Pursue Peace ~ Updated from 11/11/2016

11/10/2018:  This is what I wrote two years ago, just after the 2016 Presidential election. You would think that two years would make a big difference, but sadly it doesn't seem to have gotten much better even with this most recent mid-term election this past week. Praying that our nation can find some common ground and come together to "pursue peace with all people..."

Original Post 11/11/2016:
"Pursue peace with all people,

and holiness, 

without which no one will see the Lord:

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God;

lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble,

and by this many become defiled."

Hebrews 12:14-15

A couple of days after the election and it feels like the Civil War is about to be reignited.  It's not about slavery and state's rights...but about how people feel about the presidential election results. Families and friends are being pitted against one another as those who are disappointed in the presidential choice are spouting out their anger and hatred with such vehemence and bitterness, even to the point of some people rioting and injuring innocent bystanders. 

My Facebook page was filled with so much unbelievable,vitriolic rhetoric that I had to literally get up and leave the house before I was tempted to say things that I shouldn't.  No election or national event should ever be allowed to come between loved ones and friends.  Surely we have learned that lesson from history, haven't we?

So, I grabbed my camera and my husband and said, "Let's go find someplace to walk and take some pictures of something peaceful before I get myself into trouble here."  We ended up at a couple of my favorite ponds out in the woods...and here are some pictures to hopefully help you find a place of peace in your world today:

This peaceful setting is where I'd love to build a little cabin someday...but that is just a dream as this is on National Forest land, and therefore not for sale.  But one can dream, can't they?

I will close with this picture...do you notice anything unique about this lovely old live oak tree? If you look just beyond the kind of blotchy white and gray tree trunk in the foreground, can you see the heart in the oak tree?  This wasn't apparent by looking at the tree from where I stood...it was only when I looked at the picture that I could see the heart....and I knew that was God's special message to us for today...

"But above all these things put on love, 

which is the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to which also you were called in one body;

and be thankful."

Colossians 3:14-15

Ah, yes!  Put on LOVE...and let the PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS...and BE THANKFUL!  Sounds like good advice to me...what about you?

Okay, maybe ONE more picture!  After our walk around the ponds we decided to go to our favorite local restaurant for an early lunch.  As I got out of the car, I couldn't help but notice this beautiful pink rose blooming beside the building. So I went back and got my camera, and just as I was focusing on the rose, this bumblebee buzzed right in front of me and landed on the rose as I snapped the picture.  I guess you could call him  the "Photo Bomber Bee".   Thought you could use a little smile today.

Have a blessed day, my friends...and Pursue Peace with ALL people...even those who may disagree with you! Amen?

Oh, and by the way, Happy Veteran's Day to all of our amazing veterans.  We thank God for you and all you have sacrificed to make our country safe and free.  God bless you, and God bless America!!