Peace - a goal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bringer of Peace

Peace in fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bringer of Peace

In the process

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

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

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

Bringer of Peace

Peace through bonding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for listening,

Bringer of Peace

I need to

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bringer of Peace

Peace in Growing up

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

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

Peace - Biblical

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is some powerful PEACE.