Friday, February 28, 2014

oh, the places you'll go!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for (your name) who loves Him -- but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit." 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

Cats in the hat, Thing 1, Thing 2, Horton and the Who's,
It's Seuss Day at school... and it feels like we live in a zoo!

It doesn't take a Dr. Seuss Day to make life feel zany.  Craziness can fill up any day.  Wild hair, red faces, silly babbling can spout up and erase any notion of a normal day. 

When dealing with a Seuss-on-a-loose day, let's recall this fabulous Truth... oh, the places you'll go!



Peace in the moment, serene or topsy-turvy ones, comes from knowing, believing and trusting God. And it doesn't stop there.  Close your eyes and imagine what our Father promises us one day... a day of no more tears, eternal peace, continuous joy and praise.  No matter what the day throws our way, remember we are in an earthly, temporary season.  What He has in store for us, on earth and in heaven, we cannot fathom.  But His Word assures us it will surpass our wildest imagination.  Oh, the places we'll go! Thank You, Father!

have a Spirit-filled day!
veneal

Thursday, February 27, 2014

a Mighty Word ~ obedience

" ...And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and
to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8


1, 2, 3...
oh, how i want to be find in Thee.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

a melt down

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Mrs. Williams, those snowmen are going to melt next to the fire."

His statement sounded true, but i knew beyond a doubt it could never happen.
The snowmen weren't real and neither was the fire. No threat of a melt down existed.



In this busy, real world, melt downs can loom over any day. Schedules and deadlines abruptly change, a student's outburst rattles the class, bad weather barricades all inside and homework goes undone.  Just when you feel nothing else can possible go wrong, it does.  A call from home, changes everything.  The time is ripe for a melt down. What can you do?

The best, most complete comfort doesn't come from what we do, but from what our God does.  In times of trouble, clinging to Him fills and stills the soul.  No one understands our hardships and frustrations as completely as God.  When you can't take anymore, let Him take you in His Arms. His compassion will be your comfort... and yours in turn, will be comfort for others.  Pass it on.

Thank You, Father!

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

a Mighty Word ~ treasure

"The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6


have a rejoice-filled day!
veneal

Monday, February 24, 2014

The Book

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Our library received an incredible gift last week. Our fifth graders, along with special artists, created beautiful stained glass panels for our main window.   We eagerly watched the installation and transformation from lifeless panes to vibrant life.

"How do you like the book?" Mrs. B asked.
"Like it?" i asked,  "Why i love it!  I can't believe it! I think it's The Book of Life and Light -- right here in our library!" 



Intended to represent all library books, i could only picture it as our precious Bible. The golden pages radiant with light, joy and life.  I now have a larger than life reminder of God's Word before me.   What was meant as an artistic addition is also a prompt on righteous living for me.

Father, as thankful as i am for the visual focus, it means nothing if it doesn't penetrate my heart. I pray it prompts and strengthens me to keep my words, actions and heart pleasing to You. 

have an alive-filled day!
veneal

Friday, February 21, 2014

finished with it

"... I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for the day." 2 Timothy 1:12

Students tossed books in the return bin, eager for new material.  They were finished with the books, and i was finished with the constant theme that kept showing up.  Yet, every time i thought the last winter book had been turned in, someone dropped another in the return bin.  I could do nothing, but moan and keep checking them in... one chilly book at the time.


Do you have any reoccurring themes in your life?  Family issues, health concerns, heart ache, anger, loneliness, work conflicts, etc.  How often have you thought an issue was resolved, only to see it resurface again? During these times it's difficult to keep frustration and hopelessness from rising.  It's then i must rely completely on the strength of One who is an expert on reoccurring themes and who is crazy for me.

God is the One. He sees me panic with decisions, pout over selfish wants, throw temper tantrums and even turn away from someone in need over and over again.  He does not give up, throw in the towel, turn up His Hands in disgust or walk away from me.  He knows and understands me better than i do myself. 

Father, thank You for Your unending patience and understanding. You and You alone, i trust with my life.  Hold me up, mold me up, and bold me up as a servant for You.   I want to catch and pass on the reoccurring theme of Your love to all i meet.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

Thursday, February 20, 2014

a Mighty Word ~ delight

"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

no need to fail

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

It's after the 14th, but students still wore their hearts, pinks and reds this week with no hesitation.   Valentine cards, candies and dances took place without skipping a beat. Even though snow cancelled school on the real Valentine's Day, it didn't stop Valentine's from coming. 

Everywhere i looked this week, i saw traces of love in the air.  Teacher were patient in rescheduling parties. Students were kind in giving to others. Considering the desires of the students mattered to all.  No blames were murmured nor anger seen concerning inconvenience. Teachers honored the celebration, students trusted teachers' decisions, all hope came to fruition and Valentine's Day persevered despite the weather.

Was this a Valentine's Day disaster? Not at all! The postponement still produced smiles and joy for all.  It's only a Valentine disaster if we fail to love.

Practicing love each day,
keeps disaster at bay.

have a love-filled day!
veneal
 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

a Mighty Word ~ love

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

For those in Christ, Valentine's is an everyday thing. Are you celebrating love today?  Our world is in desperate need of it.

have a love-filled day!
veneal

Monday, February 17, 2014

unexpected changes

"I long to dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings." Psalm 61:4

Special programs, schedules, parties and other events came to a screeching halt last week.  In it's place sledding, sipping cocoa, making snow cream and other unscheduled activities quickly took its place.  The recent snow storm reminded me of our inability to control life.  It also showed how giving up control can produce unexpected pleasure and delight.


Are you holding onto something tightly now, refusing to relinquish control?  May the recent snow storm remind you of the need to sometimes let go.  A change can be refreshing and freeing.  Is there another storm on your horizon?  With God as our LORD and shelter, no matter what happens in our life, peace and joy will surely be our sweet reward.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day!

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

GOD is love.
God IS love.
God is LOVE.

Thanks be to God we are never without a Valentine.  May His Love fill you with peace, comfort and joy today and everyday.

Thankful for my lifetime Valentine, and thankful for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.


how mightily we are loved!
Happy Valentine's Day!
veneal

Thursday, February 13, 2014

you're the one!

You, My child, are the cherished love of My life!  I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.

My dear sweet (your name),

Rejoice! For I have made this day for you!  (Psalm 118:24)

You have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  I chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in My sight.  (Ephesians 1:4)

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and I will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Since I am for you, who can be against you?  (Romans 8:31)

Who or what shall separate you for My love?  Shall trouble or hardship? No, never!  (Romans 8:35)

I will tend to you like a shepherd does his flock.  I will gather you in my arms and carry you close to My heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

When you are tired and weary, come to Me, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Whatever yoke you are under, I will free you from it.  I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  You are mine, and I am Your God.  (Exodus 6:6-7)

I will keep you from all harm and watch over your life always (Psalm 121:7-8)

It is My prayer that you may grasp how wide and long and high and deep My love is for you.  (Ephesians 3:17-19)

always on your side and for you,
Dad

Need more affirmations regarding His love for you? Just pull out His Book. It's a love letter written just for you

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

does He, or does He not?

does He really love me??

YES!!! keep counting the ways...


(your name), My dearly loved Child,   (Ephesians 5:1)

You have been fearfully and wonderfully made by Me.   (Psalm 139:14)

Nothing and no one will separate you from My love! ... neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation!   (Romans 8:35 39)

I will meet all your needs.  (Philippians 4:19)

I will fulfill My purpose for you with an unending love.   (Psalm 138:8)

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you... carry you... and rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)

I will never forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.  (Isaiah 49:15-16)

As I watch over you, I will not sleep nor slumber.  (Psalm 121:4)
 
Live with the confidence of knowing who you are and whose you are... My Child.  (1 Peter 2:9)

Keeping looking up, My Child, I am here for you always.  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

forever your Dad

have a peace-filled day! 
veneal

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

wild about you!!

Reduce your stress, and bask in the love of the One who loves you best. Face it, God is wild about you! If He had a coffee mug, your name would be all over it.


Dear (your name),

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so I rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.(Jeremiah 31:3)

I will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

I have chosen you to be my treasured possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

Do not be afraid, for I will fight for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22)

I will rescue you because I delight in you. (Psalm 18:19)

You are the apple of my eye. (Psalm 17:8)

Forever your heavenly Dad



have a joy-filled day!
veneal

Monday, February 10, 2014

love letters to you...

love letter #1... Be Mine


Some things in life are worth repeating and rereading, like love letters. I've carried these around for  years and plan to never, never part from them. This week let's pull them out of our treasure chest to remember, rediscover and reflect on the greatest love of all.  No matter who you are, where you are, or what you are doing, YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED!  May we always remember Whose we are and Who first loved us. Read and believe His blessings for you  -- His beloved Valentine.


Dear (your name),


Do you not know?  Have you not heard?   (Isaiah 40:21)

I will never take my love away from you.  (1 Chronicles 17:13)

To you, I will be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.    (Psalm 103:8)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you... do not be afraid, for I am with you.  (Isaiah 43:4 5)

I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.   (Isaiah 42:1)

I will quiet you with My love. I will rejoice over you with singing.   (Zephaniah 3:17)

And remember, dear Child of Mine,

My love endures forever.   (2 Chronicles 20:21)


 Dad

What a Love!  What a God!  What a Father!

have a love filled day!
veneal

Friday, February 7, 2014

are you stressed?

"Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

It might as well have been God talking.  

If a family member, friend or other adult had asked me the question, my response likely would have consisted of a shrug and nod.  But it was a child asking.  And the weight of the question, carried the impact of a hundred sticks of dynamite.

Are you stressed?

Not a word had we exchanged, yet my demeanor and body language spoke clearly to him... and others. Our one-on-one interaction lasted less than 7 seconds.  "Charlie" blew me away with his keen observation.  A powerful lesson for me on the impact or affect we have on others... whether we spend years, days or just seconds with them.
 
Father, help me keep my attitude intact. When frustrations begin to overtake me, let me be reminded of what Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  Thank You, for the Charlies you put in my life.  You know what it takes to get my attention.


have a peace-filled day!
veneal

Thursday, February 6, 2014

a Mighty Word ~ fill

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You."  Psalm 63:3

Fill me to the brim with Jesus!
Thank You, Father!

have a love-filled day!
veneal

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

what are you passing?

"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." James 3:17

He had the flu.  And the nasty virus zapped the life out of him.  There was much concern over who might catch it next in our home.  So with disinfectant in hand, i went from room to room spraying and wiping to kill the virus and stop it's spread.  As best we could, we isolated him from human contact until his temperature dropped.  He was contagious, and anyone is his path was in danger of catching the nasty bug.
 
What are you passing on to others?  Is it good or bad?  Discouragement, encouragement... rumors, truths... threats, understanding... hate, love... hurt, compassion. 

If it's the wisdom from God, pass it on!  We are all in need Him.  If what you are passing on is Satan-infested germs, pray for a thorough cleansing from our Father and isolate yourself with Him until He heals you from the virus.  Don't let it zap the life out of you and others.

have a good-filled day!
veneal

Monday, February 3, 2014

a Mighty Word ~ loved

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

You are precious in His eyes... smile.

have a joy-filled day!
veneal




a perfect finish

But He (the Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Did the Superbowl leave you super disappointed or super elated?  Like all competition, there is a winner and a loser.  Some say a perfect season for a team entails walking/dancing away with the ultimate Super Bowl win.  Some say it would also take an undefeated season to constitute a perfect season. The perfect season -- did it happen?

In the world's eyes, perfection requires no flaws nor mistakes.  It carries a lot of weight in terms of glory and acceptance, as well as, pressure, anxiety and disappointment. In the eyes of Christ, perfection is all about our flaws and mistakes.  It is through our mistakes, flaws, and weaknesses the perfect power of Christ surfaces.  Is He showing through you? 

As believers, we are living in a perfect season, if we are allowing Christ to rule over our lives.  Let the celebration begin!  Thank You, Father!

have a perfectly Christ-filled day!
veneal

Saturday, February 1, 2014

momma told me not to come...

"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8



Thank you, Natalie Grant, for the respectful stand (or exit) you took during the Grammy's. As believers we must guard our mind and heart against wrongs and weaknesses -- such as inappropriate behavior, so easily accepted as norm in our me/materialist world. If we don't exercise strength to take a stand for what is right, how will we be any different from an unbeliever? How will our children know the difference in right and wrong, if we accept all things? In my Bible Study, a verse keeps ringing in my head, "Every one did what was right in his own eyes". This verse clearly defines the cause for the horrible tribulations and troubles during the Judges period. Putting personal goals and desires before God is costly to all who participate. 

I was sadden by the racy entertainment on the Grammy's... as well as, the limited outcries afterwards.  My heart grieves over these actions, and our lack of actions.  When we are more concerned about offending people instead of our Father, we tread in dangerous waters. Thank you, Ms. Grant, for being a voice of Light in the darkness. We need to follow you... and more importantly, we need to follow our awesome God.  We need to listen to our momma, and our Daddy.

May God give us the strength and courage to stand up for goodness. And to walk away from what breaks His heart.


Below is an excerpt from an article by Joshua Riddle... "Refusing to pass judgment on the debacle, after she left Natalie had this to say on her Facebook page, which in a few words said so much:
We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts about the show tonight, most of which are probably better left inside my head. But I’ll say this: I’ve never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I’ve never been more sure of the path I’ve chosen."
have a strong-filled day!
veneal