the journey and signs go on...

As our journey continues, so do His signs....

U TURN     "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." 

                  Psa. 34:14

MERGE      "...encourage one another and build each other up..." 

                  1 Thess. 5:11

NARROW   "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.."

BRIDGE        Matt. 7:14 

RIGHT TURN  "The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in

ONLY                  them..."  Hosea 14:9

CONSTRUCTION    "... He who began a good work in you will carry it on to 

AHEAD                     completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6

WATCH FOR          "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is

CHILDREN                old he will not turn from it."  Prov. 22:6

No journey is too long or difficult with God.  Rest in Him.  He who is faithful will lead us home safely with His mighty signs of love.

have a peace-filled day!

veneal

signs ahead!

As you travel this summer far or near, take note of the road signs.  They offer true guidance and direction...for the road and for our life.

STOP        "Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10               

YIELD       "...stand firm.  Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves

                     fully to the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor. 15:58

CAUTION  "Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls

                     around like a roaring lion..."  1 Peter 5:8

GO           "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." Matt. 28:19

ONE WAY  "Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always."

                 1 Chr. 16:11

The journey is long and the signs are plentiful.  Watch for more signs to come, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.

have a joy-filled day!

veneal

spiders, bugs and snakes... oh my!

"Do not forsake your friend..." Proverbs 27:10

Flower picking. It sounds rather harmless, unless it's with my sister-in-law.  Before we departed for roadside picking, she warned me of  possibly seeing snakes. Gathering flowers for my friend's party, literally had the makings of a breath-taking adventure.  Braving the woods in my heavy jeans and cowgirl boots in 90 plus degrees, left me wondering -- just what was I doing!?   But it was with and for two of my favorite people... I wouldn't be anywhere else.

 

Friendships are wonderful.  They add much love, joy, laughter and support to our lives.  They can also add anxiety, grief and pain.  Is it worth it? Absolutely.  Through such genuine friendships, we encounter and grow from all these feelings. Our relationship with them and God is strengthen. 

Going out on a limb with and for friends, allows us to increase the sweet Fruit of love, kindness and faithfulness.  Would you like more Fruit in your life?  Try stepping out of comfort for a friend today.

have a friend-filled day!

veneal

early, late or on time?

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 12:8

June 20th was the first official day of Summer, but no one bothered to remind Summer of the date.  She arrived in full blazing glory before her premiere date pounding numerous days with sweltering heat.  Will the heat continue?  Will it leave early, since it arrived early?  The professional, trained weather forecasters are called forecasters for a reason.  They watch trends and patterns, but even at their best, it's an educated guess.  Is there anything can we rely on 100% of the time for accuracy?  

Thanks be to God, YES!  On God we can. His love, grace, mercy, goodness and forgiveness start immediately when we become believers and is unending.  He is our one firm foundation, in an otherwise shaken and fallen world.  With God in our life, we can survive all trials, disappointments and heartaches. His Peace and Love soothe and heal hurting souls.  With God in our life, we can celebrate abundantly sweet surprises, accomplishments and joys.  His Peace and Love multiplies our blessings.

With God in our life, we are 100% taken care of at all times forever.

have a Presence-filled day!

veneal

guaranteed stress reliever!

"Those who cling to worthless idols,turn away from God’s love for them." Jonah 2:8
"I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me."  Psalm 63:8


A sure fire way to reduce stress... clear the clutter and cling to God instead.


have a God-filled day!
veneal

is that squash??

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

Holes to China and tomatoes not surviving to a luscious red ripeness, called for drastic measures. The fence and electric wire didn't deter our dogs from destruction.  Not to be outdone, my husband devised a radical plan to save our garden... and everyone in our neighborhood knows about it.  The term "roadside vegetables" now has new meaning -- as our garden is 8 inches from the curb of the front road.  Rumor is others are considering doing this too.


A natural response to some problems is to hide or ignore them.  Admitting our shortcomings or troubles, could be helpful.  When we share our difficulties, we open up the possibility for others to also discover solutions, grow and prosper.  Are you in a difficult place in your life or walk of faith?  Consider putting it out in front of other believers. Experience, thoughts for a new path, or encouragement with others, might provide the fuel needed for a bounitful harvest in your life. But, whatever you do, don't give up.


have a share-filled day!
veneal

we can ALL celebrate

"Sing to God, sing praise to His name... A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling."  Psalm 68:4,5




Sweet God above, a Father for all, forever!

a Mighty Word... and thought

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... and be thankful." Col. 3:15


a thought...  Suppose you woke up this morning with only what you thanked God for yesterday.  Would it be a good day?


May we live with a heart full of gratitude everyday.


have a thank-filled day!
veneal

he's quiet, and still here...

"And the word of the LORD came to him/her...
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. 
After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 
After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. 
And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”" 1 Kings 19:10-13


As a child, I grew up primarily in the surroundings of my Mother's single-life.  She blessed me richly in love, and I followed her with joyful obedience.  I remember constantly praying for God to provide her with a perfect husband, and He did. Being her child, i too was showered with his love. But then, when I loss Mother, I also loss the Dad I had come to know and love.


Tears fell over the double loss; I was hurt, and yes, even mad.  I did all I possibly knew in being compassionate and understanding with Dad, praying to God for peace and guidance, and striving to live a life that would honor Mother. So why did I still ache so heavily over my loss?  Through the quakes of questions and the fire of fury, I finally heard God whisper, "Child, why are you so sad? Even with such a great loss, you are still richly blessed.  Live in it."


My Daddy, a quiet, honorable and humble man, never forced himself into my life... yet he was always there.  He stood by willingly and gladly accepting any crumbs of my time I had to share with him and my other "Mom".  No matter where my priorities where, he clearly considered and kept me as one of his.  Because his love for me is truly unconditional, all I've ever had to do is turn to him at any time, and he is there for me.  That's the kind of love I want my children to know too.  Thank you, Daddy.  I love you with all my heart.


And thank You, Father, for whispering Truth to me... i am indeed blessed.


have a thank-filled day!


veneal 

Among the walking dead

"This is what the Lord says—
 He who created you, (your name), He who formed you, (your name).
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."Isaiah 43:1-3

I didn't think any pain would be greater than losing Mother, but I was wrong. I now walk among the living dead.  My parents divorced when I was very young.  While divorce is not part of God's plan, I do believe God can and does takes the ashes of our mistakes and makes something beautiful from them. True to His Word... He works all things to the good to those who love Him.  I witnessed this as i watched God provide a perfect spouse for each of my  biological parents...providing me two additional,incredible parents.  He truly doubled my blessings.  Thank You, Father!

 

When my sweet Mother unexpectedly passed away a little over two years ago her husband, my "Dad", and I were devastated.  I never questioned her glorious homecoming celebration with Jesus; but oh, how I miss her! The emptiness of her presence is never gone; but with time, pray and God, I have learned to continue living life to the fullest... but not Dad.  He stopped existing as i knew him. Without Mother by his side, he resigned from life, defined it as meaningless and created his own one-man haven, complete with no need or desire for others.  While this may work for him, it created rejection, confusion and additional pain for those of us who loved Mother... and him.  His way of dealing with Mother's loss was not in my understanding.

At times, life makes no sense, holds no rational solutions and comfort seems nonexistent. When we can't change life situations or others, we come to the realization, a change has to come from within us.  A change of heart, a change of expectations, a change of ideals, a change of thought, a change of attitude.  

Lord, You know I'm not good at changes, i prefer to keep things the same, simple and sweet.  But that's not how life on earth works, is it?  How grateful I am You do not change and are always with me.  Thank You for being my Rock, my Redeemer, and my Father.  On You I can rely for all things, at all times. And when change needs to come from within me, thank You for lovingly guiding and coaxing me through the murky waters and fire.  Only by and through You all things are possible.

have a bless-filled day!

veneal

how did they know?

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."  Psalm 62:5

Sifting through the mail, i stopped on an unexpected piece addressed to me. Why or how did they think i might be in need?  The information from the mortuary was timely... in a way.  The past few weeks, a big blur of endless activities and demands, had left me exhausted.  My body and mind ached for complete rest and down time... but not the kind offered in the mail.  At least, not yet.

Father, only when i center my thoughts on You does the dust from my running settle.  Then with You, and You alone, there is a stillness of mind and body, allowing Your Peace to seep through and soak my bone-dry soul and spirit.  How thankful i am for the refreshment, renewal and life found in You!

have a rest-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word

May we remember, our Fathers says...

"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3

Where we spend our time and money shows where our priorities are.  

have a blessed Sunday!

veneal

fix it and forget it

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18

It had all the makings of a delicious novel... simple, quick and little involvement.  The title of the slow cooker cookbook said all i longed to hear, "Fix it and Forget it".  Who could resist?  Not i!  The way my brain functions, or non-functions, my family and i will surely reap comforting and filling benefits from such meals.

Food isn't the only element in life to possibly profit from a "fix it and forget it" attitude.  How about....

a heated argument
alienation in a relationship
gossip
a selfish decision
lies and deception
a jealous fit
jabbing comments
unforgiveness

Lord, when the words or actions i thrash out on others are wrong, help me find the wisdom and courage to fix the situation, forget it and move on to a better path.  Let me fill the one hurt with comfort, truth and peace, as You in turn, fill me with Your comfort and peace.

have a righteous-filled day!

veneal

ready? ...jump!

"For in the gospel a righteousness is being revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"  Romans 1:17

The rustling above my head caught my ear.  I peered up to spot a squirrel in the tiptop of the tree scamper to the end of a twig and sail in the air to the branch tip in another tree.  What an incredible leap with no hesitation!

Often we are called to take such leaps in our life... leaps of faith.  Feats appearing dangerous, scary or impossible can cause us to cower.  We stop, analyze the circumstances through our human eyes and then turn away.

Is our Father calling you to take such a leap of faith and to follow Him down a different and uncertain path?  Unlike the squirrel, you can rest in the fact He will lead, guide and even catch you if you fall.  All He is asking is for you to believe Him.  May the grass around you rustle as you take a leap into faith with Him ... with no hesitations.


have a wonder-filled day!


veneal

sand in my shoes

"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands."  Deuteronomy 8:2

I am crazy about the beach and everything about it except for one thing... the sand.  It just gets everywhere!  My biggest irritation is getting it in my shoes.  It's feels like piercing broken glass, and creates pain with each step.

We don't have to be at the beach to feel sand in our shoes. When faced with a season of irritations, heartaches and disappointments, we can still experience hurt with each step.  Are you feeling the pain of testing now?  Time and a review of the truths with our Teacher, might be the comfort needed.

Lord, i need You.  Change my perspective, and change my heart.   May i  be ever so reminded that You  are with me every step of the way during rough times.  Help me to see the sand not as cracked glass, but as diamonds in the rough -- trusting You have the power to polish up, make shine and use for Your glory.  

have a trust‑filled day!

veneal

ouch!!

Jesus said... "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."  John 15:7

Bring on the heat, especially at the beach! The sunny skies promised a grand time.  Only a dousing of sunscreen was needed for a perfect day.  Well, almost all.  Waiting for the sunscreen to sink in before hitting the waters was needed too. Her glistening, tomato-red skin later was proof of the sun's lack of mercy for her haste. 

How thankful i am there is one "Son" that is always safe for us to be in and requires no protection and no waiting.  Actually, this Son is our Protector.  Remain in "the Son" everyday and you won't get burned... guaranteed.  The greater our exposure and soaking in of Him, the greater the blessings.

have a Son-filled day!

veneal