Shoes Bring Peace

I have a verse in my kitchen that says, "God is not a God of disorder but of peace." I Cor. 14:33. I may be taking this scripture totally out of context but for me this means God can relate when a messy house makes me crazy! Sometimes I just crawl around on my floor scrubbing up muddy paw prints and saying this verse to myself. Maybe God means by this verse that dogs belong outside?

Yesterday some 6th grade girls and I were talking about practical ways to move out of the chaos in your life and into peace. What an excellent message for all of us as we start this great New Year! So here's some practical thoughts:

1. How can you work in some more prayer? Prayer is our path to power and peace! Where are some places as a family you can work in more prayer during your time together? When someone approaches you with a problem or concern; do you take the time to stop right then and pray with them about it? Prayer is time with God - you don't have to bring him your list - I like to pray in my head in the grocery store (one of the few places I get to go alone).

2. Find some great scripture to memorize and literally stand on. This was my dad's idea a long, long time ago when I was a kid. He encouraged me to write scripture on the bottom of my shoes -standing on the word - literally. He quoted Romans 16:20, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." Satan's under our feet - I love to write that passage on the bottom of my shoes because I'm pretty sure Satan sees it from under my feet and I can just visualize it rubbing his nose (literally) in what's coming for him. I remember as a kid feeling attacked or frustrated and stomping my feet as a reminder that, "Satan you are under my feet - God is in control and you are not!" This is such a great way to help kids cope with difficult situations as well!

3. Peace comes easy with Joy - joy's not always easy. A great way to begin is to increase your thankfulness all the time especially when you don't want to. It's a slow start but when you are focusing on God that thankfulness brings joy and joy brings peace. Other ways to increase the peace? Singing music that glorifies God. I am still crazy about seeds family worship - I love their seeds of praise CD -for me- not just the kids!

Little things just for me:

• For me I need constant reminders that God is in control so I won't try to take over and cause more chaos.


• I need to force myself into action - I've shared before how I have to get my tennie shoes on as early as possible to get myself moving.


• I need to make time for organization. If I don't have a plan we'll all be trouble. In every aspect of my life - spiritually - When am I reading my Bible? physically - What are we eating this week? homeschooling - What are the kids learning this week?

Maybe the shoes are what it is all about! Get 'em on and get going - crush Satan under them - and as it says in Ephesians 6:15, they are an important part of our armor, "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." I pray Eph. 3:16-21 over all of you this morning. And you'll have to go look that one up yourself if you are curious!