sing it LOUD

 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14

Do you hear what i hear?  Good News can be found!
Angels we have heard on high exclaim, " Jesus is coming to town!"
Come all ye faithful, be filled with His joy and love,
A silent, holy night will then give you His Peace from above.

Deck the halls, we have reason to shout!
Christ the LORD has risen! let there be no doubt.
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, your beauty i see,
is about celebrating what Jesus did for you and me.

So, you better not cry, you better not pout,
Hark! the herald angels still sing it out!
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Have yourself a merry 'lil Christmas... each and every one!

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

ready for a break?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what He has kept for His people. For Christ is the real Master you serve." Colossians 3:23-24

As i turned off my alarm this morning for the last time as an active employee i wondered, now what.  I have preparations to finish for CHRISTmas celebrations, but then what.  And then i remembered.  I am still working for my first and #1 Boss.  While i won't be on the school clock, i will continue the lifelong heartbeat of loving and serving those who are woven in my soul, and that includes you.

Today's Bible verse is the daily lesson plan taped on my work computer for years. It set the tone for my day each morning and the tasks for the day. I plan to take it home today and tape it on my laptop.

Our Father placed on my heart 23.5 years ago, the writing and sharing of devotions.  As part of a school family, i sensed a strong need to support and encourage some of the most valuable people on earth... our teachers.  Their commitment, sacrifice and love for our children is nothing short of living like Jesus.  While my devotions evolved just for school teachers, i soon realized  we all are teachers in some respect.  We teach those around us by our thoughts and actions.  

All this to answer the question, will i keep writing... yes, i hope to always work for Him. God, our Ultimate Teacher, still has much to say and teach me. Whether through the eyes as a mother, lolli, wife, friend or other role, there are lessons to learn.  Writing might not be as regular, but i know God will continue to feed me as long as i continue to listen.

May your break be JOYful and filled with Him.  Where i am working will be different, but i know my Faithful Companion will be the same.  Thank You, Jesus.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

all wrapped up?

 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 

The days are closing in on CHRISTmas.  Are you ready?  Are you all wrapped up?  And if so, what are you wrapped up in?  CHRISTmas can be a season of mixed emotions.   It can be a time to get easily wrapped up in emotions of anger, resentment, pain, regret, hurt, loneliness, fear, envy, bitterness, jealousy, exhaustion or pity.  But don't despair, you don't have to stay there.  

God wants to free you whatever is tightly wrapped up in your heart causing you pain, hurt or separation from Him.  He wants to unwrapped those harmful, destructive emotions and wrap you up in His Love, Hope and Peace instead. Through the birth of Jesus we have been given the greatest gift of all times... a gift that lasts for eternity.  A gift that by itself is reason alone to still have joy during CHRISTmas. 

Is your wrapping a bit tight and uncomfortable?  Do you need a change in your life right now?  Our Father has the perfect wrap picked out, and it starts with His unending love for you.  

What's that?  Yes, i think i see a smile starting to stretch across your face.  Thank You, Father, 'tis Your Season.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

all i want for CHRISTmas is...

 "...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4

Like many with family scattered across the lands, we are already busy gathering for CHRISTmas celebrations. Traveling this past weekend to have precious time with our family, we left our dogs at home.  As we departed, the message on their long faces was clear, "All we want for CHRISTmas is you".

What makes for the best relationships?  I think my dogs nailed it. We just need to be with each other... talking, laughing, and soaking up love in their presence.  Isn't "being present" the most valuable gift we possess or can give to each other and with God?  

In many areas of life, i believe my dogs really do know best.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
and He desires for us to spend eternity with Him,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
what a love!
veneal

do you have room?

"(Mary) wrapped (the baby) in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

What about now?  Do you have room for Him? 

in  your heart

in  your day

in  your thoughts

in  your actions

in  your plans

in  your prayers

Don’t let Him get crowded out due to stress, unexpected events, busyness, shopping or other added demands of the season. Keep Jesus at the top of your list. His Presence in us should have a permanent residence at all times, especially now.  

Wrap Him securely and tightly in your heart and place Him actively in your life for all to witness.  Make room for Him in all you do and say, and the true joy and peace of the season will be yours and radiant out to others.  

And what better gift to share than Him?  Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

He's right!

 "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. " Luke 2:10-11

Do you agree with Luke??

I sure do.  BOTH Lukes got it right!  

Thank you, Luke in heaven and on earth for your Truths!  

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a quiet moment

 “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray." Mark 1:35

Quiet moments... we all need some, whether child or adult.

Set up for students, our JOY overflowed when teachers dropped in for a quiet moment with us too.  Nestled next to a "roaring" fire and twinkling lights, they allowed the quiet peace to provide a needed moment of sweet relief and refueling.

Don't let the busyness of the season demands leave you drained and depleted.

Be like Jesus. Stop, rest, pray and be refilled with the delight of the season and God.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal