Peace that surpasses all understanding!

Isaiah 14.7

All the lands are at rest and at peace; they break into singing.

This morning I was up bright and early for a recovery run.  Bright and early have not come often for me this summer.  It has been much easier to run in the evenings due to our schedules.  Even though early used to be normal, early was hard. But, I am so thankful I did it.  There is nothing like an early morning run…especially when it is in the low 60s in August!

There is nothing like a morning run…especially when there is a peace that overcomes you as you realize you are the only one on a secluded golf course.

There is nothing like a morning run…especially when the sun is peaking out over the trees on the way back.  

There is nothing like a morning run…especially when worship takes place along the way!

During the run I was overcome with a sense of peace.  One I didn’t know I needed but realized it as soon as it hit.

As I anticipate my return home after a two and half month stay with my parents, my thoughts have been wondering.  Peace is what I needed to calm them.  Wondering how mom will do…wondering how dad will do…wondering how will they handle it on their own??? No need to worry…He has it and HE has a purpose for it all!

Earlier this week I heard the following song: Help Me Find It! Sidewalk Prophets

This song became my truth this summer.  My plans were no longer important…His plans were.  This summer has been a very sweet one.  Mom, dad and I have had some special times laughing, crying, worrying, praying and loving.  None of us would ever want mom to go through what she has over the past two and a half months but in the same breath we treasure this time we were given.  It can never be replaced!

God provided us with a gift…actually many of them.  The first gift was mom’s life! We had some scary moments.  But God had different plans…He is not done with mom yet.  We are forever grateful!  He is using her and our story to reach many for Him. We are humbled and thankful for the opportunity to share His grace and mercy!

We have been given the gift of time! One of my love languages is quality time.  My love tank in regards to my parents is FULL! This time has truly been special! We have laughed more than I can ever remember laughing.  We have probably cried more too…but the sweet laughter is what I will forever remember as well as the inside stories we will always share. 🙂  Just between us…right, mom?

Come next weekend I will work on the quality time with my dear husband.  I can’t go without saying how much his love and support during this time has meant to my parents and me.  They know it has been sacrifice for us both.  But they also know he was behind the decision for me to be here 100%!  We love you Mike!

And we have been given the gift of LOVE – God’s love has surrounded us in ways that have completely overwhelmed us at times. Love shown through prayer, cards, calls, food, and more food. 🙂  Let me say a huge THANK YOU to everyone for all you have done for our family! We are eternally grateful!!! God has shown up and mom is living proof! Prayer works and God is good…all the time!

I too received an individual gift…I was able to see true love work.  True love – 52 years in the making – lived out day by day.  Is it perfect? No! But is it sweet and forever? Yes! Mom and dad have shown me what putting God first in their marriage looks like in times of extreme emotion – from frustration to worry, from sadness to happiness, from doubt to understanding.  They have loved each other through it all. I am so very thankful to be able to have experienced it firsthand.

Commitment is a word our world has forgotten.  When things get tough people run…not the Taylors! They are TaylorStrong through thick and thin.  When things get tough, they pray! They remember who has them in His hand…our almighty God! The One who can give us peace when we don’t understand!  I am so very grateful to be cut out of the TaylorStrong cloth!

Philippians 4.4-9

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We all have a purpose.  God provides us the direction in His time.  God gave me a new one this summer and as I go home I know mom is on the mend.  My purpose is done for this time. When fear knocks and rises up as I leave, as I ponder thoughts about mom and her recovery, FAITH answers.  Why? Because I know God has a purpose for her during this time.  He is restoring her strength daily.  She is still amazing us every day! I am not sure why  we are amazed because we all know she is ELT – a fighter, an overcomer!

This week she has walked outside around their circle three separate times.  She has made a lemon iced box pie.  She is folding laundry.  She is making her breakfast and daddy’s.  If we let her do it she does it.  Now of course, she does all of this with one of us close by…she is reluctantly under very close supervision.   She is answered prayer in action!

So, I go back to peace! I have a peace as I approach leaving at the end of this week.  A peace that leaves me singing because mom’s purpose is still in the works! A peace that will help me rest easy upon my return home!  Amen!

Romans 8.28

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Help Me Find It! Sidewalk Prophets

I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own

I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go

I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You

(Chorus )
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can You help me find it

Can You help me find it

I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I giving You doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone

Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go

I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You

Chorus

I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need