Peace On Earth

This week, I thought a lot about peace and what it is.  I was really tired when I woke up on Tuesday morning and didn't want to go to the hospital.  I think I was discouraged by the news on TV.    I learned long ago that if I do what is right I will feel better.  I talked to God about my problem as I drove and asked Him to make my work at the hospital worthwhile.  The minute I walked into St. Anthony I was greeted by volunteers at the front desk with smiles and waves.  As I looked over my chart for the 3rd floor, I noticed that most of the patients were quite young!  The first fellow was 50 years old and had a stroke.  Talk about frustration and tears!  He grabbed my hand and asked me to pray for him.  I assured him that tears were natural and that God was going to help him get his mobility back.  When I left, he was smiling and thanked me.  At that moment, I knew I was in the right place and my energy was back!!  I had a similar experience with several more patients that morning.  I had peace that came from God, not from the world.

On Wednesday, I give 2 piano lessons at my church to a 10 year old girl, and a 10 year old boy.  After her lesson, the girl ran up to the pulpit and pretended that she was a preacher.  I was laughing!  When I asked her to pray for my piano students, she didn't hesitate.  She prayed the most beautiful prayer.  I couldn't have done a better job.  I pray that Satan never takes away her childlike faith through people who are legalistic and demanding.  May she always look to God, not other people.  I'm finding that people keep looking at the Old Testament, instead of looking at the new covenant that Jesus taught in the New Testament.  We still have those who are trying to "work" for their salvation.  No wonder those "Christians" are always sour and shouting at others.  Where is the joy?  

Bill has been busy lately.  He is grading for the teacher/student on-line testing service, and has recently been working for Pearson Company.  It is  British, and extremely demanding.  He is not sure that he really wants to mentor student writing again.  But I noticed that he likes the challenge.  Today, he is teaching at Shawnee High School.  On Monday, he was teaching at Tecumseh High.  Bill really wants to work until he is 65 yrs. old to increase his social security.  He also loves to travel, and the extra money pays for our trips.  Our next trip is in October. We will  drive our car to Kelli's house in Michigan and say good-bye to Keri's family before they fly to Africa.  From there, we will fly to Niagara Falls and stay for 2 nights on the Canadian side.  Then, we will rent a car and drive to New Hampshire where we will stay in our timeshare condo for 5 nights.  From there,  we will fly back to Michigan and drive home to Oklahoma. 

Today, I am planning to take Mom shopping.  She got lots of gift cards that she needs to spend.  I'm looking for fall plants.  I was shocked to find that my tomato plant has decided to put on some fruit!  I thought it was a goner.  That teaches me not to give up on plants nor people!  I must believe! 

  Our country continues to change for the worse since Obama has become president.  He doesn't appear to have any leadership ability.  Clinton was democrat, but he wasn't as far out!  The economy, the new health law, and the immigration policies are disasters.  Now, he is leading us to war in Syria.  That is not good for my Jewish friends.  We cannot get to the reign of the 666 until fear is deep within the hearts of people.  However, I am learning to have peace that only God can give.   I am accountable for myself.  I have taken on my mother's mantra, "Do your best, and let God do the rest."    I know without a doubt how the story ends!