a thank you, update, invitation to peace

Christmas

hope - joy

sorrow - pain

comfort - peace

Image Via Nature Nook

Advent is the season that begins in the dark and moves toward the light. It tells us that there is a way out of the shadowed places in our lives."

Author Sarah Clarkson

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Merry Christmas, friend,

First and most of all,

thank you for welcoming us into your inbox this past year! It means so much to us. And we're so happy you've chosen to be here!

It's hard to believe that we first offered our blog over a year ago, December 1st. Greg and I had hoped to send you prayers and songs much more often, but life threw some really hard things at us in rapid succession.

Our last blog post was in July. Shortly after, we realized our apartment, our home, had become unsafe for us—again. And we didn't know the source of the problem. It's hard to describe the intensity of the anxiety when being inside and outside becomes unsafe. And at the same time, both Greg's family and mine were in crisis.

With the exception of an urgent prayer request for my brother, Craig and his family, that we posted on FB September 8, we haven't been posting on our "socials" either.

If you saw that post, we want to thank you from the depths of our hearts for your prayers for Craig and his family. I copied each tender prayer and sent them to his wife, Patty. She sat by his bedside and slowly read each one to him as their eyes filled with tears. He no longer could talk, but she knew he heard every word. Your love and prayers meant more to them and us than you can ever imagine.

Tragically, Craig passed away on Oct.1st. As I type these words I feel my throat tightening and shock welling up again. It's still too raw and traumatic for us to talk about. But someday, we would so like to tell you about him.

You too may have a deep loss or a crisis of a different kind that you're carrying this Christmas. Our hearts ache with yours. Greg and I pray for God's mercy and comfort to soak into you each day and in the vulnerability of each night.

Advent is a time of waiting, a time of hoping,

a time of letting God work in the background..."

from Go in Peace: Hope for Advent

Years ago, someone asked me (Greg) if I'd ever thought about writing a song about peace. The idea wouldn't let me go for the next several days, and a melody took shape, along with a single word, Peacemaker.

A flow of descriptive words and short phrases followed, forming a picture of Jesus as I know Him. The phrasing and the tempo of the music calmed me as it slowed and centered my spirit, giving me time and room to take in each phrase, moving down from my mind and settling its way into my heart.

Honestly, finding peace these past many months has been hard. One thing that's been helping Greg and me is reading the words of Peacemaker to each other. And asking Jesus to help us practice peace.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14

How desperately we all long for peace.

Look closely at each of these phrases.

Does one stand out to you?

You might want to focus on that word or phrase

and ask Jesus to be your Peacemaker,

or your Storm Smoother,

your Lost Finder,

your Wound Binder.

Most importantly,

go slowly...

take your time,

and let them sink in.

PEACEMAKER PHRASES

peacemaker

fear taker 

soul soother

storm smoother

light shiner

lost finder

cloud lifter

deliverer

heart toucher 

truth lover

who other could be

fear taker

peacemaker to me

mind clearer

sigh hearer

hand holder

consoler

wound binder

tear drier 

strength giver

provider

heart healer

kind Father

who other could be

my Savior 

peacemaker to me

let your peace 

rule in my heart

let your kindness 

fill my thoughts

let Your strength 

secure my soul

let Your peace 

take hold in me

let Your wisdom 

guide my will

Your compassion 

fill this place

let my anxious thoughts 

be still

let Your peace 

rule in my heart

i need You

i need You

i need You in my life

Lord I trust You

believe You 

i need You in my life

I know

heart toucher 

truth lover

who other could be

fear taker

to me

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The word for "peacemaker" in Hebrew is oseh shalom, which means "maker of peace."

This Christmas, let the Maker of peace meet you where you are. In the sacred hush of His holy night, may you find solace—not in the erasing of pain, but in the tenderness of a Savior who carries it with you.

In the gift of Jesus, there is room for both sorrow and joy, for mourning and hope. Let His peace cradle your heart.

With you in our hearts...

greg & corinne

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Always with love,

Greg & Corinne