Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Tuesday!  All is well here at 811. Bruce is continuing to play handbells and really enjoying some music returning to his life.  He has begun to whistle which is something Bruce never really did before. He whistles “Standing in the Need of Prayer.”  Not a bad choice.  Bruce’s life is such a joy and to watch it unfold anew is a precious gift.  God is good and love wins.

Dear God, Thank you for the unique peace you give to those who trust in you. I will not be afraid knowing that you are always there with the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for seeing more in me than I see in myself. I trust you to use every situation to develop your godly excellence in me. To you be all the glory. Tonight Lord, I am giving thanks that our dear friend Dave has been accepted into a long term care facility. This has been such a difficult task. You have answered the prayers of our dear friend Carme and those of us who have been praying for this stage in the journey. Give Carme peace as their lives change once again and a new normal begins. I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

“Peace, by the world’s standard, is defined by absence of conflict and achieved by an abundance of strength.” There are those who think they can only go to God when they are feeling strong and have done most of the things right in their lives. There are those who believe that these things will bring peace in their lives.  But you and I know that we do not have to be strong, tough or trouble free to go before God.  We can go before God when we are weak, troubled, sinful or vulnerable. It is in those times that God can bring us to the most blessed peace we will ever know. It is incumbent upon us when we go to God to be truly receptive to the goodness of God and the gift of peace and forgiveness. When we receive God’s gift of gracious peace and forgiveness we are filled with God’s unfaltering peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. So tonight, tomorrow and all the tomorrows to come let us rest in the peaceful strength of God.

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.”

Psalm 29: 11

“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.”

John 14: 27

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope, faith and prayer do not disappoint. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene