Peace....what is it?

Day 3 - Well, as you can see the livingroom is very different from yesterday thanks to faithful children who are easily motivated when the motivation is more company and friends over! They just love people. I wonder where they got that trait?

7:30am - Just heard from My Trucker and he is
off to Dallas TX later this morning in a rental car with 3 other recruits to be assigned his personal trainer. Thank you Lord for small blessings, of a car ride instead of a greyhound bus, for 3 passengers instead of 5 per car, for cell phones and technology that allows us to stay connected along the way.

I have lost track of what day it is over this Christmas Break. I can't call it a Vacation, that word implies to much carefree recreation time to me, which does not describe the life I have been living lately. It has certainly not been carefree but that doesn't necessarily mean that it has not been peaceful. I love the way My Lord has been so gracious to consistently give peace through out all of our trials. He has given me a new Life verse to hang my heart and mind on. He has packed so much practical help in these 6 verses.

 Philippians 4:4-9

 "⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to All. The Lord is near; ⁶ 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.

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (emphasis added) 

These verses are whispered promises into my heart from the Lover of my Soul. 

"the peace of God.." Does anyone wonder what that is? What that feels like? I have. For years growing up as a young believer I prayed and hoped that I would one day understand what that is and feel it. I do believe I am scratching the surface. God's presence is peace, the calm heart in the midst of chaos is the evidence of peace, the ability to close your eyes and smile lovingly when your child breaks your favorite Teapot....peace, the joyful hope for the future when the bill collecters keep calling and there is no money to pay... peace,  being able to get up in the morning and do any task when a loved one is dying.....peace, this is the kind of peace that can ONLY come from Him. It doesn't mean you don't feel....there is pain, there is crying, there is hurt, deep hurt, but it comes....this peace.....in the surrender...... the total release of all that's weighing upon the spirit to the only one who can carry it. The one who carried it all and nailed it to the Cross. It is in trusting and believing that this God who created all, still controls all. And He does! And as these verses show so clearly.... peace is related to joy.    Thankfulness.    I am not sure which came first the chicken or the egg but I think in this context thankfulness comes first. If you are thankful and rejoicing;  re-JOYsing = singing thankful praises to God again and again,  for everything,  good,  bad  and ugly. The result  is Peace and more Joy! What wonderful gifts.