Wednesday, August 10, 2011

A Peace that Passes Understanding


Cartoon of a Tired Woman Resting in an Arm Chair - Vendor: iClipart
Cartoon of a Stressed Out Mom - Vendor: iClipartAt the beginning of the summer, I was running on fumes.  The move had been difficult.  My body was in a state of atrophy.  I missed my friends.  Ladies Gossiping White Doing Hobbies-Crafts - Vendor: iClipart  I was hanging by a thread.



As I was giving the Lord my woes one night, Black and White Cartoon of a Girl Saying Her Prayers - Vendor: iClipartHe invited me to wean the caboose and join Him on a spiritual retreat.  (See posted poem about weaning from earlier this summer.)


I was finally able to go, and it was amazing.  I went from years of flying around from task to task, to just peace.


Yesterday I left home about 4:00 and went to the Mt. Timpanogos temple.

I prayed, pondered and studied for FOUR uninterrupted hours.  Felt such love and gratitude for our Savior.


After that, I enjoyed a quiet, hot meal that I didn't have to share. Black and White Cartoon of a School Girl Eating a Sandwich for Lunch - Vendor: iClipart

 I read the new Reader's Digest as I ate.  Did I mention I was alone?


My parents graciously allowed me to use their guest room as a hotel. Quaint House in Autumn with Falling Leaves - Vendor: iClipart



Girl Wearing Glasses Studying the Bible with "Bible Study" Text - Vendor: iClipart For the next hour I studied the scriptures, pondered and prayed.  Quiet.



I then SLEPT for TWELVE STRAIGHT HOURS!  Hallelujah!!! Woman sleeping contentedly, in bed, under the covers, head on a soft pillow - Vendor: iClipartWoman sleeping contentedly, in bed, under the covers, head on a soft pillow - Vendor: iClipartWoman sleeping contentedly, in bed, under the covers, head on a soft pillow - Vendor: iClipartWoman sleeping contentedly, in bed, under the covers, head on a soft pillow - Vendor: iClipartWoman sleeping contentedly, in bed, under the covers, head on a soft pillow - Vendor: iClipart

The next morning (almost noon!) as I showered, alone with my thoughts (oh, the bliss!), I realized that what I was feeling in that specific moment in time was PEACE.

I felt clean inside and out.

Because Jesus Christ was willing to pay the price for me, I am able to feel this peace that He promised; the peace that passeth all understanding.  The peace of knowing that my life is aligned with God's will, that I will be with Him again someday, that my Savior loves me, that His Spirit will always be with me.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philip. 4:7).


Woman Touching the Hem of the Savior’s Garment


I then ate another meal flying solo--I could get used to this!  And I returned to the temple,                     

for two more hours of service and love.  I returned home refreshed, refueled and so very grateful for all that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with!

Here are some before/after picts:

Cartoon of a Stressed Out Mom - Vendor: iClipart
BEFORE

Cartoon of a Woman Daydreaming About Spring - Vendor: iClipart
AFTER
 
Cartoon of a Woman Bowling - Vendor: iClipart
BEFORE
Family taking a walk in the park together - Vendor: iClipart
AFTER














Frustrated Woman Pulling Her Hair Out - Vendor: iClipart
BEFORE








Flower Child Hippy Chick Dancing Barefoot - Vendor: iClipart
AFTER
       






3 comments:

sue said...

oh i love it! it looks like you really truly enjoyed yourself and that is something we all need to do sometimes.

Mandy said...

AWESOME! I'm so happy you got to finally do it! You deserve it! Can you work it out so you can do it at least once a month????? :)

bluestocking mama said...

sounds like bliss! so glad you're blogging now! (and where did you move??!!)