WONDERFUL PEACE... SOW IT IN PEACE...

James 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James says, in verse 17, that God's wisdom is full of many wonderful qualities:

1. pure




2. peace-loving




3. considerate




4. submissive




5. merciful




6. full of fruit (FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)




7. impartial




8. sincere
   

Verse 18 really catches my attention! What does it mean "peacemakers who sow in peace..."?

Are there really peacemakers who do not sow in peace? Maybe, even a mother or two? Is it possible that as mothers we have our own agendas/plans/objectives for doing the "right" thing for our families that we create stress all along the way? GUILTY! Today, His word convicts me to consider how I might do better at being a "peacemaker who sows in peace."

~BLESSED~

WONDERFUL PEACE...

SUNDAY IN THE SON

WONDERFUL PEACE

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!



Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
Refrain

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!

Refrain

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!

Refrain

And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be:

Refrain

Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime!

Refrain





Refrain

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!

Refrain

And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be:

Refrain

Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime!

Refrain

MY FATHER'S EYES... PEACEFUL...

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD SATURDAY

Catch Up and Must Do

I shared with you yesterday that I have allowed circumstances to steal my peace... also my joy. So, what really is Biblical peace?

1. Isaiah 9:6 prophesied that Jesus, "The Prince of Peace" would come.
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2. Romans 15:33 calls God "the God of peace".
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3. Philippians 4:7 says that the peace that comes from God "passes all understanding".
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4. In John 14, Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
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5. In Acts 10, the disciples were living that peace and preached "peace by Jesus Christ."
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6. There's a big connection with peace and the gospel of Christ. Ephesians 6:15 puts it as part of the christian's armor, "And on your feet is the preparation of the gospel of peace."
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7. Both Acts 2 and 1 John 1 inform us that peace is the knowing that our sins are forgiven and that all is well with our souls.
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8. It takes effort to pursue peace as scripture encourages us to do in multiple places. In Romans 14, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace."
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I encourage you to read my posts from this week. You'll find that on my peace journey, I have:
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1. Been aware that peace does not come without effort on my part.
2. Sought peace through Jesus Christ - the source.
3. Pursued peace through prayer and spiritual connections with God and His family.

BLESSED are the peacemakers,

for they are the children of God.

~BLESSED~

MY FATHER'S EYES... HE SEES... HE KNOWS... HE MEETS MY NEEDS...

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...."

.

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~

MY FATHER'S EYES... HE WANTS ME TO HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

When I think of the word transform, I quickly think of two concepts -

1. Change

2. A power source

Recently, I've been having a really hard time just being at peace or being a peacemaker. Instead of transforming in a positive manner, I've been seeing too many negative transformations in my life. How could someone who writes a blog about transformation in Christ be having challenges with it?

I've noticed, this year, that whatever our topic on the blog, that becomes my greatest challenge for the month. My mother in love is known to say, "How can someone teach unless that person has walked a mile in another's moccasins?" One thing I can say, is that if you are struggling with any of Christ's Be-attitudes growing in your life, I have been struggling, too. I understand.

Here is what I've determined - I need to begin each morning with an attitude check... the kind where I go to the POWER SOURCE (my Heavenly Father) and ask His help for CHRIST-LIKE CHANGE in my life!

1. God, help me remember that today

is not about me - it's about You -

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

2. God, I am so sorry for my sin,

the sins of others,

and the way we disappoint You.

Yet, I'm so thankful for Your forgiveness!

Blessed are those who mourn.

3. God, please lead me this day.

I give You the reins of my life!

Blessed are the meek.

4. God, keep me hungry and thirsty

for Your ways today.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

5. God, teach me to look with

new eyes of mercy

at each person

who I come in contact with today.

Blessed are the merciful.

6. God, keep my heart pure

and free from evil thoughts of any kind.

Blessed are the pure in heart.

7. God, give me Your peace in the circumstances of life,

so that I can truly help others to have peace, too.

Blessed are the peace-makers.

As I finish writing this post, one of the verses I have taped above my computer floated down onto the keyboard. Hmmmm... it says,

"The LORD your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you.

He will quiet you with His love.

He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

Tomorrow, on my FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY post, I want to share how my family has/is helping me to make some additional positive changes.

~BLESSED~

MY FATHER'S EYES.... SEARCHING....

I love having shorter passages to memorize for the month. This month's verses are particularly easy to memorize, but challenging to live by. We are now focusing on the 7th Be-Attitude. One thing that I am convinced of is that the Be-attitudes are building blocks of our Christ-like hearts. So, when I think of our verses, it is so easy to connect them with all the Be-attitudes:
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BLESSED ARE:

THE POOR IN SPIRIT

THOSE WHO MOURN

THE MEEK

THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

THE MERCIFUL

THE PURE IN HEART

THE PEACE-MAKERS

Our memory verses from James say:

17 "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

What wonderful rejoicing takes place when fellow Christ followers encourage each other to, SEEK FIRST this kingdom of purity, peace, submissiveness, and righteousness.

Last week, we had the radio/CD player in my car replaced. Steve had given me a CD for Mother's Day of David Phelps greatest hits. I put it in yesterday morning and have already about worn out one of the songs. I came home last night and pulled it up on our DVR and then found it on Youtube to share with you here. The first part of it has some problems with the mouth / music synchronization, but I the words of the song have inspired me since yesterday's post.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

~BLESSED~

MY FATHER'S EYES... FAITHFUL FRIENDS...

I haven't had a lot of joy or peace lately. I do know that joy springs from a thankful heart and I must confess that I haven't been very thankful. Words to describe me this past week would be exhausted, strung out, short-tempered, negative, emotional, and depressed.

Why am I writing a GratiTuesday post on the month that we're talking about peace, when I feel the way that I do? That's just it - Faith and Feelings are not the same. It seems as if every fiber of my being feels awful. By faith, I ask you to pray for me that my mustard seed faith will grow into a towering oak. I'm grateful for FAITHFUL FRIENDS who pray in peace and for peace.

"Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called the children of God."

~BLESSED~

MY FATHER'S EYES... FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION...

MEDITATION MONDAY

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Yesterday we honored those who are fathers. Specifically, we honored those who have done well or are attempting to do well in their roles as fathers. As mothers, we are so aware of the role(s) fathers have.
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I sat nearby as Steve visited in our home with our daughter, Jessica... our 3 other children on the phone... and his 83 year old father on the phone. Before that, at noon, Steve and I ate at Don Pablo's with Andrea and 2 of her 4 sons as they missed daddy Chuck who was captaining his boat in the Atlantic.
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Earlier in the day, Steve preached a powerful Father's Day sermon to our church family. He challenged fathers to:

1. Protect
2. Provide
3. Be the spiritual leader
4, Model how to live love
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I thought about the many times that I've seen that done in our home over the years. It was a common sight to see Crystal or Jessica sitting on daddy's lap as they shared love and laughter. I'm so thankful for the hearts and eyes of compassion that all 4 of our children have developed... they have their "father's eyes".
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I thought about being with Caleb a few weeks ago and seeing one year old Perry outstretch his arms to his daddy. I remembered Caleb as a young boy walking around the house in his daddy's cowboy boots and standing at the door waiting for Steve to come home. Then, I thought of recent pictures of Jordan and Chloe and I meditate on God's wonderful words in Psalms 103 :
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"But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him,
and His righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep His covenant
and remember to obey His precepts."

~BLESSED~

MY FATHER'S EYES....

SUNDAY IN THE SON
and

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

TO MY HEAVENLY FATHER

MY FATHER'S EYES
AS SUNG BY AMY GRANT

I may not be every mother's dream for her little girl,
And my face may not grace the minds

of everyone in the world.
But that's all right,

as long as I can have one wish I pray:
When people look inside my life,

I want to hear them say,

She's got her Father's eyes,
Her Father's eyes;
Eyes that find the good in things,
When good is not around;
Eyes that find the source of help,
When help just can't be found;
Eyes full of compassion,
Seeing every pain;
Knowing what you're going through
And feeling it the same.

Just like my Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes,
Just like my Father's eyes.

And on that day when we will pay

for all the deeds we have done,
Good and bad they'll all be had

to see by everyone.
And when you're called to stand and tell

just what you saw in me,
More than anything I know,

I want your words to be,
She had her Father's eyes,
Her Father's eyes;
Eyes that found the good in things,
When good was not around;
Eyes that found the source of help,
When help would not be found;
Eyes full of compassion,
Seeing every pain;
Knowing what you're going through,
And feeling it the same.

Just like my Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes,
Just like my Father's eyes.
My Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes...


~BLESSED~

PRINCE OF PEACE... THROUGH A MOTHER'S GRIEF...

I had a great post planned for today with many pictures. For some reason or another, I cannot get the pics uploaded. I am thinking that there must be something different that I am to post. Today, Nan Deal wrote a powerful post on CONNOR'S SONG that I would like to share with you. How does one have peace after losing a child? Nan gives you a glimpse into her heart. Here's a little bit of what she shares and then the link:

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED AFTER 2 YEARS AND 4 AGONIZING MONTHS IS.

1. DON'T BE PROUD OF ME,ITS GOD. PLEASE GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY.

AND GOD IS NOT MY ENEMY, BUT I STILL WANT TO KNOW WHY.

2. I STILL DON'T WANT TO ACCEPT THIS CUP. I WANT ANOTHER.

3. IF IT WAS UP TO ME WITHOUT GOD , I WOULD BE DONE.

4. I HATE GRIEF,WHAT IT DOES TO A PERSON, FAMILY AND MY LITTLE BOY.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF NAN'S POST ON CONNOR'S SONG.

~BLESSED~

PRINCE OF PEACE... RIGHTEOUS...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

"Mirror, mirror on the wall,

Do you see Jesus in me at all?"

We've been talking about "Blessed are the peacemakers...." . Yesterday, as I was driving through South Jersey, on my way home from another school visit, I was thinking of the things that "steal my peace". For those moments, all I could focus on was - NEW JERSEY DRIVERS! As I watched hundreds of cars speed by me, going 10, 20 or 30 miles over the speed limit, some were driving quite recklessly. This verse came to me loud and clear,

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!"

Is it possible that in a society where everyone lives for Jesus, that each person would not think of what was best for himself or herself? Aha! Did you know that "Blessed are the peacemakers..." was spoken by Jesus to His disciples in the same "little talk" as "Do unto others..."?

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As I was meditating this morning, I thought of our memory verse for the month and pondered the transformation that must take place on the journey from...

FOOLISHNESS TO WISDOM

SELFISHNESS TO "DO UNTO OTHERS..."

TURMOIL TO PEACE.

It's quite possible that they are connected. Consider our memory scripture in this transformational manner:

FOOLISHNESS TO...

...WISDOM

HELL TO...

...HEAVEN

IMPURITY TO...

...PURITY

TURMOIL-LOVING TO...

...PEACE-LOVING

INCONSIDERATE TO...

...CONSIDERATE

UNSUBMISSIVE TO...

...SUBMISSIVE

MERCILESS TO...

...MERCIFUL

BAD FRUIT TO...

...GOOD FRUIT

PARTIAL TO...

...IMPARTIAL

INSINCERE TO...

...SINCERE

TURMOIL-MAKERS TO...

...PEACEMAKERS

UNRIGHTEOUS TO...

...RIGHTEOUS

BECAUSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS

PRINCE OF PEACE,

I AM...

~BLESSED~

PRINCE OF PEACE... PEACE-LOVING PEACEMAKER....

JAMES 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven

is first of all pure;

then peace-loving,

considerate,

submissive,

full of mercy and good fruit,

impartial and sincere.

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace

reap a harvest of righteousness.

17 But the wisdom that comes from ___________

is first of all _______;

then _______________,

considerate,

s_____________,

full of mercy and good___________,

impartial and ____________

18 Peacemakers who sow in ________

reap a harvest of ________________.

.

.

17 But the __________ that comes from heaven

is ______ of all pure;

then peace-loving,

______________,

submissive,

full of _______ and good fruit,

________ and sincere.

18 Peacemakers who sow in ________

reap a ________ of righteousness.

~BLESSED~

PRINCE OF PEACE... My hubby has His eyes...

I am a woman most BLESSED! I shared a few weeks ago that my hubby is a man of peace. As the moon reflects the sun, Steve reflects the peace of Christ. He is a man full of wisdom, because he beseeches God for it. He is a great counselor, teacher, mentor, and father. One of the songs toward the top of the playlist is MY FATHER'S EYES. I've been humming it for the last few hours... not sure why, but most probably because of these words that remind me of Steve... I've paraphrased from female to male:

He's got his Father's eyes,
His Father's eyes;
Eyes that find the good in things,
When good is not around;
Eyes that find the source of help,
When help just can't be found;
Eyes full of compassion,
Seeing every pain;
Knowing what you're going through
And feeling it the same.
Just like my Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes,
My Father's eyes,
Just like my Father's eyes.

I see a "peacemaker" all through those words! I also see a peacemaker as being someone who wants to stretch his hands, using one hand to grab the hand of a friend and the other to grab the hand of Jesus - bringing them together. Thank you, Steve. You did that twice on Sunday:

1. Sunday morning sermon Steve challenged families to submit to Christ and then to submit to each other out of reverance for Christ.

2. Sunday afternoon when speaking at the Pitman High School baccalaureate, I heard Steve explain that there is a key to getting past the improbable and the impossible to a future of possibilities: "With God All Things Are Possible!"

Thank you, Jesus!

I see Your reflection in Steve!

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD.

I am a woman most

~BLESSED~

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PRINCE OF PEACE... WE BOW DOWN...

MEDITATION MONDAY
.

I have not felt good the last week. It's been hard to get rest at night. Today, I had some sort of stomach bug. I've taken some naps, so now I can't sleep and I want to write a brief post. Yesterday, Steve challenged our graduating seniors to have the attitude of Christ in all their relationships... in the home, with friends, at school, on the job...

Submit to others!

Be humble!

It's easier said than done...

Steve had us sing the song: WE BOW DOWN... I thought, "It starts with submission to the Prince of Peace to LIVE AT PEACE with others."

After services, we had a luncheon in honor of the seniors. As part of the many things given to them, at our deacon of youth's request, I had lettered on the back of rulers (that he gave to them) these words, "LET GOD RULE YOUR LIFE."

Later in the afternoon, Steve was the speaker at the Pitman High School baccalaureatte. He shared different scenarios / challenges of life. Improbable? Impossible? Possible? He said one thing he knew for sure: W.G.A.T.A.P.: With God, All Things Are Possible!

I think Jesus knew a few things about life and Godliness. He started the Be-attitudes by challenging us to be POOR IN SPIRIT. Now, we're looking at the 7th Be-attitude that will work well for someone who is POOR IN SPIRIT:

"BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD."

~BLESSED~

PRINCE OF PEACE...

SUNDAY IN THE SON

Colossians 3

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

since as members of one body

you were called to peace.

And be thankful.

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly

as you teach and admonish one another

with all wisdom

through psalms, hymns,

and songs from the Spirit,

singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

YOU ARE HOLY (PRINCE OF PEACE)

AS SUNG BY MICHAEL W. SMITH

You are holy (You are holy)
You are mighty (You are mighty)
You are worthy (You are worthy)
Worthy of praise (Worthy of praise)
And I will follow (I will follow)
I will listen (I will listen)
I will love you (I will love you)
All of my days (All of my days)

(Guys)
I will sing to
And worship
The King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore Him
And I will bow down before Him
I will sing to and worship the King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore him
I will bow down before Him

(Girls)
He is Lord of Lords
He is King of Kings
He is mighty God
Lord of everything

He's Emmanuel
He's the great "I AM"
He's my Prince of Peace
Who is the Lamb

He's the living God
He's my saving grace
He will reign forever
He is ancient of days

He's the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End
He's my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and friend

(Both:)
You're my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for you.

You are holy (You are holy)
You are mighty (You are mighty)
You are worthy (You are worthy)
Worthy of praise (Worthy of praise)
And I will follow (I will follow)
I will listen (I will listen)
I will love you (I will love you)
All of my days (All of my days)

(Guys)
I will sing to
And worship
The King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore Him
And I will bow down before Him
I will sing to and worship the King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore him
I will bow down before Him

(Girls)
He is Lord of Lords
He is King of Kings
He is mighty God
Lord of everything

He's Emmanuel
He's the great "I AM"
He's my Prince of Peace
Who is the Lamb

He's the living God
He's my saving grace
He will reign forever
He is ancient of days

He's the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End
He's my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and friend


(Both:)
He's my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for you.

(guys)
I will sing to
And worship
The King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore Him
And I will bow down before Him
I will sing to and worship the King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore him
I will bow down before Him

(Girls)
You are Lord of Lords
You are King of Kings
You are mighty God
Lord of everything

You're Emmanuel
You're the great "I AM"
You're my Prince of Peace
Who is the Lamb

You're the living God
You're my saving grace
You will reign forever
You are ancient of days

You're the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End
You're my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and friend

(Both:)
You're my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for you.(2x)

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH... GOD'S PEACE IN ME...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

Over the years, I've thought a lot about PEACE ~ not so much world PEACE. It is seeing the unseen. It is knowing that if God is in control of changing that caterpillar to a butterfly, He can be in control of me, too - if I allow Him. As the song lyrics say, "There is a peace within my soul, when the Spirit of the LORD is in control..." That PEACE is the PEACE that passes understanding in the storms of life...
... when I've been burned again and again and I think that the hot coals must be intended just for me, there is a PEACE that assures me that this, too, will pass.


After all, God keeps His promises - just not in my timing!
This past week, I've been reminded again and again to trust Him and know that PEACE is possible... He provides many ways for there to be PEACE...

• when discussing "God's rainbow promises" with the 3rd-4th grade Bible class, that I teach, last night... one of my students pointed out how consistent God is... "the colors of the rainbow are always in the same order - ROY G. BIV..." (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet)
  



• when reading a comment of one of my students in the university summer course that I am teaching called, "Positive Behavior Supports". He wrote, "I read a book about Positive Thinking where the author recommended a sufferer of tension and anxiety to implement certain self-management strategies to combat these emotions. He recommended that you picture your mind as a bath tub filled with water. The water would represent all of your anxieties and tensions. Then he said to picture the drain being let go and all of the water emptying out. In the same way, imagine all of your tensions and anxieties draining from your mind. Following this procedure, the author recommended that you imagine the most peaceful scenes that you ever witnessed and to visualize every detail from memory. The author advised that after following this procedure of mind emptying and then refilling, a person would feel relieved and rejuvenated. I tried it for myself and found it immensely helpful. "




• when visiting Michigan over the weekend to celebrate our grandson's first birthday, I was once again reminded of the PEACE that comes from spending time with a small child. I'll share one of those scenes with you here, as he quietly investigates his new pairs of sunglasses:

I love Philippians 4 -

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

7 And the PEACE of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds

in Christ Jesus. "

*****

"Blessed are the PEACEmakers

for they shall be called the children of God."

*****

~BLESSED~

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH...IT'S WISE AND BLESSED...

I often hear other christians say, "I wish I had more wisdom." God is clear in how we get it. He tells us in James,

"If any of you lacks wisdom,

you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.

6 But when you ask,

you must believe and not doubt,

because the one who doubts

is like a wave of the sea,

blown and tossed by the wind. "

Our scripture memory for this month is short. This week? Short and sweet!

James 3:17a

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven

is first of all pure;

then peace-loving,

considerate,

submissive,

full of mercy ..."

Interesting! We're learning that a person is BLESSED when their lives exemplify Christ's Be-attitudes. It seems the verses above are telling us that at least 3 of the Be-attitudes can be prayed for because they are a part of wisdom!
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BE-ATTITUDES 5, 6, AND 7:

Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.

~BLESSED~

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH... LET IT BEGIN WITH ME...

MEDITATION MONDAY

P lacing
E ach and every
A nxiety in
C hrist
E very day *

~BLESSED~

* by Edith Rary

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH...

SUNDAY IN THE SON

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LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH LYRICS:

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Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

~BLESSED~

Steve and I have 4 children, 2 amazing daughter-in-loves, and 3 precious grandchildren who know us as Pops and Gigi. Today, is my half birthday! I turn 58 - 1/2. Yes, we celebrate 1/2 birthdays. More importantly, today is Perry's first birthday! I'm flying to see him today. The LORD willing, we'll have some great Gigi and Perry time (with mom, dad, auntie, and friend- of course). There is nothing... no nothing that I want more than for our children to love the LORD with their hearts overflowing with worship. Praise! Adoration! Marvel! I look forward to The Heart of Worship!
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I also want us all to love each other to the depths of living in beautiful harmony with each other despite our marked differences: BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD. I look forward to The Heart of Worship!

~BLESSED~

HEART OF WORSHIP... TRANSFORMING...

Yesterday was a long day! Not quite what I expected it to be. As I was leaving the house to teach Wednesday night Bible class, our daughter (now on her 7th week of eating gluten-free) gave me our grocery list of needs for more gluten free items. At about 8:45 p.m. I headed from the church building to a new grocery store that Steve had found. It has a great aisle of gluten-free foods. You know what it's like shopping at a new store. It took awhile. I found myself bringing in groceries from the car about 10:45.

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My hubby was still not home from the elders / preachers meeting. As I was putting the food away, Steve came in. That was the beginning of some wonderfully transforming time for me. Steve walked over to the television and turned on our DVR'd collection of David Phelps singing. As I put away the groceries and Steve made gluten-free bread, we sang and worshipped together with David for about an hour and a half. It is now almost 12:45 a.m. on Thursday morning. I have just spent wonderful time in THE HEART OF WORSHIP.

I have put several of the videos that we sang along with below. It is my hope that you can sit back and sing along as you are inspired to the heart of worship. Be sure and pause the playlist above before beginning the videos.
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~BLESSED~

HEART OF WORSHIP... PURE AND PEACE-LOVING...

June 2011 begins today! Time marches on... and with it we are transforming into His likeness!

This year, our monthly focus on the be-attitudes has challenged us to be:

1. Poor in spirit

2. Sorry for sin; ready to be led

3. Hungering for righteousness

4. Merciful

5. Pure in Heart

AND, NOW THIS MONTH WE FOCUS ON:

6. Peacemakers

Notice the words in bold in our new memory verses and make the connection to our be=attitude words above:

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17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is

first of all pure;

then peace-loving,

considerate,

submissive,

full of mercy and good fruit,

impartial and sincere.

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace

reap a harvest of righteousness.

James introduces our memory verses with verses 13-16.

Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Let's practice:
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

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~BLESSED~