I've shared with you, this past week, a little bit about my recent battle with exhaustion, negativism and discontent - a definite lack of peace. Reading those previous posts will give you a better perspective.
I am quite aware that our theme on this blog, this month, is "BLESSED are the peacemakers..." How can one be a peacemaker when battling peace herself? I believe it begins with saying to God, "I know this life is not about me - it's about You, I'm so sorry for the ways I've messed up and been in a hurry to take control of my life... I choose to give You back the reins and not run ahead of You... I hunger and thirst for You and Your righteousness, Father God...."
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Connecting with God in this way invites Him to answer... and He does! See yesterday's post for an example.
He also answers through others. Here are just a few of the ways that my God has answered my prayers through His family and others this week. It has helped me regain my peace, even through still difficult circumstances.
1. Gospel Music! Steve had the CD player/radio in Jessica's car replaced last week. It's been a year of traveling many miles (using Jessica's car) without my Gospel Music connection. You might begin hearing of random sightings of "woman in red mustang, on the roads of South Jersey, singing at the top of her lungs." Thank you, Steve and Jessica. Thank You, God!
2. Gospel Music! We recently got DVR. I finally learned how to work it! I'm DVR'ing gospel music shows. Now, as I'm cleaning or working on the computer, I can have a little piece of heaven encouraging me! Thank you, Steve and Jessica. Thank You, God!
3. Fellowship of christian sisters! Since I began teaching again, full time 2 years ago, I have desperately missed my ongoing fellowship with my christian sisters. Recently, I've had some snippets of quality time with a few sisters. On Tuesday, I was running by Nick's Pizza to pick up a Greek salad to take to my office. As I walked in, there they were - our church's Tuesday ladies Bible class group eating at Nick's Pizza! What a surprise! God gave me yet another gift! I ate my Greek salad amidst great fellowship. Thank you, sisters! Thank You, God.
4. Learners, not students! I love teaching, but the last few months it had become exhausting. Good teaching is a lot of work and usually there is little appreciation from students. I often have to remind myself that my treasure is in heaven! At some point, when a person changes from a student to a learner, his or her attitude changes. This week, I have received multiple encouraging thank you's from learners in my children's Bible classes as well as my university classes. I had been so discouraged. The encouragement has made a huge difference! Thank you, learners! Thank You, God!
5. Air conditioning! Okay, I admit it! Sometimes I let circumstances steal my joy and peace. After high electric bills last summer and inefficient cooling, we bought 3 window units. The heat came before the window units were installed. Cool and comfortable, I am now thinking more clearly! Thank you, Steve and Brian! Thank You, God!
6. Health and wellness! Steve and Jessica have led the way recently via more protein, a gluten-free diet, and exercise. I "was too busy" to begin with them. Yet, as I am eating better and taking more steps, I am feeling better. What a difference good nutrition and exercise makes! Thank you, Steve and Jessica! Thank You, God!
There's more... but that's it for now... I love my God given family... they are truly peacemakers...
"BLESSED are the peacemakers,
for they are the children of God!"
~BLESSED~
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