'.

Another part of God's kind of peace is that His peace involves my heart, for He goes on and says, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

So God's peace is different than the world's peace. It is a gift from Him (not something I work up), and it keeps heart trouble away.

That is very obviously more than only an intellectual assent to a list or facts.

I recently read a book dealing with relationships. A statement was made - having to do with our relationship with God (Jesus) - that set me thinking. Jesus didn't say, I will show you the 'way'. He said, 'I am the way'. He is not looking to be some dictator - telling us each step without our assent or permission. He is wanting us to experience His presence. Peace comes when we know God loves us so much that we can 'fall into His arms' and 'He will watch our 'back' - we can trust Him.

He has got me 'covered', whether I am in Illinois, Virginia or anywhere else.

You are loved like that as well.

Until we meet again,

Peace be with you

Bringer of Peace

News From Illinois

2010-08-03T12:22:00.004-04:00

A little over a week ago I got a call from Illinois asking if I would lead out in their VBS (Vacation Bible School) for their church. (It is my brother's church so we are staying with him)

Well, we are here and the VBS started last evening. It wasn't as big as hoped for but I believe it was still a blessing to those who came and those who are working with the children. I know that I was blessed.

We are staying at my brother's place but he, personally, is in Colorado helping some friends move. When we got here his wife had been having some sciatic problems for some time. We have been trying to relieve her by helping her do some things around the place so she could stay off her feet more.

After my brother left (he drove a truck for friends out to Colorado to help them move) she got worse. Sunday night was really hard on her. She tried soaking in a 'clay bath' to see if that would help but it seemed very temporary. She tried some extra strength pain medicine but that did little or no good either. Late Sunday evening I tried working with her legs to see if massage and gentle range of motion might help. She was able to get a little more 'comfortable' and did sleep a little while for which we were grateful.

Monday she rested most of the day except when we took her to the Dr's office. It was a 'little' better but not much or enough. This morning we took her to an appointment for an MRI. She was finally able to sleep after quite a bit of pain after the MRI.

We are praying for her recovery. I am also very grateful that we could be here, especially while my brother was gone. It is not common that we come this way from Virginia.

There are predictions that today may be the hottest day of the year so far here in Illinois. When I heard how hot it might get - upper 90's and possibly three digit heat level, it reminded me of what we have had the past several weeks in Virginia. It has been 90 plus for at least 2 weeks or so and a number of triple digit days thrown in for a 'variety' ( I guess ). Before that it has been so dry that most of the grass was brown. We did get some rain recently which helped some.

Anyway, back to Illinois happenings, we have been treated with utmost kindness and care. We have been blessed working with the folks here in preparing for the "Passport to Life" VBS program and we are thankful for the fellowship with others who love the Lord.

I have not been able to keep up with my email due to computer problems and a few related challenges, but I suppose that may be a little bit of a blessing in some respects as well. And, for those of you who know some of our past VBS experiences we have been having the 'usual' technical challenges as well. This time it seems to be more computer than printer difficulties, although the printer does have issues as well. I had obtained a desk top computer (quad4) but have concluded that simply means there are four heads that have to have a committee meeting every time I put in a request for an activity to be performed. After they call everyone and hash out my request then they finally (usually anyway) decide who will be responsible and then get on their 'high horse' and 'do it', hopefully.

Honestly, I do think that this quad 4 (wwindows 7) is slower than my older xp and at times I have wondered if my 386 may have even been better. But since there is no turning back, I join the 'horse and buggy' era (or at least it sure seems that way part of the time) and try to get done what I think I would like to have done for the current VBS - if and when the committee meetings 'do their thing'.

On a happier note, we are thankful that at least part of the time our cell phone works so we have been in touch with others from time to time. Even though we have have challenges it has been a time to 'get away' from some of our daily routines back home, which does have certain 'rest' advantages when looked at from that perspective.

I still have much to do before the VBS begins again this evening so will 'sign off' for now.

Until we meet again, remember that God loves you and is excited for you to know it.

Bringer of Peace

God's Form of Management 1

2010-06-08T11:12:00.002-04:00

A lot has happened since the children's program finished. As a follow-up report I sensed the children did enjoy the activities and that some areas could have been improved - as usual.

The morning after the meetings were over I had 'nothing' more to give so ended up resting most of the day. I would liked to have been able to get to church but that was outside of my capabilities. Sometimes it is best to just 'come apart and rest awhile'.

But that didn't last long. There are other challenges to face, other jobs to finish, other lessons to learn. One of the current character development lessons at this time seems to be learning God's plan for management. A number of years ago we were given the responsibility to manage a farm property. While the owner was here it was pretty much do what was asked. Now that the owner is not on the premises, the management is now more in our 'hands', so to speak.

Well, for one thing, we haven't found many folk who have some of the same concepts as we have been attempting to function on. Another factor is that as we have been learning about spiritual maturity levels and have also been delving deeper into God's plan for management we have been having conflicts of perhaps a somewhat different nature than before.

Yesterday I decided to do a specific study of how Jesus managed while He lived as a man here on planet earth. That has already been a big 'eye opener' in more ways than one.

There will be more but thus far I have been coming up with some very interesting 'contrasts'. I say contrasts because the way I thought management was to be done and how the Bible is presenting it has thus far almost always been contrast rather than comparison. Here are a few.

Worldly business management primarily appears to be to get gain - at others expense.

Godly management serves others in order to reveal more of what God is really like.

Jesus was the best example of a 'servant' manager.

Worldly management practices 'expect' those being managed to 'do this' or 'act that way'.

Godly management believes in those being managed - thus encouraging positive responses.

Conversion changes a person from expecting from others to believing in others.

Jesus believed in Peter - when you are converted, strengthen others
This 'faith of Jesus' will be 'copied' by His managers.

Worldly management makes the 'rules' and tells what is to 'be'.

Godly management accepts the owners 'rules' and encourages those being managed both by words and works, showing the advantages of accepting God's love and sharing it with others.

Jesus is the king of the universe yet He walked and lived for over three years with a group of men who spent a lot of time 'fussing, and feuding and fretting' over who would be greatest. When there were 'open moments' - when they were really listening - He would use illustrations to turn their minds from 'who was greatest', according to worldly management practices of their day, to the advantages to being channels whereby God's love could flow even more freely to those around them. At times He did rebuke John and Peter in particular - because they had come to the point of wanting what He had to offer. He would correct them when the 'time was right', as well as encourage and guide them into a better course.

[Interestingly enough He also knew that one disciple was not open to being corrected and/or rebuked so Jesus did not give Judas any
open rebuke until the last week of His life - at Simon's feast. The result of rebuking Judas at that time was that Judas immediately went to the priests and began to negotiate how he could betray Jesus into their hands.]

Worldly management may 'help' but more often expects those managed to 'do it' themselves.

God's managers provide guidance, ask questions as a means of 'awakening' a desire to do things God's way, and look for motives to be encouraged as well as giving freedom of choice.

Most of Christ's active ministry was spent healing and teaching, and more of the time the disciples were actively engaged in the activities. There were times, however, when Jesus would take time to ask questions as well as answer queries of His family of disciples away from the crowds. During these precious moments He would look for opportunities to encourage and share 'something better' as well.

Worldly management puts confidence when it considers it will benefit thereby.

God's management respects each individually unconditionally.

God's management reveals to those managed evidences that they can are believed in, leading their minds to that fact that God can truly be trusted.

There is much more, but for now I am learning that God's way of dealing in management is a lot different than most of what I had been taught in management skills previously.

As we more deeply experience God's love in our own lives we too will believe that others can experience it in their lives as well.

One closing thought is that when we learn that God is truly trustworthy and we choose to trust in His plan (faith) and His timing (patience), we too will experience the joy of the Lord and the Peace that passes all understanding.

Yours in Christ,

Bringer of Peace

Sharing Good News

2010-05-23T01:36:00.004-04:00

About three weeks ago we agreed to lead out in a children's program that would take place concurrent with some adult meetings (Like a VBS but not labeled as such). The meetings began about two weeks ago. The first week we shared with the children God's 'Rescue Plan' as revealed in the Bible Sanctuary.

This past week we shared with them God's plan for protecting them and also enabling them to cooperate with God in rescuing others from sin - the Armor of God.

I suppose this is common but my computer often works well - except when attempting a project like the above. I finally gave up doing the workbooks in color but even then there were multiple challenges - all faced and overcome by the power of God (definitely not by any technical expertise of my own).

The picture is of the children with their 'armor' on, which represents experiences Jesus offers to have with every person to not only protect them but also to enable them to cooperate with Him in rescuing others and bring them into God's family. I reminded them that without the shield of 'faith' all the rest of the armor is of no 'value' in our connection with God's army, so they were holding up their 'shields' of faith in the picture.

The children took their 'armor' illustration and their workbooks home with them Thursday evening. Then on the last meeting - Friday evening - we talked about God's special plans for the Sabbath. After talking a little bit about it we served the children a special 'supper'. We used a tablecloth and pretty dishes to make it look nicer. (Other nights we just 'gave them' some type of snack and usually a drink with it.) Several of the assistants helped the children to get what they preferred. We served strawberries, grapes and sliced oranges along with crackers with a dip and fruit juice for a drink.

After that the children decorated a picture frame and then we divided into groups and they 'acted' out some Bible experience for the rest of the group to 'guess'.

We closed with songs and a prayer.

Sharing these two weeks took more out of me than I realized. Today I had to just rest. I'm doing fine now though. I am so very thankful for all that God did these few two weeks. I felt so unprepared, but God kept leading, guiding and strengthening and to Him be glory and praise.

Due to the meetings we haven't been able to get much more done in our gardens. Our cabbage seems to be doing very well that we planted earlier. There are peas, beans and swiss chard coming up so far. We planted some eggplant plants, herbs and flowers which are also doing well. The tomatoes look quite good. The yellow tomatoes have some small fruit the size of a dime or nickel already. We have picked a few strawberries already and there are more coming on.

This year our Clematis have done very well. Some of them got damaged but the rest have been beautiful. The pansies are still blooming in many colors. The Asiatic lillies are beginning to bloom. The first one to open was a yellow one. We also have white, red and orange ones coming. There are some stargazer lillies near our door that usually bloom a little later.

And remember, when you see a flower bloom remember they are 'I Love You' notes from Jesus.

Until we meet again, May the JOY of the Lord be your strength and His PEACE be with you.

Bringer of Peace

2010-05-06T17:31:00.002-04:00

For anyone who may be interested, you might wish to take time to visit the following blog

http://pray4meministry.weebly.com/

Share with them a promise that has been a blessing to you as well as, if you wish, a request.

God is working in many ways.

I am supposed to be preparing for a children's series for the next two weeks. Every time, or so it often seems, I make up my mind to get something printed so as to be able to use it either the printer acts up, right now I can't print in red, or the computer seems to 'act up'.

I praise the Lord that these things are not beyond His control.

To God be the glory and honor and praise.

Bringer of Peace

"Music in His ears"

2010-05-03T22:24:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine put a thought so beautifully that I wanted to share it with you.

"The character of God, as represented by His Son, was as an original subject, a new gift to the world. Christ made every effort so to sweep away the misrepresentations of Satan, that the confidence of man in the love of God might be restored. He taught man to address the Supreme Ruler of the universe by the new name - - 'Our Father'. This name signifies His true relation to us, and when spoken in sincerity by human lips, it is music in the ears of God. Christ leads us to the throne of God by a new and living way, to present Him to us in His paternal love."

What love! To me that is awesome that when I sincerely call God 'Father' is is music to His ears.

It is late and I must go for now but until we meet again, give God some music.

Bringer of Peace

Spring Forward

2010-04-28T20:26:00.007-04:00

This is one of the grow boxes we have made this spring. To the left in the pic is the walk going to our front door. When we get it all done we will have bark chips on the bare areas. We are also working to put a new walk in. The buckets have dirt in them but we have gotten those moved. We bought some petunias and a geranium for flowers. I may also get Salvia or Zinnias a little later. We have made three other raised beds in different places which has been keeping us busy. We have planted onions, cabbage and tomatoes and have eggplants ready as well.

In about a week and a half our church will begin a two week revival series. It sounded like everything was in order but yesterday they came to me and asked if I would lead out in the children's programs because 'everyone else' had backed down. I consented so that will give me another short term 'full time' effort. Should be interesting to say the least. I am planning to share with the children the "Passport to Life" program. When a person is planning to travel abroad it is good to have a Passport. We are getting ready to travel to heaven. The Lord has given us information that is like a passport to enable us to be 'ready' to travel soon with Him to heaven.

We take time to learn how to take care of the vehicle we will be traveling in - our body.

We learn God's plan to 'clean out' our hearts from sin, called the Bible Sanctuary.

We also are introduced to God's protection plan called the "Armor of God".

This evening my hubby has been reading about the "Lisbon" earthquake. The damage was incredible. The extent of that quake extended thousands of miles. The shock of that quake was quite strong even in Africa. Realizing that this world is even more unstable than it was then, we recognize that unless God is our protection, all is 'lost'.

Our son and his wife moved to Idaho early this year. She is pregnant and has had a rough 'start' but seems to be doing better now. They were staying for a little while in a small camper trailer but just recently were able to get an apartment for which we are grateful.

Not everyone seems fully occupied all the time.
"Tiger" thinks my desk can be used for a cat nap as well as for my working on. He is much more of an outside cat but when it comes time for either Breakfast or Supper he shows up and after eating often wants at least a little bit of loving before he goes on his way again. I guess all of us need a 'little bit of lovin' to make 'livin' a little easier.

'Our other cat, 'Snickers', or Sneakers', is getting older but does have a preference for the floor more. One position that seems to be quite comfortable to him is on his back.

Other times he does sleep curled up as what some consider a more 'normal' cat nap position.

Tiger and Snickers do have their 'spats' but for the most part they also seem to look out for each other as well.

It is getting late so I will close for now.

I do hope to get more than just a 'catnap' this night. And until we meet again, may God's peace be not only with you but in your heart and life.

Bringer of Peace

Thoughts on 'Pride', and an April update.

2010-04-17T19:02:00.003-04:00

Yesterday a friend asked me what the word 'pride' entailed. This afternoon I decided to do a little more 'digging' into the biblical usage and meaning. We often think of 'arrogant' or 'defiant' as a synonym, which it often is. Interestingly enough, to me anyway, I found that at least in King James Version the word does not always indicate the above meaning, at least according to context and 'concordance' meanings.

In Psalm 40:4 the word translated 'proud' (the only place in the Bible that 'Hebrew' word is used) means 'fierce'. With that meaning of 'proud' here is how I now 'see' that verse.

4. The person who chooses the Creator's will as his own, even in the face of fierce opposition (which are really lies being urged upon him) is genuinely happy.

Psalm 31: 23 is another verse that seems to have a different meaning than 'arrogant' or 'defiant' when KJV used 'proud'. Here is how I presently 'see' this text.
23. Let your affections go out to the Creator - all of you who choose His will. The Lord guards and protects those who choose to belong to Him, and He makes a covenant of peace with those who choose to do His will to the best of their ability.

The text that my friend was looking at was Proverbs 11:2. There the meaning of 'pride' indicates: pride, insolence, presumptuousness, arrogance.

Proverbs 11:2 [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.

Shame includes: contempt, dishonor or disgrace.

Looking at the context of 'pride' in these and other verses using the same definition as in Proverbs, I am seeing that the kind of pride being referred to is what has come about as a 'counterfeit' to something God gave in the beginning.

In looking at what was God's 'original' gift (but which has been distorted by 'sin') I am finding the concept of 'dignity' such as is stated in the following.

“He (Jesus) possessed a dignity and individuality wholly distinct from earthly pride and assumption; He did not strive for worldly greatness, and even in the lowliest position He was content." Desire of Ages 58

In summary, 'pride' (when used as the counterfeit) is: self importance, most often at another’s ‘expense’ (putting one’s self above another). Pride has to do with deriving perceived 'worth' from taking that 'worth' from another. The problem with that kind of attitude is when I do not love others AS I love myself, that is breaking the 'second' part of God's law which is to love others as you love yourself - not more or less.

What is 'pride' counterfeiting? God has given to each individual a personal dignity as He designed, a true individuality - being the person God intends you to be - His son or daughter. Human pride attempts to gain 'dignity' from a source other than God - mainly by trying to 'take it' from others.

I am still pondering those and other thoughts that I have shared here.

On some other topics of personal interest, we have been busy part of the time getting our garden ready. We are still getting frosts so we're not planting a lot yet. We did get some onions in and have transplanted some of our strawberries into another bed. My brother-in-law bought some cabbage and brussel sprout plants and we have gotten them planted. We bought some tomato plants but it is still too chilly at night for them.

Last fall I planted pansies near both houses. Because of the seemingly 'long' winter I didn't know how they would 'fare'. Well, we have many 'I love you' messages from Jesus this spring. When I walk outside and see the lovely flowers I am reminded to smile because God truly does love me as I view these flowers.

I have been trying to put in some pictures of the pansies but I guess I don't have the expertise it takes. I can get the pictures into my computer but when it comes to getting them in here so far nothing seems to work.

I am still working part time on getting the music book finished I mentioned earlier. My hubby has been editing the 'words' to try to get as many errors removed as possible.

As seems to be usual, when I attempt to do something 'big' my printer grumps. It will work for everyday activities but when I decide to 'do something' - like work on the lessons or music, etc. it seems to suddenly find out it can't work right. I just got another printer - the last one the red wouldn't print - but as soon as I decided to work on the "Passport to Life" project, the red ink quit again. Since that seems to be the case I am presently working to get at least one 'good' copy sent to a printer who appears to be interested. We have no present funds, but with God's blessing, He will accomplish what He pleases in regards to these lessons, coloring books and music.

We are planning to have a revival series sponsored by our local church in May. We had hoped to have a cooking school before the meetings but it appears that may happen after the completion of the series now.

For a few years I have been teaching the small children at our church. Beginning a few weeks ago we started using a 'gardening' theme. For each activity the children are introduced to - preparing the soil, planting seeds, taking out weeds, watering, etc. - we talk about how there is a corresponding activity Jesus wants to do in and with us - for our 'garden heart'. Today there were several children present and they seemed to enjoy. It is a bit of a risk to have 'dirt' in relation to the children, but thus far every activity has been controlled within certain limits. Water does a good job of 'cleaning' too.

Much more has been happening in our lives in other areas as well.

Our son got married last October. They moved to Idaho and now she is pregnant. Sounds like her due date is possibly this next October. She has had quite a bit of 'morning sickness' but it seems to be improving, hopefully. They have been staying with some folks but are planning to get an apartment of their own later this month. I hope so, especially for their sakes.

A friend of ours who has been living at our place for a while is looking to be able to get a place of her own this spring. She has several animals so I hope things work out for her in this respect. She found a little 'farmette' which would take care of her livestock.

My hubby is still in the realms of the unemployed - since January 2009. We keep plenty busy, it is just not for a salary 'pay'. We have been able to get a few more jobs done at our place and I am very grateful for that. The Lord has been enabling us to 'live' with less 'financial' income. He is not dependent on paychecks as we think of them. Sometimes He uses those means to supply our needs. Other times He uses other sources. We are looking into some of those possibilities presently. My brother has been helping us on one option.

One lesson I believe God would have us 'experience' is that we can be at peace even when outward circumstances are not always what we would like. "Great peace have they which love Thy law and nothing shall offend them" goes along with this thought as well as the 'count it all joy' text I mentioned earlier.

I have other things I need to do so will close for now. Hopefully I'll get back sooner the next time.

Bringer of Peace

Catch up - March

2010-03-13T20:14:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since I seem to have had time to write. A lot has been going on.

I am very thankful that it appears the time for snow is past. We had about 5 ft total this winter.

We were able to get some peas planted in our garden behind our house for which I am grateful.

Some time ago I began working on a 'dream' of mine. A number of years ago I developed a lesson series called "Passport to Life". We are planning to travel to heaven soon. We need to learn how to take care of our bodies in preparation for that 'trip'. It is also important to learn and experience the cleansing that God offers to give us because of what Jesus has done for us. This is illustrated in the Old Testament and is called the "Sanctuary". God has also offered us protection which is called the "Armor of God".

My dream was to collect scripture songs for all the texts in the lessons or texts that were on that topic. (There are also coloring books that correspond with the lessons which have Bible texts in them.) Well, thus far I have compiled scripture songs relating to the Sanctuary lessons. The scripture songs relating to the Armor of God lessons are 'together' but I haven't finished the 'layout' yet. The scripture song collection relating to health is still in the 'collection' stage. I have over half of the scripture songs available but that still leaves quite a few to go. But this dream is still in process, so I will keep at it whenever I can do so.

We had helped a friend a few months ago and were happy to do so. But, as so often happens, plans change. This friend had left the country and said we could have what he couldn't take. But he ended up returning so now we have been rounding up things again. I'm still glad to help.

On a little more serious note I think the Lord is working on teaching me how to be more considerate of others while at the same time allowing them their 'power of choice'. I am pretty sure I have not yet fully arrived, but the journey has indeed been interesting. What does a person do when others are so sure they are right? In name I have been given authority in certain areas, but it doesn't seem to count for much when others 'ignore'. Yes, I know there are times to 'stand up and be counted', but even God doesn't force (although He does allow consequences to come when He sees best and I think He is trying to get me taught in that area as well - letting others receive consequences and not 'shielding them'.)

I mentioned earlier the text 'Count it all joy when you have all kinds of problems. (See James 1:2-4). The Lord reminded me that 'count' indicates that most of the time there will be more than one, or two, or three - often a whole lot more. Yet when I keep in mind that each time I can count a time when there is a challenge, trial, pressure, stress, etc, it gives me another opportunity to tell God that I love for Him to be with me 'during' as well as after.

I can still rejoice that I love for God to be with me in whatever situation I find myself.

I thank the Lord that He is still in full control - not only in my life but in those I love.

I am looking forward to spring. We have had a few warm days. The pansy plants that made it through the winter are beginning to bloom better and are looking better. We planted a few lettuce plants this week. I also noticed that some of the lily bulbs are beginning to 'break ground'. Some of the daffodils may start blooming in just a few days. I did see a few crocuses but most of them got lost when we dug up flower beds last summer and fall.

I've got more to do this evening so will close for now.

May the God of peace be with you

Bringer of Peace

Count it all JOY - continued

2010-02-22T23:34:00.002-05:00

Has today ever been a day calculated to test the 'count it all joy' protocol.

That may be easy to 'say' when you can 'count' blessings and consider them joy.

Can a person say that when it appears that the devil might be trying to have a 'hayday'.

The events are not what are so important as the fact that several people were willing to 'stay by' and pray. What do you do when someone is hurting so bad they can't eat? they can't stand to go to church?

What do you do when it isn't just one or two people, but several? when 'words' seem inadequate to the point that it seems when one says something the meaning seems to be misinterpreted or worse?

Is that the time when God says that it is appropriate to 'count it all joy'?

Is it time to 'count it all joy' when someone you really respect seems to be hurting and in the process appears to lash out?

I believe that God is very interested in each one of the above people and He is looking to find someone(s) who can let these folks know that they are loved - even the way they are right now.

I also believe that God allows us to have gone through previous experiences to enable us to love even when it hurts.

I have a long way to go, but I'm also thankful that God loves for me to be with Him. And the more I experience that 'joy' the more I can share it with others around me.

'The trying (things getting pretty intense) of your faith (choosing to accept God's will) works patience. But let patience have its perfect work, perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Thanks for listening. God loves you as well as me. That can also bring peace as well as joy.

Maiden, Bringer of Peace

In God's care

2010-02-21T22:47:00.003-05:00

This past year has been interesting in more ways than one. When my husband lost his job over a year ago we wondered how our lives would proceed. On the other hand, God has never forsaken us and we didn't expect that to change. God's way of providing changes from time to time but He doesn't change his love to us or His care for us.

In January, due to some changes in unemployment 'status' that the government decided to do we only received one week's unemployment 'insurance'. We have been thankful for what we have received but we thought maybe it was time for us to learn to live on even less 'obvious' support.

Even though unemployment 'assistance' changed, the utility bills kept coming. We also had some other expenses we were not anticipating during February.

While this was going on, I had begun pondering a text near the beginning of James. "Count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, for the trying of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing. "

One morning, actually about 3 a.m. I got up, still thinking about the above verse. But it became more than mere thinking, I actually began to 'sing it'. I know a lot of scripture portions to music but that had not been one of them, so I quickly picked up some music notation paper and began to write the melody down. It is fast becoming one of my more favorite choruses.

More than just singing the words, though, I do believe God is enabling me to 'digest' the meaning of that concept.

"God, I love for you to be with me, even when things seem to be going wrong, intense, in directions I haven't planned for, or even when I am being challenged. Your presence with me is what is giving me joy. Even when finances would seem to attempt to overwhelm me, I know that You not only care but are in the process of supplying our needs. I praise You, God. Even more, Father, the more I learn to 'lean' on You, the closer I perceive You to be. Even before I 'see' answers to my needs I can 'count it all joy' so that when the answers become 'visible' I can thank you as well as praise how You have worked things out 'again' and 'again'.

This past week we received a reduced amount (calculated weekly) but since it was for about 6 weeks the amount was enough to pay some on our utilities so that 'nothing' will be turned off.

Count it all JOY!

Last week a couple of friends came over and helped Duane cut, split and stack more wood. Previously to their coming we estimated maybe three day's wood supply left for wood stoves.

Count if all JOY!

Last week I was able to get my printer replaced with a new one so I could 'print' again.

Count it all JOY!

This past week we have had a few warmer days and the wood stack hasn't gone down quite so quickly. We still have quite a bit of snow on the ground (it began at over 2 feet which is quite a bit for this part of the country) but the last two snows have 'fizzled' and for at least three days the 'warmer' (40s to 50s) have been melting the white stuff away.

Count if all JOY!

Even though our son and his wife are out in Idaho they have been keeping in touch by phone. I have been praising the Lord for some of the things we have been learning together as we have spent some quality time looking at some passages of scripture together at different times.

Count it all JOY!

For some time I have been compiling some scripture 'songs' that correlate with the studies on the Bible 'sanctuary'. I was able to complete that project this past week.

Count it all JOY!

There is more but I at least wanted to share a few things God has been doing to show that He loves for us to be with Him as well as we loving for Him to be with us.

Count it all JOY!

It is getting late so I will leave for now. But until we meet again, remember to 'count if all joy'. . .

Bringer of Peace

Count it all JOY

2010-02-15T08:16:00.002-05:00

Those who have read this blog previously may have 'picked up' that I believe real JOY and PEACE belong together.

Recently the text from James 1, 'count it all joy' has been factoring in to my like experience quite a bit.

Then last evening I had the wonderful privilege of 'unpacking' this portion of scripture even more with my brother who often can stretch my thinking processes way beyond what I would probably go otherwise - and for that I am grateful.

In no way am I going to be able to 'yet' but down all I have learned, but for now I'll share a few thoughts.

When I use the term 'joy', the definition I am using is that one mind 'loves for another mind to be with it'. I love for my husband to be with me. Because he responds to me because I love for him to be with me, that gives me joy. (He also experiences joy because he loves for me to be with him as well.) Real Joy takes two minds to produce it, or rather I should say, 'experience it'. A person can be 'happy' when 'alone', but genuine joy can only be experienced when two minds synchronize, harmonize, together. Two minds can refer to a relationship of two friends loving to be together. Joy can also be experienced between parents and child(ren). Another illustration, as mentioned above can be between a husband and wife. There may also be other combinations of human minds synchronizing together that can produce true joy. Two minds can also refer to a person synchronizing, or 'agreeing' with, God - which is still two minds.

The text (James 1:2-) says (KJV) 'Count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations . . .'

Some other words need to be properly understood to get a more accurate meaning of this scripture.

The word 'Count' denotes 'being the leader', 'to go before', 'take authority over',

The word 'fall' can also mean 'surrounded', or 'encompassed'.

'Temptations' also can refer to 'experiments', 'trials', 'tests', 'proving' and 'challenging problems'.

Before I proceed let me say that a correct understanding of what we are to count all joy is not completely included in just this one verse. The whole passage is vital to a proper understanding.

But for now let me give you a suggestion or two how to apply it (mainly from personal experiences.)

As I have been telling God that I love for Him to be with me (and He loves to be with me too) I experience the mind building power of real JOY.

When I face (encounter) an experience that could be labeled a 'temptation', or 'trial', or 'challenge' as I am experiencing the joy of knowing that I love for God to be with me, then, in Christ, I can be encompassed with the situation and yet know I am not alone, for Jesus is there.

God has been enabling me to experience just a little bit of 'counting it all joy'. I want and need lots more joy, and since God loves for me to be with Him as well as I love for Him to be with me, my joy will 'grow'. In particular as it is combined with genuine PEACE.

God's kind of peace - coming to the point where I can 'rest' in His love, trusting that He will work out in my life what He sees best for me - combined with the above joy, enables me to grow to be like Him in the way He intends for me to grow.

These past few days have given me quite a few opportunities to 'count it all joy' and to practice trusting God to give me His kind of peace.

With the 'extra snow' both Duane and I have been working to get 'dug out'. A friend came by Friday and was able to give us the 'extra' help needed to enable us to get our car out to the main road. Some folks were really in need of groceries so we made a quick trip to town for some essentials.

By Friday evening, however, both Duane and I began really feeling the effects of both shoveling snow and trying to keep the wood brought in for the wood heating stoves. We have gone through a lot more wood this winter than in some past years.

By Sabbath morning neither one of us felt up to doing anything or even going anywhere.
Sunday morning I was getting more 'perky' but Duane's chest muscles (we hope that is all that is involved) were not yet ready for more 'activity'. I was able to fill the wood boxes so he didn't have to 'hurt more'.

This morning he seems to be a little closer to normal for which we are both thankful.

According to the weather forecast we may be in for some more snow. Interesting.

A couple of mornings (early, early) ago I was up and was thinking on James 1:2. The more awake I became a melody for that verse also began to form in my mind. I went over to the keyboard and while there wrote the chorus down on 'music' notation paper.

I am still singing it, and the more I learn of the meaning of this special words of God to me, the meaningful the chorus becomes to me.

I am learning more, but for now I must go.

Until we meet again, may God's JOY and PEACE be with you.

Bringer of Peace

A close one

2010-02-10T11:27:00.002-05:00

It started snowing last evening. Predictions went all the way up to a foot more of snow or more.

But the few times I saw a tv weather forecast it appeared to me that we were rather 'near the edge' of the storm, rather than in the middle as we were in the last one less than a week ago.

Well, the snow stopped some time this morning. We may have gotten possibly 3 inches but it is not wet as the last snow. We are very grateful for the lesser amount.

I re-opened some of the 'walks' around - to the other house and such. Fortunately we still have enough wood for the wood heating stoves, although we will need to bring in more soon.

On a prettier side, the snow itself is beautiful. It sort of looks like icing on a cake.

Well, even though we still have lots to do that is beckoning us to take care of, I am doing some online work and Duane has been reading a book for a while this morning after some hot split pea soup for breakfast.

We are very thankful that our electric power has been on during all of these storms. One of my friends did get a bit chilly one night and another one about overdid it while shoveling snow, but otherwise we are doing quite well, as far as I know right now.

Maybe it is just as well to slow down now and then.

I have been compiling music that goes along with the 'Armor of God' studies from the Passport to Life. I rather enjoy when I get time to work on that project.

Until we meet again, may God's peace be with you.

Bringer of Peace

More Snow

2010-02-06T09:05:00.002-05:00

Maybe I'll get some pictures later, but for now I think we are well over a foot and rising.

It is beautiful. Yet because this snow is 'wet' we have become concerned about our house roof.
It is almost flat so my hubby decided he better get some of the snow off our roof before damage.

Enjoy the day.

Bringer of Peace

Thoughts, and Snow

2010-02-04T20:56:00.002-05:00

There is one thing I know Satan wanted from Jesus. The devil wanted Jesus to break His perfect trust and love relationship with His heavenly Father.

Every aspect of Jesus' life was harrassed by the devil. Satan didn't really care too much about the 'body', if you please, of Jesus. But this Jesus was His arch enemy since days long before the creation of this world.

But Jesus had come to this world to reveal how a person - a human being - could and would act and respond when connected to the Creator God of the Universe.

So, Satan threw at Jesus every tactic he had developed over about 4,000 years of practice on human beings who had sooner or later 'fallen' and disconnected from the love of God.

What is temptation? Anything that would get us in any way, shape or form to choose any will other than God's will for us - to not trust implicitly that God loves us and wants only what is best for us.

What is God's will for me? Jesus said it quite simply. I am to Love God with everything I have in me in fact I am to Love God even more than anything or anyone else. Then very similar to that I am to love everyone else the same as I love myself.

What happens when someone does or says something that causes something inside of me to 'resist'? feel offended? get defensive? start blaming? fear? become ashamed?

I can't tell what happens to others, but I am becoming aware that when that happens in me it is a good sign that I am not, at that point in time anyway, in full agreement with or synchronized with the mind of Christ.

And the ONLY remedy is to put my thinking, my 'eyes', my feelings, back toward Jesus.

I am not saying that I will never have pain when I am connected to Jesus. That doesn't mean that I will never get hurt, that I will suffer no abuse, that no one will tease me or make snide remarks, or much worse things, which we sometimes want to label as 'persecution'.

I am coming to the conclusion that the closer I come to Jesus the more those kinds of things 'may' happen, but on the other hand, I may actually notice them less and less. Why? "Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. . . ." As I focus on who Jesus is and on what God is really like, He has promised that He will change me to become what I am focusing on by my choice and His power. In other words He will change me into becoming like Him.

He has already begun that work and has also promised to complete it.

And as I look to Jesus, He tells me that brings Him great JOY. And the Joy of the Lord is my strength.

Recently I have been also realizing that when I delight to have the Lord with me - not just for Him to delight for me to be with Him - that I get more of the JOY as well.

I have mentioned these things before but I'll say it again so as to not 'miss' a very special point here.

'JOY' without corresponding 'PEACE' is a nice experience but not of great value. When both JOY and PEACE are experienced, sort of 'in tandom' (not necessarily at the same moment, but in some way related with each other in an experience with another mind) that combination causes my mind to 'grow'.

Sometimes, especially when I am experiencing both JOY and PEACE with the Lord, I have found it can be enhanced when I am in closer to 'nature' during these times of 'growing'.

We have been having several snow falls this winter. One storm gave us about 24 inches. This past week or so we got another 6 inches and the 'latest one added about 3 or so more inches of snow. During this past snow I went out to shovel snow off some of our 'walks'. I at least try to keep the path between the two houses here on the farm open and, if the snow isn't too deep we also keep some other paths available as well. I had opened up several of the paths but as I did so I felt such an urge to take a 'walk in the snow'. I asked Duane to go with me and we walked down to the mail boxes and got the mail. It was dark by then but with the reflections from the white snow it didn't seem so 'dark', and the snow coming down was also so lovely. We spent part of the walk time thanking the Lord for His mercies. Snow is used in the Bible to represent the cleansing God wants to do in me. Even though in our daily living we can get 'too much' snow, we can never get 'too much cleansing' from our loving Lord.

Whether we get just a few inches or another 2 ft. of snow, just remember that God is more in earnest in getting you and me cleaned up - whiter than snow -than we are.

I'll try to keep posted as to our progress in white, but until later, may God's peace be with you.

Bringer of Peace

P.S. If 12-24 inches weren't enough, starting tomorrow, there is another storm predicted for early next week which can also give us more snow of possibly several inches. For those of you in the north you are probably chuckling and wondering why all the problems with just a 'few inches' of snow. I used to be farther north but it has been quite a few years now. And Virginia is supposed to be south.

What is God really like?

2010-01-29T08:29:00.002-05:00

I have been pondering and meditating on Psalm 72 for a while. I know it says King David wrote it for his son, Solomon. Fair enough. I also believe David was a prophet - a spokes person for God - and that this Psalm even more distinctly was written describing the Son of David - Jesus. I believe God wanted Solomon to be a picture, or illustration, of Jesus to God's family way back then. We know Solomon made some choices different than what Jesus did and we also have on record the 'results' of choices - in both Solomon's life and in Jesus' life.

Anyway, back to Psalm 72, there are some very interesting word pictures in this passage that helped me in 'seeing' the character of God better.

Verse three indicates that anyone can be included in God's family. I paraphrased it this way: The larger families are included in this covenant of peace as well as the smaller families, for that is the right way to do it.

Verse seven mentions God's plan for each one of His children (my words): In Your Son’s reign those who choose to agree with Him will become more like Him, continuing to mature as long as they live.

Verses thirteen and fourteen was encouraging to me: He will come along side those who are weak, powerless and oppressed, and with His merciful passion He will preserve them, give them victorious relief and take them out of oppression and abuse, for He considers them as very precious to Him.

There is much more. (If you are interested in reading the way I paraphrased this passage of Scripture click on the link to the right, where I have posted it.)

I am becoming more and more convinced that as important as 'facts' about God are - some people call them 'doctrines' - those 'facts' can't really 'stand alone'. I may intellectually assent to certain information - God is love, God is merciful, etc - but until and unless I also 'experience' those 'facts' in my life, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 specifically about love, it is nothing. And maybe it is worse than 'nothing'. Could 'accepting' facts about God, as 'true' as they may 'be', without personally experiencing God in my own life be one way Satan uses me to 'coy' others away from really experiencing God's love in their own lives?

May I encourage you to ask God for a 'new' picture of Him just now. He loves to share.

Bringer of Peace

God's Freedom brings peace

2010-01-27T08:22:00.002-05:00

I was talking with a friend and realized I was getting offended. I asked God to enable me to see as He sees. He took away the negative and I was able to continue the conversation with peace.

My brother and I were talking on the phone and he commented that someone who forgives is not holding on to being offended. Does that make holding a grudge (offended) the counterfeit of forgiveness? When I forgive another person I no longer hold them as guilty and I accept the pain, the hurt, of the 'sin' (crossing God's will for the situation) instead of blaming the one who propogated it. If it stopped there that would not be good, but since Jesus will also take that hurt and pain from me as I 'let go of it' - He forgives me as I forgive others - I become freed in God which gives me His peace in my heart, my life. I cannot experience that kind of peace by myself. But as I agree with God's view and plan then He gives me not only His peace but His Joy. I trustingly 'rest' in PEACE in His plan for me and I love to be in God's presence - real JOY.

This morning I was studying in Psalm 72. This Psalm was originally written with Solomon's name in the introduction verse. However, the word Solomon means 'peace' and the first verse also refers to the 'king's son'. The overall context of this Psalm indicates to me that it is also a prophecy of Jesus who is also the king's Son - the Son of David as well as the Son of God and also called the Prince of Peace. I'll share more later but the overall message seems to me at this time to be a picture of God's final plan for the outcome of the struggle between Christ and Satan.

Might it be like skipping to the last chapter in the book to find out the outcome of the good?

I need to go for now, but until next time rest assured that God is looking out for your best good.

Bringer of Peace

Bait of Satan

2010-01-23T19:58:00.003-05:00

We have begun reading a book called 'Bait of Satan'.

It has definitely given a lot of food for thought thus far.

Here are a few thoughts I have gleaned up to this point.

'Facts without true love become lies. Jesus is called the Truth because He is just that combination - correct facts plus total love.

One of Satan's baits is to bring about circumstances to try to get us to allow the love God gives us to 'grow cold' through holding on to 'offense' offered us by others.

The offender can be real or imaginary - but it really doesn't matter. If we 'hold on to' either kind (real or imaginary) it disconnects us from really living - which in reality is a gift given only by God.

Just because someone offends us does not mean that we have to accept the 'poison' (death) they offer. Why is it poison to us? For one reason, accepting 'offense' disconnects us from the other person or mind. That, of course, is a lot of what the basis of 'sin' is all about'. Man chose to believe Satan which disconnected the human race from God. [You can't obey both.]

Thank God, that is not the end. There is not only hope but restoration available.

A person does not have to hold on to an offense. They can choose to 'let go' and God will supply the power for that decision to become reality

Just this evening someone was talking to me and I began to feel offended. I asked the Lord to show me how to remain the person as He sees me, even as I was 'feeling' the temptation to feel offended. It was almost amazing but the 'feelings' left. I was able to continue to communicate without resentment. For that I praise the Lord.

I am still learning. We have only read a few chapters so I'm sure there will be much more.

We had a blessed day today.

More later

Bringer of Peace

.

Trust

2010-01-18T14:16:00.002-05:00

Trust - when props I have been leaning on get pulled out? What does that mean?

Trust God - when I am considered the cause for others discomfort because of the way I have handled things?

Trust God's heart - when I am intellectually bombarded with what another considers 'truth' and if I don't agree I am basically 'sent to hell'?

Trust in the Lord with all my heart - even when I don't know what is coming next?

Trust in God and don't lean on my understanding - when my mind screams that I need to be planning how to 'support' myself and little is 'coming in' financially?

Trust. What is God's kind of trust that is talked about so often in the Bible?

Last evening/yesterday I confronted the very uncomfortable 'fact' that we are behind as far as income versus outgo is concerned.

All kinds of scenarios have been pushing themselves into my mind. I was taking a shower and talked to the Lord about a few of them. Should have done this, shouldn't have done that. If so and so had done such and such then we wouldn't be in this condition; yada, yada, yada, yuck.

Is that trusting the Lord?
Oh, we have got to get out there and beat the bushes, right?
Trusting the Lord is asking Him for the help we need and then 'going after it' in whatever way necessary, right? Or is it something far more?

Jesus said 'Ask' and He will give us what is best for us, personally.
Jesus said that we are to 'rest in Him'.
Do we differentiate between spiritual and practical?
Do we consider that we are trusting only when we have planned and done all we can?
Is trust based on our 'actions'?

Those who love God will have such great peace that nothing shall offend them! That is a mouthful.
How does love relate to trust? trusting God? trusting others?

We had an unpleasant task of sharing with a friend that we couldn't take them to town right now because our insurance ran out on our vehicles and presently we can't pay yet. I suspected they would take it hard but it seemed even a bit harder than I expected.

We felt obligated to let another person who is affected by our situation know that we were behind financially, especially since our situation affects them too. They externally took it a little bit easier, or so it seems on the outside.

But how do we relate to others? Can we trust for them as well?

But last night as I was talking to the Lord, I got the distinct impression that there are times when I am going to have to put my whole weight of trust on God - not just have His help, but He is going to have to work out the details as well.

About a year ago my hubby lost his job. I can truthfully say God has been good to us during this past year. He brought in enough to pay the property taxes of several thousand and we ended the year about $0 so to speak, praise the Lord.

Today when we were working on something together I commented that I was thankful for 'one more day' we could do things together. That has been a real blessing.

We have been grateful for unemployment payments from the government but it is possible that has come to an end. Is it now time for even more dependence upon our loving heavenly Father?

We have put in many applications for employment on a regular basis but so far with no results. Is that reason for dismay? Or shouldn't we be focusing on the promises of our loving Father to 'keep us' as He has promised to do?

I believe that there are certain kinds of trust that can only be developed when things get tough and tight. Are we in that situation now?

Whatever situation we are facing right now, I am choosing to praise the Lord, for it drives the enemy of depression and worry (and others) back and gives me the victory of JOY and PEACE in the Lord through God's love pouring into my heart.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.

Bringer of Peace

A Big Day

2010-01-12T00:22:00.002-05:00

A Big Day has arrived. In just a few hours our son and his bride will be leaving - first stop planned is Michigan, then South Dakota with a destination planned for Idaho.

It seems that son will be able to get employment there. For a new couple that should be good.

My emotions are somewhat mixed. I wish some of the circumstances could have been a bit less stressful, but on the other hand, sometimes that is what gets people moving.

If that were all that is happening I suppose I might have been able to keep focused better.
That, however, is only one event that has been tugging for attention. Keeps life interesting.

It is getting late as I write this. They have been packing. They can't take everything right now but what they are having to leave here is going to be put in a locked area. While we were recently absent (took a quik trip to Florida to attend a funeral and a few other reasons) some of their things were 'tampered' with so they feel an even greater urge to get on their own as well as trying to protect what they can't take right at this time.

I can't blame them for feeling uneasy. I was pretty upset - yes even angry - when I found out what happened. But I also admire the way they handled it when they returned - and I told them of my affirmation.

Well, soon they will be on their way. I have confidence, however, that they are not going alone.
God has promised that HE will contend with those who are contending with me and HE will save our children - Praise the Lord.

God has also told me not to weep, for our children will come again from the land of the enemy - not so much human, but otherwise.

I was very happy that they came to church this past weekend. The church here had given them a very nice wedding 'shower' so I was glad that this last Sabbath they were in church.

There are many other things going on, but for now, this is front and center stage so to speak.

Many of you know far more about this kind of day than we do. Some don't yet.

But as I look ahead, I am encouraged that the same God who has begun a good work will complete it. We have dedicated our son to the Lord and we are giving God the full responsibility for our son and his bride as they begin this new chapter of their lives together.

Thanks for any of your prayers for them as well.

Father in Heaven, thank you for our son and his wife. Thank you for the JOY they have brought to us. Thank you also for accepting the responsibility of their lives. You love them far more than we ever will. We rededicate them to You. Pour out Your complete love on them. Fill them with Your JOY and Your PEACE. We love you. In Jesus' lovely Name we pray. Amen

Bringer of Peace

Peace or Pieces

2010-01-09T22:09:00.002-05:00

The past two weeks or so have made 'as the world turns' seem a bit tame (according to me anyway). I don't really have much to do with 'soap operas' but who needs them with what has been going on in our daily lives.

Due to some rather interesting changes in our plans, our son, his wife and I went to Florida. A member of my father's uncle's family had died and my brother from out west decided to come. He was much closer to that part of our family than most of the rest of us. He and my sister offered to help pay for some of our gas if we would come so at about the last minute we decided to 'go for it'.

From retrospect that trip was one that God had planned. Not that everything went smoothly -(sometimes wondered about 'pieces') but time after time God arranged or rearranged events and in my mind I could see why.

My brother wanted to go see a dear friend, while he was here on the east coast - who lived in North Carolina. We all decided that I should go with him to help him drive. That gave our son and his new wife a little more time to spend in Florida. She had never been there before.

Most of you have heard that Florida has not been exactly what you would call warm, so water activities were not included on the agenda but the couple did drive down to the keys, which I hope they enjoyed, while I was in North Carolina.

Sadly, there are a few differences of opinion between some members of our family. I doubt that anything I did or said changed the situation but I sure have some insights I didn't have before.

We got back home just before noon this past Friday. I have got a lot to catch up on, but am thankful for safety during the miles of driving (or riding).

It definitely put a 'big dent' in our pocketbook but it was such a blessing for me to have the time with my older brother. It is probably the longest time I have ever spent with him in my whole life. I really feel like I am beginning to know him better than before and I hope it was a blessing for him as well.

I didn't get quite as much time with my sister, but she has stopped by more than once where we live in Virginia, so our times together hasn't been so distant.

I arrived home with several major decisions awaiting my attention. Since it was so close to Sabbath as special praise time with our wonderful Lord I decided to just lay aside such 'mundane' activities as making critical and possibly life changing decisions and focus on our precious God. As I was preparing for church I was talking to the Lord about some things that were on my mind. I was trying to quickly wash my hair but it seemed that almost as fast as the shower was spraying me with water so quickly was the Lord showering me with thoughts and ideas and filling in 'blanks' in relation to a lot of things that have been going on the past few days. That experience was awesome and I thank the Lord for it.

I was not ready for my children's class at church but we did it anyway. I had not had a class for three weeks. (Two weeks the church got closed down because of inclement weather and last week I ended up in Florida.) but the children seemed to enjoy what I did have for them.

God's form of Judgment includes 'revealing' in ways that enable correct decisions to be made.

God has been revealing to me things about me that need changing through many of the experiences of the past few days. I believe He also wants to 'reveal' what He is like as well through all who are willing to let His love flow through them to others in His time and way.

It is getting late so I must go.

May God's kind of peace be in your heart, but not the pieces that are the result of 'any other way' than God's way and will for you.

Yours in Peace,

Maiden, Bringer of Peace

'09 Blizzard update from Virginia

2009-12-25T18:15:00.004-05:00

I had hoped to import a couple of pictures about the recent snowstorm which has been dubbed the blizzard of '09. The higher snow near the door of the smaller house is covering a 'cold frame' we had made for some greens. The 'fence' was around a strawberry bed.

For now, we are thankful that it wasn't more than about 24 inches. It is raining this evening. Depending on various factors we may or may not go to church - if it ices we probably won't go, but if it just melts the snow away we should be able to get there - a little more than a 1/4 of a mile away. Time will tell.

We had a nice Christmas dinner with the family here. Our son, Carl, and his new bride, Krista, were somewhat the focal point it seemed anyway. (I liked that, of course).

After opening gifts we helped Carl and Krista get some plastic on their windows. There still a few more windows to cover but we are slowly getting winterized.

Hope your day was nice as well.

Bye for now,

Maiden, Bringer of Peace

The 'wise' will know what is happening

2009-12-18T11:22:00.001-05:00

This morning while we were having worship my hubby read Daniel 12:10. We began discussing what the word 'tried' meant, especially in the context. That got me looking at the whole text. Following is my 'paraphrase'. I found it very helpful to put it in my own words after studying what each word meant from the Hebrew (Blue Letter Bible on line is what I use right now.)

Great numbers of people will re-form to God’s will, they will get rid of anything that doesn’t agree with God and they will become pure, in complete agreement with God; but those who are opposed to God and hostile to His will and way will stand apart and not distinguish what is happening. But those who are looking at God and have become intelligent in regard to His ways and are experiencing His love will know what is happening.

The word 'purify' in KJV might more accurately be described as re-form or searched out, separated. 'Made white' has the connotation of cleansed - removal of anything that is not correct, good, or right. 'Tried' is examined, tested, purified.

Those who have taken whatever time is needed to accept - and experience - that God really, truly does love them, individually, will understand what is happening. One thing that is happening with me is God is permitting circumstances to take place to reveal where I am not yet in full agreement with Him. Even though this situations may be tough, or whatever word you might wish to insert, so long as I keep in mind that God knows me yet loves me still very much, and I am learning to know Him, then each experience can draw me closer to becoming 'like Him'. Thank the Lord.

The more I trust in my loving heavenly Father, the more peace I can experience inside of me.

May that kind of peace be in your life too.

Bringer of Peace

What God says

2009-12-17T07:09:00.008-05:00

One way I study God's word is to look up what the original 'meaning' of words are and then ask God to guide me into putting the passage I have studied into more 'current' verbage while keeping the meaning God intended from when it was written in the first place. (For anyone interested in reading more click on 'paraphrases' link at the side.)

I have been studying Psalm 71 for a little while recently. This morning I reread what I had written. As I went over my paraphrase I couldn't help 'relate' it very much to what has just been happening in my life. All of Psalm 71 paraphrase has been posted at the link but here are a few verses that have meant a lot to me at this time.

1 Lord, I choose to trust in You completely, so please don’t disappoint me.
. . .
Your plans are to make me victorious since You are my refuge and defense. 4 Bring me into a secure place, O Mighty God, away from the violence of those who are hostile to You and take me out from under the authority of unjust, bitter and oppressive people. 5 God, I reverently expect You to do what is best for me, like a child trusting a loving parent.

. . .
14 – 16 But as for me, God, I choose to keep trusting You, singing about You and telling others of Your right ways. I don’t know how much longer I’ll live but as long as You keep me alive, I will live close to You and remind others how right Your ways are.

. . .

23-24 I will shout out loud for JOY, and I will rejoice in my heart as well as quietly tell others how You have set me free. Those who obnoxiously planned to hurt me (because they were out of control with anger) are astonished, disappointed and dishonored.

God has been not only 'revealing' as mentioned in the previous post, but He has also been mentoring me. He is eager for me to 'grow up' (by His love). I keep praising Him for that. Sometimes I have defined 'peace' as a lack of 'stress' or even a lack of intensity of experience. That is at times nice, but I am coming to also believe that the kind of 'peace' God is speaking about when He says "Great peace have they which love Thy law and nothing shall offend them" can also include the experience of realizing that God loves me so much I can trust Him no matter what is 'happening'.

What happens to me or around me I have, at least at times, considered 'offensive'.

However, according to the above, when I experience God's kind of love flowing into my own life, and I choose to allow God's love to flow through me to others in God's ways, (which is the essence of God's law: love Him supreme and love others as one's self) God gives me GREAT peace. God also enables me to 'let go' of what may have offended me in the past - "nothing shall offend them" - which brings God's kind of peace - the kind that doesn't take offense.

May God's kind of peace be yours

Bringer of Peace

Judgment - revealing

2009-12-15T20:52:00.002-05:00

The past 24 hours or so have been extremely revealing. I won't share a lot of details, needless to say, but when people are faced with possible jail or more some feelings can surface that might not have been evidenced previously.

We chose to help someone in need. Due either to a choice or ignorance, information was not shared that should have been and my dear hubby and others were verbally abused with 'threats' of being arrested - for something they really didn't have anything to do with.

I write this 'after the fact', but it has been very interesting 'listening' to how individuals reacted. Apparently I seem to be the 'cause' and as such it appears I have been accorded the responsibility for 'threatening' the peace and prosperity of others.

May be, but on the other hand, as I mentioned earlier, I think that rather than a time of 'judging' - making decisions with incomplete (or even false) information, I have found that, for those who are willing, it may be a time of God's kind of judgment - a time to reveal what is true and right and just as well as or even more so what is truly loving.

I can't stay long on line right now but I do praise the Lord that what appeared to be a very bad situation He has taken in hand and for me I praise Him.

P.S. Much of the problem was based on either incomplete information or 'out and out' lies, which is very common when it comes to 'earthly' situations. When the truth was revealed there wasn't anything for the abuse to 'stand on'.

May your day begin with God - the Prince of Peace - be filled with the JOY of the Lord and finish with His love in your heart.

Bringer of Peace

Thanksgiving Miracle

2009-11-27T19:10:00.002-05:00

In the last blog I mentioned the possible variety for our thanksgiving encounter.
Well, it was all and more, much more than I had anticipated. Yet, what really took place, actually before thanksgiving dinner, turned out to be along the line of a miracle.

Wednesday afternoon some folks were going to prepare some of the cranberry dishes and other food preparations that could be done ahead of time. One friend who was with us this year wanted to help but I also realized she would be assistance so both my husband and I were on hand. While we were puttering around in the big house kitchen of course there was conversation. But as time went on criticism began to weave its way in. At first it seemed centered on an event that had happened a few days earlier and there was still a certain amount of tension over. But somehow the tension mounted and some things were said that went straight to my own heart. I realized I was not responding as behoves a christian lady. Finally I left. My new daughter-in-law was over at our place and I asked her to pray with me. That seemed to help momentarily. I returned as I perceived my help was still needed. But with time the situation again deteriorated and got even more intense.

I probably wouldn't even share the above except that the whole situation ended in a miracle of love. Since dear ones are involved I will simply say that God was able to reveal both to others and myself 'lies' that had been long held. And even more wonderful I believe God was able to remove lies and replace in minds His truths of love. The Bible teaches that you will know (experience) the truth and it will set you free. And when the Son (Jesus) makes you free, you are free indeed. That is so true, especially on our farm this Thanksgiving.

I am humbly grateful that thanksgiving dinner was a blessed success. I believe a spirit of thanksgiving was truly present and that everyone here received love.

I pray that your Thanksgiving was also blessed.

Bringer of Peace

Psalm 70

2009-11-25T09:50:00.001-05:00

For anyone who is interested in following the 'Paraphrases' to the right, I just posted Psalm 70. It has some concepts about God that have enlarged my picture of Him.
Have a good day.

Are we really Thankful?

2009-11-25T09:36:00.002-05:00

I hope that all who read this will have a true 'thankful' thanksgiving day.

We enjoy the opportunity to 'get together' on thanksgiving day.

But this year has given me some food for thought. Mainly, are we more focused on the 'right' food or rather on 'right' relationships with others? It has been amazing to me the 'snaffues' (if you get the idea) that have arisen over 'what it the right food' or 'the right way to prepare a food' or whatever. I just hope we don't have civil war break out over thanksgiving 'dinner'.

We have here one pretty basic 'American' (who considers what is considered by that person as gourmet), an 'Italian' with some pretty strong cultural ideas, a 'New Englander' who considers certain traditions as practically 'unchangeable' and some newly weds, as well as us - I'm not sure what we might be classified as except we are vegetarian so won't be eating of the turkey or any other meat dishes.

I personally think this is an excellent time to 'be thankful', not only for the diversity here but also for the opportunity to still have something for which to be thankful. I say that because, at least from my perspective, each one of the folks here is here to a more or less degree because they have lost their previous place to live, needed help, and we thought we were helping them by offering a share of what we have. I realize, however, that is not everyone else's view. So be it.

Meanwhile, back at the farm. I am looking forward to thanksgiving dinner with mixed emotions more or less. I do hope for the best, however. God is good at taking our fragmented offerings and turning them into something 'wonderful', as His Name indicates.

I just got a call for help so need to close for now.

May Your thanksgiving be a good one to place in your memory hall.

Bringer of Peace

What Love

2009-11-22T07:08:00.000-05:00

For the past month or so I have been studying Psalm 69 in more depth. After doing word studies I have been slowly paraphrasing it in more 'common' wording. The majority of this Psalm is a prophecy of Jesus' experiences while a human being here on earth.

As some who read this know, I have studied in more depth how the earthly sanctuary was like a 'map' to illustrate experiences God longs to have with each individual. Well, in Psalm 69 (beginning around verse 20 to 28) words are used to describe the 'breaking' of that covenant by going in 'reverse' through the 'steps' of the sanctuary illustration of a covenant relationship. I hear the heart rending cry of God as He goes through the final proceedings of a 'divorce'. In a very real sense all that a God of love could give had been given to Israel as a 'blood line'. But when Jesus came to His own, they finally declared "We have no king but Ceaser". And God accepted their decision. That decision did not come flippantly or even easily. God loves Israel. But God also respects their power of choice. Yet even though God honors that choice it is not, and was not, easy to 'let them go' to the results of what they chose. There was intense suffering and pain involved.

20 Shameful scorn and contempt violently tore at my heart, sickening me. I hoped for at least one comforter, (someone who would unite with me) but no one had compassion or even tried to console me – not one! 21 – 22 Instead they offered me bitter poison as food and sour vinegar to quench my thirst. Let their table (the table of shewbread was the covenant symbol of Your nourishing care) become so ‘thin’ (empty) that they fall away (destroyed by refusing care) from You. 23 Let such darkness surround them (the candlestick represented their covenant relation with You to enlighten them) that they can no longer experience real joy at seeing Your face, resulting in their strength continuing to totter and deteriorate. 24 – 26 Pour out your love power on them with full intensity. But they will become so horrified, appalled and stunned that they will recede and back so far away that not one will remain in their family because They harassed and persecuted the One You smote, and caused mental grief by their gossip against the One You wounded (for their sakes). 27 – 28 Permit this guilt to be added to their present great guilt, which is already preventing them from personally knowing You. (Yes), even let their names be dropped from the registry of those who are honest with You.

(If you wish to read the whole paraphrase click on the link to the right)

As is often the case in the Psalms, this one ends in praise to God.

34 – 36 Let the whole universe join with everything and everyone on earth in singing to, boasting about and celebrating the True God. (Why?) He sets free those who choose to belong to Him. He rebuilds, restores and protects those families who choose His will for them and gives them a secure, quiet place to live. Those who delight in Him, identify with Him and have developed an intimate relationship with Him will live.

What Love!

Now, I want to learn how to share that kind of love with others in my own life.

Bringer of Peace

Memory Lane

2009-11-14T20:35:00.003-05:00

My scanner decided to work again so I am going to try to put a couple of our wedding pictures here.

This is a picture of the lovely 'wedding cake' that was made for us by some very lovely women in the church and community.

I didn't want a 'sugar cake' and they asked if they could at least do a 'center piece'. Absolutely lovely. And when everyone had taken what they wanted we had a small bag left to take with us on our honeymoon to Florida.

My Dad (on the left) and step-mom were able to bless us with their presence. My hubby's mother is by his side.

I am humbly grateful for the privilege of knowing him for over 35 years now as his wife.

35 Years of Love

2009-11-11T07:11:00.002-05:00

Thirty five years ago November 10 we were in the 'center' of the picture rather than by the side of our son who is the groom in the picture. A lot has taken place between then and now but most importantly has been learning to receive and give God's kind of love. I will also hasten to add that God has also been teaching us how to 'grow' and mature by experiencing His kind of JOY and PEACE in our hearts and lives.

(I hoped to add a bit of picture history but my scanner seems to have died now as well as my printer so I will use words instead.)

35 years ago we lived at Wildwood Lifestyle Center and Hospital campus. We had both been students there and at the time of our wedding were staff. For a little while before we were married I had been in a group planning to go to Africa to develop a new mission outreach but since my work visa was denied I chose to remain as a staff member at Wildwood.

We remained at Wildwood until 1977 when we accepted a call to Zambia, Africa. I believe the Lord wanted 'both' of us to go - not just me.

Not long after arriving at Riverside Farm Institute,

Home

2009-10-29T23:39:00.005-04:00

Well, we made it home this evening.
After a few tries I finally was able to download the above pictures that I took. Obviously the first one is of Carl and myself and my wonderful husband.
Krista's mother was the 'cake decorator' and it had a little 'water fountain' under the 'castle' cake in the middle. Lovely, and well done. The third is of the bride and groom after the ceremony was complete.

We were gone for about 2 weeks. Shortly after we got to Michigan we got a call that the pump had 'died' at the farm. Eventually a friend was able to check it out and fix it, for which we were grateful, especially since we were not very close at that time.

We had the privilege of spending some time with some of my family during this trip. In Michigan we stayed with my sister. Then after the wedding and a few other activities in Michigan we went for a few days to spend with my brother and his lovely wife in Illinois. On the last leg of our trip we stopped one evening in Ohio with a 'dear to us' couple. We appreciated so much the hospitality at each place. Thanks to all who made this trip worthwhile.

Just after we began our trip we read a very interesting statement concerning that God wants us to come to him as trusting children asking for His guidance. That is, in many respects, what seemed to come 'alive' on this recent trip. Except, perhaps, for the wedding, it seemed that our plans were being frequently changed. Yet looking back I believe that God was directing the changes.

I hope to share more but it is getting late and I need to rest.

Bringer of Peace

Quick Notes

2009-10-25T18:50:00.001-04:00

Just a note. We went to our son's wedding October 18 in Michigan. We are in Illinois at family and hope to head home in a day or two. It has been a good trip thus far.
Hope to share some pictures when I get home.

Progress

2009-10-05T10:34:00.002-04:00

In some respects I feel I am trying to go in several directions.

October 18 has been set as our son's wedding day. He is marrying a girl named Krista. They are currently in Michigan and are planning for the big event to take place in South Haven at her church.

We are planning to head up that way this coming week to give us a little bit of preparation time before the big day. I have family in that direction as well so hope to spend a bit of time with them while we are up that way.

On another project, I have been working on some music. Those of you who know a little about me have heard me speak of the Passport to Life lesson series. It originally started as a presentation to young people but has since broadened to include older folks as well as youngsters. The first three months of this year we presented the part of the program that teaches about the Bible sanctuary to the little children in our church. I have had the lessons completed for several years. But I have long dreamed of adding the music as well. I have quite a collection of scriptures put to music and am now adding them, in their appropriate places, in the lessons. I also dream of getting them on a CD or tape asap.

A couple of folks who live with us on the farm have been needing transportation on a fairly regular basis so between my hubby and myself we have often been on the go.

My hubby's shoes were getting pretty floppy - soles falling off - so we decided it was time to replace them with 'something better'. As usual there were more expensive versions of 'work boots' but he was able to find one pair that had most of what seems to make for him a good work boot at a quite reasonable price. Thank the Lord.

Yesterday we had our first servings of green beans, swiss chard and beet greens from our fall garden. The green beans were absolutely delicious even without salt. We missed getting in a spring garden but the fall version seems to be doing very well. The deer have been nibbling on some of the green bean leaves but we have ideas that might slow them down some as well.

Last week I was able to find some pansy plants and got them planted in the flower garden area near the big house. I picked up a dozen more yesterday and got them planted in one end of the flower bed next to our house. The tomato 'tree' is slowly dying back after producing possibly hundreds of tomatoes this summer. There might be a dozen or so tomatoes on it yet. But we have been greatly blessed with so many yellow tomatoes from it this year and we praise God.

Our car didn't pass Virginia inspection this year and it appeared we would just have to let it 'set' for a while. When my hubby's brother heard about it he donated over half of the funds needed to get it back on the road again. Thanks to a generous mechanic who also dropped the price some we have it back on the 'road' for which we are grateful. (We still owe some on it but hope to have it paid off by next month.)

It has been amazing to me to see how God has been supplying our needs. With my hubby out of work since January and, at least part of the year more people dependent upon us than previous, we have received aid from a variety of sources which, in some respects has been what I consider almost miraculous. God has blessed. Those blessings may not always be monetary but they are blessings nevertheless.

One sweet blessing has been several 20 cents a pound banana sales. We have frozen quite a few to make 'ice cream' and then we have also been drying some of the bananas. To us the dried bananas are sort of like a candy bar.

Since contracting lymes disease earlier this year I had told my church that I didn't think I could lead out full time with the little children. Well, I am not full time but I do still help quite a bit. Two of the three ladies who accepted the position have not been able to do much of anything so I have been still quite a bit involved. We have gotten one other lady who seems interested who talked with me this weekend. Hope that will ease things a little bit.

Even though we didn't get much of a vegetable garden this year the flower garden has been attempting to outdo last year's performance. The lilies earlier in the summer were so lovely. The wave petunias have made a carpet of purple medium pink and lighter pink. The pink carnation bloomed most of the summer. Celosia volunteers from last year filled in many places that I hadn't even planned for. The one foot tall Zinnia decided to grow a couple feet tall or more and the lovely red blooms along with a few yellow and orange blossoms have been delightful. This fall the button mums have been gorgeous. There are burnt oranges, burnt reds, yellows and purples. As mentioned earlier I am adding pansies for the fall as well. Unless we have a very hard winter the pansies may bloom until it gets hot next summer. As I have walked by the blooms I am reminded again and again that every blooming flower is like an 'I love you' note from Jesus.

One project I have been enjoying very much is that I have been studying Psalm 69 in my quiet times. That is one power packed prophecy of Jesus. I'll share more later.

There are other activities going on as well but for now I need to go get busy with them so will close for this time. Until we meet again may the God of peace be with you.

Bringer or Peace

Special thoughts and an update

2009-09-21T06:07:00.002-04:00

A friend shared the following with me and I pray it will bless you as it did my heart. (Following the quote is a little more of an update on 'current events'.)
Olive

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love . . . “ — Ephesians 3:17

I don’t plan to write a lot this week. A friend of mine that I’ve known since high school sent me three quotations on Facebook the other day, and I want simply to pass them on to you. They truly are quite profound. Each is taken from the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing.

"The very first step in approaching God is to know and believe the love that He has to us (1 John 4:16); for it is through the drawing of His love that we are led to come to Him." P. 104-105

"The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us." P. 115

"Know and believe the love that God has to us, and you are secure; that love is a fortress impregnable to all the delusions and assaults of Satan." P. 119

It would seem that our salvation, our security, our growth in Christ—everything is rooted and grounded, dependent simply on knowing and believing in the love God has for us. Not just knowing that He loves us, but coming to a knowledge of, an encounter with, and a belief in the kind of love, the nature of the love He has for each of us.

Do you know what love is?

Do you know the love with which He loves you?

Better yet, do you have the courage to believe it?

These quite possibly are the most important questions we could answer. For it seems that everything depends on them.

May knowing and believing His love become paramount in your life this week.

I wish you God’s best. "

Now for a little more on what is going on in our little 'corner'.

First a few garden notes.
Our 'tomato tree' is slowing down. We only got about a dozen tomatoes from it yesterday. They are smaller and are beginning to 'crack' easier, but they still taste very good. What has been interesting to me has been how that these yellow tomatoes seem to last a whole lot longer than the red tomatoes. The red ones may start 'going bad' at times within a day or two of picking. The yellow tomatoes we have been able to keep for a week or more. That has been especially nice since we have had so many yellow tomatoes coming on. Thank the Lord for the harvest.

Now for a little about our activities.
My hubby hasn't had 'paying' work for several months but we seem to be able to 'keep busy' nonetheless. We have been slowly redoing some of the garden areas around the houses on the farm here. The one that is finished is looking very nice with the yellow and purple button mums that we bought. I want to put some pansies in but they weren't in the stores yet a week or two ago. They should be coming in soon.

A dear friend of ours was in the hospital for a short time last week. We spent time with them and have also been able to help some after they returned home. They are still having quite a bit of pain so we try to help where we can.

Quite a while back I began taking a portion of scripture and 'digging' into its meaning. I look up the meanings of the words and ask God to help me write it in more of a current style without losing the original intent. When I got sick with lymes disease earlier this summer my brain just couldn't seem to handle that level of activity. More recently I have been getting back into the "Word" in the 'digging' sort of way. I had begun studying Psalm 68 before I got sick. For anyone who might be interested in my current 'results' I posted Psalm 68 in the Paraphrase link to the right. It is rather 'long' but there were some very interesting thoughts as well as some expansions on my picture of God that I have received from this passage. Here are a few that blessed me (using my paraphrases)

4 Worshipfully celebrate - with songs, music and even dancing – the Creator God who ‘carried’ you through difficult times. Even use His most sacred name, JEHOVAH, with rejoicing as He smiles at you.
There are a number of passages in this Psalm on God's desire for worship.

11 - 12 The Lord taught the song and many people learned it for a multitude of women joyfully shared with God’s family the good news that the opposition leadership had been cast out and fled. 13 You who have rested in God’s love are protected by Him – likebeing ‘under’ His covering ‘wings’.

This is definitely worth our efforts - to tell others that the opposition to God has been cast out. There are many more gems but for now I'll just share one more. (You are welcome to read the whole passage as you wish.)

) 20 Our Mighty One, our Supreme God, saves. Our loving Lord delivers even from disease and death. 21 But this same strong God irritatingly agitates those who hate Him, and those who persist in doing wrong get a defensive attitude against Him.

I need to be going for now. Until we meet again may the God who is Love fill your heart with His Peace and His JOY in believing.

Bringer of Peace

Transitions

2009-09-05T22:18:00.002-04:00

Transitions
This past week our son left for Michigan with the express purpose of getting married.
I'm not the bride's mom so haven't been kept much in the loop - may be just as well.
I'm not even sure of the date but at present it may be in October.

Transitions
Since my bout with acute lyme disease earlier this summer I felt it best to 'back out' from leading a children's division in our church, at least for this year. I have been still helping some part time but it is definitely a change. Today I was in the adult class. It is nice but different. One big difference of course is that I am not the 'teacher/leader' and therefore should not do all the talking. It is good for me.

Transitions
We are heading into fall soon. Our tomato plants are slowing down. We have had some 50+ degree nights and that often causes some plants to change. We do thank the Lord for the bountiful crop of mostly yellow tomatoes but some red ones as well.

Transitions
A couple of weeks ago we finished cleaning the weeds off of the electric fence for the horse field. Then we began cleaning up the flower beds near the door into the farm house. We had given another person the responsibility of keeping them and as a result they became wilderness patches. We have been digging up and sifting the dirt to reduce the root mass that had accumulated during the past three years. We have finished one and begun on the second one. I planted some herbs and mums in the first bed and hope to get some pansies planted for the winter. If the weather doesn't get too cold we may get pansy flowers until next spring from the plants planted now and in the fall.

A really nice transition
Even before I had the accute lyme illness it had seemed that my brain just wasn't working well. I am still taking some supplements specifically aimed at restoring the immune system's ability to 'fight'. It seems that this past week or so I have been able to concentrate especially on spiritual topics with more clarity, praise the Lord. I have returned to working with Psalm 68 where I had sort of left off before I got really sick. It is making a lot more sense and I have been enjoying the stretching it seems to be taking to get a feel of what God was expressing through this Psalm. There is a lot to this portion of scripture. When I feel more comfortable with my explorations I may post it on the paraphrase link, but that may yet be a little while.

Well, that is a little update of a few things going on in our little part of the world. With my hubby out of work we have been able to get more things done around the farm place here where we live. We are down to one working vehicle - our old clunker pickup - and we are thankful for the wheels. My hubby's brother also lives here and we have been eating the midday meal oftentimes with him and another friend who also lives here. I am thankful for the fellowship.

It is getting time for me to do other things so will close for this time and leave with you who have read this far with my wish of peace for you just now.

Father in heaven, grant Your peace as well as Your joy to all who care about us. Thank You.

Bringer of Peace

Angel or other?

2009-08-05T21:33:00.004-04:00

What happens when a person wants to help some who needs help - but doesn't want to be identified?

It definitely keeps life interesting. Especially if someone asks point blank. What should be said?

Time will tell. Sometimes, though, God does things and doesn't always identify - at least like we think it should be.

This afternoon I just felt bla. Not sure what it was but I do feel better this evening.

I have been watching the dahlias beginning to bloom and hope they will continue till frost.

Here is a picture of some yellow tomatoes from our garden.

We have had more flowers but these were fragrant as well.

Each flower is an 'I Love You' from Jesus. We have had a lot of them this year

The last couple of rains knocked a lot of these flowers down.

The mums are beginning to open now though. I have some yellow, gold, deep burnt red and possibly white ones (they haven't started opening yet so I'm not yet sure of the color).

Someone called flowers 'lonely' (maybe better said 'lovely') 'wanderers from Eden'.

Whatever way flowers may be regarded, when we think of them as 'I love you' notes from Jesus it can truly brighten one's day.

Smile, Jesus loves you.

Bringer of Peace

Back again

2009-08-03T09:19:00.003-04:00

There are really no real reasons but excuses are plentiful for not reporting in here more often.

I am feeling better so long as I don't 'overdo'. July was, in some respects, full of surprises, gifts from our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus as well as lots of 'work' - things to do, 'fires' to try to put out and even new challenges (sometimes seemingly on a daily basis).

One lady who is currently residing at the farm here has a horse. She has figured out how to get out of her area so as to get much greener grass other places - and that is very true, the grass is greener on the other side. My hubby and I have been working from time to time on 'upgrading' the horse pasture so that the horse can have a better source of grass. In the meantime Mary (her name) has taken to the people and other animals very nicely on her daily meanderings around the place. She at times comes up to our door but we have told her that she is much to big to come inside :)

Another lady who currently resides here loves animals so Mary goes over to her window and either talks with her or her little dog or cat. At first we thought that the cat had quite a relationship going with the horse but right now it seems that the little dog, may have the 'upper hand' at the moment.

I have been so blessed by our little 'garden' this summer. Just about the time we were going to put in our vegetables was when I came down with the severe case of lymes so not much was planted for the spring garden. We did get a few tomatoes in (the big plant in the middle is a yellow tomato plant) and they are bearing beautifully.
We also have a yellow pepper plant that has done very well.

The part of the garden that has been particularly healing to me has been the flowers. That part of the 'garden' is right outside our door and so when I step outside it is as if God is whispering 'I love you' from every one of the flowers. Our stargazer lillies have just finished their blooming for this year. The pink/yellow/white dahlias are just beginning to bloom and will probably continue until frost. The wave petunias have been very lovely and I was surprised by 'wanderers' from past years returning to add their beauty. I am guessing that a few seeds 'made it' through and volunteered their beauty for another season. I had purchased purple petunias for this season and the volunteers are a deep pink and a lighter pink, so they look very nice together.

I also bought some Zinnias this year which are doing very well right near the water fountain. My carnations from last year didn't survive so I bought one pink plant for this season.
We put one tomato in the middle of the flower bed (as we did last year) and it is getting close to 6 feet tall as well as producing lovely yellow tomatoes.

I have also been learning more about myself and my Saviour recently. He so much wants to give me His kind of peace, but so often I seem reluctant to participate in what it takes to receive His peace in my heart. Since my husband has been unemployed since near the beginning of the year it has been a temptation to 'worry' about 'finances'. Yet God has been so good. It is not always money that supplies our needs. And just yesterday God spoke to my heart in the following words which I heard in our home worship time.
"We try too hard to take care of self ourselves. We are uneasy and greatly
lack a firm trust in God. Many worry and work, contrive and plan, fearing they
may suffer need. They cannot afford time to pray or to attend religious meetings
and, in their care for themselves, leave no chance for God to care for them. And
the Lord does not do much for them, for they give Him no opportunity. They do
too much for themselves, and believe and trust in God too little.

I thank the Lord for teaching me bit by bit as well as the many blessings each day.

I must go for now but until we meet again may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yours in Christ,

Bringer of Peace

Doing Better

2009-06-23T17:19:00.002-04:00

Well, Campmeeting is past. Our son and his girlfriend did slip over there the last day. I think they went more to see old friends, but that is fine.

I decided to go to Sabbath School and church here at our home church this past Sabbath and things went quite well. I didn't teach the children's Sabbath School class but I did play the piano since there was no one else to do that.

Sunday and Monday I decided to try to help my hubby clean some apartments. We took a 'pad' with us and I would work for a little while and then rest on the pad. I am definitely not up to speed but was able to get a couple of 'kitchens' cleaned (between rests).

Today I stayed home - and needed to. I am trying to stay on a protocol that has helped others with Lymes. I am very thankful for God's leading and guiding in counteracting the effects of Lymes (and hopefully get rid of it altogether) and I am also choosing to stay close to Him so that I can know His plans for me.

I also praise the Lord for His goodness and love to me during this 'down time'. I believe He is helping me to use this time to draw me closer to Him and His way of thinking.

Until next time, may God give you a double portion of His peace in your heart.

Maiden, Bringer of Peace

God's will is Peace

2009-06-16T15:00:00.002-04:00

Humm, today is the first day of Potomac Campmeeting. And usually we are in a flurry to get ready to go for a spiritual renewal. We have always enjoyed our campmeeting experiences.

But here I sit, quietly attempting to put some thoughts down on the computer instead.

We canceled our reservations when I was diagnosed with Lyme disease early this month. At this point in time I am feeling some better but not to the point of sitting through meetings all day.

Thanks to a loving sis, I have been able to do a considerable amount of research to find out what I am dealing with. First off, this is one of the most 'intelligent' parasitic bacteria I have ever found out about or learned of. For a few tidbits consider the following

(As usual the bacteria has a fancy name. For short I will label it Bb while speaking of it here.)

Here are a few 'for your information' things I have learned about Bb.

As is hopefully, commonly known, Bb is often carried via a tick (although it has been known to be 'shared' via other avenues as well).

When the tick sucks in blood from a host (whoever it is feeding on) the Bb in the gut of the tick immediately takes a 'sample' or 'reading' of the blood when it comes into the tick. It can 'tell' what kind of a host the tick is 'feeding on'. It immediately begins to use that information to 'rearrange' it's genetic code to prepare to be able to live in the 'new' host. After that 'job' is completed, the Bb migrates to the saliva glands of the tick where it is then injected into the host.

Bb seems to have the ability to 'mutate' it's 'code' to accomodate a large variety of environments and hosts.

Bb does not wish to 'kill' the host, but to thrive off of its life.

At times Bb even seems to be able to get the 'host' immune system to 'fight' itself so as not to
'bother' Bb.

Bb has a number of ways of 'surviving'. It can form a 'hard' shell to help prevent it from being killed. It can hide in almost any tissue in a human body. And as mentioned earlier it can change it form and shape to attempt to evade detection by the immune system.

Bb can mimic many 'chronic illnesses', thus evading detection of who it really is. Many symptoms have been 'mislabeled' as arthritis, MS, Fibromyalgia, parkinsons disease, Alzeheimer's, swellings in joints, and many more. (When the Lyme's is treated, many times the other symptoms disappear.)

Since many Doctors know little or nothing of chronic Lymes it is usually even denied existance.

For a picture gallery of some of the 'family' of 'bad bugs' that can be associated with Lymes you can go to http://www.lymephotos.com/index.shtml for a tour.

Fortunately, there are ways to 'fight back'. The most commonly considered is antibiotics. (One drawback, at least it seems that way to me, is that Bb seems to be able to 'adjust' to the antibiotic rather quickly, similar to how it changed when going into a new host, so the guess of a 'Doctor' is, which antibiotic hasn't Bb learned to fight yet, and when or how long.)

When a person is really sick, however, using an antibiotic sometimes gives the body a 'running chance' of fighting back until the body's own immune system can get a better hold on the invader using 'weapons' that God has built into the human body. (a quick illustration. When a white blood cell is properly armed, when it comes up to a Bb, it has a special 'protein' that it can use sort of like a 'sword'. It puts a 'hole' in Bb which causes Bb to start losing potassium - not good for Bb. If the saline level of the body is at a healthy level, the saline then goes into the Bb and swells it, maybe like blowing up a balloon (layman's words) which then kills Bb.)

Bb does not like oxygen. Therapies including getting the oxygen level in the body to a healthy range is very beneficial when it comes to the body winning against the terroristic Bb.

Bb also does not like a healthy range of saline solution in the blood (refer to illustration above). It appears that when a host does not have proper saline levels in the blood Bb takes big time advantage to multiply. But when the saline levels are optimal, the white blood cells seem to be able to 'get' the upper hand much easier. Taking Vit C. along with added 'natural' salt, has been very helpful for many Lyme sufferers to win the war on Lyme.

Another 'weapon' that seems to be emerging is that Bb cannot survice certain health giving frequencies. Certain raw foods use these frequencies to enhance the body's ability to 'fight'. There are also other sources limitedly available as well, for health building purposes, that can increase these health giving frequencies in and around the body.

Bb has to have Magnesium in order to multiply. But the body also has to have magnesium in order to 'fight' the Bb. It appears imperative that sufficient magnesium in the body is essential to winning the war on Bb.

I'm not a Doctor, but I do have a responsibility for my body. I am doing what I can to cooperate with my immune system to enable it to 'win the war' on Lymes.

There are other modes of treatment besides those I have mentioned above but the most important part of my experience this time has been learning to listen to God speaking to my heart. Coming from my back ground, I would naturally have done a little different - I think.

I have been claiming God's promise of wisdom each decision and I believe God is keeping His promise of guidance in my life and more specifically which treatments I need to use right now.

That experience, perhaps even more than all others in this recent illness, has been bringing Peace. I am also learning some new 'pictures' of God during this time. I thank God for not leaving or forsaking me when things got really tough.

I hope to update sooner next time, but whatever, may the God of peace be with you too.

Bringer of Peace

What do I say?

2009-06-01T18:38:00.003-04:00

When I looked at how long it has been since I have written, what do I say? (10+ days)

When I think of even a few of the experiences I have been through during those 10 or so days, what do I say? Well, I am feeling enough better to at least 'feel' like trying to write. So I will try.
As I sit here at my computer I realize that today is about the first day I have felt 'half way decent' at least for some time.

A few weeks ago I got a couple of bites. I'm not sure what they were but now think they may have been tick bites. They swelled way up and I got to feeling pretty bad. I upped my Vit. and Minerals and started putting poultices on the bites. I seemed to get better and the bites fully subsided. But then I began to go down fast. I could hardly think straight or do anything and finally one morning after a very bad night I asked my hubby to take a look at my back for it seemed awfully sore. He looked and saw another bite swollen to about 4 inches across, all red and hot. To make a long story short, we have used a lot of remedies and as I mentioned earlier I do believe I am again on the mend.

If that was all that went on that would have been enough. Ihad promised a friend of mine I would watch her mother (couldn't keep that promise though). She called back and told me her mother just had a stroke and is in the hospital so I didn't need to come.

A couple of weeks ago I was able to play for church alright. This week I 'made it' to Sabbath School but when I heard someone else playing upstairs I was delighted. I actually told the head elder I was going to go home and lay down. ( I was willing to try to play if no one else was around but I really didn't 'feel' like it yet.

Another friend has been having some of her own health challenges around the same time. I normally have been able to support her but this time my hubby was the one supporting me.

This afternoon my hubby, though, has been having some pain. We decided to 'hit it hard'. He is drinking Cayenne V8. The painseems to be going and we hope it stays away.

With my hubby out of work we find it really helps to use 'natural' or alternative 'remedies' whenever possible. Some medical people I'm sure stand aghast, and rightfully s0, but I do thank God that He has been guiding in the care of all of us.

Before I got really 'sick' my hubby and I did spend some quality time working in the flower beds near our house. I have lost my camera or I would post pics. Some of the beds just needed to be spruced up. Others have been completely reworked. We have yet to get to our backyard garden. I don't know when that will happen now. (I had hoped to do it by now but due to some unforseen interruptions as mentioned above all our projects have ground to a halt.)

From doing almost nothing on Friday, to slow motion on Sabbath, to puttering around on Sunday, my hubby and I took a walk today and then ended up going shopping at Walmart. He had to push the cart (that was still too hard), but I 'made it' and really haven't felt any the worse for the energy expended.

Actually, I thank the Lord for His healing hand upon me.

And one more thing I would like to say. I found out some really exciting news about grace.
The Greek 'meaning' of Grace is best described as when a master decided to make his specially liked slave a free man AND (plus, on top of being a free man) give him (or her) a lifetime inheritance AND (even more awesome, even more wonderful,) that slave would also receive whatever inheritance the rest of the master's family received for he or she was considered as part of the master's family with no reserves.

By grace you are 'set free', given a lifetime inheritance and made part of the family of the master - all because of the JOY it brings to the mastor. WOW!

It is getting toward sundown so I must close for this time.

What do I say? God loves you! He has already given YOU grace! What JOY!

Bringer of Peace

Mercy and Grace

2009-05-19T08:09:00.003-04:00

Having looked at God's kind of grace for a little while, I began to wonder how 'mercy' might 'fit' into the picture of what I was looking at in more depth.

It appears that 'grace' and 'mercy' are two 'trademarks', if you please, of the Creator God. He often uses those two words to describe what He is really like. When God spoke to Moses He described Himself as "The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth."

Science has 'discovered' that a 'key' element in increasing the capacity of a mind to cope with stress, with life, is to experience JOY and PEACE in harmony with another mind.

God's kind of grace includes my mind experiencing that God loves for me to be with Him (JOY).

As I learned this aspect of God's grace I began to suspect that somehow 'mercy' somehow fits in this picture in a way I had not noticed before.

I began to delve into what 'mercy' includes, particularly God's kind of mercy. What I have learned thus far has been confirming the fact that mercy does indeed fit into the 'equation' of how a human mind grows in capacity to handle stress.

There are some words translated 'mercy' (in the King James Version) that are only used when referring to God. The meaning of mercy described in those uses includes: 'To love deeply and passionately, with a softness and compassionate zeal, especially to those who have had misfortune (or those who do not deserve love), eager, ardent desire.

Other words translated 'mercy' also include the concept of 'covering over', 'overspread', to 'take what the guilty one deserves in order to free them from charges'.

I don't know about you but when I feel condemned, guilty, Im not at peace. At present I am getting the picture that when God extends mercy to me He is offering to take 'my place' as guilty and at the same time to cover me with 'what He is like'. This is not just a legal activity, but God's kind of mercy does all this in me with such deep, tender, compassionate love that instead of guilt I am enabled to experience His peace in my heart.

As I look at this combination of words describing what God is like I stand amazed.

Grace - God giving me what I don't deserve in the form of JOY (He loves for me to be with Him, He keeps letting me know that I am special to Him, I am like the 'apple of His eye' to Him - that type of experience)

Mercy - God doesn't give me what I deserve even though I am guilty of choosing any will other than His will for me (sin). Instead He takes my place as the guilty one, while at the same time, with deep, tender, compassionate love, He offers me His calming PEACE in my heart in place of my guilt and shame.

In order for me to 'grow up', mature, increase my capacity to cope with stress, I must experience JOY and PEACE together in connection with another mind. As I accept God's GRACE (JOY I don't deserve) and MERCY (PEACE in the place of the guilt I deserve) He empowers me to 'grow up', to mature.

I can also experience JOY/PEACE with another human mind. And the more I experience JOY/PEACE with either God or another human mind - the more I can grow up.

I am not the only one in this world who needs grace and mercy. Everyone needs it. And each time I experience God's Grace and Mercy, I am also concluding that God wants me to share what I have received from God through His mercy and grace with others.

Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you through learning more about our wonderful God.

Bringer of Peace

Grace and Peace be multiplied unto You

2009-05-17T10:16:00.004-04:00

For the past week or so I have been pursuing what God's definition of grace includes.

I have also been trying to wrap my mind around what 'grace' might 'look like' from God's side.

The Greek word for 'grace' is 'charis'. You might recognize that 'root' in some words we use even today, such as charisma, charismatic, etc. Some of the basic meaning has to do with being true, what is true, what is true in personal excellence and what is in harmony with divine reality as well as what is not necessarily deserved or merited.

Further search revealed that 'charis' deals with JOY and that which causes JOY and rejoicing, as well as loving kindness. At the present time, though, I am seeing that the kind of JOY that is described in 'charis' is that which is not deserved.

When doing a word study I at times look to see if there is a 'root' from which the word comes. In this case the root word is 'chairo'. The meaning here is definitely JOY. Zacchaeus came down the tree with JOY when Jesus said He wanted to go home with him.

There is far more to this study but up to this time I had defined grace as God giving us what we don't deserve.

Adding what I have learned this morning to that definition has really expanded my picture.

Let me see if I can express what I have learned. Chairo includes 'joy'. Charis (based on chairo) also includes joy (experiencing that God loves for me to be with Him, I am special to Him, I am as the 'apple of his eye', etc.)but it is a joy I have not deserved. In a little shorter way let me say it this way.
Grace = receiving and experiencing God's joy which I don't deserve.

Grace and Peace come from God. Grace is receiving JOY from God I don't deserve. Peace is trusting God so completely that it is though I am 'resting in His arms'.

Science has discovered that every time I experience JOY and PEACE in harmony with another mind my capacity to cope with life, with stress, is increased. Experiencing JOY and PEACE can 'happen' with another human mind. It can also be experienced as I come in harmony with God.

God wants that experience to be multiplied - many, many times for me to experience that He loves for me to be with Him and and that I am extra special to Him leading me to trust Him in such a way that I feel as though He is hugging me with His arms around me.

No, I don't deserve it! Yes!!!!, God loves for me to experience His Grace.

And keep in mind. Every time you experience grace and peace, your capacity to grow up, to mature, to cope with stress, with life, increases.

You are loved.

Bringer of Peace

'Catch up' time

2009-05-15T22:13:00.004-04:00

It seems I have been so busy I have not taken time to write here much. Lots of things are happening.

About two weeks ago we began a revival series in a tent pitched next to our church. I was asked to play the keyboard, which I was very happy to do. (Last year I had worked with the little children.) Tomorrow there will be a baptism in the afternoon of those who have chosen to follow Jesus' loving invitation to become part of His family here on earth.

Previous to the revival series I helped a friend move her things into storage. She is staying with us temporarily until she can find more permanent housing.

Another friend is taking care of her mother who is elderly. She was getting pretty tired to I staying with her mother three nights this week.

This past Sunday our son volunteered to help me get the farm looking better. We spent several hours on Mother's day improving the looks around the place. I told him it was one of the nicest gifts he could have given me. It also got me motivated to get our flower gardens in shape for the spring and summer. My hubby and I have been able to continue on with getting the flower gardens re-organized and even a couple of 'new' areas ready for planting as well.

On Sabbath afternoons there have been some ladies who have become interested in studying more about God's rescue plan as outlined in the earthly sanctuary in the Old Testament of the Bible. We are also teaching it to the younger children at Sabbath School. It is amazing to see how what 'science' is discovering about how our minds work agree so completely with what God 'taught' through the 'Sanctuary Map'. The more I learn the more awesome is seems.

With so much sleep loss this week I am going to close for this time.
Until we meet again, may God speak good to you.

Bringer of Peace

God's plan for really living

2009-05-01T08:38:00.003-04:00

In order for the heart of a person to 'work' it has to have a 'rest' and it has to have a 'beat'. If both of those 'activities', in the proper sequence, are not properly functioning there is trouble.

The same is true of God's plan for really living. I don't believe God ever intended for us to be on total stress (even the good kind) all the time. Neither is it in His plan for 'lack of stress' (if that is the appropriate way of saying it) continually. Even when Jesus was here on earth, at one point things got so busy 'He told His own family of disciples to 'come apart and rest awhile' for He knew the importance of both experiences in order for proper growth to be experienced.

I believe God is working to teach me how to 'balance' my life 'cycle' of 'rest' and 'activity'.
Another cycle that has come to my attention is what I call the 'joy/peace' cycle.

There are times when it seems everything is quiet. Other times I have felt as though someone forgot what 'rest' means in the 'flurry' of activity. In any case, I believe God is guiding me to learn when to 'rest' in a trusting way and when to 'work' in a joyful manner.

Not long ago I was asked by our church to take on some extra responsibilities, part of which has put me as a member of the local governing 'board' of our church. I had been a member many years ago but due to some false accusations I was removed. Sad to say (for how long it took) it took the Lord several years to get me 'straightened out' - but I am so grateful He didn't give up on me during that time. I had been sensing for some time now that I would be asked to assume more responsibilities, so when I was asked to do it I agreed.

During the years between my first and second experience as a board member of our church there have been many changes. One change has been that many new people have come and some older members have left for one reason or another. Also as time has past I had pretty much 'forgotten' many of the activities I had been involved in when we first came here.

Some months ago (or even longer) some folks had begun talking about making a church directory which would include pictures of our church family. I had been quite busy with various 'jobs' including helping to move a friend recently so the talk about a picture directory had been about as far as that project had been taken.

This week it seems as though our hectic pace has slowed ever so slightly. However, one of my sisters was traveling from Florida to Michigan and stopped by for a few days to visit on her way north. It was so good to spend some time with her and I hope she enjoyed the time as much as I did. While here she showed me a picture directory from another church which had been done on a 'home' computer. I recalled the talk about doing something here for our church so I sat down at my computer and put in the basic outline (for later recall).

After my sister left I decided to 'fill in the blanks' so to speak. It took me a bit longer than what it should have because for a couple of days my computer and printer seemed to be in a big argument most of the time. Anyway, last evening when I went to our youth group where they have asked me to teach a music class to some of the children I took a rough draft with me to show the layout to some folks who had been interested in the project.

To make a long story short, I was brought 'face to face' with some issues I had long forgotten. I was reminded by one person that I had done something like this 'years ago' and that people had been very unhappy with it then, so why was I 'bringing it up again' and a few other points also.

My first reaction was surprise, to say the least. Beings that I had forgotten having done something similar - a church calendar years ago - it took me a while to recall even what they were talking about. (I finally remembered some of it this morning.)

More importantly, though, than a calendar or directory or whatever, I was brought face to face with the facts that some issues from before are still 'around'.

Last time, years ago, I KNOW I was simply too immature either spiritually or emotionally to cope with the underlying challenges. When I realized what was happening last night and this morning I also recognized God knew I couldn't handle the 'trauma' last time. For me it has taken about 10 years of 'growing up' spiritually and emotionally before God could 'bring me back' to the issues to give me the opportunity to be healed by His love in these areas that had previously been so wounded.

I have no reason to believe this experience will be 'easy'. But so long as I choose to believe the JOY of the Lord is my strength, and His PEACE that passes all understanding is available to me (which I am wanting to have all the time), God's healing, transforming, maturing love is working at continuing the growth in me of Christ's character filled with His love.

I have nothing to fear for the future except I forget what God has already done for me in the past.

I don't have time to mention many of the past ways God has led me but I will share a few.

God gave me praying parents. Yes, they made many mistakes, but they still loved God.

God protected me greatly by giving me Christian education in my formative years.

God gave me a husband who dearly loves the Lord and deeply loves me.

God gave me desires of my heart from childhood to be a teacher and a missionary. I taught church school for a few years and after I was married we spent about 6 years in Zambia, Africa on mission appointment.

More recently God has been answering prayers for our son to give him freedom in Christ.

Now, looking forward.

I have nothing to fear for the future because I know who holds it - Jesus.

Many other things are happening both in my life and in the world in general but I believe God is looking for people who will 'trust' Him so much that He can use them to exhibit to the world and to the universe His power in transforming lives to become like Him.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

How does all of this tie in to a 'cycle' I mentioned at the beginning? Maybe I am in one of the 'rest' parts of the cycle (but doubtful it will be for long) of living, but wherever I may be right now I know that Jesus loves me and is in the business of transforming me, so long as I give Him permission, to become a part of His family like Him.

I have much to do today so need to be on my way. Until we meet again may God be with you.

Bringer of Peace

Joyfully share victory news

2009-04-29T07:48:00.002-04:00

I have been studying Psalm 68 recently. This morning I progressed to verse 11. The whole passage has been a real blessing as I have been 'unpacking' it, but verse 11 practically 'jumped off the page', so to speak.

KJV version reads: "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it." Probably due in part to the 'victorian' flavor of this version (as well as a seeming bias against women by the men of that day) the deep meaning was 'glossed over'.

The NASB translated this verse: "The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the {good} tidings are a great host:"

ASB puts it: "The Lord giveth the word: The women that publish the tidings are a great host.

Whatever God's word is (other parts of this Psalm unpack the message) this verse says it is the women's 'job' to joyfully share the good news. WOW!!!

And even more exciting to me is the concept that this joyful sharing is not just one or two women. The numbers are great!

I'll share more later but I got so excited I wanted to share this good news with you too.

And sharing God's good news is an excellent way to experience God's kind of peace in the heart.

Bringer of Peace

A short time to 'slow down'

2009-04-26T21:21:00.001-04:00

The past two weeks we have been BUSY! This Sabbath was such a relief as well as a blessing to be able to lay aside the hustle and bustle and running too and fro.

Almost 2 weeks ago we agreed to help move a friend. Friday afternoon we pretty much completed almost everything. Another friend said they would help us to try to get our friend's car moved.

That seemed enough to keep us busy but there seemed to be plenty more all about the same time.

Our church is planning on having 2 weeks of meetings concerning Victory in Jesus. I have agreed to work with the younger children during that time. I had planned to use another program that I had used last week but presently I have decided to instead do what I call the 'Sanctuary Map'.

I am currently presenting this to a small group every Sabbath so it would be easier, I think, to just use the same material. This age of children most of the time enjoy repetition.

This Friday one of my sisters came by to visit, with a friend. It has been so good to see her. She is helping me to improve some of my 'sanctuary' items while she is here. I have assembled some pieces to represent the articles of furniture and the gate of the earthly sanctuary as described in the Bible so that as we share with others about the earthly Sanctuary they not only 'hear' but can 'see' and even, in a limited way, experience some of the lessons God was trying to teach human beings through this 'map'.

We had recently taken the items representing the sanctuary to a weekend meeting being held in Dalton Ga. There we presented the 'sanctuary map' and a few of its meanings to a group of junior age young people.

My sister has come up with some ideas on how to improve the looks of the seven branched candlestick so we are working on that presently.

I am rather 'tired' this evening so will leave you for now.

Until we meet again, may the Spirit of the Lord fill your heart and life with His JOY, which is your real strength.

Yours in Christ,

Bringer of Peace

Another aspect of living in God's plan

2009-04-14T07:44:00.003-04:00

I seem to have taken quite a while to 'digest' Psalm 66. I finally posted my current paraphrase in the link to the right (if you wish to look at my present understanding of that chapter). There is quite a bit of 'life' and 'living' covered in that Psalm.

I think I found out where the phrase 'through hell and high water' may have come from. Verse 12 refers somewhat to that thought in the KJV: 12 we went through fire and through water but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy [place]. In looking up the meanings of 'hell' and 'water' I found some very interesting concepts. After trying to grapple in my mind with what the author meant I put that part of the verse like this. People have attacked our identity, causing pain (like fiery hell) and humiliation (like someone 'pissing' on us),

God has not promised that life here on planet earth will only be sweet and nice, with everyone treating everyone else the 'right' way. Since we are living in a war zone, called by some the 'great controversy between Christ and Satan, attacks by God's enemy against us in all sorts of ways is currently a 'way of life'. But the later part of the same text gives 'God's' perspective more: yet through these experiences You. God, have matured us and satisfied us abundantly.

We serve an awesome, loving, caring God. I honestly don't believe that He has any desire for all of the experiences we often label as 'hell and high water', but even through them all God still loves us and as we keep on focusing our thoughts on what God is really like the ending of this Psalm helps us to 'read the last chapter', so to speak.

19 If I believe lies about God, He can't always get through me, but He still listens and continues working to answer my heart cries. 20 God is so good, for He has not stopped loving me - even though I don't deserve His love.

I believe God has been enabling me to let go of lies about Him to enable me to be set free in a deeper way. And as the first part of Psalm 66 so aptly put it, "Let everyone express Joy to God." This kind of JOY is not just passing excitement, wanting to 'jump and shout' kind of experience. I just read a statement that described the kind of JOY I believe a more mature Christian begins to experience. "Then talk of the promises; talk of Jesus' willingness to bless. He does not forget us for one brief moment. When, notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, we rest confidingly in His love, and shut ourselves in with Him, the sense of His presence will inspire a deep, tranquil JOY." and "The purest JOY springs from the deepest humiliation. The strongest and noblest characters rest upon the foundation of patience and love, and trusting submission to the will of God"

Combining that kind of JOY with God's kind of PEACE - which in the Bible is described as "Peace that passes all understanding" - it appears to me God has something 'out of this world' for us to experience in our hearts even while we are still 'here'.

I have much to do today so I must go for now. Until we meet again, may you experience in your own heart God's kind of JOY and His kind of peace - even in the middle of whatever life experiences you are in at the moment.

Bringer of Peace

Update in April

2009-04-10T11:45:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since I've had time to sit and write. So much has been happening that it seems 'write time' has been scarce.

With all the comings and goings, though, God has been evident in His directing both experiences and 'consequences', if that is the correct term. Maybe I can explain a little while giving a short summary of some of our recent activities.

We had been asked to go to Dalton Ga. to share good news about Jesus with Juniors and youth while their parents were in meetings during the first weekend in April. Last year this same group had met and they estimated that there could be upwards of 50 or so in the class this year. For whatever reason there were only perhaps half that many but the Lord blessed anyway.

In preparation for the classes and based on the estimate given us we had started preparing materials several weeks ahead of the trip. By printing the lesson books on my home printer I figured we could do the 'job' for considerably less than printing at a printing or copy shop.

In the past whenever I have been asked to do a presentation it is almost certain that I will experience some kind of equipment 'failure'. This time was no exception. But by the time I was using the 'fourth' printer even I began to wonder at times what was going on. To make a long story short I now have a second new printer (the first 'new' one died after less than 100 prints).

I have been considering getting my material printed 'commercially' but finances are still tight, so for the time being it appears we will still continue doing our own. I am thinking of printing small amounts on a regular basis so that when the next 'call' for my material comes I might already have some on hand. Of course, in a small two bedroom house that means storage space which at the moment is also a factor that has to be considered. Time will tell.

While plans for the trip were progressing other activities were also going on in our lives. A dear friend of ours has been having challenges which drew upon our sympathies and time. I am so thankful we have been able to assist in various ways to ease our friend's challenges and I thank God for enabling us to share what resources we have with others who also have needs.

Another situation that has been a learning experience for us has been ongoing for some time. We had agreed to let a certain person stay at our farm some time back. This past November it appeared we might possibly be moving in the near future so we told those staying on the farm about our plans to move. All residents living here will have to leave if we move - their living here is dependant on our occupancy). One of the residents, or so it has seemed, decided we were just angry with them and that our letter of intent to move was just our way of trying to get rid of them. About the same time it became evident that everyone was going to have to help more financially in order for all the bills to be paid. As a result, as I mentioned earlier, the one person took it our letter of intent and the need for more assistance with utilities as a personal 'affront' and decided to 'leave' (in a huff, so it seemed). A friend offered them a place to stay free of charge but after two months the person found reason to be offended and left there too. That helped me to realize the problem was not really ours.

Well, we are back from Georgia, having driven many miles in 'sunny snow showers' - a very interesting experience to have the sun shining and snowing at the same time - and we are working to get back into the swing of every day life (whatever that is).

Through all of the above experiences we have seen God guiding and teaching and revealing. I am more than ever convinced that God's meaning of judging is that He will reveal what is hidden so intelligent and true decisions can be made by those who love Him.

I have to go for now but I pray that all who read the above will experience just now the fact that God not only loves you but He is eager to give you the experience of peace in His love.

Bringer of Peace

God is good

2009-03-28T16:58:00.002-04:00

It is rainy today. Praise the Lord! According to the weather people. We have never had a drier January - March since records have been kept.

Today is Sabbath - a day of spiritual rest and gladness, a day of joy and love. God gave me this Sabbath as a day to raise my affections from earth to things above.

This week is almost over. It seems at times I have been living in '911' land. But the God of the Universe has been through all of these experiences with me.

Just this morning in our worship time I read this quote. "Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care, -- these are health's greatest safeguard."

God is truly good. And the more I focus on Him, the more I realize that the goodness I am expressing isn't so much external (nice as that can be at times) but what God wants to do inside of me - in my heart.

This week we were able to get my office corner (of our living room) papered. It looks much better. If I could get blogger figured out I would add a picture, but for now we will just rejoice in what we have been able to complete as much as we did get done.

A friend of mine has had a 'rough' week in some respects. Yet as we have chosen to rejoice and be grateful together God has also been working miracles of love that have been awe inspiring.

Some things we rejoice about because we have 'seen' results. Other times of rejoicing are because God has promised and we are choosing to trust His heart. That is what is at times called 'faith'.

May the God of peace continue to be with you.

Bringer of Peace

Update for this March

2009-03-23T07:08:00.002-04:00

It seems when God plans something 'big', there is an attempt by the opposition to prevent, slow down, or otherwise derail God's plan. What is even more interesting at times is to watch God counteract the counterfeit. Sometimes in the past I have gotten to engrossed in the counterfeit I forget to revel in how God is counter acting.

The present is no exception. We were invited to share about Jesus with some Junior age people the first week in April. I decided to print some materials to share with them that they could take home.
As has usually happened in the past it wasn't long until technical difficulties began. To make a long story short, my printer 'died'. Even a person who has had a lot of experience with printers was not able to 'resurrect' it. A new printer arrived this weekend and we hope to get it running soon.

In the meantime, since our son moved to a house next door that we also have the use of, we decided to use what had been his bedroom as more of an office. There was a desk in the adjoining house that had been left there by a former occupant which seemed to be just the thing for us to use. Once we got things arranged it fit in quite nicely. Some months ago I had attempted to set up an office in the other house (while our son was still 'living' in our place) but it had never really worked out for me to really 'use' the space. Now that we have more room here we are in the process of rearranging things here to utilize the 'office' items.

While all those activities have been going on, I became more aware that in our small place we needed 'focused' lighting in different areas. In short, yesterday we changed a light switch and took down a small wall. The new configuration should, when completed, be very nice.

Since the new printer is here I most likely will get started on that project. We only have a few days left of this month. In the meantime I have also decided to add some wallpaper to my 'new corner'. We just got our camera back from repairs (it sure looks like a new camera to me) so maybe when we are done I'll be able to show progress. Right now everything is messy - as usual when 'remodeling'. Last night we did get up the first piece of wallpaper. I think it is going to look very nice when it is finished.

I do believe the physical changes will help me work more efficiently. But even more important in my life has been as Jesus has been 'transforming' my picture of who He really is and what He is really like. Another blog: http://clayfootsteps.blogspot.com/, has been a real blessing to my soul, (if you haven't already visited there, may I encourage you to at least take a look.)

God's kind of peace, according to what I have been experiencing in my own life, begins in the heart (planted there by God Himself) and is then manifested in one's life. God's kind of joy - knowing that God loves for me to be with Him and that I am special to Him regardless of my picture of me - combined with His peace in my heart because I have chosen to trust, confide, and accept His will for my life, completes the experience that enables me to 'grow up', mature, become more and more like Jesus.

Even when changes come, whether little ones like changing my house around, or bigger ones involving relationships with others, accepting God's kind of peace and joy inside the heart enables each one of us to reveal more to others (testify, witness) more accurately what 'God is love' really means.

May you have just that kind of joy/peace experience with Jesus today.

Bringer of Peace

Peace by accepting God's will

2009-03-20T09:53:00.002-04:00

In our family worship this morning we were reading about Jacob and Esau - sons of Isaac.

We often think about Esau. the oldest son, in negative ways.
He thrilled in hunting wild animals and living on his 'catch', but seemed to have no desire for 'spiritual' communion with his own heart or with God.
As firstborn, the birthright made him the 'priest' of the family, but he seemed not interested.
He 'sold' his birthright to his brother, Jacob, for a pot of 'soup' (food).

We often think of Jacob, the younger son, as the 'good boy'.
He was ever thoughtful of his parents.
He loved the Lord and longed to have a close communion with God.
As the younger son it was not for him to be the priest of the household.
But before he was born God had told his mother that the younger boy would 'prevail'.

OK. Up til this morning I pretty much saw the picture as I have sketched it above. But this times review of this story gave me some new insights.

Wild, selfish Esau looked mainly for current gratification, with no desire for spiritual issues. God gave him what he really wanted.

Even though Jacob used deception to 'get the birthright', his deepest longing was to come close to God. God gave him what he really wanted.

Both brothers had some major 'errors' in their lives. But in the long run each brother got what he longed for.

Esau wanted the 'material' part of the birthright, and he basically got it.

Jacob wanted the spiritual 'blessing', and even though the 'way' he went about to get it was 'all wrong' (deceiving his father), God still granted him his request.

I have come to the conclusion that even though Jacob paid dearly for deceiving his earthly father, his Heavenly Father 'knew his heart' and granted him his deepest desire - to know God.

What really impressed me this morning was that both brothers made wrong choices.

Both brothers did 'bad things', in a sense.

The choices of each of the boys, however, throughout their lives, showed the direction they were headed.

Esau wanted his own way.
Jacob wanted God's will for him.

God gave them both what they had chosen.

Even though Jacob had used deception and came to the point where he felt utterly disconnected from God and deeply depressed in hopeless despair because of all of his 'bad choices', God still honored the deepest desire of Jacob's heart to 'know God' and revealed Himself to Jacob - first in the vision of the ladder (representing Jesus reaching from heaven to earth) and secondly when Jesus blessed Jacob after the night of wrestling.

Esau got material 'things' but lost out on what really matters in life.

The end of Jacob's life was peace in knowing that God loved him.

Even though I have made wrong choices, gotten discouraged, disheartened and even in despair, God knows my deepest longing to know Him and He never will let me go.

Accepting that God loves me brings peace.

Accepting the God delights in me being with Him gives me joy.

Surprises of Peace

2009-03-16T07:57:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we get so involved in what we consider intense situations that God's answers come somewhat as a surprise, yes, even a surprise of peace.

Last evening a friend was in what might be considered 'dire circumstances'. Someone else had said they would help, but time was passing toward a 'deadline' and 'nothing' seemed to be happening. My friend called me and I could sense urgency in her voice.

We shared together some of what God has done in the past, but when a person is really close to a potentially traumatic encounter, it can be difficult, at least at times, to focus on 'mere words' (although when internalized they are far more than words only).

While we were talking together, my husband and I agreed on a possible 'aid' that might help bring temporary relief to our friend's intense concern. We shared our intent with our friend and she seemed overwhelmed that we would even consider such an offer.

To make a long story short, we were not able to make good on our offer but the other person who 'was able', came through to avert a crisis.

As we talked with our friend this morning I was again impressed with some of the 'surprises' God uses to bring His peace into our lives. He is very much interested with our day to day needs. He is even more interested in planting His peace and JOY in our inner beings, our hearts.

That is one reason I believe I can put my full confidence in God's words such as "The JOY of the Lord is your strength." and "Great PEACE have they which love Thy Law and nothing shall offend them."

Yes, sometimes we can 'see' ahead of time how God is going to take care of us. Other times I sometimes wonder, especially when intense situations get right down to the 'end', so to speak, if God's surprises of peace aren't what we might need right then to increase our trust and confidence that God can take care of us any time, any where, any way, whether there seems to be a crisis or not.

Somehow I am also getting the feeling that these 'little' experiences are aimed at getting me ready for some 'bigger' ones ahead.

In the mean time, remember that whatever is happening in your life, you are special to God simply because you are one of His children, part of His family, someone He loves very much.

As You look to Jesus right now, think of how much He loves you and cares for you personally. Now, focus your mind on Jesus looking at you in return with a loving smile. And when He sees you are looking at Him, imagine Him breaking into a song of rejoicing. It makes God so glad when you 'see' Him just now.

Bringer of Peace

As a Person Thinks -

2009-03-12T21:27:00.002-04:00

As a person thinks, so they become.

I was just listening to a biology professor sharing some 'new' information. There were many things he presented, but what literally 'jumped out at me' from what he was sharing is life changing.

In short, 'science' has 'discovered' that it is the 'mind', the 'heart' of a person that has control of the DNA, the genes, of each cell. When a person chooses to think 'negative' thoughts, those thoughts immediately begin to affect the very code of the body in adverse ways and begins to create 'chaos' in unhealthy manifestations.

Thank God, the opposite is also true. When a person accepts the JOY of the Lord - accepts that God loves them, that He loves to be with them, that they are special to Him no matter what happens to them; and who they are in Christ as the very premise of life, then health, strength AND peace that passes human understanding grows the physical body. WOW!

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.

How wonderful to realize that as I choose to believe God, He 'rewires' my very cells.

The JOY of the Lord - choosing to accept that God loves to be with me, is my strength - my life, my health.

The PEACE of God which passes understanding chosen by me - accepting in quiet confidence He loves me for who I am, not what I have done or not done - heals and matures me.

I learned more but I need to go for now.

Until later,

You are loved,

Bringer of Peace

Written In God's Book

2009-03-10T20:36:00.002-04:00

It is absolutely awesome. From what I have been introduced to in the Bible, God wrote everyone's name in His book of life. He never intended that anyone should die.

That means me. God intends for me to live with Him forever.

At the same time God will never force for God has sacredly guarded my power to choose.
That means I can choose to 'walk away' from God, even though He planned for me to be his daughter from the very beginning.

It is also true that You are written in God's book of life.

I want to share more later, but for now I just want you to know God loves you very much and He also is eager for you to accept His love for you just now.

Bringer of Peace

Believing gives peace

2009-03-09T08:14:00.004-04:00

God created me, loves me and knows me personally.
That is all true whether or not I believe it.
As I have been learning to accept that awesome reality it is changing me.

Peace is not based on how 'good' (or otherwise) I am, was or will be.
Peace is not simply a lack of stress in my life.

God's kind of peace has already been offered to me just because I am.
My part of receiving God's peace is to accept what God has already 'sent'.

God's peace in me is the result of my accepting that God loves me for who I am in Him.

Joy and Peace 'happens' when . . .

2009-03-07T14:19:00.004-05:00

God's original plan for family as described in Genesis, and expanded in other places in the Bible, never intended that a person should have to 'make it' alone. Somewhere, though, many of us have imbibed of the lie that in order to 'make it' (whatever that happens to mean) a person has to somehow do it or go it alone.

Proverbs talks about a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister. It also mentions that a three fold cord is not easily broken. It is really a sad commentary that especially in our secular (some refer to also as western) culture it has almost been touted as a virture to 'make it alone'. In my biological family I have a sister in the southwest, a brother in the northwest, another sister in the southeast and a brother in the midwest, USA. In some cultures the extended family still has some ties, but for some of us those ties have gotten quite thin, if not broken altogether.

There are some things a person has to face alone, yes. But by and large that kind of a scenario should only happen - if at all necessary - after a person has been brought to maturity the way God intended in His kind of family setting. Even though God's plan for family has been sadly, badly twisted in many places, I believe God still intended each person should have a support system of family - in our system we might call them grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, cousins and more. But because the family system has been often so badly mangled, God has been working to establish 'christian' family, also called church, to restore and give support for each other.

A friend of mine has been through some VERY rough experiences the past few days. (Actually I should say several of my friends have been 'hit hard' this past week with a variety of challenges.) I have been so grateful when each one has been willing to let me know they are struggling. Some friends have been willing to call me and we have had the distinct privilege of claiming God's promises for them as we prayed together on the phone. One friend has been able to share some challenges via email. When this has happened, I have several times been able to pray with folks who are struggling with spiritual battles. I can pray - claiming God's unfailing words - whether or not we are talking 'live'. I may not be in the midst of a super challenge myself - at the moment - but I consider it a distinct privilege given to me by God to be able to claim God's unfailing promises for my friends when they are being stressed. I hope that my words have also been encouragement to them whether written or spoken.

As one advantage of sharing one another's burdens I have watched some miracles take place. I have also been practicing claiming God's promises in ways that I have a feeling I will be needing for myself some time. God never promised we would have no problems. He did promise never to leave us or forsake us. But when you are in the middle of a BIG problem it sure can help when someone has compassion (comes along side with God's kind of passion). When you hear a human voice, or read an email from someone you know cares about you, reminding you that God's word does not return to Him empty but He will accomplish what He has promised, I believe that is part of God's plan for His kind of family.

Another truth I have just been reviewing the past few days is that true joy - experiencing that another mind loves for you to be with them - can only happen when you are in connection with another mind. The same is true for confiding, peaceful rest - experiencing that another mind is so safe that you can confide in them and rest in their presence. And the more you learn and experience true JOY and confiding PEACE with another mind, your capacity to cope with life and with the stresses of living on planet earth increases.

Since real JOY and genuine PEACE, as mentioned above, can only develop when two minds synchronize and are in harmony it becomes even more important for each one of us to 'take time' for friendship.

When I described the above scenario of joy and peace producing relationships to someone the other day they thought about it for a moment and then commented that they weren't sure they had ever had that happen to them in their life.

I don't know about your life but if you have read this far I just want to tell you: God loves you and is delighted for you come spend time with Him. He is the greatest joy builder in the universe as well as the wellspring to true peace for all of life's challenges.

And if you would like to learn more about God's plans to build you up in joy and peace, feel free to ask. I don't have all the answers but I will be happy to share what I have learned.

Bringer of Peace

Miracles, ending with a hot cup of coffee

2009-03-03T20:29:00.002-05:00

Today has been rather eventful. A friend of ours was facing the very real possibility of being evicted and, more than that, her electricity could be cut off today and phone shut off.

What do you say or do in that situation? We have been praying together and claiming that God's will would be done. Friday of last week the possibility of financial assistance became known. There were a few possible hitches but she decided to 'go for it' anyway. Because of snow the check was delayed - not getting here until after 1 p.m. today. Then when we took her to the bank there were more problems. This bank was not her regular bank so she asked if we would drive her to a nearby city where the officers knew her personally for several years now. During the drive we kept encouraging each other to 'trust in the Lord'. While she was in the bank we prayed. After a short time she came out and reported success. To make a long story short, even though the bank is holding the check for a few days the phone company, electric company and landlord all agreed to 'wait' to be paid. Just a day or two before they had all been adamant that March 3 was 'cut off' time.

On the way home we stopped to use the rest area at a very nice station/store. My friend went in first and I followed shortly. While I was in the rest room she was 'dreaming' of a cup of coffee. I was planning to buy her one when I came out (she was broke) but when I walked up a man had offered to pay for a cup of coffee for her. To me it seemed like the 'cream' on a day of God's interventions. Even more interesting was that the man seemed very interested in her paintings so gave her his card and they plan to communicate more. She has been internationally known for paintings in the past and I believe God is reconnecting her to people who might once again purchase her works.

God is a God of mighty miracles and we had the privilege of watching Him at work today.

Bringer of Peace

Did I tell you?

2009-03-03T07:53:00.002-05:00

When situations get intense, God, at times, gives tokens to remind us that He is still with us and will NEVER leave us to perish.

The other day we were at a friend's house helping her with some things. I had purchased some 'conditioner' fluid for her contact lenses and she was using it. For some reason the lense she was working with slipped out of her fingers. She had been leaning over her desk so called us to come see if we could locate it for her. She has very poor vision without the lense. Both my husband and I looked carefully through every paper on the desk and every inch of the floor around her as well as carefully going over her, but all to no avail. After perhaps a half hour or more I finally gave up and went to do something else I had been working on. Duane continued to search on the floor inch by inch and our friend finally turned to her computer. During this time we were encouraging one another in the Lord. My friend was greatly frustrated because she couldn't really see without that lense and she asked me why something like this should happen. I kept praying often in my mind, sharing God's words of concern and comfort. Just after I went in the other room my husband called me back. My friend also looked to see what he was wanting of me. I came and looked as he pointed to a spot in a clear place on the floor - where all of us had carefully looked several times - where lay the lense. We all knew the lense was not there earlier. In our minds it was clearly a divine intervention and token of God's special care.

My husband is presently unemployed. He has been looking for another job but for the present also applied for unemployment benefits. He was sent a 'pin' number which must be used when reporting his 'job search' each week. By each Sunday we are to report the results of his 'job hunting'. We were ready to turn in the report but when we went to get the 'number' the page on where it is written was not in it's folder. We spent quite a bit of time searching but finally gave up. It was getting very late (11 p.m.) and I was about ready to quit. Before going to bed we knelt together and asked God one more time, according to His will, to show us where that paper might be. After pausing, I reached over, picked up a couple pieces of paper and there was the number I needed. I could only say 'Praise the Lord'. We were able to get the report in before midnight for which we thank the Lord. We won't get a lot of 'income', but every little bit helps.

I am taking these events as tokens that my God not only still loves us but is still in charge of the outcome of our lives.

Jesus loves you too. You are special!

Bringer of Peace

Prayer and Praise 2

2009-02-27T22:03:00.003-05:00

My brother-in-law has been released on probation BUT if he stays with his wife she could be detained. We praise God that she has been able to see him after about 10 months, but we are also claiming that God will complete the freeing process physically, mentally and spiritually.

This man has not been tried by courts so according to the laws of this land he is still innocent. But this world knows a lot about being unfair. But that is not what I am praying about now.

I am praising God that my brother-in-law did not die in prison unjustly.

I am also praying that his desires to help those who have been pushed down and out that were 'born' while he was detained will continue to mature and bear fruit in God's way.

I am praising God I can now talk to them both on the phone in prayer and encouragement.

I am praying that these experiences will open our eyes and ears more to hearing heart cries of others who need not only a miracle of God but human words to encourage and lift them up when trampled down.

God is looking for 'friends' who will encourage others and raise up the feeble hands and strengthen the feeble knees as in Isaiah 35:3,4

"Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Say to them[that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not:
behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God
[with] a recompense; he will come and save you."

and repeated in Hebrews 12:12

"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; "

God is wonderful, merciful, gracious, long-suffering, gentle, easy to be entreated and much more. He is looking for people who will work with Him in such a way that others will get the same idea about God because they have seen those characteristics, those attributes, in folks who say they know God.

It is getting late and I am tired this evening. I stayed the last two nights with a friend's mother who needed companionship during the night. It will be good to sleep all night, Lord willing.

I am also enjoying the peace of this Sabbath, especially the final meeting of the week of prayer at church.

Until we meet again, may God's words of blessing fill your heart and mind with His love.

Bringer of Peace

Praise and Thanksgiving to God

2009-02-25T21:49:00.002-05:00

This evening my brother-in-law, Karl, is home, is resting and is eating.

We praise the Lord.

There are more challenges ahead but we have nothing to fear unless we forget what God has done in our past history.

When I called my sister she said Karl wanted to talk to us. It was SO good to hear his voice. He shared with us some miracles that had happened the past ten months or so he was detained. I could tell he is still needing a lot of rest.

We want to thank each one who joined in prayer for Karl and Frances.

To God be the glory, great things He has done.

We do claim God's peace on them especially after so much trauma.

Bringer of Peace

Prayer and Praise

2009-02-23T08:35:00.009-05:00

I talked to my sister this morning. Her husband, who is presently incarcerated, has a hearing today. Friday Karl's belongings were confiscated - things like sweats, coat, person correspondence, nutritional supplements, etc. - and he was put in a higher security cell. (He was able to grab his Bible.) He is almost blind without correctional lenses (which he has not had use of since being detained in April, 2008) and also has a heart condition. Without the added nutritional aids, he told his wife later, his eyes are getting worse already. He was also told he could only use the phone on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a half hour each day. All of these measures, including being in prison for going on 11 months, have been done against an innocent man, even by worldly standards, for he has not been convicted of any crime. Following these measures he was taken to an 'emergency' hearing in court by Judge Pfeffer in Santa Fe. A court trial had been scheduled for Feb. 24, 2009 but the judge told him his witnesses were to appear in court on Feb. 23, 2009 but that the jury trial had been 'changed' to March 4, 2009. The judge also told him that no more 'paperwork' would be accepted.

As mentioned above, phone privileges had been greatly reduced. Finally, however, he was allowed one call to a 'legal counsel' from which the above information was gathered.

When I talked to my sister Friday evening I was also very impressed when she told me another aspect of this 'case'. When Karl was detained and 'charged', paperwork was prepared stating the truth. When Karl appears before the judge he states to the judge "I stand on my paperwork." The judge has appeared to use all sorts of measures to get any other answer, but thus far to no avail. Unless the court can get Karl to contradict his paperwork their case against him doesn't look good (to put it mildly).

I was deeply impressed with the spiritual lesson for all of us in this experience. So long as we 'stand on the paperwork' of God's written Word, Satan and all of his hosts can't exert the power of their lies over us and trap us into slavery to him.

This morning I was studying Psalm 64 and it seemed so timely. I have posted the whole paraphrase in the link to the right, but I'm going to share it here too as it seems so appropriate for today, especially as Karl goes to another hearing.

1. Listen to my problem, Lord. Keep me from being terrorized by those who hate me. Defend me from unjust court officials, who wound, cause pain and even destroy with their sharp, acrid words. They intensely accuse anybody, with no respect for truth, and urge each other on to add even worse accusations, for they think no one hears or sees their unjust plots hidden deep in their hearts. 7 – 9 But God will surprise them. What they devised against others will so suddenly happen to them that they will get beat up. Everyone watching will back off in astonishment as they see how God handled the situation. They will respect Him as they tell others what happened. 10 Those who are honest in heart will rejoice in the Lord and continue to trust Him, thus revealing in their own lives what God is really like.

I also ask anyone who reads this to especially pray for Frances as well as Karl today. There have been rumors her physical freedom is also in immediate danger.

Our God, however, is the God of Freedom. It is fear that brings bondage and torment. Perfect love casts out fear. I am claiming that what God is really like - love - will be so revealed through Karl and Frances that those who love God will rejoice with them as the more distinct picture of God is revealed through this experience. And even those who don't love God will eventually admit that God is right. These past ten months have been very difficult for both my sister and her lovely husband, but God has been giving them His sustaining grace.

Thank you for your prayers of faith, for thanking God for keeping His promises of angelic protection, deliverance of the captive and a revealing of God's character in such a way that God will be glorified.

Bringer of Peace

Pray for Freedom and Peace

2009-02-20T16:32:00.000-05:00

In April 2008 my brother-in-law was put in prison. He has been denied a speedy trial for whatever accusations have been made against him. After several previous dates for a trial - which were all canceled - the latest date is February 24, 2009.

He is legally blind without corrective lenses but has not had the use of any corrective measures since being in prison. He has health challenges which also have not been properly taken care of during these many months. The legal system says a person is innocent until proven guilty but the judge and court system have not acted such in this case.

Previous to this life challenge my brother-in-law was the chair person of the language department at a well known school and had been voted teacher of the year by students and staff.

We have been claiming that God's saving hand will break the bonds and set Karl free.

Please pray with us in his behalf.

I also ask that you will pray for my sister. The pressure on her has been tremendous as well. They both need God's healing and to be flooded with His love.

Bringer of Peace

Trusting God brings His peace

2009-02-12T06:02:00.003-05:00

More often then not when I begin studying a certain passage of the Bible the Lord concurrently brings experiences into my life that 'need' what I am studying (or is it that the Holy Spirit is guiding me to the words that I need during that experience?). Whatever the case, now is no exception. Psalm 63 has some very pertinent information for my present situations. You can read the entire Psalm at the paraphrase link to the right if you wish, but I will share just a few thoughts here as well. David begins this Psalm with an affirming statement about God.

"I am quietly yet confidently waiting for sure victory from the
Mighty God. Since He is my only security, prosperity and refuge,
I won't leave Him."

David goes on to briefly describe the 'destination' of those who don't trust in God but then encourages everyone to have confidence in God's loving care.

"Have confidence in God all the time and share with Him
all that concerns you."

He ends this Psalm by affirming God directly:

"Lord, You are good, kind and loving and You make a
covenant of peace with every person who accepts Your ways."

I am so thankful that the God I serve is that kind of a God and He knew that I needed those affirming words particularly yesterday.

He has also been working on me to become more like Him. When God says something He means what He says and says what He means. That enables us to be able to trust Him.

Evidently my words have not always been that way. Yesterday I was told a number of things that people believed - taken from what I had said - but which were a surprise to me. There are times that I get a distinct impression that some kind of 'spirit' takes my words and twists them before they get to another person's ears. Yet, yesteday I was also helped to realize by someone who is a real friend that in trying to 'keep peace' (what I thought was peace anyway) the 'way' I have at times said things (thinking they were diplomatic - of a sort) have been at least part of the problem. There are times when I need to be what I consider 'blunt'. People will 'hear' what they want to hear many times, but on the other hand, the more blunt a response the more difficult it might be to 'twist' what was spoken to fit another's definition, (and desire).

I want to be truthful, and kind, and yet I am recognizing that there are also times when being 'blunt' may be the most truthful and perhaps the kindest possible. In my case it may seem to 'hurt' for the moment but in the long run it may be the way of shortening others expectations of what they want or think I am saying. I believe the Lord is guiding me in this life experience and I am choosing to learn His way.

My prayer right now is another one of David's prayers:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and
my Redeemer."

Trusting God and accepting His will even through His reproving lessons is where I am finding His kind of peace in my heart. I invite you to join me in not only learning God's will today but also accepting it in your heart.

May the God of Peace bring You into closer unity with Him today.

Bringer of Peace

Psalm 61 visited

2009-02-09T06:32:00.007-05:00

It seems that I am not very good when it comes to importing material for my blog. I have argued (if that is a correct word) with this program now for the last several minutes, trying to type in some simple words.

Oh well, can't win them all. I'm pretty sure it is simply one or two 'small steps I happen to be missing. That is what happened when I was first introduced to DOS (Disk operating system) many years ago when I first started working on a computer. Back then I would almost be in tears every time I would attempt to start up the computer to do some work. Fortunately my 'boss' would come to the rescue and get me to where I needed to go. DOS and I never did get along. When Microsoft Windows was introduced as an operating system on computers I made an 'agreement' that I would let others handle any DOS 'talk'. I seemed to be able to navigate much better in Windows - even to this day.

Back to now. This morning I was attempting to upload Psalm 61 into the paraphrase link at the right and it almost seemed to be a repeat of my experiences with DOS. I would do one thing but the computer would take my request and do something else - or at least so it seems to me. It would change font sizes, crowd letters and other sorts of 'mess ups'. But enough of those minor difficulties for now.

I would encourage you to read the entire Psalm 61 paraphrase but I am also going to share a portion of it here as well.

This is one of the Psalms where David focuses primarily on one thought. (I do like that approach now and then.)

It seems obvious that David, at times anyway, struggled with depression. In this Psalm he's asking God's help.

"O God, carefully listen to me . . . . When depression tries to cover me, lift me out of it completely and into Your presence."

David goes on to describe what it is like to him to be in God's presence.

"You have been to me like a secure garden filled with lovely, fragrant flowers."

David goes on to reaffirm his choice to daily keep his promises because of what God is doing in him.

"I will joyfully sing to You from now on, Lord, which will empower me to daily keep my covenant promises to You."

Even with computer challenges and more, I can choose to daily praise the Lord too.

Join me today in joyful praise to our Loving Lord.

Bringer of Peace

At Rest

2009-02-08T18:42:00.004-05:00

Here is a picture of one of our pets. Here he is in one of his quieter moments. We call him 'Tiger' (with a short sound on the 'i'). He is actually getting to be quite loveable. In his earlier days he had a habit of seeming to want us to pet him but then he would suddenly jump back at the one petting him with open claws.

During this winter we have even let him stay inside on the colder nights. We have another kitty called 'Snickers' (or 'Sneakers' depending on who is talking to him or about him.) Snickers is the older of the two and seems to still be 'head' cat. They still think each other's tail is something to 'swat at' occasionally. But on the whole they seem to get along fairly well - except just before it is time to eat.

We have had some beautifully mild days and are thankful. Today a friend wanted to visit another church so I took her there. They were celebrating 'Scout day' so three groups of scouts assisted with the worship service. The choir was not real big but they were a real blessing.

After the service I got to talking to one of the ladies. We got to talking about teaching children. I shared with her briefly some of my experiences with previous Vacation Bible Schools. She seemed to be very interested in the materials. I am very happy to share what God has shared with me over the years.

This morning we spent time praying for God to take full charge of His work here. This afternoon we received another call for prayer from another state. Actually my heart praised God as I heard some of what has been happening there. People are developing a real hunger to learn more about who God really is and what He is really like.

In Psalms God Himself has asked us to give Him authority from a human standpoint to conquer strongholds still held by the enemy. "Who will give Me the authority to conquer the strongholds of those still against Me?"

Praise God, He is not only able but is in the business of breaking down stronghold after stronghold and wooing more and more people to come and accept that Jesus not only loves them but has already paid for their deliverance and is inviting them to receive God's mercy and grace that was made available to them even while they were still sinners.

This is truly God's kind of Peace and rest.

You have full right to 'rest' in God's love just now, praise the Lord.

Bringer of Peace

Psalm 108 visited

2009-02-07T17:33:00.002-05:00

I found out the last part of Psalm 60 and the last part of Psalm 108 were basically the same. Having finished Psalm 60 I decided to compare it with Psalm 108. (My Psalm 108 paraphrase is posted at link on right)

Psalm 108 almost seemed to be using the second part as sort of a 'chorus' (the part that was the same as Psalm 60).

The first part of Psalm 108 does seem to be much more positive than the first part of Psalm 60.

Psalm 108: 1-6 describes David's choice to really focus on the Majestic, Everlasting God by using his talents of poetry and music in worship. He also expresses his desire to celebrate God's intense benevolence and loving favor to those around him as well as to the whole world.

I am becoming convinced that the more time we spend focusing on God and learning more of what He is really like the more we will become like Him - as the Bible says "By beholding we become changed".

The more time I have taken in looking at the Psalms the more word pictures I have discovered there about my wonderful Saviour and King.

I thank God for these precious gems of truth and pray others can be blessed as well.

Bringer of Peace

Cleansing can bring peace

2009-02-07T16:55:00.004-05:00

I have a printer that sometimes gets me frustrated. Sometimes I almost think it seems to have a mind of its own - even though I know it is only 'technology'. (I am convinced, though, that there are 'entities' that know a lot about technology and can cause problems when we are permitted to do so).

When we were at the seminar we were printing some materials to share with others. Sometimes the printer would work fine, but other times - - - well, let me say it did far less than it can do. There were times when it would only print at a snail's pace. Other times it would skip lines and other times certain ink colors would quit (even when there was ink). At times it did help to put the printer through what is called a cleaning cycle. But in a number of instances I just told the Lord I didn't know what was wrong and would He please 'help'. Some of those times I saw an almost immediate positive difference in the printer's performance.

Before going to the evangelism training seminar I was attempting to print up the lessons for the children's 'week of prayer' meetings I was to hold at the nearby church school. Even when the printer seemed to be working ok the program in which all of my files have been developed started arguing with the computer. All the other programs worked fine, but not that one. I tried deleting it and reinstalling it plus some other attempts. For most of the week before the 'week of prayer' the program was in almost constant conflict with the computer. It did seem that I could at times send one printing assignment to the printer before the program would crash. This was basically how I was finally able to print 16 sets of lessons before leaving for the week.

Part way through that week I was reminded that this has been a frequent occurance whenever I would be asked to share God's good news with a group. One time my computer 'died' just days before I left for a Vacation Bible School in West Virginia. Other times my current printer would quit altogether. But each time the Lord has enabled me to 'go forward' one way or another.

This time, and I can't really explain it, after we got to the retreat the program began to agree with the computer and I was able to print up additional material for several people who became interested. We did have problems but were able to accomplish quite a bit anyway.

I was reminded of these things today as I was going to share some really good news with a friend. I started to print and the printer 'had other ideas'. It does look like this time just a 'cleaning cycle' eventually has solved the problem.

But I wonder what the Lord thinks about my life. Has He had some similar problems? I do know that I need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to be the kind of person He has already invisioned me as.

My printer is technology. I do have a brain and the power of choice which God has given me.

My printer is pretty much controlled by the computer and the commands I send. (Although I still think there may be more interference at times.) I thank God that so long as I am united to Him by accepting His will I am not just 'technology'. I can be cleansed by the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through me applying what Jesus has already done for me to me.

God has already planned for me to be like Him. Yes, I do need cleansing. The kind of cleansing God offers and supplies results in genuine, real peace.

For that I fully praise the Lord.

I invite you to request Jesus to perform that kind of cleansing for yourself too.

Bringer of Peace

Where to from here?

2009-02-06T10:30:00.002-05:00

I just finished 'unpacking' Psalm 60. That is one fascinating passage. (My paraphrase has been posted at the link to the right) The last several verses (6-12) are repeated almost exactly in Psalm 108 so I am planning to look at that passage next - sort of comparing and possibly contrasting the two portions of scripture.

Other than time with the Word, we have also been trying to 'catch up' with a variety of jobs here at the farm after being gone for a week to the evangelism training event mentioned in an earlier blog.

Another activity, which seems to be increasing in frequency, has been responding to requests from family and friends to pray either with or for them in varying degrees of 'emergency'. That opportunity I value highly. I consider myself a little like a 'hose'. Most people don't usually think of or maybe even notice the hose, but the water can flow through it to where it is most needed - where the hose is directed. God is the power source. He has asked for us, His people and family, to become a 'hose', a channel, a conduit, through which His love flows out to where it is most needed. One advantage to being a water hose is that I also come in contact with the water as it flows through me to where it is needed.

Just before we left for the training week our son took off for Michigan with his girlfriend to spend some time, I understood anyway, with her parents and family. We haven't heard much from them but hope all is well. That leaves the 'home front' quieter in a variety of ways. They didn't take time before leaving (they had a time constraint) to get all their things put away so we have been working on that project as well. Even if I do say so myself, I think our son's room looks pretty good at present. Yesterday we were also able to rearrange things to make the rest of the house more liveable, and hopefully organized, as well. Today we gave our dog a bath so he has had time in the house - to make sure he is well dry before going back outside again. Usually he stays outside most of the time.

Our weather this winter has had some cold days, but for the most part I would say it has been more of a 'middle of the road' winter - not as cold as some and not as warm as others. Since we heat with wood my hubby has been spending time splitting wood, especially since he is not working for pay elsewhere. There are not as many people in the big farm house so they haven't been using as much wood lately - very good on the wood supply. We probably wouldn't have had enough wood otherwise. Our house is smaller and we have a more efficient stove so we don't use near as much wood as the bigger farm house. I don't think we always keep our place as warm as they sometimes kept the big house, either.

As we think about the future we don't know all God has in store, but we do know that God is more interested in us getting to know who He really is and what He is really like than anything else. I have been thankful for what I have been learning these past few weeks and months but I know there is a whole lot more yet for me to learn. I have been challenged in a good way by some of what has been posted at http://clayfootsteps.blogspot.com/ along these lines. You may want to visit there some time as well.

One of the reasons we went to the evangelism training week was that I was asked to share with the local church elementary school what we call 'Passport to Life'. Several folks at the event became interested in my materials so one project I need to get busy with is printing materials to share with folks who have requested copies. I thank God for the privilege of being able to share.

We also received another request to share the Passport to Life with a group of Juniors in April in Tennessee. That may be a little ways away but I hope to get materials ready before we go instead of trying to 'print' it while we are there. They are anticipating upwards of 50 in attendance. They had around 30 last year but are meeting in a larger facility so expect more.

Time is marching on and we have much to do before the day is over. We are looking forward to this evening as the setting sun welcomes Sabbath - the day upon which God rested and then blessed and then invited us to join Him in praise and worship to Him. Wherever you are we invite you also to join us in the Sabbath time God calls a delight in honor of His creation of this world.

May God speak peace to you today as you choose to make Him your King and Saviour.

Bringer of Peace

Sweet Peace, the Gift of God's Love

2009-02-02T12:18:00.002-05:00

Divine Appointment

Maybe that would describe at least some of what has happened this past week.

Since my husband is no longer 'hired' by a company who gives him so much money per hour in exchange for his labor, he was able to go with me as we participated in a week long Evangelism training, Revival/Week of prayer.

The person in charge has a burning desire for people who love God to 'get out of the box' not only in their thinking about who God is (which is essential for most people, I believe), but in how to share God's love and passion with others. He does happen to be a minister of the good news that God loves. He also happens to have an area of 'labor' allocated to him by his church of 7 counties in south west Virginia that has a multitude of physical, economic and spiritual challenges. Over and above that he has a burning desire to train, equip and encourage 10,000 African young people in 'out of the box' methods and ways of sharing God's love with others. He is in no way content to just have those passions by himself, but is constantly looking for ways to be contagious around others.

He wanted me to go with him and a group who did go with him to Africa last summer, but I couldn't quite wrap my brain around the financial 'how'. I have a feeling he is not going to let US off the hook quite as easily this year.

During this past week's activities we participated in a variety of activities. Every morning we spent anywhere from an hour to close to two hours doing an 'inductive' type study of the first few chapters of Ephesians. The Spirit of the Lord was in that place, to put it mildly.

Later each day we listened as another person shared some basics of 'how' to share God's good news with others. There were plans to implement some of what was being learned but very poor weather at times hampered some of the 'practical applications'.

The director had asked if during the week I would lead out in a spiritual focus for a nearby church elementary school so each afternoon I shared with the children God's plan for them to 'reconnect' with Him. Because this was spiritually based I used the old testament sanctuary model to illustrate steps each person can cooperate with God in to return to our allegiance and loyalty to the Creator.

The last couple of days I also introduced them to the 'Armor of God' and how to apply each one of those 'illustrations' to their own spiritual walk with Jesus and using those 'tools' in sharing God's love with others.

Part of the challenge for me in preparing for my part in this presentation was both my computer and printer, which is very commonly the case. (When I am asked to present these precious concepts it is almost rare that something doesn't go technically wrong somewhere and/or sometime.

For some weeks before even knowing that we would be going my computer began arguing with Coreldraw (where I have done all my lessons and where they are stored). It got to the place that if I could even open the program I couldn't change anything or it would 'crash'. When we accepted the invitation to share with children I wanted to print out the lessons. For a good share of the time during week before we left I 'argued' with my 'equipment', as well as praying that God would guide me. At times I could get it to print a few pages before it would 'crash' again. In that way, by the day we left we were finally able to 'print' 16 complete sets of lessons for the children's presentations plus a few other things to show.

I decided to take my printer with us just in case I needed more materials. I'm not sure what happened (other than God's direct intervention) but Coreldraw started to cooperate at least part of the time. Part of the time the printer also 'cooperated'. To make a long story short, we spent quite a bit of our 'free time' while there printing additional material for folks who were interested, as well as several sets more of the children's material (we found out when we got there that we needed 3 more sets). We still had technical difficulties on a fairly regular basis, but I thank the Lord for not only being able to share what He has so abundantly shared with us but also for what we learned from others by the Lord.

God's kind of peace is a gift. God wants us to learn how to make His gifts so attractive that others are drawn to choosing to accept them in their lives as well. That has been one of my primary goals when developing lessons for children, youth and more recently more adult level.

During the last few days some other folks joined us at the 'camp'. One lady came over from the southeast coast area of Virginia. We were friends from earlier years so spent some time 'catching up'. What seemed very interesting to me, however, was that I had sensed that in some way, some how, some time, there was going to be what I have 'labeled' a 'Divine appointment'. As we spoke she expressed that the Lord had impressed her that during the time at this meeting there would be a 'Divine appointment'. Several things happened that could be label as such, but I believe as times goes on we will see more clearly what God's plans are, as they unfold.

Even with all the activity and training, the longer we spent together with others who loved God as well as in learning from God, the more of God's Spirit was manifested - or perhaps the more we began to perceive what He was doing. God's kind of peace is not only sweet, but is life giving as well. I praise God for both the experience as well as the time we were able to take at this 'retreat'.

Time is passing and I have other things I need to do - having just gotten back home.

Until we meet again may God's sweet Spirit fill your life with His love.

God loves you.

Bringer of Peace

Options for Peace - or otherwise

2009-01-23T13:56:00.005-05:00

The more I have been 'digging' into the Psalms the more fascinating they are becoming to me.
I've read all of them due to the fact that I have read the whole Bible through a number of times, but some of the messages were either unclear or completely 'missed' by me before. Psalm 59 is one good example of 'not getting the message' by a surface reading.

I have posted the paraphrase of Psalm 59 to the right (click the paraphrase link) but I'll add a few comments here about the content as well.

The notes at the beginning of Psalm 59 indicate David had been chased by Saul - even out of his own house.

For those who have read of some of Saul's 'dealings' in regards to David, the Psalm has quite a bit of meaning. But it also has some very pertinent thoughts and applications for today.

David took what people said seriously (for the most part anyway). In this passage he has quite a bit to say negatively about some people's words. Here are examples.
6 – 7 Like a pack of dogs prowling around at night, they growl and are boisterously fierce. Their words, like garbage, gush out sharp and acrid because they think “who cares?”.

Here is another one.

14 – 15 O.K. Let them loudly growl and noisily complain, like a pack of dogs prowling around at night as they wander outside the protected place – grumbling because they aren’t satisfied.

Those against David evidently weren't what you might call 'good' stock.

But even after all of that, David turned his eyes back on His heavenly Protector and ended this poem in triumph.

16 But I will celebrate Your conquering boldness with singing. Yes, I will shout with rejoicing in the morning about Your goodness and faithfulness. You have been my stronghold and way of escape when my enemies were after me. 17 I make joyful music to You, God, for You are my benevolent, Love Power.

We, too, can turn our eyes from the frustrations and complications that may face us and choose to celebrate God's conquering boldness with singing and shouts of joy.

I invite you to join me in praising the Lord especially during the upcoming hours of the Sabbath.

May God speak especially good to you as you lift your thoughts to how wonderful He really is and how awesome is His lovingkindness to all of us.

Bringer of Peace

Words of Peace (or otherwise)

2009-01-19T19:07:00.003-05:00

I have been studying Psalm 58. For some reason it seemed to take me some time to even begin to understand what David was saying in this passage. But as I was looking at it again the past couple of days I sensed at least some of what God was speaking. (See 'Paraphrases' at the right to see and read the whole chapter)

David's primary focus in this passage seems to be on both attitudes and words. It begins with a couple of questions. Evidently the original 'receiver'(s) had some problems. What would you think if someone asked you "Are your decisions right? Are your criticisms valid?" and then if that same person went on to tell you that your emotions were so 'off track' that they affected all your actions to others in such a way that you had become cruel and oppressive. But they didn't stop there. They went so far as to say that the same spirit had 'infested' your children so that their words were not only lies but were like 'hot acid' and that they wouldn't listen to anyone anymore. Doesn't paint a very good word picture, to say the least.

If that is all that David said I would have been rather discouraged. But as usual, David ends with hope and lots of encouragement. Listen as he ends in 'praise'.

10-11 Those who choose the right will leap for joy as they
experience cleansing from all the lies which had previously
caused hostility and separation between them and God.
Even hypocrites will admit: "Yes, God rewards those who
agree with Him." God will vindicate Himself right here on
this earth. "

Those parting words are definitely words of peace for all who will accept them. We serve a God that is not out for revenge - even after all that was said earlier concerning how some people may believe, and act on, lies about Him. But the Creator God is more interested in revealing His real character of divine love and compassion through unmerited grace and plentiful mercy to even those who don't yet know or love Him,then any other action.

That is one way I long to imitate God's character and thus help vindicate Him as well.

Until we meet again may God's peace fill your heart and life.

Bringer of Peace

A new week

2009-01-18T18:20:00.002-05:00

A new week and a new 'routine' has begun in our house. Since hubby is no longer working an 8 hour day we are hoping to get caught up on a lot of unfinished business around the farm. Our son just took off for Michigan so the place is considerable quieter at the moment as well.

We were able to get some wood split for our hungry 'woodstoves'. Since both houses have stoves we are using much more wood. But we are thankful that the wood is not as expensive as is bottled gas. We are also thankful that the remaining folks in the other house have been willing to keep the woodstove going to help reduce the overall heating costs of electric and gas.

There are also some other 'new' things this week. A close friend of mine who dearly loves the Lord is in a very tight financial situation. She called this morning and we talked for a little while. Today my hubby and I have been talking to God in her behalf a number of times. God knows far more about her than we do. On the other hand He encourages us to bring to Him what is on our minds. Not only is her situation involving her personally but quite a few other people as well. At this point in time I believe God could be glorified by answering our requests. At the same time we do not know everything, so we keep asking most of all for God's will to be done.

One thing that I do KNOW is that God's will is for us to TRUST His heart. No matter what physical circumstances may attempt to overwhelm us, Trusting the heart of God will not lead us to destruction spiritually but will draw us ever closer to our Lover, our Saviour and Lord.

Another project I am preparing for this week is a training 'camp' which will be held next week and I have been asked to share what I have been learning and teaching for the past several years with a program called "Passport to Life". My computer has been arguing with the software in which I made all my lessons so it has been a bit of a challenge. At the moment all I can do is 'print' what I have already completed. If I try to change anything the program locks up. Keeps life interesting, to put it mildly. Yet I have been thanking God that I can at least print out what I have already completed. I will be having a sort of 'week of prayer' at a church school in the afternoons and in the mornings I am scheduled to share with adults along spiritual lines. Most of all I want to share more of what God is really like with others.

I believe one of my primary focuses, even as some other blogger friends have mentioned, is to seek to know what God would have me 'do' and 'let go' of other multitude of activities that call me to their aide.

May the God of peace be with you this week no matter what is going on around you.

Bringer of Peace

Peace and Quiet - for a few days maybe

2009-01-15T18:03:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the last day of my hubby's current job. They are going to have a little special 'dinner' for him and I have been invited which is nice.

Since God is not dependent on a job to take care of our needs in some respects we are looking forward with a certain amound of 'awe' as to what God is planning for us. I've asked the Lord if there is a 'job' I should be looking to do for pay. It seems I keep plenty busy most of the time - but not for what the world calls 'pay'. At this point in time that doesn't seem to yet be on God's revealed agenda.

Rather, I got a letter last week inviting me to share the wonderful news about God with some children in Tennessee during a 'long' weekend when the adults will be receiving spiritual food also. Then I got a phone call today asking if we might be available to teach in south west Virginia during the last week in January. Well, my hubby is not tied down to a 'paying job' so we said yes to both.

In the meantime, there are less people here, which tends to reduce the hubbub somewhat. I did get a call from two former residents today asking questions. One I could take care of quickly. The other one got quite interested in the training week in south west Virginia and seemed interested in possibly attending. I gave her the number of the director. Hope all goes well.

Our son is trying to work things out to go to Michigan this next week to see his girl friend's parents. Two less people here should bring even more quiet - for a few days anyway.

With less people here it has been interesting how those left seem to be 'watching' the expenses more, for which we are grateful. We do have a gas heater in the other house but the folks there have been trying to keep the wood stove running as well which definitely reduces the use of the gas. Thus far the gas bill has stayed a bit lower than other years, Thank God.

There is another kind of Peace and quiet, though, that I have been looking for intently as well as a 'quiet' farm. Some of my other blogger friends have been speaking of the kind of peace found when a person takes specific time with getting to know who God really is and what He is really like. Yes, that is what I have been aiming at as well and I believe God is aiding me in that search through many means.

Starting perhaps a couple weeks or so ago I was challenged with a loss of my voice as well as some other 'ill' symptoms. It hasn't seemed to have been a typical 'flu' or 'cold' but I have had a cough that doesn't sound good as well as 'aching' off and on, depending on several factors. I thought I was doing better but today was a 'down' day. I slept more or less a good share of the day and tonight I think I am feeling better. To be honest, when I have been awake I have been talking to the Lord on a number of subjects probably more than a typical day. I do thank the Lord that He can listen and communicate with me any time day or night.

I do hope to get to bed somewhat early this evening - and hoping that the extra rest and quiet will help strengthen me for tomorrow and on.

Right now hubby and son are adding extra antifreeze to the two cars as it may get down in the single digits or lower tonight and tomorrow night as well.

Sometimes the colder weather seems a little quieter. We haven't had much snow yet this year (there were a few flakes today) but somehow a quiet snowfall often gives a sense of peace to the body - if it isn't 'overdone'.

Whether your weather is cold or otherwise, whether you have a lot of people around or just a few (or none) keep in mind that God's kind of peace can be everywhere and all the time.

Great peace those have who love God and nothing will offend them. Praise the Lord.

Bringer of Peace

Let them go

2009-01-14T10:18:00.002-05:00

A lot has been happening in my life the past few days and weeks. Other than not being able to 'talk' much - maybe that was a blessing in more than one way - there have been a lot of emotions with at least some twinges of sadness.

In the past few weeks 5 people have moved from the farm to go live in other locations. As usual, or so it has often seemed, 'we' are to 'blame'. But, let them go.

Some time back we let the folks living here know that we were seriously planning on moving. When we leave this place everyone else also has to leave. That is what started the above 'moves' at least in part.

One person left - or at least we got the distinct impression - angry at us and thinking we had similar feelings (which we don't). (I do believe we are on better terms by now, though.)

Another person left and gave us a distinct impression that he deserved to have received more than he 'gave' (even to the point of attempting to 'take' some items to 'pay' for what he believed he 'deserved').

Another person left (she had to go because she was related to the one listed above) after having given, and given, and given again and having been a tremendous, gracious hostess to others.

The next two people to leave had been a blessing in many ways to us while here, but they did seem to be a little flustered. It was a difficult move since they had so much to 'take' with them this time. They filled a 28 ft truck as well as a car with their belongs. They were leaving primarily because of our decision. They have a heart to do God's will and we wish them God speed.

There will be more 'leavings' before this scenario is over. I'm not sure whether to 'look forward' to them or otherwise. Through much of this time we have also been working to organize and pack our belongings as well. Makes for an interesting situation, to say the least.

My mind this morning went to the rich young ruler who came to Jesus one day wanting to know what was needed for him to follow Jesus. This Bible story has intrigged me. Jesus loved this young man and desired him to respond to the Saviour's love. Yet, according to the world's standards, Jesus didn't do a very good job of presenting the possibilities very well for the young man turned away sorrowful when Jesus answered his question as to what was needed to follow Jesus.

On the other hand, might it be that we need to be careful not to 'sweet talk' others when they are making life changing decisions? Might there be a time to 'let them go'? Might there even be a place to have 'tears' in our eyes as we watch someone leave?

In my situation I have to admit that for at least two of the people who have left I have felt sorry for them. We had hoped to have been a help to every person who has come 'our way'.

Another lesson we have also been learning is that when a person does not forgive they become a debt collector. The problem gets bigger as each person they meet they attempt to collect debts from even though the one they have not forgiven may be long gone or far away.

It appears to us at the moment that a number of folks have attempted to collect debts from us even though we were not the ones originally at 'fault'. Let me assure you, it has been an expensive proposition - on our part anyway.

I do hope, though, that even as we let them go they will some how, some day, learn that the only way they will ever be able to satisfy their 'debt' - the ones they perceive owed to them - will be to 'let IT go'. They will never be able to collect enough to satisfy what they believe is owed them. But when they 'let IT go' - what they believe is owed to them - then God can not only pardon others but they can also be forgiven and cleansed and no longer need to be debt collectors of anything.

What about us? I am choosing to 'let it go' too. We do want to remember the good, pure, true, honest, and good reports but let the rest 'go' into God's care and keeping.

I guess this was reinforced yesterday when a 'former' resident 'let me have it' with a barrage of 'what was wrong' with present situations. I didn't (couldn't) say much so just listened. I was finally able to extracate myself from even listening because I had to take someone else somewhere. I feel sorry for that person but I believe God would have me 'let them go' just as Jesus 'let' the rich young ruler 'go'.

Today is another day. Besides letting people 'go', we are trying to get rid of 'things' as well.

We had probably 'more' than enough when we moved here about 12 years ago. My husband's mother added a lot to our 'stash' which we 'inherited' when she died. When the woman died who owned the farm a lot of her items were 'added' to the composite amount. Then, over the years a number of folks have 'left' things here from time to time. Now it is time for us to 'let them go' - or more actively 'get rid' of the stuff.

And time for us may be running out. My brother advised me that two times in his married life the Lord had given them advance notice that they were going to be moving and to get packed and ready. They pretty much ignored the counsel both times with near disastrous results. I would like to learn from other people's experiences so I have been trying to move in that direction of 'letting go' as well as 'packing' what we think we would like to keep.

It has helped as each of the people leaving have taken things with them. But there is still a lot of 'stuff'' left. Some stuff is old old. Some stuff just needs to be dumped. Other stuff needs to be recycled (maybe). Some stuff needs to find other 'homes' and maybe some stuff needs to be 'left' - time will tell.

Well, time is marching on and now I need to get busy with more than writing.

My voice seems a bit better (but that doesn't 'do' anything with 'stuff') so I'm signing off for now.

Until we meet again, may I remind you that Jesus not only 'let go' those who chose to go a different direction, but He was constantly drawing to Him anyone who was 'weary', and 'heavy laden'. And for anyone who responds to His drawing love, He loves to shower with His peace, joy and love. Sounds good to me. Bring that kind of 'rain' on, Jesus.

Bringer of Peace

Quietness and Peace

2009-01-10T10:00:00.003-05:00

I suppose I have been thinking about 'quietness' in part because at the moment I can't talk. Last evening I completely lost my voice. I normally 'teach' a class of young children at our church every week. I suppose the children could 'hear' me when I whisper, but I have yet to learn how to 'sing' without 'sound'. Without music the class looses much of its attraction for children. I called some friends and they are taking the class of children today.

So, here I sit, 'writing' along the lines of 'words' and 'quietness'.

Most often we think of words as what we 'say' - our speech. That is very true. And it is also true what Jesus said in Matthew 12:37 "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Written words, however, are also very important. The whole Bible is 'written' words and we know a little of the impact those words have on a person - especially when those words are accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit in one's heart and life.

Putting together what I have been learning from some of my recent studies in Psalms it seems David wrote a lot about the effects of 'words'. I just recently 'unpacked' Psalm 57 (see paraphrase link to right for the entire chapter). David had some strong things to say about the effects of words. In Psalm 57:4 David described 'negative' communication in rather strong terms.

"Roaring and yelling surround me. People spew out burning, acrid words. They lay seige on me with cutting, blasphemous language."

In verse 6, however, David expresses another very interesting concept.

"Their determined plans to trap me as I move from place to place depress me, causing me to feel worthless and empty. Yet, in those very plots they laid for me they themselves have been entrapped."

I definitely need to be more careful in what I say. It may come back to either 'haunt' or 'help' me - depending on what I said or written.

Thankfully, words can also communicate 'positive', uplifting sentiments, - both spoken and written. In Psalm 56 David expressed his choice to have confidence in God - even using God's own words - to reinforce himself.

Ps. 56: 3 - 4 But, when I am tempted to get terrified, I renew my determination to have confidence - feel safe - in You, God, by boasting in You (usuing Your own words) to boldly declare my security in You. I will not dread or even be afraid of what people try to deal out to me.

Sadly, another recent experience reminded me how weak I am in the area of 'words'. A few of us were talking about some recent events here at the farm (Who needs artificially developed hollywood type 'soap operas' when you live at a place like this farm. ). Sad to say. we fell into a 'complaint' session. I hope you have never participated' in anything of that kind, but you may know what I mean anyway - 'so and so did such and such'; ' he did this or that'; she said' . . . about . . . , 'ad nauseum'.

Fortunately the Lord got hold of one person's mind in the group and they 'called' the rest of us on what we were doing and saying - particularly the complaining and 'gossiping'. When I recognised what I had just been involved in I also realized that, if possible, I was more guilty. I have been studying the above Psalms and should have 'known' better. Needless to say, I really felt bad and went back to each person involved and ask their forgiveness for taking part in that negative, even 'acid' form of communication activity.

I guess the above is more of an example of how to not have God's kind of quietness and peace.

So, how can I learn to have God's kind of quietness (as well as my not being able to 'talk' for a while.)

Well, for one thing, God's kind of quietness is not so much having to do with 'not talking' as it has to do with one's personal 'attitude', at least as I am presently beginning to see 'good' quietness.

For a few months there was a person here on the farm that talked and talked and ta. . . . I came to the conclusion that to that person, anyway, a 'lie' had been implanted early in their life that talk was a primary means of extracating one's self from any difficulty. What became even more obvious to me, however, was that from the outside (me looking on) more and more talk only seemed to make matters worse. I can't think of any time in my previous life when I have 'heard' so many 'stories' concerning any particular situation as I have while 'listening' to that person. Even more interesting was that stories would be presented to me (even when I had been involved in a story) and tales would be spun that because of personal involvement I knew to not be true - although there were 'elements' of facts scattered here and there so as to try to make it look plausible, if possible.

Our son had asked me to listen to a fairly recent 'popular' song a few months ago. Each verse of the song would describe some circumstances of which the whole song was about. Then, in the chorus the singer said 'this is my story and I'm stickin' to it'. I laughed as I listened to the singer 'explaining' what had happened and then in the next verse changing his 'story' - again and again and yet ending each verse with: 'this is my story and I'm stickin' to it'.

The talker is no longer here on the farm. Actually, I do feel sorry for the talker, though. In my mind it should be much easier to speak the truth in love - and really 'stick' to it' - rather than coming up with so many variations on similar themes. And, for what it is worth, how does one keep track of what has been said before so as to agree? Maybe by then it doesn't matter.

In the long run, that kind of a mentality would be hard put to be 'quiet', with so many tales.

Enough of the negative. What about God's plans for peace?

God's kind of quiet and peace trusts God because the 'story' doesn't keep changing.

There most likely will be problems in each person's life. Yes. But even a lack of problems doesn't guarantee quiet.

For one reason, God's kind of quietness instills confidence that since God knows all and He loves me, I can 'rest' in His loving care. It is not up to me to 'come up' with a 'story'. And since God already knows what is best for me as well as 'knows' the story, I can and will be quiet in Him.

And even when others 'come up' with tales, God still is God and He already knows what is going on. I also believe that as we stay with Him, He will eventually bring truth to 'light'.

Another experience this week made that point very clear.

In working with another friend a rather tense situation between my friend and another person in some position of authority over my friend had been nervously increasing for some time.

During the past few weeks the tension level has speeded up due to some very unfortunate circumstances. Yesterday I went over to pick up a few items my friend asked me to 'take away'. While there a person 'representing' the authority came by with questions as to what 'I' was doing. To make a long story real short, some 'truth' came out that I believe can lead to a great reduction in the tension level. A lot of 'stories' had been 'flying' around but evidently there was also enough 'error' in each of them to create a lot of 'havoc, to say the least.

I believe God has been allowing certain things to happen in order to 'reveal', - or perhaps more correctly - bring to judgment (allow decisions to be made) in the situation involving my friend. The last I have heard, the stress level has dropped and I believe even more will 'come out' as time goes on.

Looking back on my friend's experiences as well as myself with the 'talker', I am wondering if God isn't leading me to learn to 'be quiet' in Him rather than choose to 'carry' stress, even when externally it may appear there are no alternatives except to get 'up tight' and stressful.

Isaiah wrote to Israel the following words from the Creator God. "In returning and rest shall ye be saved; In quietness and in confidence shall be your strengh'. Isaiah 30:15 And most of the time when quoting the Bible we 'end' the text there. But, sad to say, God added four more sad words "and ye would not".

God expressed His desire for Israel - and for me - but He wouldn't force them (or won't force me) to accept His kind of 'quiet' or 'rest'. When a person refuses to accept God's plan, God won't force, but the sad words may some day be spoken of them 'and you would not'.

That is so sad when a person refuses 'peace and quiet' from God, but I thank God I can personally choose - because of Jesus' life, death and resurrection - receive God's peace and quiet as well as His love and joyful strength.

May I invite you to join me in experiencing the peace and quiet that only God can give?

Thanks.

Bringer of Peace

Boot camp training experiences

2009-01-06T15:33:00.003-05:00

Have you ever felt as though any option you had was not conducive to the 'best' outcome?

Have you had someone get angry when you told them you forgave them?

Could it be that the way we look at a situation could be the 'real problem', not so much what is actually 'going on'.

I had a wonderfully edifying phone exchange with my brother this morning. As quite often is the case he challenges me to think differently about current events - my current events, not what the world calls 'current events'.

He knows in the past I have 'taught' others - often children - about the 'armor of God' and what some of the meanings for one's spiritual life can be. But rather than just 'rehashing', my brother suggested God's 'boot camp' experiences may be quite 'different' than what we might have previously conceived. Our son had recently been in 'army' boot camp so we discussed some of the 'contrasts' as they came to our minds. I wish I could have written more of it down as we talked but some of the suggested concepts are still tossing about in my head throughout this day.

1. Most activities at boot camp are aimed at producing unity of action amongst a 'group of people'.

The people in bootcamp march together, eat together, work together, study together and hopefully learn to cooperate in all aspects of their lives. When there is a battle it is not 'good' to have some 'maverick' out there doing 'his own' thing. As most good generals know, in unity there is a much greater opportunity for 'victory'.

2. Spiritual warfare deals with the mind, therefore the weapons are not physical.

God is looking for people who have matured spiritually to the level where they can not only 'put on' the armor of God but also have practice in 'using it' God's way.

3. God's weapons are not of this world.

If God's weapons are not of 'this world' than might they look 'odd' or even possibly 'wrong' to a person who is not 'spiritually minded.

4. The purpose of God's weapons are not the same as 'worldly' weapons.

Worldly weapons destroy. When our son was on the 'shooting range' it was with the express purpose to get enough practice with a given weapon so that some form of 'enemy' could be 'done away'. When we were talking after his days at boot camp, our son mentioned that a primary purpose 'drilled' in to them was not 'help' so much as 'kill'.

God is called the Prince of Peace. Why then so much 'talk' about 'war', 'battles', 'weapons', etc.?

If there was that question in my mind after I got off the phone this morning it didn't have long to be answered. Soon I had opportunity to 'see' a need for 'boot camp 'training' especially for me.

There were several folks here this morning. [Two of them leaving this afternoon - to another place nearby for a few days. Two of them are packing and moving to Tennessee.] They asked me to join them in worship as it mighty possibly be the last time we would be together, so I did. At the end of the prayer time one brother asked forgiveness if he had done anything wrong to anyone there. My mind was thinking along those lines too, but about another one leaving who had not seemed to appreciate (or maybe even comprehend) that his temporarily staying at our place was supposed to have been to help him. I have been challenged on a spiritual level in a number of areas by this man as well as 'hurt' by some of his actions and attitudes. Anyway, I decided, for my sake, to forgive him for hurting me. !!!! (BOOT CAMP TRAINING IN ACTION) Forgiveness is more for my heart than for the one I am forgiving. I do know telling him I forgave him resulted in all kinds of accusations etc. at me. I agreed to 'back off' and 'not show my face' again (since they were leaving soon), but I really, in a way, feel sorry for him even more than I did before. I do pray he will realize he needs Jesus and can't 'make it' by himself.

As anyone in boot camp knows, training is not 'easy' for there is much to learn in a short time.

Another aspect of spiritual 'warfare' is 'trusting' our Prince of Peace. Will we 'fall apart' or 'give up' if we don't have proper 'remuneration'? Beginning today we have a 'golden' opportunity to prove God's faithfulness for our main income is being terminated. I am determined to stay on God's side as we begin this new chapter of our lives, thanking Him for supplying our needs.

Someone recently asked us how we would survive without as many people living at the farm. I believe God will take care of us now just as much as he did when there were many here.

Other training events are ongoing, but my time is running out to 'report'. Until next newscast, keep your eyes on our wonderful Prince of Peace and He will 'keep you' in His love.

By the way, I just posted Psalm 57 in the Paraphrases link to the right, if you are at all interested. It has a VERY inspiring message from young David. It might even have something for you right now.

May God speak His peace to your heart.

Bringer of Peace

Learning more of the Prince of Peace

2009-01-04T06:53:00.003-05:00

New year, new week, new day!

This morning as the Lord and I were communing I was reminded again of the importance of choosing to take time daily with God. As others of my blog friends have mentioned, the temptation to visit blogs, write blogs and more can have a tendency to crowd out personal time with God.

It does happen to be around the new year so I suppose the following could be called a resolution. Whatever the name for it, my committment is shaping up to be to put my personal time with Jesus before other activities - computer or otherwise - in other words, first in the morning.

Another important part of being able to 'keep' that committment, at least for me, will also be shutting down the computer at an appropriate time the evening before.

So many things have been changing in our lives, but this is one thing I am choosing to aim at being constant.

May I encourage you, whoever you are, to join me in learning more about the Creator God of the Universe, the Prince of Peace, every day during this coming year.

Bringer of Peace

Celebrating God's Peace

2009-01-02T17:05:00.002-05:00

Another day to celebrate. The world has just celebrated the beginning of a new calendar year.

Today is the celebration of the 'birthday' of this earth. When God declared He had completed His creative activities, the whole loyal universe celebrated. As the hours of that day of celebration drew to a close God blessed the Sabbath day. Then He established it as a weekly recurring time to rejoice in the Lord, praise Him and learn more about the real character of the Creator God.

One name of the Creator God is "Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). So, remembering the day set apart by the Prince of Peace to celebrate what He has done both in creating this earth and in restoring His image in every person who accepts His redemptive plan for them becomes a sign of allegiance to the True God.

The more I am learning about the Creator God the more special every seventh day Sabbath becomes to me - which is part of God's plan for the Sabbath He established. Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for the human family, not the other way around. Even before Adam and Eve sinned (chose a will other than God's will for them) God established the Sabbath as a special time to receive a new portion of God's Peace every week.

Yes, laying aside our daily labor for a whole day is also a blessing. But I believe that was directed mainly by God so we would have extra time to celebrate God's love, joy and peace and be refilled with His life as we take that special time with Him and His earth based family.

I invite you to join me in these special hours of Sabbath in rejoicing in the love of God and receiving His JOY which is our strength along with His PEACE which gives us ever more confidence.

Maiden, Bringer of Peace

Sweet Peace, the Gift of God's Love

2008-12-31T21:33:00.003-05:00

"There comes to my heart one sweet strain,
a glad and a glorious refrain
I sing it again and again -
sweet peace, the gift of God's love.

Peace, peace, God's peace,
wonderful gift from above
Oh, wonderful, wonderful peace -
sweet peace, the gift of God's love."

Perhaps some of you have either heard that song of may even have sung it. It is one that I grew up with and have often sung throughout my days. The message is deep.

A dear friend of mine wished me a new portion of peace as my gift in the new year.
I thanked her very much for that wish and intend to present it to God for fulfillment.

Since many people celebrate my birthday every year I have come to a realization that receiving gifts may not be the best way - for me anyway - to 'remember' the gift of another year of life to me. Since I begin my new year of life at the same time the world celebrates 'Happy new Year', it is also a good time to consider what 'new' life can really be all about.

For those who are learning more about the Creator God of the Universe either a new year of life or a new calender year is a good time to review who God really is and what He is really like - which to me is what I call praising God. Some folks like to also make 'new years resolutions' making promise(s) to do or be different, hopefully in good ways, during the new year.

Even though our family was not really into making new years resolutions it was still a happy time for me with my birthday and new years day at the same time.

As time went on I began to find that if I could do something special for someone else I had even happier birthdays. I remember one year when we were in Africa I decided to make a hat for one of the farm workers whose clothes were - in our words anyway - rags. I still remember the happiness that brought to my heart as well as to our garden worker when we were able to share the hat with him. (Later we were also able to help him get some better clothes as well.)

Other years I have taken on other 'projects' with varying degrees of success.

This year, though, as I am sitting here writing this blog I am almost at a loss as to know how to continue my personal tradition of giving something special on my birthday to someone else.

Maybe a certain amount of 'human reality' has settled in. I would love to surprise my sister with an extra special portion of peace filled love. She has been so drained this year and when I spoke with her earlier today she sounded so weak and tired.

" Father in heaven, give my dear sister a special of Your Holy Spirit's loving, grace filled atmosphere - completely surrounding her with Yourself. You know that I cannot be with her in person, but You, Lord, can be both here and there. Also envelope her with You JOY to strengthen her for whatever lies ahead.

Then my mind wanders a little closer 'home'. As I look back over this past year I have many regrets as well as many times when I have had to apologize to others and to God for not being more like Him in my relations with others.

Just this week someone walked away from us seemingly with a spirit of 'good riddins, bad rubbish'. I had thought that we were helping, but evidently the feelings were not mutual.

Father in Heaven, you know the ache I feel when I think of that person. You know of the happier times when we prayed together, laughed together and worked in harmony. Forgive me where I may have failed. And Father, bless this person. You love them in ways that I have not yet attained too. Thank you for giving me the assurance, even in this experience, that You still love.

In the fall some folks asked us if we could find room to house a young man and his mother for a short time while they were dealing with some legal challenges. The legal challenge is still continuing on. The mother was gone for a while and just returned. This is one situation, from at least from a human standpoint, I suspect 'defeat'. I do believe I have learned some things about myself and even more about God during these days. But according to some others I have made more wrong decisions than otherwise. This evening in essence I said (perhaps more to myself that to others) "I'm wrong if I speak and wrong if I don't." If we try to be easy we are accused of being too much so. If we attempt to be 'firm' we are accused of . . . . . (fill in whatever you wish for the amount we have heard have been many).

Over the past seven or so years we thought we were being more like Jesus through endeavoring to help folks who we thought needed help by allowing or at times even inviting them to come to where we live in their time of need. But as I look back on our 'track record', I am having a difficult time finding any success story.

On the other hand, or so it appears at present, during the past few months instead of receiving additional aid - often from unexpected sources (as has happened for most of the seven or so years) - it has seemed our resources have dried up so that by December we were several thousand behind financially. Sad to say, when this situation became 'public' to those who were presently living here, the primary response seemed to be either 'what have you been doing with what we have been giving you' or 'if so and so didn't use so much of such and such we wouldn't have had this problem'. Sad to say, I have struggled in my heart with the temptation of discouragement now and then.

For the last couple of days or so I have also been struggling with appropriate ways of responding when the above situations arise or other accusations and 'mixed' messages come.

In my younger years we used to play a game of gossip. Someone would 'whisper' something to another person. That person would pass it on to another until the 'message' had gone through each person in the group. Then the message at the end was compared (or usually contrasted) with the 'first' message given. It could, at times anyway, turn out funny. But who needs 'soap operas' or even games of gossip? Reality can be much more intense than an hour a day of TV simulations or a round of the game of 'gossip'.

Enough of those kinds of lamentations. The thought keeps coming back to me that could it be a crisis had to happen in order to 'heal'? When everyone here was just rocking along, so to speak, even though they might not be happy, they were at ease. Could it be that the folks here had it pretty easy, so why should they want to leave and go elsewhere? Good question.

Especially during the past few months God has been pressing me to 'think bigger'. He has been challenging me to 'dream out of the box'. He has been urging me to thank Him for doing far more for us than I have thanked Him for in the past. When my husband and I began thanking God for supplying both financial and spiritual needs I think, looking back, that is when the 'crisis' surfaced, so to speak.

Can two walk together except they be agreed? No! God is in the business of revealing what is in people's hearts - ours included. How do people take it when challenged to change, maybe even to move? to do differently?

How do I respond when accused of a variety of motives that are not always pleasant? How do I respond when things are spoken about me that cannot be validated? Well, I wish I could say I have always acted like Jesus. On the other hand I do believe that when I have said I was sorry, God accepted and forgave whether people have or not.

The story goes on. But what does all of this have to do with Peace? Good question.

Do you notice God's kind of peace is a gift? Yes, it is.

Do you notice God's kind of peace is based on love? Yes, it is.

Do you notice God's kind of peace is sweet (precious)? Yes, it is.

Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the Light. Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home."

As this new year begins and a new year of my life begins, I am choosing to accept God's gift of His sweet peace into my heart, my life and pursue sharing God's peace with others.

That doesn't mean there won't be problems, or difficulties, or accusations thrown, or lies manufactured, or misunderstandings about our motives circulated. What it does mean to me is that God walks with me through each day and each event.

Even though I don't understand yet all that has happened, I am learning to know the One who does know. I am learning that I can cast my care on Him for He cares for me. I can also rejoice in His loving care for me as well as for others.

May I invite you, my friend, to accept the same gift of peace from God. It is as much for you as it is for me. Jesus loves you too!!

No matter who tells you otherwise, you are special in the heart of God. He loves you with an everlasting love and is drawing you to Himself even now.

One other thing about God's kind of peace. The more you share it with others the more capacity you will develop to receive more of God's peace in your own heart. That is awesome.

I am not planning to stay up til the world celebrates 'new year'. God's days begin in the evening so for me my birthday celebration has already begun.

And even though this may not be your birthday, please do me a special favor. Accept God's peace in your heart as a gift from me as well. That will make me happy to be able to pass God's peace on to you. Thanks a lot.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost."