And today in the Passion Translation. Philippians 4:6-7 in the PT says, “Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith filled request before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. I read this and while this version will never be in my mind when I think of this passage, I love the way it is worded. What we can learn from this translation and the comfort we can find from reading the Bible from different translations is comforting to say the least.
Yesterday, I once again got news I did not want to hear. As I have mentioned in earlier post, this year has been one heartbreak after another. Last night, so many of my friends text back and forth about the heartbreak we had recently learned about, which prompted me to share the song “Peace be still” I talked of in my last post. The song plays in my head many times throughout the day when I start feeling like my heart is breaking. One of my friends, Ericka, who is good friends with my sister, said she sings this song throughout the day. Many people are hurting right now and some, like me, find comfort in music. I have never had a year in all my 46 here on earth I have hurt so badly. My heart stays heavy. First and foremost, I miss Nolan. I miss him so much I want to go roll up in a ball and not get up, but I know that is not what he would want for me and all of us who grieve for him. Second, so many things have happened in my circle of friends who have lost or who are losing loved ones right before their eyes, my heart stays sad for them. Lastly, this world we live in is a mess. That is the only word I know for the situation in this country we are facing today.
I started this blog, not knowing what was lying ahead for my family. I just wanted to do something I love and write and be as transparent as possible. I want others to know that everyone faces hard times, I just had no idea how hard they were going to get. I have found in dealing with everything going on I have to do several things so I can cope. One is getting enough sleep at night so I might be able to face the next day in the best way possible. Recently, Pastor Bill said something that stuck out to me. He said God works the night shift! How great is it that the God of the Universe never slumbers or sleeps? We can call on Him in the dark, quiet of the night. He is ready to hear our cries. He is able to wrap His loving arms around us and put us back to sleep.
Second, I love to walk and listen to music. It comforts me. I can listen to the powerful words in songs like “Peace be still” where she sings, “Peace be still, you are here so it is well, even when my eyes can’t see, I will trust the voice that speaks Peace, Peace over me….” I want to trust the voice that speaks peace over me. I know you do as well. We have to trust the voice that speaks. It is the only way to get up every day and put one foot in front of the other. We need His peace…
Lastly, I have to remember who is in control. I have to remember everything that happens is for a reason. We may not know until we get to Heaven why things happen, but we still have to trust in the One who knows all things. We have to take comfort in the little things. Just today, I have spent time with my sister, and we have visited with Jennifer, Josh, and Karlee. Those three always bring a smile to our faces. I have been able to see Laney for a few minutes and feed her some dinner. It is a joy to see her enjoying some good food. Sometimes, I just stare at her and know she is one of my true loves. She brings so much joy to my life, so does Karlee. They make my life have joy and laughter. For both of those sweet babies, I will be forever grateful. Like I said my friend, Cathy told me a while back…God knows what we need before we need it. He gave me those two babies to lesson the pain. Y
Yesterday, a friend so many of us share went to Heaven. She was a gift from God for so many. No, she was not my best friend, I did not talk to her all the time, but she is someone who has made my life better. I pray for her sweet husband and her four beautiful children and I hope you will as well. They need the comfort only the Lord can provide. So, do not forget when you lay your head down at night to remember everyone who is hurting. God knows who they are. He will wrap His comforting arms around them as well.
Lord, I ask you to give my friends comfort. The hurt we feel from losing a beautiful soul is hard and painful. We ask for comfort. I ask you to comfort my family and Nolan’s family as we navigate through the hard times. Grief comes in waves and I know you are with us in every wave of that pain. We love you! We ask you to heal our country and cease the chaos we see every day in the news. We are thankful for your protection and your grace. In your name, Amen
Digging Deeper 