June 6, 2008

Peace in Knowing How It All Ends

Am I the only one who has days when staying in bed seems to be the best option? Some days, the world just drags you down. The past two weeks have been a little that way for me. Work, housework, and girl drama have thrown me into a tailspin. I've lost focus, and have struggled to live out my faith. I cringe when I think of what an unbelieving world has seen in me lately!

To be perfectly honest, it's these little (or not-so-little) daily battles that wear me down. When something big strikes, I know I have no choice but to turn to Jesus. Why can't I remember that in the daily routine of life as well? Deadlines, gas prices, and just not knowing what to fix for dinner...the enemy is constantly seeking to steal my peace and my joy.

One day, that will all change.

So for the present you are also in sorrow (in distress and depressed); but I will see you again and [then] your hearts will rejoice, and no one can take from you your job (gladness, delight).
~John 16:22 (AMP)


I must keep reminding myself that the daily grind is only a temporary plight. There is coming a day when my joy will be permanent, and the thief can't pull it out from under my feet. In the meantime, I'm going to keep cranking this song by Mandisa (turn up your speakers and join me)!

I'm nearing the halfway point on my journey toward peace & simplicity. I think I've done pretty well on the simplicity part; yet I've concentrated on that so much, that I've nearly forgotten about peace. I'm grateful Jesus whispered some peace to me today!

And you know what else is bringing me peace?

(I don't know if you can tell the sign at the top is "Peace"...but it's a great reminder!)


This bookshelf was loaded with books before I started the purge. This is all that's left (well, okay...I have one small box left in the attic, but it's too hot to go up there). One shelf holds cookbooks (down from two). The other two are for books I can't part with, or haven't read yet (down from four, and several boxes in the attic). The top basket has loose recipes that I need to sort through and put into a binder (summer project, maybe?). The bottom basket holds my other Bible translations (I took four Bibles to church Sunday...why do I need to have so many copies of the Word when others don't have It at all?!). And we have room for our games!

I can't tell you how good it feels to have this project completed. It had been mocking me for a while. After posting this picture, I just walked in the living room to make sure this was actually my bookcase. I'm not even kidding.

And then there's this gem:


Have a great weekend!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your bookshelf looks wonderful! I know you must be so much more a peace with as much purging as you have done lately!

Alyce said...

I'm sorry you've had a rough couple of weeks..I know how it is..its been a hard week this week for me. But today has been brighter and I pray that it will continue on. I hope you have a great weekend!! See you Sunday..
Alyce

His Girl said...

besides being a great post, you must also know that you and I have many things in common... by things I mean...

*the bottom green basket
*the top church birdhouse
*several books.

only your stuff looks so nice and clean and clear... inspiring me for sure!

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

I loved this post. Simply wonderful!

godlover said...

Would you come do my bookshelves??? I have several bookshelves that all need attention. I always have so many books and I'll get deep into something and reach for a reference book, use it and then just stuff it back in there not paying any attention to where I'm putting it so I know the next time I want to use that particular book I'm going to have to rummage around searching for it. Your shelves look inviting. Mine look like a person with a very frenetic brain lives here. The truth hurts!

YSIC
Marj
Calaveras Co CA
http://gdlvr.blogspot.com

Tracy said...

Hey, as I was reading your post, I was remember another one I read earlier today and wanted to share it with you...meet my friend, Lynn:

http://lynnpolksblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/from-fear-to-faith.html.

Keep crankin' Mandisa and be encouraged!

Tracy

P.S. Those book shelves look great! I'm inspired! = )

Heather C said...

*raising hand* Yep... I have those days too. Hang in there. :)

I love the bookshelf! Your journey to simplicity is inspiring. I think my bedroom needs to be simplified.

God bless!

Heather

Lisa Spence said...

Yep, drug down by the world and its craziness over here too...peace seems awfully elusive, so I am all the more thankful for your testimony here!