Peace That Passes All Understanding!

Lately I have been trying to really focus on God and allow him to be my peace and strength and to rest in his peace. So many things in this world cause us to not be at peace or have peace in our daily lives. Quite the opposite. We have fears or worries about tomorrow or about our daily struggles that peace is NO where to be found. Sad to say that the phrase, "Rest in Peace or RIP" on grave stones is not even close to the peace that we can have in Jesus. Death is a rest but sadly it is not at all peaceful. The only way to have peace is to have Jesus.

I have been really blessed of late b/c I really feel I have received just what I have asked God for, his peace. Knowing what true peace is brings so much comfort and joy. One verse lately that has been a source of great encouragement has been Isaiah 26: 3-4

3. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

4. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

I am so thankful to be in His perfect peace b/c I have chosen to keep my mind on Him and b/c I have also decided to Trust in Him (God).

I often ask the Lord to be my strength b/c at times I feel so weak and unable to have the strength physically or motivation to accomplish what I know I need to do. I know that by calling out to the Lord for His strength I can do what ever is asked of me. I feel so confident in God's strength as my assistance in achieving the purpose he has designed me for. It is so wonderful to know that HIS strength is everlasting. God is not a wimp. His strength is continual. He does not grow weary or loose his endurance. I am so thankful for that b/c I do tire and become exhausted through the course of a long day. God is always alert and rearing to go.

I have to add this little story b/c it fits so well. This past Sunday during worship service we began singing some familiar songs which the children knew and started to sing along to. Well we changed to a song somewhat familiar for the children called, "God is Exalted". Well Ezra my 7 yr began to sing, his words were not quite right. He was singing a slightly different version, "God is Exhausted". I was quick to correct his mis-wording and he easily changed his words. I am so glad that our God is not exhausted. ( I have to say that when he first said his slightly different version I kind of chuckled cuz he was so cute. Such an easy mistake to make.) Ezra is learning and one great thing is he loves to sing to the Lord and praise him with singing. Now you gotta love that!

One other thought based on this story in Acts 16 : 16-36

16. Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.''
18. And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.'' And he came out that very hour.
19. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
20. And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city;
21. "and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.''
22. Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods.
23. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.
24. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.
27. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
28. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.''
29. Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.
30. And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?''
31. So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.''
32. Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
34. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
35. And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, "Let those men go.''
36. So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.''

What I love about this scripture and story is that Paul and Silas had to have the kind of peace that passes all understanding. To sing praises and worship God while being chained up and having bloody backs from their beatings they received had to be God's strength with in them. I find this story to be so uplifting no matter what situation or struggle I am in. I am so encouraged and challenged b/c I know what Paul and Silas face is far more greater then what I face. If they could praise and worship God in song in prison what more can I do in my situation.

What is even better then that is that through their imprisonment they were able to witness to the jailer and his whole family. How amazing. Immediately after the jailer brought them to his house he fed them and cleaned their wounds. Even in the midst of our hardships God can give us peace and healing comfort.

I hope you find this encouraging. Know that all God wants us to do outside of believing and confessing our sin and living righteous lives, is to wholly trust in him and rest in His peace. My hope is that you either know that peace or find that peace soon. Know that I am praying for all who read this. The only peace worth having is the peace from God that passes all understanding.

Poem for my "Dear little Zek".

I wrote a poem about and for my little Ezekiel which has assisted in my healing. I wanted to share this yesterday the month after my miscarriage.

A poem from my heart with love and hope trusting completely in Jesus.

"Dear Little Zek"

My heart is sadden but not beyond repair,
My God whom I trust has taken away my fear.

Though I long to hold my little Ezekiel near,
One day in Glory we will be together my dear.

I know that time is in HIS hands,
For he has designed us for His purpose and plans.

I wish to know the future of what is in store,
But wholly trust in peace eternal, to hold you dear forever more!

I long for peace and continue to trust the Lord even though the questions are unanswered. I know that the portrait God is painting is not yet finished and all I see is the partial picture.

I will be patient and wait to see the finished product one day.

The Word of God is Healing.

Psalm 39:7
"And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.

Psalm 39:
"Hear my prayer, O Lord, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Psalm 85 :9-13
9. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.
10. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12. Yes, the Lord will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase.
13. Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.

Ecclesiastes 3:14
I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.''

Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

8:37
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

James 3:18
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Here are just a few verses that have given me comfort and peace. So often why we struggle through our trials is b/c we can not seem to find peace and contentment. What we are looking for is found right before us in God's word. I am so Thankful to have the Bible so close for encouragement and guidance.

I want to apologize for not posting earlier in the month before my miscarriage. I know that some people tend to step away when they struggle through something. I however reach out for encouragement and support. I know that what makes healing possible is seeking help, especially from those who have even possibly been on the road I am currently traveling. One thing I have learned is that experience is a teacher. So if you have encouraged me b/c of your experience or given support through thoughts or through prayer. Thank You.

Healing is not complete, until we surrender to God and trust in HIS timing for everything to be reconciled and restored to his perfect will and plan.

My Prayer:

Thank You Heavenly Father for your love, constant peace and comfort through these tough moments in life. Knowing you are not only close by, but holding us through these difficult trials. Making the healing all the more comforting b/c in you we rest in having hope and victory eternally. Thank You Jesus.

Music is Healing.

I just wanted to share a couple songs that have really touched my heart and have helped my heart heal through this difficult time.

Something I have learned from this first song is that NO matter what we go through in life, our reaction should always be to "Praise the Lord". I know it is not usually one of our first reactions nor does it come easy. I think that usually praising God comes after so many other grief emotions. I am learning though as tough as our trials and struggles may be, God still loves us.

Praise you in the storm by Casting Crowns
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

This next song has brought me so much comfort b/c it describes how we feel or our emotional reaction to life's unexpected trials and yet through all Jesus is holding us. Knowing that we are not alone and that our Savior has us firmly in his hands. The safest place to be in the hands of our Almighty God.

Held by Natalie Grant Two months is too little They let him go They had no sudden healing To think that providence Would take a child from his mother While she prays, is appalling Who told us we'd be rescued What has changed and Why should we be saved from nightmares We're asking why this happens to us Who have died to live, it's unfair This is what it means to be held How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life And you survive This is what it is to be loved and to know That the promise was when everything fell We'd be held This hand is bitterness We want to taste it and Let the hatred numb our sorrows The wise hand opens slowly To lilies of the valley and tomorrow This is what it means to be held How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life And you survive This is what it is to be loved and to know That the promise was when everything fell We'd be held If hope is born of suffering If this is only the beginning Can we not wait, for one hour Watching for our savior This is what it means to be held How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life And you survive This is what it is to be loved and to know That the promise was when everything fell We'd be held [Repeat Chorus] This is what it means to be held

If you are dealing with something difficult, maybe listening to some up lifting, God inspiring, worshiping songs may be helpful for your healing also.

I really enjoy listening to the radio in the kitchen and all through out the house. I prefer Christian music b/c of the effect it has on my spirit and attitude. I specifically enjoy KLOVE. You can find a radio station just about anywhere you live. Or look on the web at their web site, Klove.com. They have a streaming audio that is really nice too.

Blessing for your healing. Remember true healing comes only from one source. God and Jesus who can heal all wounds.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Amen

Faith is....

Lately I have been really leaning on my faith and trust in my Almighty God and Father. I wanted to share what Faith to me is. Then also follow up with what the Bible says about Faith.

Faith to me is many things. As a child faith can be real simple. Children by nature are really trusting. That is until they feel uncertain or let down by their trust in something or someone. I believe our Faith matures and we grow in Faith towards God and Jesus due to our situations, trials and struggles we face.

By God's design Faith is suppose to increase and lead us to a stronger more developed relationship with HIM. Often though situations, trials and struggles may do the opposite. I have known and seen how trials and struggles have lead people away from God and decreased their Faith. More often they have allowed their Faith to be stolen or lost among the troubles of this life.

Sadly this is a common response to the trials we face. Instead of building up our Faith the trials tear our faith and families apart. We allow our trials to become bigger than our God. Especially in today's uncertain economic crisis we focus on our problems or solutions to our problems than focusing on our God who by Faith in HIM gives us all the hope we need in dealing with our problems.

I personally believe that our struggles are meant to get us off of our selves and problems and on the only one solution to them, God. I know that our human minds believe that we are in control of our lives. Not so. In fact, that thought could not be any further from the truth. What needs to be our reaction, or my reaction to my latest trial? It is to raise my head, raise my hands focus on God and praise and Thank him for his ever constant care and watchfulness.

God is so wonderful. In our sorrow we need to recognize how his merciful hand reaches down toward us and protects us in many ways we can not see. I am trying to focus on God and not on my own sadness. Something I have to remember is, that in my sadness God is here with me.

Faith is :
Believing with out seeing.
Hopeful.
Trusting in God.
Not having all the answers, but believing God is more than able.
Knowing the one who gives Peace eternal.
Not fearful.
Calming.
Everything pertaining to Eternal Life.

Here are just a few scriptures to encourage your Faith in Jesus.

HABAKKUK 2:4
See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright- but the righteous will live by his faith.

MATHEW 9:22
Jesus turned and saw her, "Take heart, daughter," he said " your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

MATHEW 17:20
He replied, " Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard see, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:24b
because it is by faith you stand firm.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:7
We live by faith, not by sight.

GALATIANS 3:11
Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, b/c "The righteous will live by faith."

HEBREWS 10:38
But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.

HEBREWS 11:1 (The whole chapter is great)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

HEBREWS 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, b/c anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that be rewards those who earnestly seek him.

2 TIMOTHY 4;7
I have fought the goon fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

JAMES 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

May be you have a favorite Faith verse. I would love to hear it. May be you could share that verse with someone who you know is struggling with a difficult problem. What they need is Faith in God and not in themselves that will provide them with eternal peace. See that it is eternal peace, not an instant peace. Through time and Faith peace can come instantly. All due to our Faith and walk with Jesus.

God giveth and God taketh away.

I am sad to share the news of my first miscarriage.

On Friday January 16th I labored for 3+ hrs and birth a very little baby in cased in the sack of amniotic fluid. I was only 18 wks pregnant and or little baby a son was only 14 wks. My husband was by my side the entire time. We were both saddened but comforted through our faith in our Almighty God.

I am physically feeling remarkably well. Physically I am not bleeding much. Sharing the details with my midwife gave me a great deal more peace. Confirming that everything seemed to have passed well. I usually home birth and so she felt confident that I was physically handling everything as normally as one can in this situation.

My faith has been strengthened so much. I know and believe that God has a purpose and plan for my life. I can accept his perfect will for me. I trust in him completely. I rest in his peace and promise of eternity. Knowing that one day I may met and hold my little son.

What is hard to handle is that we waited until Christmas to share our pregnancy news. When we were over the first trimester.(I haven't known but one other women who has had a miscarriage late like mine.) Telling everyone the news was both sad yet comforting since it helps to share the grief. But looking at my other 6 beautiful children and wondering how he would have fit in. Missing the moments I was so much looking forward to. Finally being able to look forward to having an early summer baby opposed to my last 5 being late fall or winter babies. Looking forward to my littlest girl being a big sister and my youngest son having a little brother. Not that it may not happen still in the future, but just not with our "little Zek."

We decided to name him Ezekiel, reminiscent to the Valley of the Dry Bones and how Ezekiel answered God. We read that story that night for our devotional and felt it was just the perfect fit. God asks Ezekiel " son of man, can these bones live?" Ezekiel replies, " O Sovereign Lord, you alone know." God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones and say, " Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! The Sovereign Lord says: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know I am the LORD." Ezekiel 37 : 3 - 6.

Ezekiel means, Strength of God, God is strong, whom God will strengthen. Moses means, drawn forth, brought up from the waters or a son. So Ezekiel Moses means, whom God will strengthen, drawn forth, a son.

Being blessed not having this experience before, made me feel slightly immune to the possibility. Now my experience has really opened my eyes and heart to the sensitivity of what so many women deal with. Without the Lord God and his ever flowing peace and love I couldn't possibly find my strength. God has been my strength and my dh has been like an anchor for me to lean on and pull me closer to God. Strangely though, I feel blessed throughout everything.

Your prayers and concerns are so greatly appreciated. The family of God is so amazing and how God uses others to facilitate the precious healing HE gives through is love and peace.

Thank you so much in advance for your kind thoughts and comments.

Lovingly,
Crystal mom to 6 and one waiting in glory.