Peace

My favorite place to seek peace and quiet is found in Ogunquit, Maine in a small art studio nestled within Perkins Cove right along the coast. It’s a second home for me – a place where I can be still, hear from and reconnect with God.
In Chapter 48 of Isaiah, we can almost hear the cry of the prophet to “Hear!” “Listen!” “I am the Lord your God.” Many times I’ve walked along the shore line in the moonlight, just God and me. I’m awed by the vast ocean waves – their seeming endlessness. It’s one moment that completely silences me. There is peace in these moments because I have willfully sat, prayed, listened and heeded.
There have been times in my life – long stretches of time – in which I did not experience peace. Times where my obstinate nature kicked in. Rather than waiting on the Lord, concerning things like my career path or applying His word during family pain, I went off pouting. My expectations of ease led me to set out on my own, and try to figure it out for myself. What unrest! How I want the peace of God to consume me!My prayer for you and for me is that we’ll experience “peace that is like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea” through our obedience to the Lord’s commands.

“If only you had paid attention to My commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”
Isaiah 48:18

Singles in Celebration

Isn’t life grand? Most days I feel this way. Most days are a celebration for me, but there have been times that it’s been hard to say that.
I certainly pictured family in my life and have pouted over the fact that “family” in the way I pictured it has yet to develop. This past Christmas, however, God reminded me of gifts He’s supplied: surrogate Moms and Dads when needed; 2 adopted nieces and 5 adopted nephews; brothers and sisters and deep, strong friendships supplied by the blood of Christ. Incredible! I have a larger family than I ever thought possible! I celebrate them in many ways: free babysitting, special road trips, a phone call and even letters sent via snail mail. They in turn celebrate with hugs, places to do laundry, second homes and some good cookin’! These friends and family are an intentional, important blessing in my life.
I think I’ll get a cupcake, stick a candle in it and praise God for the many celebrations He’s supplied in this single life!