God’s Timing, NOT Mine

“Don't worry about a thing,

just let God's peace flow over you”

- Philippians 4:7

In case you didn’t notice, I have been MIA (missing in action) for the past two weeks.

I’ve been house-sitting for some friends from church.  It's always fun taking care of their cats and finding respite in their beautiful home.  This time, however I forgot to ask them to leave their internet access for me, so I  there I was - two weeks without internet. This was not in my plans and at first, I ran through a list of my options to try to “get-it-all done” – check my email, connect on Facebook, post my blog.  But, after some ‘stressing” followed by prayer, I felt God saying that it was time to take a short break. So I followed the words of Philippians 4:7, took a deep breath and chose peace!

Sometimes our best made plans get unexpectedly interrupted. I’m sure many of you have had it happen ... a snowstorm, a family emergency, an illness. In those moments, we have a choice. We can worry, or we can rest in His peace.

What will you choose?

On Friday, Colorado was hit with the biggest snowstorm of this winter. Many people tried to battle the inevitable, but others just hunkered in to enjoy the beauty of each flake.

I was reminded of the words found in Ecclesiastes 8:15, “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.”

I had some fun taking pictures in the back yard and monitoring the snowfall at my “temporary home.” The picture above (of the birdbath) was taken late Friday afternoon.

Same birdbath, more snow,  Picture was taken mid-day Saturday, and the snow continued throughout the day.

Sunday morning the snowfall had stopped, the sun came out and life started getting back to normal.  As I drove to church, I looked at the white covered mountains and couldn’t help but thank God for the snow, and a chance to be refreshed.
 

I drew this heart in the backyard, and focused on how God has reminded me once again over the past two weeks, that He is in control of my life and loves me enough to make sure that I take time to rest in His peace.
 

As I write this blog, I am back at home with my internet connection.  Back to the demands of every day life.  Here in Colorado we are expecting more snow this week. Hopefully it will only be a few flurries, but if God’s plans say otherwise, I will still choose peace.

Have a wonderful week and be sure to check back on Friday for a special “Hallmark” message.

Chillin’ in His Grace, Peace & Love,
Donna Weaver

Kidz Topic ... WORRY

This is a new segment of my blog where I will be sharing a variety of thoughts, scripture verses, and “sparkle” ideas just for kids. Feel free to pass them on to your children, grandchildren, or any other young people that God has put in your life.

KIDZ ☮ PEACE … It’s that time of year when you see friends that you haven’t seen for awhile. The new school year also gives you a chance to meet some new friends. It is important for you to know that God loves you and he wants this time of your life to be filled with peace and joy.

1. God doesn’t want you to be stressed, worried or unhappy.

• Are you concerned about what others think of you?
• Afraid that kids will make fun of you because of your size … too thin, a little overweight, too short, taller than others your age?
• Self-conscious because of new braces, new glasses, or new hair style?
• Worried that you don’t have the perfect wardrobe or the coolest school supplies?
• Uncomfortable because you aren’t super smart or have trouble in a particular subject?
• Or maybe studies come easy to you and you get embarrassed because you always know the answers?

 2. Good News.   God loves you just the way you are. How you look, the clothes you wear, or the book bag you carry aren’t WHO you are - they are just material things. You are what is on the inside… and God knows your heart. He knows your thoughts, your likes, your dislikes, your moods, and your feelings, too. He gave you creativity (like music, art, writing), talent (sports, cheerleading, skateboarding, dance), interests (books, video games, riding bike), and personality (outgoing, caring, helpful, friendly, humor). You are Perfect in God’s Eyes!

3. What does God’s Word tell us?  When we go to God in prayer and read our Bible, we can find words that give us confidence, comfort, peace, hope, strength, and a whole lot more. Check out these verses: 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 120:1, Romans 12:2, Psalm 139: 14.

Sometimes we can’t stop how we are feeling - we just need someone to talk to. Here are a few suggestions: parents ... older brothers and sisters ... friends ... or other trusted adults such as... teachers ... school counselor ... pastor ... youth group leader.

Remember God loves you and so do I ... having confidence, comfort, peace, hope, and strength doesn’t mean you are perfect – because nobody is perfect - it is knowing you are priceless and important to a lot of people. And last but not least, never try to be someone you are not, because you are worthy of being loved, respected and accepted just as you are ... YOU are “beautifully and wonderfully made.”

Kidz Thought for the Week: “Try to be like the turtle – at ease in your own shell.”  - from Bill Copeland

Keeping you in my prayers.   'til next week, Don't Worry, Be Happy!

God's Peace, Donna