Peace. Where can we possibly find peace in today’s world of hustle and bustle, unrest and fearful situations?

We can find it by growing closer to our Heavenly Father. By following His guiding light to the work he has planned for us.

God gave us each special talents and although it sometimes takes us almost a lifetime to either recognize what our gifts and talents are or to have the heart to finally follow His leading-We will recognize them in His time. We have only to listen to His voice as He guides us toward His plan. That is when peace enters into our being.

Some have the talent to use their hands in helpful, creative ways. Those special people need only to keep a watchful eye for someone who needs their talent. Is there an elderly couple who needs a simple, or not so simple, chore done around their home? Is there a single mom in the neighborhood who could use a hand with putting up a shelf. So simple, yet so hard to see the need until we truly desire to follow our Lords teachings. Our purpose in life is to help one another.

Do you love to try out new recipes but really shouldn’t eat all those yummy foods you love to prepare? Why not make that recipe just a little larger and share with someone who is ill, or perhaps having a hard time financially and would really enjoy a special meal that includes love in the main ingredients?

I will never forget a time when my previous husband and I were having extremely difficult times. My teenage daughter, Rojana, used her hard earned money and handed me a package with two steaks inside. She said, "Mom I thought you guys would really enjoy a steak. I know it’s been a long time since you could buy one." That was the best dinner I have ever had. I could taste her love and caring in each bite.

When we begin to use the gifts and talents that the Lord gave us, peace and satisfaction are right around the corner.

We have a ninety-seven year old lady in my church who knits baby blankets for each new baby who is born into our congregation. It gives her a real sense of serving her Lord and makes a new mom terribly happy to have a hand made gift for her baby.

The talent that I most enjoy is singing. Give me a microphone and I will sing until you take it away from me. My desire as a young person (and a not so young person) was to be a famous country western singer. I was sure, given the chance, I could really be famous. Well, I have been blessed with being able to perform and I am paid for singing but by no means am I famous! However, when I decided last year that I really wanted to go into Senior Residential care homes and bring gospel music, of course with a country twang, to the adults who are unable to go out to attend church—that is when I became truly blessed with peace and joy. To see these people responding to the music, singing along with me, clapping their hands in time to the music, is a wonderful experience. To walk among them, visiting, hugging them and praying with them if they have a special need for prayer—that is what life is about. Bringing joy to others. There is no charge for these shows. I am paid by seeing their happiness. That is the best payment I could possibly receive.

Peace. God will definitely bring a sense of peace and happiness when we care for others with the special gifts He has given us.

Readers may contact the author at: bettyoverstreet@comcast.net

Betty Overstreet is a freelance writer who loves to write about her relationship with the Lord.

Her very first published book "The Lord Still Speaks, are you listening", was published by Morris Publishing Co. It is a compilation of individual stories by friends and acquaintances of situations when the Lord spoke to them, either audibly or by speaking to their hearts to guide them. It was followed quickly by "Water to Wine, 2 Fish to a Feast" and Mistletoe Memories & Sugarplum Dreams.

Betty is well known for her poetic accomplishments. Her poetry has been published in Anthologies by The National Library of Poetry and by Sparrowgrass Poetry.

Ms Overstreet is also a vocalist and Speaker. She and her husband, Gary, spend many Sunday afternoons visiting Senior Residential Homes and bringing the much-loved Gospel music to the elderly who are unable to attend church services.