God is not the author of confusion, but of peace

4:26 p.m. Today's project was to drive to Mary Me Bridal in Orange for a final fitting of Heidi's wedding gown. All went well, we had a nice two hours out of town to visit, and the gown's tailoring was done perfectly. The gown will be "coming home" next month.

Wish I could post a picture of her gown, but an pretty pose with her daddy will have to do for now!

Too bad such orderliness has not characterized the subsequent parts of our day! We've been blessed by some positive aspects today-- our grandsons spent the night here after a high school event at their Aunt Heather's church; the tomato plant I replanted on Thursday has perked up; and my youngest, Steven, had arrived from Fresno when Heidi and I returned.

For the first time ever, a number of things are up in the air still for Easter Sunday. I can't decide whether Steve and I should go to Sunrise Service for one last time, seeing that he has developed some coordination issues with his Alzheimer's that might make climbing the bleachers in between rows of people at Valley View High School's football stadium a hazard, and that he takes over an hour to get dressed and ready these days, so we'd have to get up way too early to make it by 5:45 a.m. Perhaps this Easter could be the first time we've been at a regular Easter service in church for decades. What should I do, Lord? I feel like the Lord is saying to me what Elijah said to the Israelites prior to the contest between him and the prophets of Baal in I Kings 18:21:

How long will you halt (falter)between two opinions? or, as the NLT puts it, How long will you waver, hobbling between two opinions?

I am wavering between the way we've traditionally enjoyed Sunrise Service and the fact that we're actually looking forward to the church service this yea . If 2011 is a year of "lasts," I have to choose Sunrise Service; if it's a year of new beginnings, I'll make a different decision. And my decision may come easier if I end up making the banana pudding for our dessert tomorrow after 10 p.m.! (An outcome to be avoided if possible). Steven is planning on attending a regular service, so we can all go together at 7:45 or 9:45. Decisions, decisions!

Now we have issues as to who can make it at what time for dinner! In past years, coordination with my children's in-laws has worked well, since they either have a late dinner or they host brunch after church on Easter, leaving the 2-4 time slot for us, which I prefer, keeping my dad from driving home to Redlands too late. One family's meal time is not yet known, but I am believing it will work out. This year there's a new twist--a major league baseball game! My youngest son's Phillies are playing the Padres in San Diego! He is still looking to see if any of his friends can come before he makes his plan. Unbelievable.

So am I confused, or just overwhelmed by the number of factors playing into this year's Easter celebrations? If I had not fed my spiritual life this week with anointed teachings on Jesus' last week; taken in encouraging verses and postings from friends that boosted my faith; invited people to Easter services; and attended a wonderful Good Friday service last night, I would have lost all perspective on Jesus' death and resurrection for my salvation. It is not hard to get distracted by people and schedules and arrangements, I'll testify as a busy woman! But the enemy loves the busyness of our family and even ministry lives, because he can keep us so harried that we forget that God will put every detail in place better than we ever could.

Oswald Chamber wrote about Christians who "worship their work," in My Utmost for His Highest for today, April 23rd. Whenever I obsess on my ministry, whether as a homemaker or in church work, Chambers says the result is:

"There is no freedom, no delight in life; nerves, mind and heart are so crushingly burdened that God's blessing cannot rest. But the other side is just as true--when once the concentration is on God, all the margins of life are free and under the dominance of God alone. There is no responsibility on you for the work; the only responsibility you have is to keep in living constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your co-operation with Him."

Jesus said, and He meant what He said,

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you (John 14:27)

I am lifting up my hands to You for that peace, Lord Jesus!