What, When, and How

I just had the pleasure of attending the Extraordinary Women's Conference here in Pensacola with some close friends. I kept telling myself I should take notes while listening to all these different speakers but I just sat there, resolving to be a sponge and take it all in without the writing. It was fun but boy do I miss those notes I should have taken!! I tried to create a summation of everything I learned during the weekend and hope this recap will bless your heart and renew your mind as you read.

We were asked some important questions regarding this year's theme, "Powerful Peace". What is it really? When does it come? How do we get it? Everybody knows what peace is and we all claim to walk in it. But what about peace that transcends our loneliness, our depression, and those things that slowly vex our hearts without our knowledge? We come to realize its harder to do the devotions, harder to commit to attending regular worship services, harder to pray for anything that doesn't involve us directly. We claim peace but are not experiencing it on a personal level. What then are we to do? First, we learn...

Peace is a fruit of the spirit. It is birthed out of your continual relationship with God the Father. Its like any other fruit planted. It starts with a seed, grows with the right care, and brings us nourishment when fully ripe. And like any seed, it can wither to nothing if ignored. Myself? I need peace for today, tomorrow, and all other days that follow. I need it for all the moments I have throughout a single day, every step, every breath, every word, every smile, every frustration, every doubt. I simply cannot function at full capacity without its nourishment.

When can I depend on it to be there for me? I can tell you this, it won't be there in a ripe state ready to eat if you've ignored its care all week. John 15: 4-10 states it like this: If you've ever needed to remain in anything, its God. You will do nothing with any lasting effect if you do not remain in Him. If you do remain in your relationship with the Father, you have the assurance of the fruit of peace for every moment of your life. I've realized I can't live without it. I'd pull my hair out! Go insane! Bring road rage to a new level without it! I have to have this peace!! How do I get it then? Fight for it honey! With everything in you, hold your head up to the enemy and proclaim your right to its power in your life. You have been given authority over Satan so its time to use it if you want the smile on your face to reach your heart. It doesn't have to be plastered on anymore or a struggle to even get it to form; it will be there from a heart that's renewed and knows with confidence who is in charge. Second, always run to God. Don't put your every hope in people. They can't be your source of peace. They don't have the wisdom God possesses so run to the source that has all you need. He likes you more than they do anyway so run into His loving arms without even thinking twice! Finally, enjoy living in the Father's love. I miss my dad more than I speak of but he never loved me like my Father in heaven. And I never expected him to. That would be asking too much of anyone to fill the shoes of God. God's love is complete. It never lacks anything. You have nothing to lose here; its a win-win situation when you trust and enjoy God's love. Let it kiss you everyday like the warmth of the sunshine on your face after winter has lingered too long. His love will keep you strong and vibrant! There will be no need for botox with a love that filling. :)