~ Advent and the longing for peace ~

Satan was on my shoulder this weekend. I'm ashamed to admit that he won yesterday. Something about this season has always brought out a lot of emotion in me. I suppose it has to do with the holidays, as well as celebrating milestones/birthdays. I don't know,...in ways it's gotten easier over the years and in other ways harder.

Nonetheless, I let the evil one win and stayed in bed most of yesterday. Today, I was determined not to do that, but boy did I have to fight. I am thankful for a faithful and loving husband who knows when I need a day of burying myself under the covers; and I am thankful for a faithful, compassionate friend who encourages me, yet doesn't give me easy outs.

We were late and more than a little discombobulated when we ran into church this morning, but we made it. Several times I thought about all the reasons it just wasn't going to happen today...shouldn't happen today...wasn't the right day...wasn't the right time...we would just stay home. But in the end, I talked the devil down.

I am so thankful I did. It was such a good service. All of our kiddos worshipped with all of the other kiddos and families, and it just felt right.

My biggest takeaway from today is that I must draw closer to the Only One who can bring peace. I can't hide and feel better. I can't run away and feel better. I can't escape and feel better. Not long-term anyway. Maybe you need peace too. Maybe you know someone or you are that someone who, like me, is longing for peace. This prayer is for us all.

Dear Heavenly Father,
This is my one-word prayer: PEACE.
I can’t see ahead. I don’t know what to do.
You know all my fears and my questions. The future is terrifying.
I want to experience your perfect peace. I need your perfect peace.
Let it be with me. Just as you say. Hold me, God, so I can hear you whisper to me, "You don't have to know the way. I do."
In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Slow down this Christmas. Draw near to the Only One who can give your heart the lasting peace it longs for." {http://nwachristmas.org/}

I encourage you to check out the "Resources" page for fun things to do with your family during this Advent Season.

Until next time, Peace be with you.

“For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
ISAIAH 9:6



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