Peace.

It was not what I would call a peaceful morning. There was no peace in my home, there was no peace in my heart. Sunday mornings are often that way, sadly. If there is ever a time we are going to be short with one another and angry at the world, it's most likely a Sunday morning. I found myself begrudging sunday morning meeting once again. Coveting the sunday EVENING services I have heard tell of, how they invoke such a spirit of peace in the home and allow a family a wonderful PEACEFUL weekend that they can then go PEACEFULLY to church at 6:45 and truly "start the week" on the right foot. Sounds good to me. Sounds BETTER than good, sounds jolly well superb. Grumble, grumble, grumble as I make last minute food preparations for the fellowship meal, brush hair, tie sashes, pack bibles and diapers and bottles and, and, and ad infinitum. Grumble as I step out the door with my arms overloaded and my dress boots sliding over toy clutter strewn in the entryway. Yeah, I pretty much grumbled right into the door of church as prairie rugrat started crying the minute he saw the stairs leading to Sunday School. ARGH. I swear the Devil and his cohorts work overtime on Sunday mornings....

But then, a miracle happened. As it does nigh *every* Sunday morning. I walked in the door of my sunday school class. Breathed that big ole "we made it" sigh that is so familiar to all of us moms of littles, eased myself into a chair and basked in the smiles of dear faces. Home. And what came up in our lesson? Peace. The peace that passes understanding, the peace that comes from us having been made right with God. Peace that transcends all the chaos of earthly existence. Ahhhhhhh. Just saying the word a couple times makes me sigh and relax. Seriously, try it. I came out of Sunday school super encouraged and determined to walk in peace. Our thanksgiving service was truly something to invoke a thankful spirit. Thankful worship, thankful giving, and a sermon that really hit the ball right out of the ballpark and gave us some adrenaline to run on this week. After a scrumptious fellowship meal and some great banter we headed home on one of the most spectacular fall days your imagination could possibly conjure.

The trip home, and our little stops and forays along the way(we had full tummies and happy hearts, we were in no hurry!) can be aptly described in that one simple, magical word. Peace.

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
For the kingdom of God is.... a matter of... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... Colossians 3:15
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. II Thessalonians 3:13
The LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence for ever. Psalm 37:37 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 57:19
Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Isaiah 9:6
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14