Arrival...Refrigerator?

Appaloosa
Horse Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

24 x 24 x 2 inches
To purchase please email me: Laurie

Shalom Aleichem

What is peace to you? If you sit and meditate, what do you conjure up in your eye's mind as peace? One of my favorites was the first time Terry took me sailing on the catamaran, (DART Catamaran) Morgan was with us. We were up on Lake Skytook in Oklahoma. Has to be one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever been on. At one point, Morgan being the precocious child he was, had Terry pull him by rope behind the boat. Yes he had on a life jacket. We were in a quiet cove with no one else around and we were gently moving. I laid down flat on the trampoline of the boat and closed my eyes. I felt then like I was in the hand of God. Weightless and floating with the sounds of the water and Morgan's laughter echoing in my ears. That was a peace moment that took me through some of the most difficult times of my life raising three children.

"I lay down and slept. I woke in safety, for the Lord was watching over me." Psalm 3:5

Another anticipated moment of peace will be to sit and stare at my new grandchild TINK when he/she is born. Watching a baby sleep or holding it on your chest while it sleeps is always peaceful. Another locked in memory for me is Morgan at age 18 months. I was in the midst of weaning him from nursing and the shared closeness of nursing was sorely missed. It was late afternoon and we had been at the playground with his sister Stacey and some friends and he was exhausted. I was laying on the couch in the living room with his little head tucked up under my chin and he slept. I laid there memorizing the moment as to never forget the joy and peace that filled me.

"I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." Psalm 4:8

When do we seek peace? Usually we wait to desperately find it when we are in the midst of turmoil and grief. After the crucifixion the disciples and the followers of Jesus were in tremendous grief and pain. Attached was a bit of anger mixed in and guilt. As his persecutors took his life after humiliating him in the city streets, violating his flesh and mocking his words, Jesus still returned to offer Peace. If He had not returned, the disciples would all be living in fear knowing their enemies were still out there and they had to watch at every corner, every moment of their lives.

Jesus returned and brought the light back to them. His "Peace be with you" was not just part of his good-bye speech, it was a declaration of fact that death could not separate them. This PEACE would light the way for the Christian faith we share today. This PEACE is still our gift.

Within the heart of peace is harmony. To be at peace with someone, be it a family member, your next door neighbor, or God, is to be in a harmonious relationship with them. When you turn to Jesus and ask him to cleanse you of your sin and make you new again, you are asking for peace; a new harmonious relationship with the Lord will surround you.

He brings light back to your world. He is the true source of peace.

"Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Believe in God, Believe also in me."

Peace,
Laurie

"Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11