Peace

Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

Jesus did not say these words lightly. He spoke tenderly to his friends on the evening he was betrayed, illegally tried, beaten - knowing he would be crucified the next day.

We cannot understand His suffering, our suffering, and the suffering of the innocent. But neither can  we comprehend Jesus' undying love.

FRIENDS

Charlie Brown was pitching in the neighborhood softball game, and pitching poorly. Lucy was giving him a lot of grief. As the criticism continued, Charlie Brown could bear it no longer. In frustration, he stood on his head in humiliation right there on the pitcher's mound.

Seeing his friend's pain, loyal Snoopy walked out and stood on his head beside Charlie Brown.

The Bible tells us:
"Laugh with your happy friends
when they're happy;
share tears when they're down."
Romans 12:15 Message

Happy Valentine's Day to all my blog friends.
I appreciate you!!

Buds

I can already see the buds on the pear trees that line the driveway here.

We had big snowflakes all morning.

That's one thing about the Ohio River Valley in southern Indiana:

The weather keeps us guessing from day to day.
This past week, the neighbor children were splashing in the rain puddles
and the next day, they were skating on the ice.

I would probably be bored in a place that did not have the changing seasons.

While the earth remains, 

seedtime and harvest, 

and cold and heat, 

and summer and winter, 

and day and night 

shall not cease.

Genesis 8:22I 

Life

This is my comfort in my affliction,

that Your promise gives me life.

Psalm 119:50

I was encouraged by a you tube video of Joni Eareckson Tada speaking about suffering, disappointment and disability after she has been a quadriplegic for over 50 years. I know that what I experience with arthritis and memory issues cannot compare. I liked what she said about pushing away thoughts of despair and focusing on the grace, peace and mercy of God. 

God's Purpose

I know that You can do all things, 

and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

Job 42:2