Saturday, October 5, 2013

Finding Peace


Hello Friends.

What is your idea of peace?

A few years ago, a contest invited artists to paint a picture of peace. Entries were diverse. After much deliberation two finalists vied for the prize. The first artist had interpreted peace by painting a quiet lake nestled high in the lonely mountains. The second artist painted a thundering waterfall with the branch of a birch tree bending over the exploding foam. On the fork of that limb, just out of reach of the waterfall’s spray, a robin sat in her nest totally undisturbed.

At times MOM and I long for the quiet mountain lake. "God, please give me serenity; rest, devoid of hurries, hassles, hurts, and hang-ups." The life we lead, and I suspect that you do too, can be at times quite different. It is a cacophony of important responsibilities, challenges, unexpected stuffs, constant demands (fill in your own things here). It is a far cry from a quiet lake on a misty morning. And that’s okay!

Jesus never promised endless ease. Oh, make no mistake about it, he does guarantee peace; but it is a peace found in the midst of life’s troubles, not away from them.
“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 16:33

The picture of peace that Jesus promises is that of the robin just above the thundering falls. And we become that robin sitting quietly above the torrents of worry—deeply at peace—when we rest in Christ.
When the waters of worry, hurt, exhaustion, or uncertainty, rush below you and over you.  When the demands, deadlines, and difficulties send a spray of anxiety all around you, there is a safe place, a quiet nest above the turbulent waters. Go ahead, land on that branch, and settle into Jesus' nest.

Often it is in God's wonderful creation that MOM and I find this peace.  But this weekend I decided that MOM and I did not need to hike up a mountain to find it.  It can also be found right in our living room, nestled on the couch, soothing music playing in the back ground, a candle lit in the window, a fun book to read and just resting. 

You too can have peace when life is not peaceful! Trust Him. He will hold you up.  Oh, and belly rubs are very peaceful for both the giver and receiver.
Blessings,
Goose

35 comments:

  1. "Gospel of Goose" has been included in the A Sunday Drive for this week. Be assured that I hope this helps to point even more new visitors in your direction.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-sunday-drive.html

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  2. Thank you for such a wise and helping post. We'll try and reflect on it and moreover: act on it.

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  3. Amen and Amen... love the foot coming up out of the water, which is how some of my life was 30 years ago....

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  4. Lovely post as always on a Sunday Goose. Have a serene and peaceful Sunday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. Hari OM
    Perfect post for October's first Sunday. Blessings to you and Mom, dear Goose. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  6. What a beautiful post this morning Goose & Mom! It came at a perfect time in our lives with all that has been going on here.

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful message with us.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  7. Golden Thanks Goose n Mom. Perfect message to start our Sunday. Golden LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  8. That was wonderful Goose. I imagined the robin the whole time while reading. And after reading we can ponder about peace and that are only good thoughts. btw: what happened with your mom? that are her shoes in the wild water, right?

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  9. Such a lovely post and peace is so important to find. We know it is there The painting of the Robin in the nest is just perfect. Hope you two have a wonderful Sunday. Take care.

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  10. What a great lesson, Goose - and very well illustrated! Just one thing, if I may ask -- would you please lick your MOM's nose for me?
    We are safe, nesting in Jesus' grace. What a blessing!
    Cammie!

    PS: Your MOM is OK, isn't she?

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  11. GOOSE AND MOM THANK YOU FOR THE PEACE YOU GIVE US ON YOUR DEVOTIONAL DAYS....MOM SAID SHE LOVES THEM BECAUSE THEY APPLY TO EVERY DAY LIFE AND THUS WE CAN APPLY THEM TO OUR DAYS.

    THE LAST PICTURE OF YOU TWO IS BEAUTIFUL.
    HUGS MADI YOUR BFFF

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  12. Beautiful post! Thanks so much for sharing.

    Love that last photo...with that expression, Goose looks so much like my fur-brother Truffle!

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  13. You've got a special gift Goose. Keep spreading the Word.

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  14. You are so right Goose...it is possible to find peace in the midst of a roaring waterfall...Hope your Mom was OK after going "butt over teakettle" there

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  15. Goose, You and your mom exude peace from above. If we have our hands/paws in His, we will not be unsettled. The photo of your mom in the water scared me a bit. Sending love to you both.
    Noreen & Hunter

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  16. Yes Lee and I are at the end of a weekend full of disappointment, we need to reclaim that inner peace. Thanks for this post.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  17. AH my friends, thank you. that was a beautiful post and filled with much wisdom and guidance from above.
    bert and my vickie

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  18. Peace... yes, I can find it - but it's actually inside me so it's everywhere. I just have to remember to find it.

    Beautiful post. I'm glad that you two had a peaceful weekend.

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  19. Ahhhhh, just seein' the two of you on your couch, relaxin' with a good book, is peaceful.
    Lovely, Lovely postie. (as always) I hopes you guys can catch some peaceful moments through the madness.
    Oh, and no peace here today...it was BATH day...pfffffffft!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  20. We find ear rubs to help us feel peaceful as well.

    Bart, Ruby and Otto

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  21. Yes Goose, great reminder as we often forget. Love that painting xxoxx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  22. Wonderful post with beautiful pictures.

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  23. Praying for your peace. Seeing beautiful. Loving that the Life Vest Inside on your MOM's cool shirt is reflective of the life vest that both of you carry inside. I saw beautiful on a koozie and beautiful in Holes. Sending see beautiful thoughts ever your way!

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  24. Very true Goose. We have to find that relaxing peace also too after a very busy hectic week.

    wags
    Jazzi and Addi

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  25. Lovely post...but you had me worried with that feet up photo...oh my!

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  26. Mom loves this post and i do too. Mom is sick now and at home. Will you pray to Jesus for healing please? Thank you.

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  27. So beautiful. You are so wise, Goose.

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  28. HOwdy Goose, mum says a nice cuppa in the morning before everybuddy gets up is peaceful too. Hope your week has started out to be a good one mate. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  29. What great photos to illustrate the text. Enjoyed the post.

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  30. Hi Y'all!

    Oh Goose, I loved your post today. Not only is the picture of the robin in the nest over the water fall wonderful...but the last picture of you and your mom relaxing and enjoying just a moment together...

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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