Time for a meltdown?

"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His Word and healed them..." Psalm 107:19,20


Having a meltdown?

No worry...
Look to Jesus.  He will wipe away every tear and see you through the mess.  
Breathe Him in, and let Him begin the healing and rebuilding.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Home, sweet, Home

Jesus said...
"Do not let your heart be troubled... In my Father's house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you... I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1,2,3

Jesus knew it...
Dorothy knew it...
I know it...

There is no place like Home.

EnJOY, be safe and BElieve.

...and for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Time to dance!

"... no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God beside You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." Isaiah 64:4

Our days have been shorten...
tests have been missed...
Book Fair is a blink away...
standard testing is around the corner...
the reporting period is near...
shows are scheduled... 
programs are upon us...
deadlines are within a breath...

Should we panic or despair or scream?

No! We have guidance (God u & i dance). 
God, who is with us, will see us through each and every twist of our day. He is reason enough to dance with joy.


Father, satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Thank you.


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ delight

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters... He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." Psalm 18:16, 19

Smile, you bring much delight to God. 
He watches over and cares for us through all our days.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

what color am i?

 "You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus... there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26,28

Have you ever met a stranger in the store, and after talking to them soon realize you have a common bond?

On one such occasion this happened to me and it led to one of the kindest compliments i have ever received.  Lillian and I starting chatting in the long checkout line. It turned out Lillian got the Salt Shaker devotions i send out from one of her co-workers. 

What was so wonderful was not the fact she gets them, but the fact she couldn't figure out what color i was!  She said some days she read it and thought i was black, and then some days she read it and thought i was white.  I had never thought about how others perceived me, but was grateful to know, that with at least some, the boundaries of color were smeared or erased.

How do i wish to be seen?  Just color me love and i will know i am on the right path.

How do you wish to be seen?

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ dream

Jesus' dream...
"By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

We all have them...

What's yours?

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ complete

Jesus said...
"If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:10-12

Joy and peace is ours when we keep God in our little world.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ SMILE

"God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. 
Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him."
Psalm 34:4-5 (The Message)

Thankful God knows my every thought, feeling and desire.  With Him there is safety and peace in being real.  We don't have to pretend; He truly knows us... and loves us.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ hug

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:38

Let's watch over each during this cold snap... and every other day.
Hugs to you!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Happy Valentine's Day, always

"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

You're the one!

You 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. 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

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

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

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

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

love letters... to you!

love letter #1... Be Mine

Some things in life are worth rereading, like love letters.  The next few days let's 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!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

Stop! in the name of love

Jesus said... "Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12
 

STOP bickering....  and listen with an objective heart.
STOP discouraging...  and encourage.
STOP ignoring...  and acknowledge each other.
STOP nagging...  and be silent.
STOP criticizing...  and give complements.
STOP with the cold shoulder...   and give a hug.
STOP lying...  and be honest.
STOP blaming...  and forgive.
STOP worrying... and praise God in all things.

"Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

 
because as we have witnessed from our Best Friend and Father above,
A friends loves at ALL times... no matter what.
  
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

real sweet letters

 ^"You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." 2 Corinthians 3:3

 From our heart, Truth flows...

We love because God first loved us.  
If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.


We were meant to be loved... and to love.  May our hearts be filled with His Goodness and poured out on all.  Our hurting world is in great need of His love, let's share His heart.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ victorious

"NO weapon forged against you will prevail..."  Isaiah 54:17


No... none... zilch

Thank You, Father!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

it's not what you think...

"A patient person has great understanding..." Proverbs 14:29

Glancing at our tree, many chuckled and asked, "Why do you still have a Christmas tree up?"

"It's not a Christmas tree."

"Well, it sure looks like one."

 



While studying Jan Brett in January, we decided to transform our Christmas tree into a Jan Brett Winter tree.  Once our visitors took time for a look closer at the decorations, it was snow clear they had erred.

Rushing through life can cause us to jump to conclusions which lead to mistakes, problems, hurt or hard feelings, or sometimes just a good laugh. When important issues are at hand, such as in our relationship with God and others, may we take the time needed to gather knowledge and discernment.

Lord, in this fast pace world, there are definitely times we need to slow down, stop, and step back.  A great understanding starts with patience as we seek and wait for Your guidance.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ steps

"Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me." Psalm 119:113

Lord, when my feelings, pride, honor, ways, rights or heart have been trampled on, please help me walk in Your Light and not kick back.  Keep my emotions in tact, as well as, my actions.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, 
veneal

did you see that?!

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

What a night! What a game! What a battle! The Super Bowl delivered a night filled with moments of brilliance and disbelief to a large captured audience.  Down to the final seconds, the winner of the game was still up in the air.  And then, there were those high-dollar commercials and a bedazzling halftime show.

For now, the battle on the football field is over until next season.  But there is one battle still going strong.  The battle for you and your mind is in full swing.

The enemy will use any and everything to corrupt and destroy God's team of believers.  He is a keen opportunist.  Talk about fouls, bad calls, cheap shots... he is the king and master of them all.  We can't control the outcome of a football game, but we can control the outcome of who our mind belongs to. 

Father, help me not trip up and stay alert to the dirty plays of the devil.  I want to keep my focus on You and the Victory You have already fought and won for me.  I choose to celebrate You every day.  Thank You!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal