Friday, June 21, 2013

Serenity

What is serenity? I did a Google search and here is what I came up with.

Definition: The state or quality of being serene

the absence of mental stress or anxiety

Thesaurus:
peace of mind, peacefulness, repose, peace, heartsease
quietude, quietness, tranquility - a state of peace and quiet

Most of us have heard of the Serenity Prayer. We are very familiar with the first part. I cross-stitched it for my late MIL when I was a newlywed living in Spain. My husband framed it in the base hobby shop, and we mailed it to her and it hung in her kitchen until the estate was settled after my late FIL passed away.  It is now hanging in my kitchen.

I looked at it this morning as I was pouring my coffee, and sighed. “Serenity”, That is definitely something I need in my life. I have moments of it throughout my days, but I wish to have it continually.

06-21-serenity

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Reinhold Niebuhr

***

I can only have this serenity

by trusting in God all day long

in everything that comes my way.

***

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart,
and lean not upon thine own understanding:
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:5-6

***

Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  
For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.

Mat 11:29-30

I am into my 6th month in this journey of widowhood. I am learning as I go along.  Every day is a gift. I am ‘puttering’ in my home and gardens, in my husbands workshop, getting into different routines, living without my ‘love’ of 43 years.  I am being drawn closer to God, and that is priceless. He is with me every step of the way. He blesses me and teaches me.  He loves me. My husband is in His presence, rejoicing in God’s greatness. He knows that all is working out, while in my earthly existence I am still trusting and hoping. 

And we know that to them that love God
all things work together for good,
even to them that are called
according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

***

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace,
and not of evil,
to give you hope in your latter end.
Jer 29:11

***

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning;
for in thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk;
for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Psa 143:8

 

In your name dear Jesus I pray,

FlowerLady

5 comments:

  1. I feel for your loss but I am glad you have your faith to help you through these times.

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  2. Beautiful post! Keep your chin up.

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  3. Don't know how I missed this, Lorraine. I guess I was kind of lost in my own pain, which is getting better. God is good; always giving us His strength just when we need it. I think of you every morning, thank God for you every night. Having somebody to share my loss with, somebody who knows what I'm feeling is such a help. Have an awesome day.
    Love you much,

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  4. That is beautiful crosstitching, Lorraine. One of our greatest blessings in Christ is the peace and serenity He gives us in our times of heartaches. I pray that the Lord continues to help you along.

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  5. Thank you Lorraine for your calming post. I need to have more serenity as I'm the world's biggest ruminator. The mind is constantly going at a high voltage and I need to find more serenity and acceptance and enjoyment of the present. You were a lucky woman to have such wonderful happiness in your life. Thank God for your faith and his love for you that helps you in your continuing journey without your soul mate of 43 years. Thinking of you and God's continuing blessings to you.

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