Is There Peace Within Your Home?

While reading through my old blog posts I came across this one. Once again it touched my heart and I wanted to "reshare" it. I can do that because it is my blog :)

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. - Psalm 122:7

I came across this verse this morning while reading, and thought I would share it today. I have a few thoughts about this. While trying not to take it out of context as I know the writer is writing about the house of God and to Jerusalem..... but I just couldn't help but think that we need to also have peace in our homes. 

This comes because I am burdened for some dear friends - who at this moment do not have peace in their home -- matter of fact -- far from it. But, you know I believe we all at one time or another have been at that point in our lives. Yes, in a perfect world we would have perfect spouses, perfect children, etc therefore it would be a peaceful PERFECT home!

But when you stop and think about it our homes should be a "Haven of Rest" - they should be a place all of us can run to to find comfort, strength, joy, encouragement  laughter, even some rebuking at times -- but it should never be a place of war and rumors of war. Our spouses should be able to feel safe physically, spiritually and emotionally in our homes. Our children should find the same comforts. 

I have always wanted my home to be one you could find rest, comfort, warmth and love. I have tried to protect it from the worldly influences and sad to say at times let my guard down. While fighting all the "evils" I could see, I tended to let those "little" things at times sneak on in the confines of our home. -- I feel we not only fight against the immorality of the world, but we also fight against the "spirits" -- ex: 

• 1. Complaining
• 2. Murmuring
• 3. Gossip
• 4. Critical
• 5. Unthankful
• 6. Disrespectful
• 7. Lying

The list could go on and on ... but I think I have made a point. I have witnessed at times though that many times it isn't the children with these "spirits" but the parents -- 

So I leave you with this thought -- 
How is the spirit in your home? What are you doing to keep it "safe"?

Hello November

I thought you would never get here. Your colors are absolutely stunning to me, your smells are calming and comforting. Although, you mark the beginning of a very busy 8 weeks - you also bring with you some pretty amazing days in my life! 

Starting with tomorrow - November 2nd - mom and dad's anniversary. Although, dad is in heaven it is still a special day to me because it reminds me that I grew up in a loving home. 

Then we move on to November 5th - This is the day that you decided to bless the world with the birth of my mom!!! I am sad that I don't get to celebrate with her (because she is in NC), but am thankful that she is just a phone call away! 

And we can't forget NOVEMBER 10th - as my husband would say "The Marine Corps Birthday" --- but, actually it is MY birthday - I get to celebrate another year of life. Another year to love my family and find more opportunities to serve others and especially serve my Saviour. When I think back to how sick I was a year ago and not really aware of what was going on inside my body to how ALIVE I feel today. I am very thankful!

This now brings me to November 18th - 16 years ago. When the Lord decided to take to heaven our 3rd child at 20 weeks gestation. I remember that day so vividly, and yet at times it also seems like a dream. This isn't really something I dwell on, nor do I find myself weeping over. It is just yet another detour in our journey of life that I am thankful for this experience, because I am more aware of God's hand in carrying a child to full term.

Then we get to THANKSGIVING DAY - this was always a day about family being together. Seems like the years have actually changed that and this year my husband and I actually find ourselves being alone for the first time on this special holiday. I have mixed feelings about it, there is a part of me that is excited to just be us, and then there is that part of me that feels the need to minister to others and open our home to others who would be alone. 

We then bring the month of November to a close with the HIGHLIGHT of my year. Our churches HOME MISSIONS CONFERENCE. We work hard to plan, decorate and minister to pastors who are starting churches in California. It is a wonderful time and a time very precious to my husband and I. 

So NOVEMBER 2013 - I look forward to all 30 days you have prepared for me, but those are just a few special ones that stick out in my mind.