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Greetings! 
Blessed are you!
When the summer solstice arrived, I made a promise to myself to find that serene place in my heart and mind to have inner peace. How I long for this and to be an example of the peace that God promises each of us! Being a better 'peacemaker' does begin with me, and summer is the perfect time to refresh this aspect of myself. My hope is for you to feel inspired to have peace in your own heart.
For me, summer is all about tranquility. So I tune-in to the sounds of summer's serenity in my own stillness to hear God's wisdom and guidance.
"Be still, and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10
As the light begins to shine through my window sheers riding the gentle breeze while the birds sing with joy greeting the day with their sweet song, I feel a sense of peace. New again, like when I was little without a care in the world. Now with these sounds of summer comforting my waking head, I awaken to another blissful summer day to be filled with peace and released from all anxiety and worry.
"He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn." - Psalm 37:14
Ah the sounds and feeling of summer! The day unfolds and I hear the sprinkler watering the garden and the buzz of a single lawnmower in the distance like a giant bumblebee. The fragrance of the grass gently whispers and it smells so fresh, so alive! The distant base of thunder passing to the north reminds me of how quickly a day can change, and how fragile our life's fleeting moments of work, family, friends, and interests can switch on and off. I can choose between going with the flow, or harden to the disruption. Things just go easier with a more peaceful approach. I'm convinced that transformation is possible from within me and for us all to live with this kind of peace in our hearts.
"But let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12:2
Just the other day, high up in the sky I could hear two bi-planes playing together in the sky, straining and laughing like eagles. And then I saw them - one with a banner in tow and the other completing its heavenly loops. I thought, what power, delight, trust and freedom. To be up there like that, God's hand must also be up there with them. For that single moment, there was nothing else but this verse from Isaiah playing over and over in my head:
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles. - Isaiah 40:30-31
When summer evening falls, so begins the steady melody of the crickets, the owl's duet and the quiet noise of the fireflies - God's perfect orchestra vibrating and illuminating in the summer heat of the night air! These are the sounds of peace that make any hectic day move into a deeper state of calmness.
What are your sounds of summer? Take a moment to remember, listen for them and rejoice.
"Be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts." - Ephesians 5:18-19
 As we face our joyful or even challenging moments, each one can be filled with peace when we focus on God. Tuning-in to the sounds of the season that God created, helps us to know that He is here around us and within us, and there is peace on earth. After a busy day, I reflect on this and ask myself, how did I spend my time with the Lord and did I serve Him well today? This is my gauge for creating peace within myself each day. If I am being peace, I am creating peace in others.
There is a hymn, "Let There be Peace on Earth...and Let it Begin With me." I catch myself humming this over and over again, and find it keeps me focused on the peace of the Lord within me.
Norman Vincent Peale sure had a lot to say about the subject of peace, and he was especially inspired during the summer months. Traveling far or staying close to home, he enjoyed sharing how to use the Bible to put your mind and spirit as ease. He has 3 practical aspects to Peace:
1 - Peace of Mind
2 - Peace with Others
3 - Peace on Earth
CLICK HERE to read Dr. Peale's message on "In Search of Peace".
"Pray as you go about the business of the day. Utilize minute prayers by closing your eyes to shut out the world and concentrating briefly on God's presence. The more you do this every day, the nearer you will feel God's presence." - Norman Vincent Peale | 
