Saturday, January 5, 2019

"Peace"

This year my perfect word is "Peace".

Like many of you each year a certain word or words becomes the focus.   Generally for me the word keeps appearing over and over.   Such was the case with "Peace". 

I love the story about a wealthy man who commissions an artist to depict a painting of peace.

The artist first paints a lovely country scene...cows grazing in a meadow...birds flying overhead in a clear blue sky...a small village quietly situated off in the distance.   When the artist presents the painting to the man - it is refused.   He says  "this is not a true picture of peace."

The artist returns to his studio disappointed yet willing to try again.  He then paints a beautiful woman holding a sweet sleeping child.   For sure this would  please the man.  No - it too was rejected.

Feeling discouraged the artist is at a loss.  He even decides to pray for inspiration.   Almost at once an idea forms and the artist rushes to his canvas and paints like he has never painted before.

This time when he takes the painting to the gentleman he can't help but hold his breath.  Yes the man at last is happy.   It is the true picture of peace.

The artist had painted a stormy sea pounding at the shore with lightning and dark clouds.  He had even captured the feel of the strong winds.   In the middle of the painting though there was this small bird resting in her nest beneath a cliff.  She was safely calm amidst the storm.    Author Unknown

I am wishing all of you true "Peace" in the coming year.   Perhaps you will share your perfect word or words for 2019.

God Bless

Debbie

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.   I do not give to you as the world gives.   Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27 (NIV)


23 comments:


  1. "She was safely calm amidst the storm."


    Beautiful!


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  2. Peace is a beautiful choice.
    I'm going this year with the word, Compromise.
    It is my hope Peace will follow.

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  3. Peace is a wonderful word Debbie. I really enjoyed reading the story too.
    I've never really purposely chosen a word for the new year, however, reading other bloggers' thoughts, as well as your own, the word Gratitude keeps coming back to me so I shall choose that. I have a lot to be grateful for!
    Warmest good wishes to you xx

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  4. Beautiful word you have chosen.
    Such peace we have in the loving arms of our precious heavenly father, that is what brings my heart peace.

    Bless you♡

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  5. Lovely sentiments -- and may peace be with all of us ...

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  6. Oh, how beautiful, Debbie, I LOVE this story. I have never heard it before.
    Peace beats FEAR any day and I am aware I get fearful. Thank you. I am going to
    follow your lead.

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  7. Love this story , and peace is such a good word !

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  8. What an interesting story. I have never been able to find a word at the start of each year. Perhaps I don't think about it as well as I should and that is why it escapes me. Happy new year Debbie.

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  9. Beautiful story - beautiful word :)

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  10. I love the story! Peace is a good word. My perfect word this year will be 'home'.

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  11. A lovely story! My word is 'remember.'

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  12. What a lovely story, Debbie. I value peace highly along with integrity and compassion. I wish you a beautiful week.

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  13. Happy New Year for you, Debbie and family. Thank you for sharing a good story that challenges us, artists. I'm wondering, if I were that artist, what would I paint? The rich man's view, too, interests me. Anyway, I'll do my best in art work. Best wishes, ((Hugs)), Sadami

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  14. I love this story! And the scripture speaks deeply to me as our son recovers from a heart transplant with the attendant ups and downs during the recovery process.

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  15. A beautiful story to start our day with Debbie.!!! Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your family...

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  16. Love the story...I hadn't heard that before. Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with peace!

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  17. A perfect word, Debbie, at any time. My word is "love."

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  18. There is certain turmoil in my life and that is exactly what God has given me. If He can calm the storm, He can govern the events in my life as well. Thanks for the post!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Sharon I will be "looking up" for you. God is certainly able to bring peace in the midst of storms. Hugs!

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  19. Good story and perfect word, especially when one finds it.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jeri - may we both enjoy a peaceful year. Hugs!

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  20. I hadn't heard this story before - love it. I think the world could do with some peace this year too much going on it would be nice for some quiet I think.

    Best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2019 to you.

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  21. Peace is a fantastic word to guide you this year, Debbie. I enjoyed the story, too--it's not one I'd heard before.

    As you know, my word is "rise." I think it's going to be a happy companion for 2019.

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