a Mighty Word - focus

"My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only He will release my feet from the snare."  Psalm 25:15

When the questions tangle your mind, life trips you up and the dark clouds surround you, keep your eyes on Him for stillness and peace.

have a quiet-filled day!
veneal

bag or box?

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Do you believe it them? Do you tell them?

Many who have succeeded in life or overcome difficulties, credit a special teacher who encouraged them. In a world filled with pain, uncertainties and hopelessness, teachers have the power to rescue. They can steer the life of a child by finding the right words to share with them.  

Their words... a precious gift of hope and life.

What holds your gift of words -- a crumpled brown bag or a shiny silver box? May we choose with love, and help them shine.

have a shining-filled day!
veneal

shake it off!

…”’Son of David, have mercy on me!’

Jesus stopped and said, ‘call him.’

So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet!’ He’s calling YOU.’ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.” Mark10:48-49

As surely as Jesus stopped in response to the blind man’s plea to Him, He will stop in response to us.

What is hindering you in calling and reaching out to Him-- and then, responding to His call? What do you need to throw off to come to Him?

Old habits

Worry

Fear

Feelings of defeat

Worldliness

Doubts
Anger

Feelings of worthlessness

Pride

Harmful relationships

addictions

May we follow the blind man’s example at all times and especially when in need. Let’s call out to Him and respond to His calling to us with quickness and obedience and belief, Because He CARES ABOUT YOU!

Have a yes-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ Son/sun

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7


May the "Son" be our guide in all things, so darkness does not overtake us.

have a light-filled day!
veneal

crude, rude and socially unacceptable

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" Matthew 18:21-22

The pinch on my heart left marks.  Mother taught me well the importance of proper respect and manners.  So, to learn from a friend i exhibited rude behavior to her, shocked me.  Edie followed me; and when i didn't follow her back, she left.  What i thought was irrelevant equaled a slap in the face. One good tweet (or following), deserves another... to the other. Humbly i'm learning new manners with social media.

Social correctness... today it extends beyond firm handshakes and a "yes sir". In this mega media social world, it's easy to miss, ignore, forget or misread communication with others. Unfortunately, ignorance doesn't excuse poor behavior or the hurt.  But forgiveness and love do cover it.

Father, thank You for teaching and showing us the importance of forgiveness. When Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing - He spoke this for me, as well as, the other sinners.  I am grateful the only counting is the counting on You for Your endless love, mercy and grace.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

have a forgiving-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ whatever

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27



God knows our whatever; and before our whatever, He knew us and loved us -  and He still does... 
let us bring Him glory and thanks in all things.

have a  grate-filled day!
veneal

I'm late! I'm late!

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

I felt like Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.... I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!
Preparing for the Christian Writers Conference this past weekend, i found myself in a tizzy Friday morning. My to-do list was half complete, and it was time to go.  Gathering my papers, i slammed the car door and hit the road... only to then remember, i forgot to put on any makeup.  There was no time to return home and coverup the real me. How could i possibly make a good first impression looking so rough?

But isn't that how God wants us to come before Him?  In the raw.  Hiding nothing, being totally honest and letting all our blemishes, failures and shortcomings show?  The funny thing is He already knows about them, and loves us anyway. He knows every weakness, failure and insecurity stitched in our being. Our biggest failure is not trusting and have faith in His love for us; therefore, we work continuously to camouflage the real us... 
how we look
how we feel
how we think
how we hurt
how we doubt

What's the most likely scenario when God sees the real us?  According to His Word, to love us still. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Do we stand to lose anything by just being ourselves? Yes - fears, anxieties, doubts, pain, and anger to name a few.  He who made us, knows us and loves us... just as we are -- His beloved children.  Thank You, Father!

Leave off your makup and be real-up with God. He has a gift waiting for you, He's Peace.  Would you like to have it today?

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

can you move this?

Job said...
"God moves mountains without their knowing it..." Job 9:5


"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for (your name) will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10


With two orchestra classes relocated and practicing in the library, along with our ongoing library classes, it was anything but a shhhh time.  Mrs. Brown asked, "How can you stand all this confusion?"  We responded, "We love music and can string along just fine for awhile."

My God moves mountains!  And we let stinking ant hills trip us up? Then our focus is in the wrong place and on the wrong person.  We must keep our eyes on Jesus... always.  His unconditional love, guidance and power will minimize and squish all ant hills on our path.  My God moves mountains, souls and hearts.  Watch Him, and follow.

Thank You, Jesus!!!

have a believing-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ shine

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever."  Daniel 12:3


Your dream of being a star is just a Word away... share Him with others in your actions and  words. 
Shine, my friends, shine.  Dreams do come true.

have a glory-filled day!
veneal

are you disappointed?

"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

What was he thinking?  It seemed like a hasty decision, but his previous decision appeared irrational as well.  Quitting a project and skipping on to a new adventure didn't make sense.  And now, another change? How could anyone watching not feel disappointment?

If we were just trying to please man, we would not be a servant of Christ --  and disappointment would rule in our emotion field.  It takes courage to admit a wrong decision and seek God's guidance for the next step.  When higher grounds are sought, hope and anticipation rule.  For God has promised to work all things to the good for those who love Him.  And all things includes... mistakes, crazy doings, bad decisions and disappointments.  Through the difficult days, with God, we grow stronger and wiser.

 Have you been through a disappointment lately?  Praise God! The err will not be the ruling factor in your life, our God has a better plan.  Believe, and keep pressing onward.  He has our best at heart.

have a sweet-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ seek

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with ALL your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back from captivity.'" Jeremiah 29:13-14


a promise you can take to the heavenly bank... with a guaranteed return!

have a song-filled day!
veneal

that's not fair!

"Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed... just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do..." 1 Peter 1:13,15

The entire class missed half their recess because 3 students count not stop talking.  The others were quick to moan... that's not fair!  And it wasn't. When fairness is an issue, a quick glance upwards helps put life into prospective.  

How fair was Jesus' life? The insults, the threats, the belittling, the accusations, the whipping, His Death? The next time an unfair decision, an unfair statement, an unfair action, an unfair relationship slaps us in the face, may we remember how Jesus handled His... Father, forgive them, for they know  not what they do.

God is concerned with our holiness, not our happiness.  Everything we experience is for the purpose of working something in us, or out of us... love, forgiveness, patience, compassion, giving, selfishness, pride, humbleness, etc.

Father, help me not to focus on unfairness in life, but on Your grace and mercy instead.  Only then will i be blanketed in Your Peace.

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

a royal name, is it a pain?

Jesus said...
"Rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20

What's in a name? For most people naming their child is not very complicated.  Any and all name avenues are available for consideration... family names, favorite names, celebrity names, cute names.  But for the royal family, the process is not as simple.  There is much ado on the "right" name, and names totally unacceptable.  Talk on the perfect name, is only the tip of the iceberg for the baby yet to be born.

God, how important is a name?  Does a name itself have any real value? In your Word you say,  I will also give him/her a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him/her who receives it.  A name showing i belong to You forever. Now, that's a name worth making much ado and celebration over!

How wonderful to know no matter what name i have now, i will receive a new, perfect name from You!

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

i can speak for myself

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance...We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies...Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."  2 Thessalonians 3:5,11,15-16

"Susie, did you bring your id card with you?"
"She didn't, Mrs. Williams."
"Thomas, Susie can speak for herself; you are responsible only for yourself.  Be thankful."

This is not just an occasional conversation, but a daily one.  Students constantly feel the urge to speak on behalf of their classmates.   Not only does this slow down the book check-out process, but is an unnecessary distraction. The business at hand is between Susie and me... not Susie, Thomas and me.  Three is a crowd, and can destroy meaningful focus and interaction.

Father, thank You for designing me with a brain, heart and voice. I pray you guide me in using all three at the appropriate time with the appropriate people. Let me speak and act accordingly, so to bring honor to You, and to be filled with Your Peace.

have an honorable-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ discernment

The LORD says...

"Preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck."  Proverbs 3:21-22


To know so, and to do so... gives us life and glorifies our Father.

have a wise-filled day!
veneal

did you read the letter?

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25
  
"Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged." James 5:9
 
I wrote the letter. 
After years and numerous, wrongful incidents (in my eyes), i could no longer stay quiet.  The offensive behavior wasn't directed at me personally, but my child.  I wrote and sent a letter of my grievances to the head office.  I considered sending it without my name, but couldn't.Years ago, i painfully witnessed others skirt-the-truth or outright lie in fear of losing their job. Their fear protected them, but hurt others, including me. Truth is always right, despite the negative consequences that might erupt. I signed my name to the letter, knowing i might jeopardize my child's job. Speaking words i "own" to anyone, anywhere, at any time is better than playing charades.

Father, when i am sinking in troubled times, help me to stay honest, but not grumble.  Sometimes in  responding to wrongdoings, i whip out a knife sharp tongue.  Lead me to worship not worry, and to praise not pity.  When i remember -- focusing on You minimizes the issue, and focusing on the issue minimizes You --  peace is restored, because earthly life is entirely about trusting You with every minute.  We are a broken people -- with a Perfect God.  Thank You, Father!

have a truth-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ words

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." 
Proverbs 15:35


The tone delivering our words, determine what emotions are ignited by the one listening.
Drive carefully, we are surrounded by precious cargo.

have a thought-filled day!
veneal
 

just a taste

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Spring Break... a taste of what's to come, yummy summer! The week was wonderful; but, boy, did it leave me hungry for more. Instead of returning full of energy, excitement and enthusiasm, it intensified my awareness and desire of what i have to look forward to in a few weeks.  Now the struggle is to complete the task at hand... and with the right spirit as i pine for what's to come.

Father, help me to live and enjoy the present moment.  I want to serve You today in all i do and say.  Create in me a willing and loving spirit with a heart totally devoted to You. 

have a peace‑filled day!

veneal