A Peace that Passes Understanding

At 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.    I was hanging by a thread.



As I was giving the Lord my woes one night, He 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. 

 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. 



 For the next hour I studied the scriptures, pondered and prayed.  Quiet.



I then SLEPT for TWELVE STRAIGHT HOURS!  Hallelujah!!! 

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).





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:

BEFORE

AFTER

 

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER