As the sun comes out in the middle of February, in So Cal, I am reminded of the beauty of Summer. The days where I go to the beach with my friends and not care what we look like or smell like. The smells of sun tan lotion, seaweed, salt water, and seagulls. The sounds of the waves crashing and the different genres of music people are playing all over the beach. The sights of way to much skin, good or bad, and peaceful ocean. More Importantly, The ocean brings clarity to my life.

I am pretty sure that is why God made the ocean. The ocean spreads far and beyond to where we can't see. People from across the globe are looking at the same ocean as I am. When I look at the ocean I can't help but smile and breath, and know that everything is going to be alright. The waves crashing and the sounds of birds create a peaceful tone that is better then any music I can listen to. There is a peace about the ocean that transcends any peace that I can feel. This peace I believe to be the peace of God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

*"Peace does not mean troubles are absent, peace means God is present".*

Why is it that this is to be true? Why can I get so much clarity by going to the beach, but get confused when I am around a group of people I love? There is a sense of peace that I can gain from the ocean that I cannot gain from people in life. I think sometimes we rely so heavily on the people in our lives to make us feel better or peaceful. Friends are wonderful and feel like good family at times, but when it comes to needing a peace that can transcends all understanding we must look to God. And bringing friends into this is part of that journey.

Peace on Earth