Peace

Recently in Florianópolis, only 2 blocks from the hospital where our new grandchild was born, I found a most lovely, relaxing and peaceful place. The calm sea, the playful seagulls, the large sturdy rocks, the soft colors of the sunset, the lack of people and traffic, the benches to sit down on and enjoy it all...ahhhh! Peaceful was certainly the word that came to mind to describe this place. "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" (John 14:27). I love this verse! And I love the gift of His peace. I remember the first time I noticed His peace in a very real and comforting way. I was 19 and in love but the one I loved was thinking of ditching me because I wouldn't talk to him. I guess that's a harsh way to describe it but that is how I felt. Well, after talking to the Lord about it all, I was surprised but comforted by His peace that filled me-heart, soul, mind and body. From that day on, the gift of peace has been my favorite of the blessings that belong exclusively to His children. Many have been the occasions during my life since then when I have sensed that same God-given peace. It's a peace that "passes all understanding" because it comes directly from His loving hands and caring heart. HIS gifts are "unspeakable", they are beyond description. Thank You, Lord!

Music

As I sit here and type this, I am listening to music-beautiful music. What a lovely and perfect gift this is! The power of music is amazing, as those of you can attest who have let it be a part of your life. Have you ever looked at photos while listening to music? The difference in what you think and feel is incredible! That's the power that music has on us. We need to let beautiful, inspiring music be a regular part of our daily lives. I'm trying to do that more these days.

What is my music about? Beauty. The Lord. The joy of the Lord! As the Psalmist said, "He is become my song and my salvation". He is the reason we can so enjoy the lovely strains of music that come to our ears from various sources, for He is the Author of beauty and joy. May He always be the theme of my song, the melody of my heart, the joy of my soul.

Thank You, Lord, for this most lovely gift from your loving hands!

New Life!

Life is a gift from God. When our seventh grandchild was born a few days ago, I marveled at God's loving and divine hands to create this little one. Doesn't she just look like a little rosebud? She's perfect, with "ten fingers, ten toes, one mouth and one nose...". She is new and the parents have the wonderful privilege to teach her God's Word and His Way, help her form her beliefs, mold her personality and show her their examples. I love new life, new days, new things! Each one has the potential of many blessings and possibilities. Do you delight in getting something like a new notebook, to write things on that clean, never-before-used paper that are helpful to yourself or others? Help us, Lord, to take advantage of the "clean sheets of paper" you give us, to write on them beautiful and godly things...whatsoever is pure and true and lovely. God, also, delights in new things! "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation..." (II Cor. 5:17). He delights to teach me new things, to mold me into the person He wants me to be, to make my life a blessing to others.