So many things can wreck our inner peace these days. Just turn on the news! Or check your social media feeds (either way downers abound.)
The tricky part about trying to get our peace grooves on is letting God have a bit more of our heart’s real estate. When we’re freaking out inside it’s easier to turn over our worries and fears if God has the right-of-way. To this point, here are bits of wisdom from one of my favorite saints to contemplate on this Lenten Monday…
“Peace is simplicity of heart, serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, the bond of love. Peace means order, harmony in our whole being… It is the holy joy of a heart in which God reigns.” St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
“Be courageous, my daughter. There are both spiritual and bodily rose bushes. In the latter the thorns are constantly present and the roses wither, but in the former, the thorns pass but the roses persist…Jesus calls all of us with divine inspirations, and He communicates Himself to us with His grace.” St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
grace, peace & divine inspirations
Virginia : )
Photos: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Richmond, Virginia)
Roses in the Rubble 
I really needed this beautiful message-thank you.
Thank you for your encouragement, Michele. Much, much, much love to you – and hugs!
Virginia : )
Oh yes. Very well said. There are a million and one things daily that can quickly disturb our peace. Hence why guarding our heart becomes important. God brings peace and not has the world has given. So when we let Him have our heart, like you mentioned, we are in good hands.
Have a blessed week Virginia! ✨🙂💝
Hope you have a blessed week, too! When I posted a pic of sunshine the other day I thought of you – the Sun (and SON) will shine again! Thank you for sharing so much hope – and sunshine – in our lives! Blessings and hugs!
Virginia : )
Gorgeous photos, especially of the water lily! Yes, peace can be hard to find (and always has been, as history reminds us), but it’s a state of mind well worth striving for. Happy Monday, Virginia. Hang in there — we’re closer to Easter now than we were yesterday!
Less than two weeks to Easter, Debbie (and I am counting down the days!) Thanks for your encouragement. Wishing you lots of God’s peace today!
Virginia : )
Wondrous flowers: turn off the news…open your heart!
Amen, Hal. I ration my news to the BBC in the morning and evening (have ap on my phone.) It helps to know who, what and where needs prayer – but it is a downer most of the time these days! Here’s to opening our hearts wider to the healing power of God’s love & grace to cope. Blessings!
Virginia : )
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I miss Lewis Ginter ! Thank you.
Oh, you know Lewis Ginter? I visited for the first time a few years ago (if you search my blog there are at least 5 or 6 Lewis Ginter posts) I’ve really enjoyed the flowers, special exhibits and Winter Gardenfest of Lights in December. It’s a magical place! It’s about an hour from where we live. Blessings!
Virginia (the person) : )
The church I served in Richmond was at the corner of Bellevue and Brook Road, not far away at all, and I lived in the Bellevue/Ginter Park neighborhoods while I was there. The whole area is beautiful! I was gifted with memberships to the Botanical Gardens and went there often. If you haven’t been, Bryan Park (at Bellevue and Hermitage) still has vestiges of its famous Azalea drive that should be in full bloom soon. It is about a mile walk around and filled with beauty. And if you like to dance, a friend is having a 70th birthday celebration on April 24 with a fun oldies band, open to everyone, on the Shriners lawn which is right on that corner. I would love for someone to go in my place! One other plug: another friend lent me a book written about Lewis Ginter when I moved there. Talk about someone who didn’t let misfortune knock him down!
Thanks for indulging me in these fun memories- Rachel
Rachel, what a blessing to live so close to Lewis Ginter when you served a church in RIC. In the past we tended to visit Maymont, but now are appreciators of both garden/ parks. I’ll have to check out Bryan Park. We also love the Norfolk Botanical Garden that has annual Azalea festivities. Your 70 yr old friend sounds so fun! I hope I’m still cutting a rug dancing @70!! Blessings! 🌸🎊🎶🎊🌸
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