Peace

Peace: 

Full Definition of PEACE

1

:  a state of tranquillity or quiet: as

a :  freedom from civil disturbance

b :  a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom peace

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2

:  freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

3

:  harmony in personal relations

4

a :  a state or period of mutual concord between governments

b :  a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity

5

—used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

— at peace

:  in a state of concord or tranquillity

This word was heavy on my heart today. I just needed peace to wash over my heart and mind. But as I read what Merriam-Webster says the definition of peace is, I have to pause because there are portions of the definition that are bold. The sections 1a, 2, and 4b leave you to believe that the need for peace is because of war, not just a loud room or loud thoughts, war. This should come as no surprise that Jesus is the Prince of Peace because we know that " For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12, NIV). In other words, we ARE at war and the need for real peace is significant in our lives.

So often we don't look at the struggle with our family, our friends, to find some rest in our busy schedules or time to actually be in the Word of God or in prayer as a "war" but it is! It all is! The enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to make our lives look like chaos, organized chaos or just busyness in order to distract us from the Kingdom work God has created each and every one of us for. We're at war. The amazing thing is, the victory is already ours because of what Jesus did at the Cross. He defeated hell, the grave, sin- the enemy!- when He willingly hung on the cross, died and rose again.
Yeah, we might need to cut back in an area or two of our lives (never should the areas we cut back on be the areas that keep us connected to Him!). Sure we may need to reprioritize our lives and schedules, but the beauty of it all is that we are already overcomers and the war is already won.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
http://bible.com/116/php.4.6-9.nlt

Broken

 

As I listened to the Bible this morning, yes I listened, the words of these verses seemed to be screaming at me. Let me tell you the back story...

In 10 days I will be boarding a flight for my first missions trip. I am excited, anxious to serve and a little nervous. God has provided every thing I have possibly needed so far for this trip from the cost of actually going to supplies to my personal needs. His hand has been on this from the beginning and I know He has big things in store. That being said, not only do I know and believe that God is going to do a mighty work, but the enemy knows as well and he is on high alert and full force attacking our team.
The past two months or so, both the ladies and missionaries of our team and our families have encountered some form of opposition from the enemy as he attempts to thwart our focus and attention from the task we've been called to accomplish. Hell must be shaking and the demons must be shuttering!
A couple weeks ago, I decided that I was going to do a 21 day fast in battle and in preparation for the trip to get my head and heart in the right place. I don't think hell likes that I am doing this.

This week, I am drained. Exhausted. Worn out physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. I'm tired. I have had a hard time focusing and feel so scattered. I have prayed and I have prayed. I even asked God why my head and heart just don't seem to be "in the game."

So this morning, as I was listening to my daily Psalm reading, these verses rang out loud and I heard God clearly say to me, "I have you right where I want you. It is in your brokenness that I can fully use you and fill you. You've emptied yourself of everything and now I have something to work with. Don't be upset or feel discouraged! How you are right now is how I want you, how I need you."

Is there anything better that the words of scripture coming to life? Is there anything better than hearing the voice of your heavenly Father remind you of His plan? In the midst of my brokenness, He is there and He is at work and He is saying that I am enough.

You take our failure
You take our weakness
You set Your treasure
In jars of clay
So take this heart Lord
I'll be Your vessel
The world to see Your life in me

CCLI Song # 7019974
Joel Houston | Jonas Myrin
© 2014 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com

CCLI License # 362101

 

 

Are you brave enough to join the #redlipnation?

A few weeks ago, the ladies of a Facebook group I am in decided to be bold and courageous! They started the #redlipnation! Now, I am not one to wear red lipstick...heck I am not even one to wear lipstick! I am a gloss and balm girl. One of the ladies wrote the best blog about this movement and you can read it here http://www.emilyshill.com/2015/01/redlipnation.html?m=1

After reading her post, I decided, what have I got to lose?!? 

I chose a lip paint that I received in my Ipsy Bag a few months ago. It is JCat in Red Potion. I guess it's not so bad 💄

Ladies it is time to be bold and fierce! Walk confidently in our calling, power and femininity! We can be mighty leaders whether at home, the office, from a pulpit or wherever and still look amazing! 

So, are you brave? Find the shade that works for you and share your #redlipnation selfies!

Human Trafficking Awareness

January 11 is national human trafficking awareness day. 

There are so many ways to learn how to recognize trafficking and even ways to joing the fight against it. One of my personal favorite organizations is The A21 Campaign. At http://www.thea21campaign.org, you can read about the atrocities against people around the globe. 

The 13th ammendment may have been intended to end slavery, but there are more slaves now than ever before in history. 

Make yourself aware of and help end it! 

Understanding...

This life is full of things that we do not understand. We study, we strive, we contemplate, we meditate and yet, there are so many things beyond our ability to grasp. 

That can be really hard to swallow. 

I love what Psalm 131 says. 

LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalms 131:1-2 NLT)

We face struggles and trials and beg to understand the reasons why and question the purpose it will have in our lives. Sometimes we figure it out. Sometimes we don't. 

I saw commercial for a TV show the other day...the main character is a young woman battling cancer. The segment I saw, the young woman said, "Maybe it's not about finding a reason. It's trusting that there is one."

That hit me. Hard. The truth in that statement is huge. It all comes down to faith. 

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)

I simply want to trust Him more and more as I journey this life, confident in where His leading me and my family. Confident that He will accomplish what He plans and that I will not disappoint Him.