22 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Seeking Peace in John 16:33, peace, suffering, trouble

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

I want peace but usually find I am troubled.

Some people say I have trouble saying “no” (Hi mom!). I suppose I do at times. A friend texted me today to see if I could handle something for him at church this weekend because he has to be out of town. Of course I said yes.

I was talking to someone the other night and asked the question I often ask myself, “so what do I cut out?” All the things I do are important to me so cutting something out means I don’t do something that is important, or at least worthy, in my own mind. However, these choices do bring trouble. Lack of sleep. Periods of mental fuzziness. Stress. Tension.

Eventually, my body will crash and sleep will be a necessity. Eventually my mind will clear up. Eventually the stress and tension and grumpiness will pass and I’ll be left remembering the choices I made to do the things I thought were worthy. I hope in that time I will find peace.

In this world I will have trouble. Trouble with my decisions. Trouble with other people’s decisions. Trouble with temptation and dark forces. Lots of trouble. That’s what the world brings but Christ has overcome the world. I will get through the good and the bad of this life but I continue to yearn for what lies ahead, for the ultimate peace the Christ has planned for me.

Grace and peace.

Up Too Late

10 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Seeking Peace in 'Bama, conflict, John 16:33

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Roll Tide. I became a closet ‘Bama fan when Gene Stallings coached the team. When Nick Saban showed up I became a fan of some other team but I have trouble cheering for LSU. Those people are crazy but the team is really, really good. Until Monday night. I talked to a guy who refereed the first game between the two and said Alabama would win a rematch. So it was. Truthfully, I can’t get too excited about any SEC team winning because I have to listen to all the SEC talk. Maybe I’ll become a Vanderbilt fan in the end. Good job Alabama. Congratulations.

I’m in Abilene, Texas, up too late, waiting on the snow to come. I’m spending a week here in a Residency session for my Masters program. Today was intense and tomorrow and the following days are supposed to be more in-depth. There are lots of role playing opportunities which I hate but can muddle through. I still love the program, love what I’m learning and excited about what the future might hold when I’ve completed this program.

John 16:33 tells me there will be plenty of opportunities for conflict resolution. My life is proof. It simply makes me ask God to help me through this day and to send his son with haste. Until then, use me Lord.

Grace and peace to you.