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Peace after the Storm

A big wind storm blew into our area this evening. While we were eating supper leaves were being torn off the trees, and dirt slung into the air off of our big dirt pile in the back yard. There was so much dirt blowing you couldn't see the pile anymore. The sky was filled with debris. Mama Kitty came in the house upset and all muddy. I brought the flowers in off of the porch to save them from a beating.

After the wind calmed, the rain came hard; and then a brilliant, double rainbow arching across the whole sky.


Light burst through the dark clouds, making way for a the deep color of sunset. Peace settled in for the night, like happy children tucked into bed.


" The mother must realize that God is her helper, that love is her success, her power. If she is a wise Christian, she will not attempt to force the child into submission. She will pray; and as she prays, she will be conscious of a renewal of spiritual life within herself. And she will see that at the same time the power that is working in her is working also in the child. And the child, in the place of being compelled, is led and grows gentler; and the battle is gained. Each kindly thought, each patient action, each word of wise restraint, is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. The mother has gained a victory more precious than language can express. She has renewed light and increased experience. The "true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," has subdued her will. There is peace after the storm, like the shining of the sun after rain." Child Guidance, p. 212


" There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. Every man's experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture, "The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." Isaiah 57:20, 21. Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, "Lord, save us," will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven." Psalm 107:29, 30. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." Romans 5:1; Isaiah 32:17." Desire of Ages, p. 336.

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