Peace, Be Still

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:39-40 

Ann Voskamp in One Thousand Gifts suggests we look for gifts in our daily lives. This week, the wind blew like the Lion of March. Trees whipped against each other scrubbing branches and waving away the birds. There is suppose to be dangerous thunderstorms tonight. After weeks of spring weather in February, the storm clouds are gathering. The wind has calmed and the stillness quiets the hillside. The smoke of the wood stoves drift low and slow through neighborhoods.  

Be still and know, the storm is coming. God is so thick in the stillness of the air, you can almost reach out and touch Him. It's a comforting, peaceful still. One that wraps you up in His arms and completely disarms you. The disciples were in the middle of a storm that  raged and winds that blew, but Jesus was at rest. When they called on Jesus, He immediately calmed the winds and the storm with the words, "Peace, be still."  

The winds may blow and the storms may rage, but God still speaks to calm our storms if we but ask. How is Jesus calming your storms this week? 

Hey Kids: 

Have you noticed how weather affects your mood, your thoughts, your actions? 

I've noticed a windy day makes my kids loud and wild, just like the wind.  

Rain is usually calming unless there's thunder and lightning. Then there's a tingle of fear in the air.  

And snow – snow makes us happy and peaceful and HUNGRY! Seems all we do is cook and eat between the sledding.  

As winter turns to spring there are lots of variables in the weather.  

Try keeping a weather journal.  

Be sure to include how the weather affects your mood and those around you.  

How can understanding the weather better help you understand yourself and your family?  

The Bible tells us to pray for one another. When the weather makes us or our family a little grumpy or jumpy don’t forget that the disciples had to ask Jesus to calm the storm before they sank. 

Blessings, 

Gail