Certain Peace

At first glance it's a street like any other. And, I'd guess that for most folks there's nothing really special about driving this road. They just get on it to go from one place to the next. A connecting point for those going east to west, or vice versa.



For me, however, this road isn't just about getting from one place to the next it's about going somewhere with a purpose. When I crest the top of the hill, I don't just see telephone poles, transformer lines, cars, bad round-about art, clouds and a storm in the distance. What I see in my mind is what is unseen, and as I keep heading west, I know that peace is around a few corners. And, I'm willing to head into the storm clouds to reach it.

No one is immune from the storms of life. We can face the dark clouds of brokenness, addictions, heartache, loss, failed relationships or depression. Each storm can be different from the next and before we know it, we're unable to see anything but the darkness that surrounds us. I believe it's in these moments that each of us struggles to find peace.



As far back as I can remember I have found great peace in the mountains and it probably has something to do with the fact that I grew up surrounded by them. There is something to be said for feeling closer to God the higher up the mountain you go. At least for me anyway. I know for certain that peace is there because I've felt it, breathed it and walked it. I've experienced it.

I have faith that even when I can't see the mountains they are still there. I know without a doubt that when the storm passes those snow-capped peaks will still be standing just as majestically as they were before. And as I head west down that winding road, my peace is still just a few moments away.




For more on Peace, please visit my friend Bridget at One Word at a Time.

Haiti Devastated

The reports I've seen on several networks show a country that has be devastated. Bodies litter the streets, buildings have collapsed, homes are destroyed, people are wandering around dazed and searching for loved ones that are missing. There is no food or clean water and desperation is setting in.

Delivering the basic necessities and getting medical attention to the people of Haiti is a difficult task as the roads are blocked from earthquake debris and the airport was heavily damaged. There is an urgency to move quickly before unrest strikes Haiti.

My heart is heavy for the people of Haiti and I have made a commitment to do what I can to help. I have listed a few organizations below that have relief efforts in place and where one can make a donation to help. I know there are many other organizations that are helping in the relief effort and feel free to leave a link in the comments section if you'd like.

Soles4Souls

Campus Crusade

Compassion International

The Red Cross

You can also visit my friend Sherri at Matter of Fact, and read her post on Hope For Haiti.


*AP Photo

Another Form of Lust

Maybe we're not lusting after something we don't have, but something we wish we didn't.

It was one of those thoughts that crept into my mind as I was driving in my car and heading nowhere in particular. I tend to do that. Put the car in drive, turn on the radio and get to where I'm going without much recollection of actually getting there. Perhaps it's because I've been too preoccupied lately with what life has dealt or maybe it's because I'm too preoccupied with trying to forget what life has dealt.

Lust is defined many ways, including: to yearn, crave or hunger for. As I mulled that thought over in my head, I wondered if we can lust, crave, or hunger for something we have to go away. An problem, a situation, maybe even a person or a habit. If we strongly desire something out of our lives does that constitute some form of lust?

What are your thoughts?

For more of Bridget Chumbleys One Word blog carnival please visit her blog and check out what other's are saying about this weeks word, lust.

The New Year List

Most people think of the New Year as a chance to start over and make their list of resolutions. I've never been one to make resolutions simply because I can never keep them. But, I'm approaching this new year a bit differently than past years and have decided to throw caution to the wind and make a list of things I want to do. I thought I'd share that list with you:

I'm going to make sure I look inside my heart and follow it.



I'm going to take some chances.



I'm going to be more free-spirited.



I'm going to spend more time with my buds.



I'm going to keep looking up even when things become a little gloomy.



I'm going to take a road trip. Choices....





I'm going to jump for joy (yes, I'm in there).



I'm going to tackle the big stuff.



I'm going to play more in my backyard.



I'm going to enjoy the simple things.



So, here's looking at you kid, and wishing you a very blessing filled 2010.