Saturday, May 14, 2011

Sunday Reflections


My peace I give you. (John 14:27)

When I think of peace I think of the story I heard long ago. Two artists were asked to paint a picture illustrating their own idea of peace. The first for his scene choose a quiet, lonely lake nestled among mountains far, far away. The second painted a thundering waterfall. Beneath the falls grew a fragile tree, bending over the foam. On its' branches, nearly wet from the falls sat a robin on its' nest.
The first painting was simply a painting of inactivity. The second, depicted rest and peace.
I've often thought if I could paint, I would love to paint a scene like the second one to remind me of what true peace is and that Christ is the giver of this peace

Christ endured a very troubled life. Storms and turmoil and waves broke over him until he was laid in the grave. His inner life however was smooth as a sea of glass, and a great calm was always there. Anyone could have gone to him at anytime then and still today to find rest. One of his final offerings to the disciples
was "My peace" 
Peace is not some holy feeling that comes to us as we sit in church. It is a state of calm rising deeply from the heart of a believer.
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23 comments:

  1. CarrieMay 14, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    I have found that peace is one of the greatest blessings I've had in my trial with separation, divorce and standing for marriage reconciliation. The journey I'm currently on would surely have done me in if I didn't have that peace that passes all understanding! Thanks for posting this, and thank you for the comment on my blog!
    Carrie

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  2. AnonymousMay 15, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    Good Morning Annette, A very thought provoking post, beautifully written. Wishing you a blessed Sunday.

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  3. debMay 15, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Beautiful post
    *hugs*
    deb

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  4. Anita JohnsonMay 15, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    I love the illustration of the robin, it reminded me of this quote...
    Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (unknown)

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  5. Nikki (Sarah)May 15, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    I think I would paint the second one too. Peace for me is an enduring calm in the middle of everything. I wish you peace today.

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  6. Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for Grandparents and CaregiversMay 15, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    What a wonderful reminder of the fact that GOD is in control NOT our circumstances. Thank you for a lovely Spiritual Sunday!

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  7. ReneeMay 15, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    This is a beautiful illustration and reminder that that peace we seek comes not when the storms are over but when we learn to dance in the rain!

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  8. Charlotte/For Such A Time As ThisMay 15, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    I like the picture you described of the waterfall and the Robin...what a true picture of life! I'm so glad Jesus gives us peace beyond all understanding, in the midst of the rushing water of life's trials that pour down on our lives.

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  9. TeteMay 15, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    Great post! For me, peace is KNOWING I am loved and safe. Happy Sunday!
    Hugs- Tete

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  10. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovementMay 15, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Great post. May peace be with you!

    Take care,
    Pam

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  11. xinexMay 15, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Ooooh, I just love me some peace and quiet, especially in the morning and I do that in the garden. Beautiful yellow rose!....Christine

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  12. RajeshMay 15, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Beautiful reflection of the rose. Love it.

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  13. LVMay 16, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Thank you for this most touching and inspiring post.

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  14. EdenMay 16, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    Great post. Thank you for sharing.

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  15. RebeccaMay 17, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    I love this story-thanks for sharing it. I don't usually think of all of Christ's turmoil except at the cross-thanks for pointing that out and your message!

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  16. DebbieMay 17, 2011 at 4:43 AM

    What a beautiful post, Annette!
    Yellow roses are my favorite...so, I enjoyed the picture as well as your inspiring message.
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  17. Kim@stuffcould....May 17, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    I love these paintings of peace. Yes we need Christs peace! We all have storms...

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  18. High Street CottageMay 17, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comment. Hope you have a wonderful week, xxx tami

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  19. Patti HananMay 17, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    I heard the same illustration about the robin on the nest by the waterfall many years ago in church. It is so true. God grants us a peace that passes all understanding. Peace through the storms. Thank you for encouraging me today :)

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  20. CharlotteMay 17, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    Beautiful, Annette. Good insight.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  21. no spring chickenMay 17, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    A beautiful picture! I'll go to sleep tonight with this image in my head. Thank you.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  22. DiannMay 18, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    This is such a beautiful post Annette!

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  23. AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I love when the feeling of peace comes during times when you would't feel peaceful apart from Christ.

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Thanks for leaving a comment. I
read each and every one.
Have a blessed day!
Annette

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