Wednesday, July 26, 2017

My Late Son, Adam Laas.

It's my son, Adam's 39th birthday. I wish he was here for me to throw him a big party. I wish he was here for me to wrap my arms around him and tell him how much I love him. He's been gone since September 4, 2015. Almost 2 years. It seems like so much longer. I miss him so much.

He had a difficult life, he struggled with his demons and his addictions but he had a big, beautiful heart. He could be the most generous, loving, giving person you could ever meet. He was my big teddy bear. He would wrap me in those big arms of his and it was a wonderful place to be. Because of his addiction he did a lot of hurtful things, but I know that that wasn't him. It was the addiction. And all is forgiven.

I love all my children and I'm so thankful to God for each and every one of them, but you should never outlive your children. It leaves a large hole in your heart that never heals. That place that Adam inhabited is so empty. I have The Lord in my heart and I'm grateful that I do. But this is an entirely different feeling. I will not neglect an opportunity to tell my children and grandchildren how much I love them.  I will do everything I can to let them know how important they are to me. If I never see them again I want them to know unequivocally how much I love them and that nothing they could ever do will change that. 

Sometimes I don't get to see them as often as I would like but that doesn't change a thing. They are my heart.

Here's some pictures of my baby boy!






Happy Birthday, Baby! I hope you're having a big party up in heaven. I love you and I can't wait to see you again!





Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Modern Tragedy, Minus the Comedy!

I know I haven't posted for awhile. I see that as a good thing because the whole purpose of this blog was that it would serve as a form of therapy to help me work through certain issues in my life that I was struggling with. It has been very helpful for that so it hasn't been necessary to blog for awhile but I wanted to use it to address something that has really been on my heart & mind lately. Now I know that a lot of you will not agree with me on this issue but keep in mind that this is my blog, it is entirely my own opinion & viewpoint so it's not essential that you agree,  but I hope that it will at least make you think.  I firmly believe that if enough people start thinking for themselves & not just "drink the Kool Aid", then things can change and we can find solutions to these problem. We need to be awakened from this malaise that our society seems to be immersed in. It's seriously disturbing me!

The main issue that I'm referring to is the case that's so prominent in the news lately of the man who left his child in the car all day resulting in the child's death. This just really blows mind! How do you do that??

I'm noticing a lot of people judging, pointing fingers, and saying he should be prosecuted. I also see other people who are compassionate & saying we should be forgiving & understanding, that this is just an accident, a tragic mistake. I'm somewhere in the middle. I don't think he should be prosecuted, unless they were to find out that a criminal action had actually taken place, but I can't be totally forgiving & understanding either. Since when is it ok, to forget your child?? Oops, my bad. Really? If that was my child, you wouldn't have to worry about what you were going to charge him with. I would take care of it!

I keep thinking that if this had been an animal, a dog, that this had happened to, people would be screaming for blood! We're so much more concerned about animals then we are people, particularly our children. I honestly believe that when abortion was legalized it told us that babies were not important, that our priorities were more important, they were an inconvenience that we could just get rid of. It seems like people killing their babies is just a late term abortion in their minds. No biggie.

That's just part of the problems that I'm getting at. I also see this as a problem that we have as a society, this zoning out, not thinking. In our business you see distracted drivers all the time. They get into their cars with their electronics, cell phones, what have you, and go on "automatic pilot". Seriously? I hear people saying that this child died because his father was doing something out of his routine. He didn't normally take him to daycare, it was a different thing for him to do. So what??

And he didn't think about him all day? Not only as a mother, but as a parent, how do you do that? How does his mother not text or call & say "Did you drop the baby at day care?" Something? Anything? This is definitely a modern problem. Can you imagine a 150 years ago, when people had to battle Indians, wild animals, the elements, etc., if they would have zoned out, not been aware of their surroundings and what they were doing at all times? It wouldn't happen.

I've heard people say"let he who is without sin cast the first stone". Have you ever made a mistake as a parent and done something potentially dangerous without thinking? Of course! But I definitely wouldn't compare those things with leaving my child in a hot car for hours. When my children were born they became the most important thing in my life. If anything, I was the obsessive parent that went over every conceivable thing that could happen and tried to prepare for it. If my mind said, "you can run in real quick and pay for your gas, they'll be fine", I would be thinking, what if someone steals my car?, or any number of other possible complications that could arise.  I took them in with me every time. I covered all my bases. I didn't leave anything to chance. I knew that if I cut corners and something happened to them, I would never forgive myself.  If stress or lack of sleep were a potential problem, I found ways to deal with them. I was not willing to take any chances with their health and their lives. It was never an option. It's time we placed our priorities in the proper order and achieved a balance where our lives are concerned. Instead, the government takes over and tells us what we can and can't do, what we can and can't eat & drink, and wants to dictate everything because we've become too stupid to think for ourselves. Please wake up!

I honestly don't know what the solution is, except to say that it's vital that we wake up ,we have to learn to think for ourselves and to not just snooze through life, taking everything for granted. Stop thinking everyone will handle it!  That's ridiculous! Take responsibility for your life and your actions, please!

This has been a Public Service Announcement.

If you are struggling with how to go about doing this, please email me and I will be glad to help. I'm all about not just identifying the problem but coming up with solutions.

They need to come up with an alarm on the car seat that goes off when you get out of your car so that you remember to get the baby out. Did you know that they changed the laws to require you to put the car seats in the back seat because the air bags were potentially dangerous? Prior to that these kinds of deaths were very rare. Hmmm, maybe we should rethink that and figure out a different way to place the air bags. Something has to be done, for God's sake!

 But really, if we train ourselves to be aware & to pay attention, it wouldn't be necessary to regulate everything. I'm just heartsick right now and I'm praying every day that the Lord helps us wake up before something really devastating has to take place. I love you guys! Please leave a comment if you have any ideas, share them. But be respectful, ok? We need to love each other.



Sunday, February 16, 2014

What is Karma, really?

We as a society throw the word "Karma" around a lot. The dictionary defines Karma as a  force of law of nature which is cause & effect. In other words, you reap what you sow. I thought this fit with what Christians believe. Now I think it may not.

The following is from a blog on the Proclamation, Invitation & Warning website. See what you think.


"What goes around, comes around" ???

Why do people say that? Do they know what that phrase is referring to?
Karma.
"Karma" is a concept from eastern mysticism: Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.
In these forms of pagan mysticism it is taught that "karma" is an impersonal force that controls the universe. A person develops "good karma" or "bad karma" through their actions. When a person performs "good" deeds it builds up good karma and that goodness will be returned to them by future good that comes into their lives. And if they do bad... bad things will happen to them.
Karma is an impersonal force, meaning that it is not a person. It's like "the Force" of the movie "Star Wars". What paganism is saying is that the universe is controlled, not by a personal God, but by a "Force"... a "life force". A karmic life force that is in everything and through everything and is in you and me, so that "god" is everywhere in everything and in you and me... so that you and I have the divinity within us... god is within us... so, in a sense we are god. Does this sound like the serpent in the Garden of Eden? It should because it comes from the same source as the occult "wisdom" of the serpent in Genesis 3:5:
"For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Those who believe in Karma also usually believe in reincarnation. They believe that you get a better deal in the "next life" by storing up good karma. Or, through various mystical techniques, one can escape the cycles of reincarnation altogether. Of course, reincarnation is yet another tragic deception, because the Bible says in Hebrews 9:27:
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,"
Some people may try to justify karma from the Bible by saying "A person reaps what he sows." However those words are found in Galatians 6:7-8:
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."
These verses do not justify karma or the phrase, "what goes around, comes around". These verses are not about an impersonal force. This section of scripture is about a God of holiness who is a righteous judge. It's not about a god who mindlessly gives an effect for a certain cause. In the context of the whole Bible, this is about God who is in control, who is sovereign who can do whatever he wants... and he wants to be just and holy and righteous.
And what we ought to be eternally grateful for, is that God is both all powerful AND he loves us! Which is why Romans 8:28 can be true:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
I recommend rejecting the phrase, "what goes around, comes around"... reject karma... and trust in the God of Romans 8:28!
And the next time you hear someone say, "What goes around comes around!", at least pray the Lord would open their eyes. But consider saying something like, "Don't trust in Karma. Put your trust in the Sovereign God who created you and loves you! Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What do you think? I like it. I don't mean that I'm going to jump people's case if they say it but it's eye opening. I've never been one to use the term very often. I've always expected God to take care of certain things for me. But if you've read any of my previous blogs, you'll see that I can't seen to understand why it's not happening. Why are people getting away with doing evil to me? Why are people believing their slanderous lies? I've gotten to the point where I was ready to take matters into my own hands, because of my frustration. But the Bible says not to tire of doing good. 

Galatians 6:9

New International Version (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

This morning the sermon was on Forgiveness. I always considered myself a very forgiving person but I've come to realize I wasn't living in the full freedom of believing in Him & being patient. The anger & bitterness that I'm harboring is not honoring to God and it's certainly not doing me any good as well.

I do believe that God cannot forgive me if I cannot forgive others. I have forgiven them but I haven't really let it go. He can't use me the way He wants to until I do.

 "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:19 NIV) 

Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28 NIV) In the following verses Jesus gives several specific examples of how to treat those who have hurt you, and He concludes with, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (vs. 36 NIV) Talk about an impossible standard!

Pray for me because it's not an easy thing for me. But I plan on moving forward & living victoriously through this.

Please send me your comments. I'd love to hear what you think.
                                                     God Bless!



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

I Love My Life!


Hello, My Darlings! I hope you are all doing well! Things have been really crazy around here. But it's so cool to watch how God is always present in the midst of the most chaotic turmoil there is! I just love the fact that I can find Him & cling to Him & things become calm.  He brings order even in the midst of it all. And then, to put the icing on the cake (hmm cake), He shows me just exactly why He allowed the turmoil to happen to begin with. The older I get, the less I like change. I want to be comfortable, just bob along on my little raft of life on a calm, smooth river.  Oops, I'm sorry, Dear, but that's not what God intends for you. You were not saved from the fiery pits of Hell by the sacrifice of His Precious Son, to just float through life in comfort and without stress. If that's what you think being a Christian is about, you've got a big ole whoopin' coming your way! I know from experience that I surely don't want me one of them!  Uh uh!


So I always thought that as I got older this Christian walk would get easier, that I would learn these incredible life lessons, that God would etch all these experiences on my heart & that with great wisdom I would face the latter years of my life like some sort of  icon of the perfect mature woman in:



Titus 2:3-5

New International Version (NIV)

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.


For a period of time I despaired of seeing the wrongs that were being perpetrated made right. I know that some would think that I am naive, but I still believe in the balance of good & evil and that the evil will come to light and that God works on our behalf even when we are not aware of it. He is always looking out for us, even though sometimes we don't want Him to. 

I am excited to see just exactly what He's got in mind. I have a feeling of expectancy that He is going to do all that He is able to do in abundance beyond anything I can even imagine. Exciting?? Shoot yeah.

I have also decided to take another quote from the Bible and those who are not for me, who are lukewarm to me, shall be spit out of my mouth. I'm tired of trying to get some people to love me, of jumping through their hoops in order to be a part of their lives. Love shouldn't be like that. It should be unconditional & returned. I will no longer accept the relationship on their terms. I have so many loving people in my life that I have no need to entertain those snobs any longer.  I know that sounds negative but the fact is that I don't wish them harm but I need to get rid of all that negativity in my life. Somehow or another I have had this crazy idea that I don't deserve better but I do.

The following is an excerpt from "Unshakable" by Carter Conlon. I found it to be extremely inspiring.


He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in that comfort God gives us. (2 Cor. 1:4-7, NLT) 

       These words of Paul reveal another truth about suffering: it fills individuals with something of Christ that enables them to reach people who might otherwise never understand the grace of the gospel. It grants them access into the deepest inner prisons of their generation-places no one else can go except those who have personally experienced God's comfort in the midst of their own trials. That means that if you are going to be able to comfort the sorrowing in the coming days, you yourself must first receive comfort from God. 


(End of Excerpt)

 Wow, that gives us a whole new perspective on exactly why we're here, doesn't it? It helps me to understand why I've had to suffer so much in my life. It's not about our ease & needs. Sometimes I think a lot of us come into this Christian life not fully understanding what it requires. We need to receive a job description. 

I hope this blog was as inspiring to you as it was to me. God woke me up early this morning to put these last few words down & post it.

I want to thank Marney, One Voice Director, for his insight last night at practice. His Spiritual leadership is invaluable.




Tuesday, July 16, 2013

What's Going on Around Here?

I cannot believe that it has been almost 3 months since I've blogged anything. Time has sure flown by. There has been so much going on and I don't even know where to start. Rather than try to actually catch you all up on everything that's been going on, I think I'll just kind of pick it up from where I left off. That's just more work then I'm willing to engage in. LOL! Yes, I'm getting lazy in my old age. Maybe it's just that I'm tired.

Either way, I did want to let you know that everything is looking good for me health wise. After a bunch of tests, and medical bills, everything is looking clean.  Work is also going well. It took me a little while to get adjusted but now I'm really enjoying it. Interacting with people and trying to make a difference in their lives is very rewarding.I'm also learning a great deal about the world that emergency medical  people operate in and I'm finding it fascinating. If I had discovered a lot of this when I was younger, my life might have gone in a very different direction but right now I like the direction that God is taking it in.

Our group, One Voice, will be traveling next week to Illinois to do a concert there, so I'm looking forward to that. I think that will be a lot of fun. I will be riding with some great ladies, Brenda & Mary Jane. I thank God for bringing them into my lives because they are great friends and I love them dearly. I love everyone in the group and I just love hanging out with them. What a sweet spirit we have together!

The only fly in the ointment, so to speak, is the issue with my son. I wish things could be different but obviously they can't. I just hate the direction that his life is headed in right now but there's nothing that I can do about it. You can see what's coming but no one will listen. It's one of those situations where I hate saying I told you so but it will come to that. Kind of like when my sister was killed. You knew it was inevitable but there's nothing you can do. That's when only faith can get you through it. It's very painful. 

Charles got a new truck and he is simply ecstatic. I love seeing him so happy and I  know that in about 6 months I will look the same way, because I believe by then it will be necessary to replace my trusty Kia. She's been wonderful but she's getting tired. I'll still keep her as a backup but she's got almost 250, 000 miles on her and she's pretty worn out. I do love Kias. They are great automobiles. I owe my life to one.

Amanda will be graduating in October with her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and will be seeking a position in Law Enforcement. (Big surprise there) and DeWayne will be deploying in January for Germany so Amanda & Sebastian will be coming to live with us for awhile so they can save some money to purchase a house when DeWayne gets back, so I'm excited about that.

I know you will not think me totally biased when I say that my Grandson is the most brilliant, delightful child every born, right?  It's true. I'm not making this up. 

I'm really disturbed by the direction that certain things are going in right now but I have finally accepted the fact that these things have to happen in order to fulfill prophecy foretold in the scripture. Staying grounded in the Word and on our face. Praying will be the only way to truly get through it. But it's difficult. I hate to see it happen. If you get the chance, please read "The Harbinger" by Jonathan Cahn. It will scare the daylights out of you, but it will give you an entirely new perspective on the awesome power of God. 

I'm also reading a book "Unshakable" by Carter Conlon that is very good. As things begin to shift and change in our world, we have to seek God's face in order to know what our new roles will be in so that we can serve Him the way He would have us serve Him. Not like we think it should be or what's been done in the past. There's a new world coming. We need to be ready. If we keep our eyes firmly focused on Him and not look around us at the things that are going on around us, we can be at peace no matter what is going on.


Psalm 121

1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains ; From where shall my help come ? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to slip ; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper ; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day,Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will protect you from all evil ; He will keep your soul. 8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever .
Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run , and not be weary ; and they shall walk , and not faint .
It's very simple, really. Either you believe it or you don't. I realize that this post today has been rather somber but we are in a somber place in our society right now. But I want you to know that this also comes from a place of peace and of joy and a clean heart. Fear not for the Lord thy God is with you, now and forever more! I love you so much.
We sang this song Sunday and it spoke to my heart & spirit. I hope you enjoy it!




 




Thursday, April 25, 2013

You Are My Strong Tower

Psalm 27: 1-6

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.


 You know, sometimes life can be very hard. I'm not going to lie, there are days when I really don't know why things have turned out the way they have. The hardest part of life is when things don't turn out like you expected them to. I've made mistakes. I know it's hard to believe but really I have. But I can honestly say that I always tried to do things the right way. We are a product of our environment and my adoptive parents didn't really teach me how to cope with things correctly, so sometimes I might have reacted in the only way that was ever demonstrated to me, violently. But usually, I got things under control and I really strived to let the Holy Spirit guide me in the path of righteousness.. I tried to love my children unconditionally and bring them up to be productive citizens.

When that didn't happen, I tried tough love and whatever else I needed to do to help them.  But it appears that it doesn't matter. A bitter, hateful person enters their life and convinces them that you're an awful parent and it might as well have been as if you never did anything for your child. When that happens you wouldn't believe the pain. And then, this same person tells you that you will never be a part of your granddaughter's life. Based on what? Good question. What THEY think is the truth. No matter how many times you try to tell them the truth, they don't believe you. I guess my life has not stood for anything. Trying to be an honest, loving, Christian person and mother doesn't matter. Tried and convicted, sentence handed down without due process. Very, very painful. Where is this coming from? I ask myself. The answer is the devil.

But let me tell you something that I do know. I serve an awesome God. He is my Defender & my Strong Tower. Of whom shall I be afraid? I know who I am in Him. I will stand strong and firm in my knowledge that He will work this out to my good because I trust him. No weapons formed against me shall prosper. I also know that when Satan is attacking me it's because I'm being effective for the Lord so I can choose to
dwell on that and let not my heart be troubled. He has vindicated me before and He will do it again. I just need to stand my ground!


The devil’s plan for your life is three-fold:  To Steal… To Kill… and To Destroy….. He has NO good plan for You and Your life!
Here I want you to understand the words of Jesus in this text. Jesus said, “the thief comes ONLY to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10 (emphasis mine). He said; the thief will come. No doubt about that. In fact, read what Peter says in 1 Pet. 5:8 “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The devil has no plan for you except to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus said, “he comes ONLY… That means; surely the devil will come, but when he comes he has no other interest or purpose for you but ONLY one thing. He comes to turn everything upside down in your life. By nature, the devil doesn’t know any order. Actually, he doesn’t even want order.  He is the architect and the source of all chaos. There is no goodness in him at all!

I'm on my guard, praying and seeking God's face. I love you guys and I covet your prayers.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

What's Up With That?

Well, one of the most wonderful things about life is the amazing amount of surprises that it holds. I just love how, when I think things are not going well and I start thinking they never will, God has this incredible way of showing me how amazing He is and how many surprises He has in store for me. 

I love surprises. When I hear people say they hate surprises, I think, "How sad is that?" That's the best part of life, as far as I'm concerned. Bring 'em on!

Today was a day of surprises for me. As I mentioned in my last post, I've been having these health issues. Well, today I had an appointment with the Infectious Disease Specialist. It was a very interesting visit, I must say. He said a lot of things that even now I don't understand but basically, they don't really know what the problem is. LOL! It figures. I went through that when I had my CSF leak. With me, it's always something bizarre. 

So they took what seemed like another gallon of blood to test, but the surprising part of the encounter was when the doctor looked at me and said, "Are any of your brothers & sisters red headed?" I said I don't know but my mother was. He said you have red hair and beautiful green eyes so I'm guessing you're of Irish descent and there is something called IEG, (or something like that) which is only found in people of Irish descent that causes them to be more prone to infections. (Which is something I have). So he's going to test for that. Interesting, huh?  I found that to be very surprising. I knew I had Irish & Scottish heritage but this really brings it home.

I'm not worried. I feel fine. I've been through much worse and I know that my Lord & Savior is with me every step of the way. I think He's making these things interesting just for me because He knows I love it.

Add to the fact that Easter is coming and I can't wait to spend it with my family, children, grandchildren, good friends, anyone that I can include in the mix. Spring is coming. You might not think so today but it's definitely on the way. I'm excited about what the future holds.

Because my God put a plan into place before the foundation of the world that would ensure a place for me in eternity with Him, I no longer have to fear anything that happens to me here in this world or later in the next. I'm excited to see what surprises He has in store for me when I get up there, too. I can't wait but I'm in no hurry. There are too many things that I have yet to experience here. Thank you, Father, for the ability to enjoy my life to the fullest now and the wonderful assurance of where I will spend eternity as well.

1 John 5:10-13-"Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe has made God a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about His Son. And this is the testimony:God has given His us eternal life,and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son, has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

My favorite song this week is "The More I 
Seek You"


The more I seek you,
 the more I find you.

The more I find you,
the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

The more I seek you,
the more I find you.

The more I find you,
the more I love you

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

I wanna sit at your feet
drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath,
hear your heart beat

This love is so deep,
it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace...

I can't sing that song without being swept away to that moment and just feeling like I'm there. Incredible.

I pray the peace of God will permeate your lives.

 

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.