And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NASB

The fog was so thick I could barely see the car ahead of me. I enjoy the mystery of fog as long as I am not driving in it. When I am unsure as to my next stop or turn, I get a little anxious and concerned. We are taught as young drivers to keep our eyes on the red lights of the car in front of us, but if the fog is too thick, pull over and wait for the fog to lift. Good advice. Wait.

Now and then I find myself in a fog of sorts when my mind becomes clouded with the negative thoughts and images that plague each of us at one time or another...

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His loving kindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His loving kindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His loving kindness is everlasting. To Him who alone does great wonders, For His

loving kindness is everlasting.

Psalm 136:1-4

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. For me it’s a day of celebrating how thankful I am for those I love and who love me back. I am thankful for so many things on a daily basis, but this one very special day we have an opportunity as a nation to all give thanks in unison. Just think, on this one day, millions of people gather together to intentionally show gratitude for blessings and love.

I realize for many this is a day of simply gorging on turkey ...

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

The past; it creeps in, infiltrates thoughts, disrupts sleep, alters conversation, causes trouble in relationships, can ruin a perfectly good day, and sometimes derails a future filled with promise and hope.

So often I find myself re-living something from the past. Sometimes it’s a painful childhood memory, thoughts of a past relationship gone badly, or a negative, hurtful comment from a trusted person in my life.

I think of situations where I have failed miserably; moments in time I wish I would have handled differently, comments made without thinking first that I wish I could stuff back in my mouth, or even unkind thoughts I’d love to hide from God...

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”                                                                         Matthew 22:36-39 NIV

Recently, I was watching a game show featuring newlyweds as contestants. The host commented on how loving many of the couples were to one another. One of the couples dated for many years prior to marriage and was showing a great deal of affection for one another...

  “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

One of the most beautiful hymns ever written can be recited by most. Many non-believers know the first verse because it’s a standard song during Easter services and funerals. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

We meet Jesus. We ask Him into our hearts and lives as a guidepost and anchor in times of distress. We become infatuated with the newness of our faith and the love we feel for our Lord and Savior, much like when we fall in love with another person. In time however, the infatuation period ends and real life hits us, sometimes hard...