Where Does the Prince of Peace Abide?

I got an afternoon alone today! I don't mean to sound so happy but I really have been needing some time alone with myself and my thoughts. My Mom passed away May 28th. That has been a whole month and I don't feel like I have had the time to really think about her and how much I miss her. Oh, I have all day at home like so many other mom's out there but I haven't had the personal time where I can sit and reflect and I might add cry.

I have had a remarkable Mother and a remarkable relationship with her. As I have mentioned before, I became a widow at the age of 21 with two little boys under 5. My Mom and Dad were a tremendous blessing to me and my kids. We went on vacations together, went to church together, went camping together, told stories, prayed, laughed, took communion together, read our Bibles together. I home schooled the boys and we all had so much fun together. Always together.

I don't ever remember a sharp word, a manipulative action, an "I told you so". I can remember my Mom so many times saying "there are not very many families that could get along good enough to live together like this." She was right. Mom and Dad's farm always felt so peaceful. Other people said it many times when they came by to visit or stopped in on business. We had home Bible studies and prayer meetings and the Lord's presence always was felt. I don't believe that God's Spirit just showed up but I know that He abode there. They gave Him a place to abide. There was no strife, no back biting, no gossip. There were no lies, no anger, no doubting. I never felt the need to bicker or be resentful.

So, now I wonder, does God want to abide in my home? I know that we are the temple of God but when we order our lives according to His will then His peace will be upon our homes as well. And I believe that visitors will feel the presence of God when they step upon the literal ground that belongs to God. My parent's home was a witness of this truth. The Apostle Paul said that when you come into someone's house you are to bring the peace of God with you and if they won't receive it then you are to take it with you when you leave. With so much strife and turmoil in this world and in this country a home with true peace is a rare thing. This is my prayer: Dear Lord, make my life a testimony of your glory and let Your peace abide in my home as it does in my heart. Help me to conduct my household with honor fitting of your name and let the words of my mouth be pleasing to you. Let me be an example to my children like my Mother and Father were to me. Oh, Prince of Peace reign here in my home as you did in theirs.