52 weeks of peace: January 2011

Peace scripture for today

"Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope." — James E. Faust
Psalms 34: 14" ...and do good; seek peace, and pursue it"

Isaih 43: 1, 2, 5 "But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rives, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned: neither shall the flames kindle upon thee. ..Fear not: for I am with thee"

Peace is not passive. It is an active journey.

And another:

But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war….many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility. (Alma 62:41)

At first glance, this scripture may not feel like it is about peace, but, as I read it, I can understand in a new way, that peace is a choice. Where some are hardened, others are humbled. Which will I be?

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Where can I turn for Peace?

The words to this song provide such a sweet message of hope and goodness. I appreciate that it begins with an empathetic list of the many things that we each struggle with daily.

"Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace. When other sources cease to make me whole? When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice, I draw myself apart, searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows, where when I languish, where in my need to know, where can I run? Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish? Who, who can understand? He only One.

He answers privately, reaching my reaching in my in Gethsemane, Savior and Friend. Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching. Constant he is and kind, love without end."
Emma Lou Thayne (C) 1973

He does answer privately. The answer is peace. The answer is trust. The answer is serve and be kind. The answer is I will lift your heart through moving away from self and toward Christ.

Some days...

Today started out hard. I was sad and somewhat depressed. There is so much pressure to keep going and to have a good attitude and to handle the tight finances etc etc etc. It’s sometimes more than I can take. People around me are so good and kind and I am trying each day to find the things that I appreciate about my life, but, today was difficult to find that happy spot. As the day wore on, I did better. It took me the whole morning though. I know that there would be days like that whether Alan were home or not, but, I still blame everything on the fact that he’s gone. Catherine sent me a sweet note tonight that reminded me that I am ok, that we are ok, that things are ok...She ended her email with "We will keep Alan in our prayers and we probably need to keep all of you in them--tough to be separated. But you are one of the most confident, capable and courageous women I know and I am sure you are up to the task!"

I didn’t feel confident, capable or courageous today. I felt defeated. I have to remember that I am truly up for this task and that I am being guided and blessed every step of the way.

Some days are better than others.