Peace - the Power of Love

"There shall not be peace
until the power of love overcomes the love of power."

Latrine Wall
Pleiku Vietnam Veterns 1968
David Dewett Veterns Memorial - North Bend, Oregon
http://www.pointman101.org/Dave.Dewett.Memorial.htm

Al and I discovered this Vietnam Memorial last year when we stopped to look at who had placed the flags at this beautiful spot as you drive into the North Bend/Coos Bay area. One of the marble stones has the power of love quote by Latrine Wall.

If you would like to support our men and women who are fighting for the freedom to choose the "power of love," you can help send care packages to our troops through through Operation Enduring Freedom. http://www.pointman101.org/Care.Packages.htm

Polar Bear - "I come in Peace"

I received this photo in an email forward with the heading of a polar bear saying "I come in Peace." This is one photo in a series of photos by Norbert Rosing's striking images of a wild polar bear coming upon tethered sled dogs in the wilds of Canada 's Hudson Bay. Check out the links below for more photos of the Polar Bear and the sled dog; plus a confirmation by Snopes of the reality of the photos by Norbert Rosing.

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/audiogallery/soundseen.shtml
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/polardog.asp

I am thankful for the Internet that connects us to all the different photos and ideas available on any topic. Awesome world we live in - when even wild animals model peaceful acts.

Peace of God

“In the quiet of this moment I am at peace. All is well."

“Allowing time for the silence of prayer and meditation is vital to my well-being. In the quiet, I am serene. I am still. I am calm. Inner peace permeates my body and clears my mind. I am connected to the Divine.

If at a later time I find myself in a challenging situation, the time I spent in the silence allows me to focus on the peace of God in the midst of the challenge. I focus on faith and love and know that all is well.

My action of compassion, gratitude and service reflect the serenity I feel within. In choosing inner peace, I bring great peace to the outer world.”

“He woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm.” Luke 8:24

Daily Word - 1/27/10

“FOCUS ON THE PEACE OF GOD.” When the challenging situations come, I have difficulty staying focused on the “peace of God.” I want to – yet, I seem to get caught up in the moment of chaos. I love the image of Jesus waking up in the fishing boat, when the disciples were frightened, and rebuking the wind and raging waves. To be able to focus on the fact that Jesus – the Holy Spirit, is with me and can help me be calm and peaceful, even in the chaos and storms of life, is comforting. I pray for this peace – the peace of God – Inner Peace.

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” As todays Daily Word meditation states: “In choosing inner peace, I bring greater peace to the outer world.” If I choose actions of compassion, gratitude, service and love I will be choosing peace.

Yes, I feel peace during my early morning meditation times – or afternoon meditation times of rest, prayer and reading. The challenge is to feel that “peace of God” during the difficult times, the storms of life. This photo of the storm ravaged tree makes me think of how people can feel as they suffer through some of those storms of life.

“I must listen in order to bring myself into alignment with Spirit. When I am in sync with God, harmony is the inspiring result. I am blessed and at peace.” Daily Word 1/25/10

Photo: Storm ravaged tree on the bluffs of Shore Acres Park - Coos Bay, Oregon 1/17/10

What are you planting in your Garden of Life?

"If you plant honesty,
you will reap trust;

if you plant goodness,
you will reap friends;

if you plant humility,
you will reap greatness;

if you plant perseverance,
you will reap contentment;

if you plant consideration,
you will reap perspective;

if you plant hard work,
you will reap success;

if you plant forgiveness,
you will reap reconciliation;

if you plant faith in God,
you will reap a harvest.

So, be careful what you plant now;
it will determine what you will reap later.

*Whatever You Give To Life,
Life Gives You Back.*"

This quote came from an email forward I received from my Brother-in-law last night. There are many messages in life about "reaping what you sow." This quote is a good reminder of the consequences of choices.

Photo: One of Al's beautiful Fuschia's @ Lighthouse Beach - 8/22/09

Three Kinds of Peace

"You must talk peace,
not only the peace of nuclear disarmament,
but spiritual peace,
peace within yourself.
Unless everybody has inner security,
there cannot be world security.
So peace within yourself,
peace within the world
(between peoples, and nations, and races, and religions),
and then peace with nature.
These are the three kinds of peace
that should be understood
as comprehensive peace,
total peace."

Words of advice to Satish, about his "Walk for Peace," from Vinoba Bhave, A follower of Mahatma Gandhi
Satish Kumar - Walking The World For Peace
http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC17/Kumar.htm

Photo: Al and I have been collecting these Nesting Dolls/Stackable dolls for a few years. All the grandchildren love to play with them. The vision that Vinoba Bhave has for people, a peace between all people, nations, races, and religions, is a worthy vision that I pray may happen one day.

Peace is...

"Peace was the first thing the angels sang.
Peace is the mark of the sons of God.
Peace is the nurse of love.
Peace is the mother of unity.
Peace is the rest of blessed souls.
Peace is the dwelling place of eternity."

Leo the Great
Catholic Pope - 461
http://www.cin.org/leogreat.html

I found this quote in a small book purchased at a second hand bookstore in Ontario, Oregon - "A Gift of Mistletoe - Thoughts for a Merrie Christmas." Complied by Elisabeth Deane. I have enjoyed finding old quotes in random books found in out of the way small bookstores.

Photo: 12/3/09 - Stained Glass Window at Blessed Sacrament Parish - Ontario, Oregon.

Your Christmas Guest

Take time this Christmas Season
To go a little way apart
And with the hands of prayer prepare
The house that is your heart.

Brush out the dusty fears,
Brush out the cobwebs of your care
Till in the house that is your heart
It's Christmas everywhere.

Light every window up with love,
And let your love shine through
That they who walk outside may share
The blessed light with you.

Then will the rooms with joy be bright,
With peace the heart be blessed,
And Christ Himself will enter in
To be your Christmas guest.

James Dillet Freeman