PEACE

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you are called to peace. And be thankful.           Colossians 3:15

We woke up yesterday morning to the shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Many people were unnerved by another mass shooting in the United States. We're certain those involved and the families directly impacted by this tragedy had to deal with many difficult emotions. When we get up in the morning, we have our plans for what we want to accomplish for that day. However, we will not find peace by engaging in excessive planning which is attempting to control what will happen in the future. That can be considered a commonly practiced form of unbelief. Sometimes peace may seem to be within our grasp, but it often eludes us. Just when we think we have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected happens and throws things into confusion.

God did not design human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond anyone's capability. God wants us to bring to Him all our needs, all our hopes and fears. He wants us to commit everything into His care. It is much better to turn from a path of planning everything out to a path of peace. Even in times of great turmoil God can give us the peace that we need to endure what life throws at us.

Many of us have a place where we find peace and solitude. One of those places for us is the deck at the home of our daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Rick. There is a beautiful view of woods and lake, and as the sun rises in the morning the view and the sounds of God's creation surround us. Several months ago Gail dropped a hint to Rick saying that he should remove one of the trees so that she could have a better view of the lake. Recently, he took his chain saw and cut the tree down and indicated that he had just created "Gail's view". This opened up a much better view of the lake from his deck. Rick certainly gained some points from Gail for doing this.

                                             Gail's View

 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

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny