good news {peace}

This is the second week in my Advent series. Advent is an ancient Christian tradition, celebrating this season of preparation and an anticipation for the birth of Christ. Many churches light one candle each Sunday on the four weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm following that pattern, with the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.

peace

"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -- Isaiah 9:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." -- John 14:27

Ahh, peace. Peace and I have grown to become good friends, but not without a few bumps along the way. Landon and I live a very calm, peaceful life. We live within a mile of school, work and church, have wonderful friends and are loving our place in life right now. But this past summer was anything but peaceful. We were battling hot summer temps that we didn't even know existed, I was looking for a job and we wondered just how long we could go before the money ran out. Peaceful thoughts were few and far between in this noggin of mine. But I think that sometimes God stretches us so far that we have to surrender. For me, surrender comes in the form of sleepless nights and puddles of tears, and there were a number of those.

God has allowed me to be changed through this move to Texas and transition in life. He has taught me that while I may be a great planner, but I've got nothin' on His plan. He's showed me that humility and vulnerability will take you farther than sarcasm and a judgmental attitude. He's shown His grace, forgiveness and generosity to us in ways we never could have imagined. And He has given me a grateful heart. I tell Landon almost every day that I love our life. I think that living with less makes me more aware of our blessings, because I know they aren't of our own accord. Every day is a journey to seek the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, and will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Gracious God, Grant that we may find peace as we prepare for our Lord’s birth. May divisions in ourselves and in our families be peacefully resolved. May there be peace in our cities and in the countries of our world. Help us to see the paths of peace in our lives, and then give to us courage to follow them. Lord, let us remember that you only are the giver of lasting peace and that you are always with us. Amen.

xoxo.

[prayer and verse via]