come sit

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

I do not know of a more glorious occasion to celebrate than CHRISTmas.  While the birth of Jesus is an event worthy of our daily celebration and praises, most of our celebration culminates during a few days in December.  And with that being said, this time of year we can find ourselves totally exhausted and in desperate need of rest.

As you continue to enJOY time with family and friends, may you also find some quiet moments/hours to reflect and rest in the One who made it all possible.  

I think that is what He really wants.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal 

merry CHIRSTmas!

  "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying...

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:6-14

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Merry CHRISTmas!

we are greatly loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

silent night, holy night...

 “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6  

 "... and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7

What makes CHRISTmas so special?  The children... especially The One.

Wherever it is, the manger scene sings of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, Truth, hope, fulfillment.  

Yet, we can easily lose our focus by allowing our preparations and expectations of CHRISTmas crowd out what is most important.  The distraction can set us up for frustration, sadness, exhaustion and disappointment. What all we add to CHRISTmas has the potential to rip away our JOY.

Lord, may it not be.  I want to be where You are; i want to meet You at the manger first. There is nothing we can do or say to compare to the glorious gift of eternal life -- made possible only by the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank You.

Let's keep room in our hearts for Him each day and be filled with His Peace.

Merry CHRISTmas!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it, 
veneal

what child is this?

“'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel... 

'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.'" Luke 1:34-35

Impossible situation, impossible solution... we have all faced them at one time or another.  And sometimes we're smacked in the face by what feels like an endless cycle of challenges and trials... with one right after-the-other. 

How can this be?
What will happen next?
How will we continue?

The CHRISTmas story is full of lessons, hope and direction for any season we are facing.

Whatever the question, the answer remains the same:

When we are weak, He is strong.  Trust Him.

God is with us, and He will see us through.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

do you hear what i hear?

  Would you like to listen to my prayer today? It might be yours too.

Lord, the waters are white capping all around, I really need a break from the rocky waves in life -- health issues, financial uncertainties, loss of precious loved ones, unexpected detours, increased demands, heartaches... how much more?

You must trust Me.  

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 

Father, i do trust You, but haven't i been through enough?

I am working in you and on you, Child.  

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."  Isaiah 46:8
 

Father, i'm tired and worn thin.  

I've got some rough ends to smooth out in you.  We will gain much through these times.  Trust Me.   

"But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." Jeremiah 18:4

Father, i know i'm not perfect, but aren't i good enough?
 

I understand how you feel.  Remember Jesus had had enough in the Garden too.  But you must trust Me to do what is best.There is still work to be done.  

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20

How much more, Father? 

Just leave it to me.  

"And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."  1 Corinthians 10:13 
 

But how much longer it take?

Until you give it all to Me.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.." Proverbs 3:5

I have surrendered all to You.

No, child, there are some parts of your life that you still have your fingers gripped tightly around... areas concerning your life, your family... to name a few.  Don't worry, I promise you that i know what you can bear.  I have a perfect plan for you.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I am afraid of what's to come.

You need not be fearful. I am always with You.  

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear."  1 John 4:18

 

Okay, Father, Your Will be done, not mine.  But can you please do it gently? 

It will be as it needs to be.  

"... we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'" Acts 21:14

I love you, Father.

I love you too -- and more than you can humanly understand. Just trust Me.  

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love."1 John 4:16 

In Christ we pray and give thanks,

amen, amen.

we truly are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

recipe for survival

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

It's been 2 months since i posted; even though, practically everyday i jotted down thoughts and feelings, but it stopped there.  Since our move in June, i've been out of sync and a routine. Sometimes it easier to give in... yet the constant Voice in my soul, told me it's not time to give up. So, here goes...  

My morning JOY of cooking holiday treats for friends and family also stirred some unexpected emotions.  Searching through recipes, i found several favorites i made for loved ones now gone. Instead of preparations filled with excitement, i found a bowl of sorry... a cup of sadness, spoon of regret, splashes of salty tears along with some bitter herbs creating for a dish i didn't want anymore... but there it was.  

And i know i am not alone. Familiar recipes during JOYful times can find the ingredients in our life altered. Hurt and pain surface from many places, expected or just out of the blue... the loss of a loved one, an unexpected health diagnosis, a hearten heart, financial ruins, misaligned priorities.

While the easiest way to relief the pain may seem to crunch it up and toss it in a dark corner of our heart, it fails to dismiss the pain.  My recent holiday recipe search reminded me the main ingredient for all happiness lies firmly grounded in one fact.

When i cleared my table of all the recipes, one card remained. How and when it got there, i haven't a clue.  But i know the JOY it restored immediately in my soul. When all is said and done, John 3:16 reminds us to hang in there.  The best is yet to come.  Jesus guarantees it... for you and me... ETERNAL LIFE.  Whatever ails us now will vanish one day, in a glorious moment. And we will be completely healed... no more sorry, no more pain, no more tears. Just endless hallelujahs!

So merry CHRISTmas??  Absolutely!

Thank you for some grace, as i  reconnect with you, my family.  Yet,what better time to do it than during CHRISTmas.  Thank You, Jesus, for another reason for loving You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

finger pointing

"But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them,

'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone...'"

Father, we are living in turbulent, fragile, uncertain times. So many lies, garbage stones and anger are filling our streets, lives and souls. It's difficult to decipher the truth from lies. And in a hot, bothered moment, it's easy to get pulled into the wrath. May we remember Your finger writing and reduce our finger pointing, so healing in our land can occur. Our trust and obedience to You needs to override and rule in our thoughts, words and actions. Ultimately, the Truth will rise and prevail, as Your Word never lies nor deceives. Help us stay anchored to you as peacemakers and doers, especially now. The innocent need to see and feel Your Presence through us, Your children, more than the stone receivers who are receiving our finger pointing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal