We Can Choose to be the Storm or the Eye of the Storm

The eye of the storm is that still, calm place in the middle of a storm. We may think we've been in a storm for some time now with the fierce intensity of the pandemic and the political and racial issues and now Hurricane Isaias has prompted warnings in the Bahamas and parts of Florida. I have known violent weather, spiritual and physical storms. I was tossed about and worn out by them. I also know the eye of the storm when peace prevailed as storms swirled around about me. I realized God actually kept us in the "eye" of the storm throughout the storm. And, better yet, I've realized that I can actually BE the eye of the storm for others in the middle of their situations, conflicts, stresses, circumstances and controversies.

Don’t we desire that others see something genuine in us that represents a safety net for them – someone to go to for consolation, for comfort, for wisdom, for assurance that everything is going to be alright? That safety net or life-vest that we provide during someone’s storm, can be the “eye of the storm” where they find comfort and solace. That is part of the “Love your neighbor as you love yourself” commandment that Jesus said was second only to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.” (Matt 22:37-39)

I’m sure you’ve heard it said that the longer we are married, the more we start to favor our spouse and even take on each other’s characteristics. Last week, I laughed at my kids, Larry and Staci. Time and again, they would finish each other’s sentences. And, better yet, the more we hang out with God, read His Word, cherish it and speak it, the more we’ll start to look and act like Him and take on His characteristics of peace, calm, love, joy, kindness, etc., and the more we'll be able to bring about all those characteristics in situations we may be in or encounter. And, when we listen to His Word spoken or read – we’ll even begin to quote passages of His Words.

So, if we represent His peace in the middle of chaos, then even our presence, can cause peace to come to the storm. The atmosphere of the storm can change simply because we are so calm and peaceful. He can make us the EYE of the storm, not only to ourselves and our families, but even to those around us.
To you, today, my dear friends and family, I pray you not only encounter He who is our peace in the middle of the storms you are facing today, but that you BECOME the peace (the EYE of the storm) that settles the score.....John 14:27 “I’m leaving you peace. I’m giving you my own peace. I’m not giving it to you as the world gives. So, don’t let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid."

I love Ryan Stevenson's song, “In the Eye of the Storm”......
“In the eye of the storm, You remain in control.
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul.
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn.
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm."

Guard Your Hearts

Confession. I was a fan of Steve Irwin as the “Crocodile Hunter” for years. Actually, I think it was his adorable daughter, Bindi, with her tender heart, optimism and spunk that drew me in the most. Of course, I was cheering for her when she was on “Dancing with the Stars” and went on to win that season. In March, this year, Bindi married Chandler Powell.

Since I’ve caught you up with Bindi, I’ll get to the point of my blog. Her dad, though facing dangers daily with fierce animals, always made a point to be alert and guard his body from any surprise attacks by the animals he encountered. But, he didn’t guard his heart -- the one area that was most vulnerable. At just 44, Steve’s heart was pierced by the poisonous spine of a stingray. It was a tragic accident and loss for the world. The good news is his family carries on his work in Australia.

That story reminded me how important it is to guard our spiritual hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” My blog, yesterday, referenced John 14:27 “Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." That sounds like a command that helps us guard our hearts. Guarding our hearts is essential because it impacts everything we do. Our spiritual heart is the core of our mind, our will and our emotions.

We’ve heard it said: "They have cold hearts!" That means their heart has been hardened to tenderness, compassion and even causes their eyes to close to those things that hamper our relationship with God. And, I know those who have such sensitive and tender hearts that even when they see a frightened kitten they can't help but be merciful to it. They are the ones who volunteer or support a charity because their warm-heart is drawn to removing suffering in our world.

That’s why guarding our heart is so important. A heart that is guarded walks away from negativity. They leave because they don’t want that "noise" in their heart. A guarded heart isn't egotistical, boastful, or hateful. Remember when God said to Samuel about the big brothers of David who were tall, strong, handsome (and probably debonair with the ladies – okay, that’s Donna’s interpretation)? “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 God had already chosen David, the little shepherd boy who had a heart for God, for his sheep, and his music.

I was drawn to talk about our hearts today because, quite frankly, our hearts have been challenged during these months of so much change to our lives. Maybe your heart has become cold. Maybe some negative relationships and situations have fostered coldness in your heart. The unkind talk you've been around and listened to has affected your talk and walk. Maybe you are watching television shows and movies that are causing your heart to be compromised. It has become callous to killing, stealing, adultery, profane language. You just haven’t thought about the impact on your heart that the enemy is intent on hardening. Maybe for some, it’s social media and browsing the internet that has desensitized your heart.

I’m confessing to you that I am examining my own heart that easily gets drawn into matters that affect my heart condition -– that causes my heart to be less tender, less compassionate, less feeling. I pray that this blog is like a probe on our hearts that reveals what is causing the insensitivity, the hard-heartedness and the callousness. I pray our hearts are cleansed and we guard them with 10 feet tall angels stationed around them. That we not allow our spiritual arteries to get clogged up so much that we have a spiritual heart attack and our spiritual life implodes. "Above all else – guard your heart. Because everything flows from it."

Take Heart, Brothers & Sisters, All is Well

How do I know all is well? It is a deep, inner knowing that God has got this. God has got us. I'm back at home and this sunrise on Tuesday assured me "all is well". I could almost hear these words audibly "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27) All is well!

It’s a brand new day with potential and possibilities! It’s a brand new day to posture ourselves with a can-do-anything, all-is-well mindset. We can purposely leave the remains of yesterday behind with an optimistic "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13) attitude for this new day. When we slip on our houseshoes or athletic shoes or even go barefoot and step out on our back porch, our patio or our sidewalk, we can inhale this new day with faith and determination. If we listen closely, we'll hear those words again that give us new hope for this brand new day. "All is well."

In real time, we may feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders, but take heart -- all is well. If God be OUR Almighty God, our supreme authority and our all-knowing, all loving, omnicient One, then we must make the decision to believe it and trust Him.

We are in good company. The Bible goes to great lengths to show us that all the people on its pages were ordinary, average "Joes". Yes, let's look at two Joes: 1) Joseph, the youngest of ornery, jealous brothers and the beloved son of his father, Jacob. This "Joe" took heart. In spite of a pit and a prison, he succeeded to a palace when he became the Governor of the land and ultimately took care of his entire family. 2) Another "Joe" -- Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus who could have divorced his pregnant fiancee, but instead, took heart, and stayed to love and care for Mary and Jesus. So many other characters in the Bible who trusted even though they were drenched in fear and hopelessness.

Many others in the Bible took heart and conquered because God filled them up with His Holy Spirit and breathed life into their dreams and their plans, and God, through ordinary people who did ordinary things, made miracles happen that changed the world for good. And, WE are the Bible people of today in these times and the same Holy Spirit breathes life into our dreams and our hopes and our plans so that we too will accomplish great things..

Take heart, brothers and sisters! All is well. Breathe deeply. Do your part. Fight the good fight. Offer grace. Love. Work for justice. Move with mercy. Be kind. Keep your focus. Keep moving forward. Keep looking up. Keep offering up every little thing in your ordinary life to the God of good things and miracles and hope.

Finding a Peaceful Place to Land

Sounds like I’m looking for a Peace Island – worry-free, troubles-free, people-who-disagree-with-me free, chaos-free, hatred-free, discord-and-distrust free. Peace Island is all peace and calm and comfort. Another name for this Peace Island is Fantasy Island – because, well – we won’t find any place on this earth where peace reigns supreme.

Our Lord guaranteed it. Straight from our Lord are His words from John 16: 33 “In the world you will have trouble!” I have my fingers in my ears because I don’t want to hear about troubles. “No, Lord! I don’t want troubles. With all due respect, that’s not Peace Island!” And the Lord replies ever so tenderly: “Oh, yes, daughter, it is – “IN ME you will have peace because I have overcome the world.” That’s the rest of John 16:33.

My lightning fast mind gets it now. No need to book a flight to a far-off island to find peace, because it’s not a “that” or an “it” place. It’s a “He” place. We find that peace in His presence. It is the only place of peace that we can obtain beyond our thoughts and feelings. It is the peace that comes with Divine awareness AND the Gospel truth where we find goodness, mercy, joy, hope and peace. BUT, we must intentionally and purposefully go there. We must refuse to live in turmoil and confusion. We must protect ourselves from the gloom and despair that outside sources pander to us. Mentally speaking, we must choose to take the pathways, hallways, byways and highways to get to Peace Island.

Jesus promised we could have Peace Island in our everyday routines of work, play and sleep -- in good and bad times. Here are Jesus’ words from John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Let’s go to Peace Island, but not alone. Let’s be promoters of peace. The antidote to opposition and evil is to walk in the opposite spirit -- being peace promoters. We can promote peace with our words of truth, kindness, gentleness and with our actions – reflecting the peace walk and talk of Jesus. Others will see something distinctly different about those who live in AND on "Peace Island" daily. We are the ones wo trust that God will use even the worst things that we face in life, for good (Romans 8:28) -- so we might as well choose PEACE! We pray for that peace – peace for ourselves and others. Lord, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in me.

Check Out This Peace Zone

My daughter and I met up to nail down our supplies and food list for Payton's annual-birthday-celebratory fishing trip next week. Always his birthday request! Meeting at their courtyard was the perfect place. You can see by Emma’s peaceful demeanor, it is definitely a peace zone. That is – until another dog strolls by and, she thinks she’s a hundred-pound Doberman by the way she’s ready to take that dog out. It's hilarious because, at her ripe age, she has very few teeth left. It is definitely her bark – not her bite that guards their home!

But, this morning, Emma isn’t distracted by anything outside of her domain. She’s at peace. And with that, Staci and I strike up a conversation about less striving, less hustle, less hassle and more living in that place of peace that only comes from a deep, intimate relationship with the Prince of Peace. Emma must know Him intimately.

Don’t we desire that more than anything? That simply flowing, abiding and living in the peace that Jesus lived in when He walked this earth. I mentioned it before and I urge you again to watch “The Chosen” series. Throughout the series you see Jesus meandering along – intentional and purposeful – yet unhurried, not filled with anxiety or trepidatious about what is about to happen, but always on the look-out to strike up a conversation, to bring understanding and peace to matters of strife, to calm troubled waters – both naturally and in the people He encountered.

The scripture that comes to mind is from Luke 4, the passage where people became so angry at Jesus, as He taught in their synagogue, that they tried to push Him off a cliff. But in verse 30, it says “He walked away”. I love that. He walked away from the chaos to get into His peace zone. I purpose to live in that peace zone too. When I choose that peace and something comes up that unsettles me, then I walk away too!

And, in the matters of life, as long as I fix my thoughts on my Prince of Peace, I'm stable and at peace. I know the world's peace depends on calm seas, favorable circumstances, getting our way, things going as expected, with very few challenges. That sounds comfy, but as soon as our "apple cart gets turned over", the peace of the world dissipates and we are left with anxiety and concern. The peace I know well is the peace Jesus gives. That peace helps me face circumstances with a quiet confidence that guides me -- not contingent on what's going on around me, but what's inside me -- better yet, WHO'S inside me. Jesus said, "Peace, I give you -- my peace I give you -- not as the world gives I you! Let not your heart be troubled." John 14:27

Making the Most of this Day

I burst out of my cocoon to fly a little today. It feels so good. I am on a mission. Get toilet paper. I have inside info. Walmart’s truck will be here at 10 am. I am in line for my one-only big package of TP and paper towels. Mission accomplished! Woohoo! Next, I go to my church’s smaller chapel to pray. Oh, the sweet peace that welcomes me. I am all by myself with Jesus. How sweet it is. Soon others join me from a distance. Notice the “social distancing” we are provided – numbered locations on the pews. I listen for God’s voice. I write in my journal what I hear. It’s His still small voice. I am in the temple like Hannah in the Bible was -- crying out to God for a son and a son was born to her. I am in the temple crying out for healing for our world. The same God who answered Hannah’s prayers, is He Who will answer our prayers too.

After prayer time, I head over to the beautiful cemetery behind my church. No problem with social distancing there. Lots of folks “in” there (literally) and no pandemic worries there! A friend told me she goes there often for a walk. And as she said, it makes for some eye-opening and heart-stirring moments for me. Many subtle reminders that this life is just temporary, so we best be making the most of every day. What takes me by surprise are the beautiful engraved stoned edifices of the mausoleums. PEACE is the theme on the four sides of one: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” “Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing whom to thank” and “May the love of friends give you comfort. May the love of God give you peace.” How’s that for hearing from God? PEACE – that is what we need most during these times. I breathed in that peace.

Lastly, I make my way to another Walmart to buy groceries for my cousins who are a few years older than me and are staying homebound. What a delight that I can serve them. And, bonus, while I am there, I hear “Our truck has arrived. Get in line at Aisle 31. We will hand-out one toilet paper package and one paper towel package!” SCORE!

It’s been a great day because I determined it to be one. Who would have thought I would recommend a cemetery for a nice walk and inspiration? The part of that cemetery that touches me the most are the tombstones of lives once lived: Older Pop-Pop and MiMaw gravesites, young soldiers and oh, the heart tugs I see, the one-year, six-year, and 19-year old sites. God gets my attention today. I’m living with as much gusto as I can – until my body joins them there and my spirit is with God eternally.

Today holds as much mystery as it did yesterday. We don’t know what tomorrow holds no more than we know what this hour will hold. And that’s true whether the C-virus is here or not. But we do know the One Who does know. And He promises that He is right here with us. That He will not leave us or forsake us. And right here, right now, is where we are supposed to be – secure in His everlasting, unfailing love.

As I text my kids this morning and say this to them, I say it to you today: "It’s a perfect time for embracing each other. Maybe God called for this for all of us. To focus on what is most important in our lives.” I love you all so much. You are so important to me. I lift you, your loved ones and all that is important to you today to our loving Father. He sees. He knows. He cares. He has great plans for your lives. Hold on tightly to His unchanging hands. And, maybe go for a stroll in your nearby cemetery. You might find peace and inspiration waiting for you there like I did.

An Old Story That Can Bring Us Hope

It’s in almost every conversation. We can’t help it. The effects of the coronavirus are certainly beyond any plague or disease pandemic that I have seen or heard of in my life. I mean – a pandemic that is causing businesses to send their people home to work virtually; causing schools to shut down and children being homeschooled; causing families to store up extra food and supplies – just in case. In fact, in my own world, a group of 38 women are having to meet through teleconferencing. At the hospital where I volunteer, they’ve suspended volunteering until this crisis is over. In my morning text to my kids, I apprised them that the news says “the elderly (70 and above) should be checked on regularly to be sure we’re okay”. My reply to that is “Watch me defy the odds”. I have no fear.

This pandemic is nothing to make jokes about. People are alarmed and are filled with anxiety. Again, I look at scripture that shows us how to deal with the fear of impending danger. This is the perfect time for us to refresh our memory on how Scripture navigates perils, plagues and pandemics. My mind rushes back to serving at Vacation Bible School last summer.

The whole theme was around the exodus of God’s people from Egypt. But before the exodus, ten plagues were inflicted on Egypt by God to force wicked Pharaoh to let His people, the Israelites, go and be freed from slavery. I loved watching the VBS children acting out the various plagues. God answered Pharaoh’s taunts by saying “The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 7:5) Eventually, the Israelites were released and started walking towards the Red Sea. If you saw “The Ten Commandments” movie, the scene that stands out the most is Charlton Heston as Moses, lifting his rod over the waters commanding them to open up. And open up, they did, enabling millions of Israelites to cross over on dry land – but closing up over the Egyptians and killing them all. God provided a way of escape. And He has a way of escape in mind for us in this crisis – those who are professed children of God who know Christ as our Lord and Savior.

What we can easily miss are the details of this story. What is it like to pack up everything you own – your children, your possessions, your livestock to go to an unknown land? What’s it like to wonder if you might lose it all? Sounds like a good parallel to this virus that is seeping across the world and has reached our shores, and we don’t know how treacherous it’s going to be. God is calling us to continue marching forward with a diligence of conquering and overcoming while being very health-smart – following all the rules of washing our hands and staying away from crowds as much as possible.

Waiting well in the face of our anxiety about a coming danger means taking seriously the reality of the danger. Our God takes our lives and our sufferings very seriously, and “He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone” because He cares for us and for the things we care for and He shows compassion – so great is His unfailing love (Lamentations 3:32-33).

In the midst of the clamor, may we pour out our anxieties to our Father in Heaven. May we not allow our hearts to panic over school closings, travel plans, economic downturns, or the potentially infected surfaces we’ve touched! When we are afraid, we turn to Him. We cast our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. In fact, we can allow handwashing or rubbing on hand sanitizer to become a moment we consciously entrust ourselves and the future of everyone we care about into His hands.

So we do wash our hands, and do what is wise about working from home, or calling our doctor. But we don’t let ourselves forget where our true safety lies. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but we do know the One Who parts raging seas and blocks its flow with His blood-soaked cross!

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.“

(Thank you, CCEF -- Christian Counseling Educational Foundation for some of your excerpts included in this blog.)

I Promise You: True Peace is Possible

I know that true peace from the true peace that was modeled for me by my "peace-filled" mom. Tough times didn’t overtake her peace. It almost seemed she was in a bubble of peace that no-one or no-thing could pop that bubble. I’m so grateful she modeled that peace for me, because that’s the peace I abide in, cultivate daily, and am adamant about living in that peace. I am so passionate about living in that peace that I titled my daily blog: MyPeaceZone.com

My children and grandchildren are aware of my absolute insistence on that peace. They’ll see me remove myself from atmospheres not conducive to peace. Sounds a little over-the-top, doesn’t it? Especially when we’re supposed to be peacemakers in controversy or disagreements. I’ve come to realize that often being a “peacemaker” is more about silence than speaking. Jesus set a good example of that “walk-away” when He was persecuted, spoken negatively about, or when others were antagonizing Him.

Life was hard for my mom as our only breadwinner, caring for my very sick daddy and me. She lived in those times and so did I, as a child, and later in dealing with and overcoming life struggles and caring for my very sick husband. Life can be really hard for all of us. Sometimes it’s easy to despair over finding peace when trouble seems to lurk around every corner. When hard times come, the easiest thing to do is allow our many emotions to rule our hearts and mind. Peace seems to be the emotion we sense the least when life turns topsy-turvy. But that sure isn’t God’s plan. He gave us the answer to those emotional highs and lows and days that are anything but peaceful. He gave us the rock-solid PEACE possibility right in the midst of the most tumultuous storms.

Peace is His perfect will for us. That peace is a state of quiet or tranquility in the middle of anxious thoughts, emotions and trials. This kind of peace that God gives….remains. It’s not something that comes and goes depending on our circumstances. Since God gives it, that divine peace should be governing our lives in all things at all times. When the things of life start to throw us into a state of anxiety and tummy jitters – you know -- that stack of bills, the washing machine breaks down, relationship disappointment, that speech we must deliver to a large crowd or anxious feelings of inadequacy -- we can still find peace.

Here’s the good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Sounds like a command to me! The peace Christ gives is fully satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body and soul. It’s contentment knowing that no matter what happens, we are in the care of the Almighty. The outcome will be His plan for our good.

In times of doubt and fear, let peace rule. Resting in God’s promises gives us the hope we need to stay focused on Him and His faithfulness, instead of on our circumstances. One way we can be certain that we’ve really placed our trust in God is when we experience an indescribable peace. I know that peace and it’s my absolute requirement for where I go, who I hang out with, and what decisions I am trying to make. No peace – no God. Know peace – know God! Perfect peace.

This is one of my mainstay scriptures. I urge you to join me in “My Peace Zone”. It is such a blessed and sweet place to be. Demand it. Refuse other options. "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!" (Isaiah 26:3)

I Choose Peace!

Not too long ago, I was in a group meeting and it seemed no matter what I said, there was a gal that continued to contradict something I said. I was starting to tally the number of times she interrupted my train of thought to disprove something I said. My emotions were starting to go south and I felt a wave of anxiety go through me. In a split second, I took a deep breath and I decided to choose peace instead. I have come to know that peace is best chosen before there’s a need for it. I think I’m becoming an expert at choosing peace.

I had plenty of practice at choosing peace over the years. I learned that trying to prove my “rightness” was actually proving how wrong I could be. I was my husband’s navigator and co-pilot when we were flying. He depended on me. But, when we were driving around town and I kept insisting he was going the wrong way or he needed to turn here or there or speed up or slow down, it only led to a disruption of peace. Though it was hard, I learned to let him go the speed and the direction he believed was the right way, and be silent. Getting there 5 or 10 minutes late going his way, was far better than losing our peace trying to prove my way was the right way. I chose peace.
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Today, more than ever, I want to be enveloped by peace. I want to radiate peace and I want to be an agent and a conduit of peace. I decide this while in the grocery check-out line, or sitting in traffic, or waiting on these Frisco 5-minute traffic lights (ugh!) I know when I’ve decided peace as my option. Whether any of us know it or not, we can become practitioners of peace.

What I know for sure, is that the more I plant peace, water peace, fertilize it with prayer and practice, peace takes root. I have learned to shun people, places and situations where there is hostility, anger, and conflict. I avoid conversations that are going nowhere except for a battle zone up ahead. Of course, the wonder of it all is the way peace makes itself at home in us, even when the storms are raging.

As I was writing this post, I retrieved my 2010 November journal to see how I was handling the week of my husband's graduation to heaven on November 16th. I remember so much peace in my heart -- an undeniable, overwhelming, unexplainable peace. I was attending to and watching my sweetheart and best friend for over 44 years grow weaker, sleep more and moan in pain while trying to carry on my other responsibilities. My journal read “I can't explain it, but I have peace that passes understanding.” I remember choosing peace, or, maybe peace chose me.

What I know for sure in that meeting where it seemed the enemy was taunting me, to the times of my life when chaos was all around me and to the 11 months of my Sweetheart’s illness to his final week of life, I felt the sweet assurance of One who always promises, “I’m right here with you. You are not alone.”
So I pray and pay this peace forward to you today, dear friends. I know this for sure: You are not alone. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not in all the days to come. He is right here with you, and He extends the invitation to let peace take root in your soul.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Peace is my Governor

Governor – a device automatically regulating the supply of fuel, steam, or water to a machine, ensuring uniform motion or limiting speed

I learned so much about peace from my precious mother -- lessons that I learned from her many years of taking care of my daddy who was very ill, working a full time job and ensuring that my well being didn't skip a beat. As tough as the times were, I never remember her being afraid, anxious, worried or stressed. I only remember her singing and praying her way through everything. Peace was her "governor".

When I I started blogging years ago, back when it would have seemed I had every right in the world to be in turmoil, anxious and afraid, I remembered my mom's coping mechanism -- it was God's peace. Like little David, the shepherd boy, I faced those giants and slung my "peace" stones at those giants in my life. I started blogging and, quite frankly, not only have I experienced inexplicable peace during the worst of times, but I've been able to pay it forward and convey to others how they, too, can live in a place of peace that passes understanding.

If there's anything I protect and hold most precious to my heart, it's God’s peace. That peace has been my dearest ally and friend for many years. When I wake in the morning, I know peace is with me. When I go to bed at night, I ensure His peace is with by not watching the evening news or some horror flick. I go to bed with peace. When I wake in the middle of the night and turmoil tries to overwhelm me, I go to the scripture "Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is STAYED on Me." Isaiah 26:3. If I encounter conflict in the lives of others, I'll steer clear of that conflict at all costs.

I know that peace is God’s will. That heavenly peace is a state of absolute tranquility right in the midst of what could be the worst situation. It is comfort when life is extremely UN-comfortable. Fear can be lurking behind every corner, but a state of peace looks at fear and laughs at it. (I love that verse in Proverbs 31:25 ".....she laughs without fear of the future.") That peace isn't something that comes and goes -- depending on our circumstances. The peace I'm talking about is the GOVERNOR of our lives. Honestly, peace is my GOVERNOR. This kind of peace should GOVERN our lives in all things at all times. When the things of life disturb us — that stack of bills, a negative health report, the troubled relationship, anxious feelings of our own inadequacy -- is when we need to submit to the Governor of peace.

Here’s the good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

The peace Christ gives is fully satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body and soul. It is contentment knowing that no matter what happens, we are in the care of the Almighty. Psalm 29:11, "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

Doing Our Best to Stay in Peace

Watching the news report of another devastating hurricane approaching the U.S. coasts -- I continue to pray for divine intervention for those precious souls who are evacuating and have no idea what they will come home to – if anything at all.

Last night my church held a Holy Hour to pray for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey and for those in the path of Hurricane Irma. It sure made my heart glad to know that we were a united front, pounding on heaven’s door with prayers of intercession for our brothers and sisters in harm’s way. Many lives have been turned upside down and inside out….literally. I can only imagine how they long for peace and the very least we can do is to pray and PRAY HARD. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

While in prayer, this old song came to me:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.

That sounds like it’s taking all this devastation too lightly, but on the other hand, that’s what we must do – we put the spot light on God’s grace and keep our eyes focused on He who is the essence of peace.

No question – it’s a work-out to strive for peace at all times and especially at times when there are families displaced by war, little children on streets begging for something to eat, out of control fires ravaging homes and families…..and now these hurricanes. Doing our best to stay in peace, regardless of the natural form of storms, as well as the storms of the soul that rage (and I’ve had many) must be our greatest determination.

Isaiah 26:3 says “Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on ME!” I know the world's peace depends on calm seas, favorable circumstances, getting our way, things going as expected, with very few challenges. That sounds so good, but as soon as the storm clouds start rolling in (literally and figuratively), we tend to go the way of anxiety and concern.

Here's the peace I know well -- the peace Jesus gives. That peace helps me face circumstances with a quiet confidence that guides me -- not contingent on what's going on around me, but what's inside me -- better yet, WHO'S inside me. Jesus said, "Peace, I give you -- my peace I give you -- not as the world gives I you! Let not your heart be troubled." John 14:27

Here I am, this morning, all safe and sound in my home in Frisco, TX -- my needs are met. I’m comfortable and secure. But, I could be here, and not know Him -- and be completely lost and hopeless -- longing for inner peace and rest in my soul. How grateful I am that when I searched, I found that safe place in the person of Jesus Christ, and what a difference it has made in the many storms I’ve encountered.

Don’t you know that it breaks God’s heart to allow the storms to come? As parents, doesn’t it break our hearts when our children encounter storms and though we don't ever like to see our children suffer, sometimes having them cuddle up to us for reassurance and peace, just feels good. Should we think that our Father is care-less about His kids? I believe He could be strategic in allowing some things....that He knows draws us closer to Him. “ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8.

I continue to pray for our country – on so many levels and above all, I pray that not only does God bless America, but more importantly that America blesses God and turns to Him for “peace in the midst of the storms”.

BE the EYE of the Storm

I remember my 7th grade science class enough to know about the "eye" of the storm -- that still, calm, quiet place in the middle of a storm. As I read the post I made 7 years ago during one of the greatest storms of our lives, I realized that God kept us in the "eye" of the storm throughout the storm. And that made me think about how we can actually BE the eye of the storm when we are present and in the middle of situations, conflicts, stresses, circumstances and controversies.

The closer we become to God, the more we'll take on His characteristics: peace, calm, love, joy, kindness, etc., and the more we'll be able to bring about all those characteristics in situations we may be in or encounter. So, if we represent His peace in the middle of chaos, then even our presence, can cause peace to come to the storm. The atmosphere of the storm can change simply because we are so calm and peaceful. I urge you to read this post that I made 7 years ago and see how He can make us the EYE of the storm around us.

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Dr. Whirlwind and Dr. Peace -- Relax. Trust Me. (July, 2010)
Seven years ago my sweetheart was taken to the hospital. We were in another "emergency" situation with his health.

We were faced with yet another major decision. Our primary Neurosurgeon (NS) was enjoying himself as he rode in the Tour de France. His partner was acting in his behalf -- handling our case. Unlike our Neurosurgeon, this NS was hyper, abrupt, negative, and sincerely lacked the "bedside manner" that we had been used to. When it appeared that Ron's kidneys were not functioning, when his legs were losing feeling, when a mileogram indicated that his spinal cord was being compressed, and when lab results were unfavorable, this NS said "I don't want to operate!!! I don't want to operate!!! But I will not have you go paralyzed under my watch, so I must operate! Tomorrow morning, we'll see what the lab reports say and then we'll operate if your kidney function numbers are better!! I'm posting NPO (no food or water) after midnight on your door! I'll see you in the morning" Whew!!! Whirlwind in……take a deep breath…..PEACE OUT!

It was then that I grabbed Karen's hand (Ron's sister) and said "Let's go for a walk around the hospital!" As we did, we prayed for God to encamp His angels around the hospital, for God's healing touch to Ron, for wisdom and knowledge to our medical team, and then, God gave us a sincere desire to see our stand-in NS touched by God's love, to witness the Light of Jesus in us, and to experience the same peace that we were experiencing. As we made our 6th round, we noticed lying on the grass at the corner of the hospital grounds was a Mama cat and her baby. They watched us intently, and never flinched. Immediately, we could sense God saying to us "RELAX -- peace -- I am with you -- Trust Me!" We made our final and 7th round, and just as we had not seen the cats in rounds one to five, they were gone on the 7th, but those words resonated within us. We came back to the hospital room and Ron, Staci, our daughter and her husband, Larry, were singing and praising God for the answer we knew He would give us the next morning. We went to sleep that night, completely at peace, knowing that God would be orchestrating the plans for the next day.

Early, the next morning, we were awakened by the lab technicians to draw the blood for the lab tests. At 6:30 am, our stand-in NS (aka Dr. Whirlwind) came in the room exasperated, saying "I'm so upset! The labs are not in yet and I have a surgery at St. John's in 15 minutes. I have a full day of patients that I will have to reschedule. Let me check your legs. They appear stronger. I believe you're stable. So, are we going to operate or not?" Ron, so at peace, replied, "I don't think so; I think we'll wait until next week!" Then Ron shared about his Dad's healing of cancer and lived another 15 years. We watched Dr. Whirlwind calm down, relax and experience a few moments of peace -- even though he was late for his next surgery. I asked him if he liked his work. He said, "Yes, but I can't stop thinking about it -- at work or when not at work." I said, "Then you are a dedicated, gifted physician and, obviously, God called you to do what you do. We're going to pray that He gives you balance and that you find peace." To that, he let me hug him and, in a complete shift in demeanor, he gave us his best wishes, and peaceably removed the NPO sign off the door. Ron enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Later that day, the lab results came in. Ron's kidney functions were drastically improved, his legs were stronger and we relaxed in knowing that God would cradle us in His arms….until our primary NS would return to Tulsa.

When our NS, Dr. Tomacek aka Dr. "Peace", returned, he reviewed all the excitement we'd been through in his absence and gave us his optimistic expectations about the surgery he would do in a couple of days. He told us that while in France, he went to Notre Dame de Lourdes. He said he saw thousands of people coming there for healing, and he prayed for us. I told Ron, "I choose to believe that Doc received a healing touch so much so that when he operates on Thursday, that his hands which were touched by God, will impart that healing to you." I was bold enough to believe that God uses many different ways to bring healing to us.

The next night, my sister-in-law, Karen, and my dear friend, Sheila Michie, and I, took another march/walk around the hospital. With the same fervor, determination, and faith, we expected the same peace that carried us that far in our faith journey to carry us through that surgery and onto complete wholeness. We looked for the Mama Cat and her baby. They didn't show up, but we still heard the words "Relax. Trust Me." And we did.

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And, to you, today, my dear friends and family, I pray you not only encounter He who is our peace in the middle of the storms you are facing today, but that you BECOME the peace (the EYE of the storm) that settles the score.....John 14:27 “I’m leaving you at peace. I’m giving you my own peace. I’m not giving it to you as the world gives. So don’t let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid."

Peace is Possible….Even in the Midst of a Storm

In my post, yesterday, I mentioned that maintaining peace is what I protect the most. I do my best to stir clear of conflict and if, by chance, that I do encounter some less than peaceful moments, I just ease in closer to my Prince…..of Peace. Since I know that Jehovah Shalom, my God of peace, is also my Prince of Peace, I purposely stay connected to Him throughout my day. Every day we are given the opportunity to lose our cool and our temper and when we LOSE, we also lose our peace.

Buddy (the Wallace family dog) and I take early morning walks. You’d be pleasantly surprised to see, smell and feel the peace that’s found in those early morning hours. I’m reminded of an old song called “In the Garden”. The lyrics went like this: “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear, falling on my ears, the Son of God discloses. And, He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. Oh, the joy we share, as we tarry there. None other has ever known!” Yes, that’s the way I feel when I’m in my Prince of Peace’s presence. For several days, in a row, we’ve encountered doves and each time, I’m reminded they symbolize peace, which reminds me of God’s peace. I welcome Him.

There's not a promise in the Bible that says we will be free from troubles, but God promises something better. He promises peace in the midst of our storms. In the fiercest of battles, while the storm is at its strongest, the trusting soul can know inward peace and tranquility. There can be a deep down calm and quiet confidence. PERFECT peace is a condition of freedom from disturbance within the soul. The Hebrew word for peace, "Shalom," has the idea of soundness of health. Being filled with spiritual peace is to be spiritually healthy and free from all discord in the soul. There is no room for jealousy, envy, discontentment, uncontrolled temper, selfishness, pride, intolerance, harsh criticism, fear of anxiety, in the soul that is filled with peace.

My photo inspiration, today, gives visual to this PERFECT peace, and so does the story that accompanies it.

There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked. One was of a calm lake. It was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This picture did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush, a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest ... PERFECT peace. Which picture do you think won the prize?

The King chose the second picture. Do you know why? "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"I have told you all this so that you may have 'peace' in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Enough said. I wish you this PERFECT PEACE today!

Peace is my Governor

Yesterday, a sweet new friend I've met here in Austin, asked me for the website for my daily blog. Not only do I blog on my Google website, but I also post it here on Facebook: http://livinginthepeacezone.blogspot.com/

I started blogging years ago, back when it would have seemed I had every right in the world to be in turmoil, anxiety and fear. But, like little David, the shepherd boy, I faced those giants and slung my "peace" stones at them. I started blogging and, quite frankly, not only have I experienced almost unexplainable peace during those worst of times, but I've been able to convey to others how they, too, can live in God's sweet peace.

If there's anything I protect and hold most precious to my heart, it's peace. That peace is what has been my dearest ally and friend for many years. When I wake in the morning, I know peace is with me. When I go to bed at night, I sure don't watch the evening news or some horror flick. I go to bed with peace. When I wake in the middle of the night and turmoil tries to overwhelm me, I go to the scripture "Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is STAYED on Me." Isaiah 26:3. I steer clear of conflict at all costs.

I know that peace is God’s will. That heavenly peace is a state of absolute tranquility right in the midst of what could be the worst situation. It speaks of comfort when life is extremely UN-comfortable. Fear can be lurking behind every corner, but a state of peace looks at fear and laughs at it.

That peace isn't something that comes and goes -- depending on our circumstances. The peace I'm talking about is "the governor" of our lives. I've heard "governor" used in describing a device that governs a machine or engine that is used to provide automatic control of speed, pressure or temperature. Honestly, peace is my governor. This kind of peace should GOVERN our lives in all things at all times. When the things of life disturb us — that stack of bills, a negative health report, the troubled relationship, anxious feelings of our own inadequacy -- is when we need to submit to the governor of peace.

Here’s the good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

The peace Christ gives is fully satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body and soul. It’s contentment knowing that no matter what happens, we are in the care of the Almighty. Psalm 29:11, "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

What is PERFECT Peace?

A couple of weeks ago, I awoke with the words "perfect peace" going on in my mind. I'm always quoting Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  I don't think I've ever thought about PERFECT peace before.  What is PERFECT peace?

I did a little word study and this is what I found. When that Isaiah 26:3  promise was given, Israel was in a dark period of her history. Now, it helps us during this time when we are surrounded by gloom, doubt, fear and worry. When all is going well, it's easy to read a promise like this in a very superficial way, but when clouds of trial, disappointment, anxiety and alarm blow across our skies and the sun is hidden, these words become very precious to us.

There's not a promise in the Bible that says we will be free from troubles, but God promises something better. He promises peace in the midst of the storm.  In the fiercest of battles, while the storm is at it’s height, the trusting soul can know inward peace and tranquility. There can be a deep down calm and quiet confidence.  PERFECT peace is a condition of freedom from disturbance within the soul.  The Hebrew word for peace, "Shalom," has the idea of soundness of health. Being filled with spiritual peace is to be spiritually healthy and free from all discord in the soul.  There is no room for jealousy, envy, discontentment, uncontrolled temper, selfishness, pride, intolerance, harsh criticism, fear of anxiety, in the soul that is filled with peace.

My photo inspiration, today, gives visual to this PERFECT peace, and so does the story that accompanies it.

There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked. One was of a calm lake. It was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This picture did not look peaceful at all.  But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush, a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest ... PERFECT peace. Which picture do you think won the prize?

The King chose the second picture. Do you know why?  "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.  That is the real meaning of peace."

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"I have told you all this so that you may have 'peace' in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Enough said.  I wish you this PERFECT PEACE today!

We Have Nothing to Fear Except Fear Itself

Photo 243 of Photo Inspirations -- "We Have Nothing to Fear Except Fear Itself"
That was a line from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Inaugural Address in 1933.  But are FDR's words true, especially when we hear about school shootings, police officers being gunned down, terrorism, natural disasters, economic uncertainty, our children's safety?   And, the list goes on and on.  No question, there really is a lot we could potentially worry about.

Several days ago, while in the restroom at my clubhouse (I know -- TMI -- too much information), I picked up this little book, "Bathroom Trivia" from the table and thumbed through it and my eyes fell on the page that said, "The Fear of IT".  I realized being afraid is such a part of people's lives that there's a name for those fears.  For example:  Fear of Walking is called "batophobia"; Fear of Work is called "ergophobia"; Fear of Marriage is called "gametophobia"; Fear of Dirt is called "mysophobia; Fear of Food is called "sitophobia; Fear of Money is called "chrometophobia"; Fear of Thunder is called "keraunophobia".....and many more fears were listed.  The little book talked about all kinds of fears, but it didn't offer any solutions.

But, God does.  He ALWAYS presents reasons for us to TRUST in His sovereignty and power to keep us in peace when everything else in the world screams out for us to FEAR.  My husband always identified FEAR as an acrostic -- "False Evidence Appearing Real".   Reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens.  Living under the weight of the "what if's" is a hard place to dwell.

I struggled with fear and worry for years -- so much so that I developed acute colitis.  My wonderful Christian doctor coached me to healing by giving me the prescription of taking God's Word into my heart and meditating on it, when anxiety would come up.  And, I did.  I learned to call on the Prince of Peace (Jesus) to give me peace.  Through time, I began to find that the things that once would have sent me down an anxious spiral, no longer had the same effect.  It didn’t happen quickly, but over time, it did bring me peace.  I read words of life and truth.  I soaked them in, over and over and prayed them out loud, until they became so familiar, they replaced the other things in my mind that I’d battled against. There’s nothing magical about words and verses, but there is power through them, because they’re God’s words.

Change happened. Anxious thoughts began to diminish.  Worry let go of its constant grip. God's words became "life" words, soothing to my soul, calming my spirit, giving power to my days.   It wasn't always easy, and it often it came down to a choice.  Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety to control my life.   Choosing to guard my heart. Choosing to focus my mind on what is truth in the midst of uncertainty.

And though there are times that still try to make me feel afraid, I believe that God is with me. I know I am not in control, but I can trust the One who is. I may not know the future, but I know the God who does.

If you're relating to what I'm speaking about today, and FEAR has you in its grip, I urge you to take the same prescription that Dr. Gregory gave me.   Over and over again, as many times a day as you can -- take God's word in, speak it, pray it, meditate on it and be healed. Here's some of those scriptures:
 
Proverbs 18:10:  "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."  
Psalm 34:4: "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
John 14:27 "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”
Psalm 118:6-7 “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  The Lord is with me; he is my helper.”
Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

PEACE be with you!

Peace I Give To You

Day 110 of Photo Inspirations -- Safe Harbor
By tonight, we will have been travelling on the Atlantic Ocean 7 days.  We were detoured from Halifax, Nova Scotia because of the low pressure system, but tomorrow we'll be docking in the Azores, Portugal.  It's okay with most all of us, because Nova Scotia has 3 feet of snow and the Azores will be in the 70s.  We welcome that climate.  Then we'll be heading on to Ireland.  I'm really look forward to being there.  My grandparents were Irish, so maybe you could say I'm heading toward my family "roots".  These are a few pics of my friends and I enjoying this beautiful ship.  By no means is anyone complaining about being aboard this little city.  The food, the entertainment, the activities, and the comfortable areas all over make for a beautiful and restful experience.  We've had four time zone changes and will have others before getting to Denmark on May 2nd.

I've been talking a lot about staying in peace.   I've loved water skiing -- I could do some pretty awesome moves as a slalom water skier, but as I look out the windows of this ship, I see some pretty rough waters -- white capping.    I would have never attempted skiing on waters like these.   But inside this ship -- we don't even notice the rough waters.  It is stable.  I'm sitting at the table in the dining room as I type this.  I just finished my breakfast and the glasses and the dishes on the table weren't moving a bit -- even my coffee and orange juice aren't moving inside the glasses and cups.   It is a stable place of comfort and peace.

And, in the matters of life, as long as I fix my thoughts on my Prince of Peace, I'm stable and at peace.  I know the world's peace depends on calm seas, favorable circumstances, getting our way, things going as expected, with very few manageable challenges.  That sounds all sweet and nice, but as soon as our "apple cart gets turned over", the world's peace tends to dissipate and we are left with anxiety and concern.  But here's the peace I know well -- the peace Jesus gives.  That peace helps me face circustances with a quiet confidence that guides me -- not contingent on what's going on around me, but what's inside me -- better yet, WHO'S inside me. Jesus said, "Peace, I give you -- my peace I give you -- not as the world gives I you!  Let not your heart be troubled."   John 14:27

And His Name Shall Be Called Prince of Peace

“And His name shall be called…………Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:7

Of all the scriptures that we hear during the Christmas season, this is one of my favorites. That’s because I have first-hand experience of knowing that peace that can only be found in knowing the Prince of Peace.   He has kept me calm, assured, peaceful and confident during some of the greatest challenges in my life -- dealing with loved ones' illnessses, financial crises, having to make critical decisions and handling day-to-day responsibilities  -- both personally and professionally.

When all seems chaotic and questions loom, and I wonder, “What do I do now?”  -- the light comes on, and, once again, the scripture, "Him (or Her) I will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Me (my Prince of Peace)." Isaiah 26:3, comes to me.  I fix my mind on Him, and His peace always pervades my world, my circumstances, my home and my heart.  Any time anxiety, concern and distraction tries to overtake me, I put on praise and worship music, and the atmosphere is replaced with calm peace and assurance that God has me and all my cares in His control. God knows about this life journey we are all on. He even knows the outcome!

So why should we worry, fret or be concerned?  As 2015 is fast approaching, we may have questions about what our future will look like.  No doubt, we'll encounter our share of ups and downs. But, let's listen, and take to heart the words of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

While we can’t know all that 2015 will hold for us, we can know the peace that the Prince of Peace provides and He is able to sustain us through anything that might come our way.
#PrinceOfPeace #GuaranteedPeace

Free of Pain, Worry & Sorrow -- Living With Gratitude

TBT!  Remembering sweetly....past Thanksgivings!

It was early part of the year, 2010, when our son said he wanted us to join his family for Thanksgiving at their place in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Ron and I made it a part of our goals for the year.  But then, as the year progressed, and my Honey's health changed so drastically, when Ryan asked about reserving our flights, I told him, "Faith says to go ahead and book….but wisdom says, 'buy travel insurance'!"

Just shortly after my Honey "went home", our son and his family arrived in Tulsa.  Ryan was already urging me to go to Cabo with them on Sunday, after the marathon.  Initially, I hesitated, thinking there was just too much to do -- "I have more responsibilities now, and I need to be responsible."  But with the emphatic prompting of our children, I realized, "This is what my Honey would want me to do -- to get away and get refreshed."   But when I was unable to find my passport (my Honey had his secret hiding places), it seemed that maybe I wasn't supposed to go, after all.  But our daughter, Staci, in her own "search and rescue" efforts, heard the words..."in my sock drawer".  Her "hearing" from God, and I believe, my Honey, led her straight to that drawer -- felt behind the drawer, that's inside the drawer, and there they were.  It most definitely was meant to be.  I started getting excited about the trip.  I knew that's where I was supposed to be for the next week.

The first photo posted here, was our family Thanksgiving in Tulsa, without Papa!  You can see how we were able to express complete joy and celebration for the many Thanksgivings we had with him, and now celebrating and thanking God for our lives to live strong and make him proud of us.

On Sunday, after the marathon, we flew to Cabo.  It was the perfect place of beauty,  tranquity and warmth to refresh, revive and remember the man I loved so dearly.   I woke at 5 am each morning to enjoy the magnificent sunrise on the crashing waves.  Oh how sweet was the presence of my loving Father.  Then, my son announced that we (my two oldest grandsons, our son and I) were going on a deep sea fishing expedition.  I was so giddy and excited.  I knew my Honey would want it to be this way.  He would want me free of pain, worry and sorrow.   Lobo, the captain of our boat, told me he was taking us to el lugar secreto (the secret place) to find the fish.  He did.  Reeling in the Mahi Mahi, shown in the photo, was a thrill of a lifetime.

Like Lobo taking us to "the secret fishing place", I have found myself, as well -- in the secret place.  Psalm 91:1,2 -- "He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'"   Why shouldn't I feel this peace?   God promised it to me if  I would live in that place.  It's a choice I must make daily.   John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."   I shall go forward -- enjoying the memories, the sweetness of loving and being loved, choosing to be care-free and unafraid…….and daily living in that el lugar secreto!