once upon a pumpkin...

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

My favorite Halloween tale is how believers are like pumpkins...

First, God picks you from the "pumpkin patch". He then washes all the “dirt” off. All the outside influences of our former life must be left behind. Old things are passed away and all things are become new.

Then, He carefully removes all the “yucky stuff” (sin) from the inside.  He then changes us from the inside out by the Power of His Word. He carefully removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, and fear and replaces them with the seeds of faith, hope and love. After Jesus is invited inside, you begin to experience the changing power of God’s love in your life.

Next, He carves a new smiling face. Our countenance is changed by the power of His presence in our life, and it's evident to all.

And when Jesus, who is called the Son of Light, lives inside of us, He shines through our life for all to see. We can let His light reflect through us to reveal His presence.

So you see, we Christians are really like a pumpkin! We will never be the same with Jesus inside of us. Thank You, Father!

Let your light so shine before men that they may be able to see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

what's behind the mask?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, as Christ accepted you..." Romans 15: 5-7

Masks.... we all wear them, and not just for Halloween.  Often we mask our true feelings from others. 

Behind the smiles and laughter, waves of tears and weariness might exist due to pain, loneliness, fear or hurt.  If we dare remove our masks, what would happen? Embarrassment? Dismay? Rejection? Or, perhaps healing and understanding and encouragement.

Oh Father, how i pray we are the touch of You others need.  Grow our compassion, sensitivity and heart to a godly size.  May we be more like You today. Open our hearts and minds to aid in the healing of our sisters and brothers. We are One in You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

feel like screaming??

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7

Report cards, special events, rain (NO recess), full moon, Halloween week... it's enough to make any sane teacher scream.  Can you take anymore?

JUST TAKE JESUS...

If you find yourself coming unraveled at the edges this week, go to the One who can and will mend you back together.  Just a few minutes alone with God each day will soothe the soul and restore peace.  Now, that's something to really scream about!!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ FEAR-NOT

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

No fear here...

GOD IS WITH US...  A.L.W.A.Y.S.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

who's your cupcake?

"and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22

I hadn't thought about it, but now i was hungry.  Learning about adjectives, students wrote what made a cupcake so good.  Reading their descriptions triggered my desire for one of the sugary morsels.

How do others describe you?  Loving, kind, giving, faithful, dedicated, understanding, peaceful, caring, sharing, encouraging, gentle, joyful?   I bet for many, you are just the dose of goodness needed. 

In a hurting world, there can 't be too many cupcakes. When it comes to people, more sugar is definitely better.  Father, may our actions and words trigger a desire and hungry for You in others.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

EACH step

"He will not let your foot slip -- He who watches over you will not slumber... The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."  Psalm 121:3, 8

No matter what direction we are going in, God is with us.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ comfort

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7

Six years ago today, i experienced some of the worst news of my life... the earthly loss of my mother.  It could have destroyed me or kept me a victim of despair for the rest of my days.  But it was not to be.

With God as my Anchor and Rock and Savior, He has led me from the darkness of distress into His glorious Light, while instilling in me the ability and willpower to continue life in joy and in hope.  For the rest of my days i choose to live a life in honor of my mother's gentle, giving spirit and in thanks for God's faithfulness and promises of eternal life to all who claim Him.

Is it easy? No, but with God possible...
Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, 
veneal

remove and restore

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s/sister's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3

My eye was throbbing. I am not the fastest learner with contacts, but i knew there was a problem.  Evidently, my contact was in backwards or had a bit of dust/dirt on it.  The only option was to remove the contact, examine it, clean it and hope the pain stopped.  Until i took care of my eye issue, i couldn't think clearly about anything or anyone else.

Father, what an "eye opening" reminder of Your Word... to take care of my own issues instead of grumbling or judging others.  Just recently, i've rolled my eyes to specks of dismay with others, while justifying my own shortcomings. You got my attention... please examine, clean and restore my heart with You. I want to see as You do.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~Truth

"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 91:14

There's no "lion" here... God is CRAZY about you!!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, 
veneal

you are needed

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men/women...

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ... 

God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to  be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  " 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12, 18-20

God has created each of us for a special purpose for His glory.  And when all the different pieces/gifts/talents come together, it makes for a beautiful picture. Never doubt or downplay  or dismiss God's magnificent plan and role for you!  You are needed and appreciated!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

keep loving

Jesus said...

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

Giving someone a second chance is like giving yourself another chance in loving and giving... everyone looks to win.

Father, we all need new beginnings.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

heroes-a-plenty

"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

To the left, to the right... heroes were everywhere in sight!

A special reading program at school culminated with everyone dressing up as Super Heroes.  The halls were dotted with colorful polyester/rayon suits complete with flowing capes.  But truth be known, from teachers - to students - to other staff members, uniforms were not needed.  I witness super hero acts everyday in school through various acts of kindness, compassion, encouragement and comfort.  

To you and all the many heroes, thank you! Thank you for your faithfulness in serving from the heart.  You are making a difference.  As you tear down walls of resistance, leap mounting paper work, speed through growing reports, and juggle various demands, remember the Source of your powers for necessary recharging...

There is power in the name of Jesus, and there is power in His love. He will carry you.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

calling all wrestlers

Jesus said...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Whatever you might be wrestling with, turn it over to God.  He is already on it, and it will be as He intends. 
REST in Him. Because in Him, we win.

Thank You, Father!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

waves of love

"...let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest..." 1 John 3:18-19

Feeling as if the tidal wave for needed bottled water in South Carolina had crested and diminished, i felt embarrassed. Not a single bottle did i contribute. For the past week, news coverage shown countless people from across the state contributing truckload after truckload of bottled water to the flood victims.   

 

But self-pity is pointless, unproductive and unnecessary.  There are still numerous opportunities to help. Currently, some items being collected are cleaning supplies, diapers, toiletry items, pet supplies, non-perishable food and gift cards. Like the ocean waves, the needs will be various and ongoing in our state. The only decision to regret is not catching any wave of assistance.

Father, floods, accidents, death, sickness... may we remember most tragedies usually strikes quick and hard; but the healing usually requires an extended period of continuous waves of love, understanding, compassion and help.  Long after the newspapers stories stop and the television cameras move on, may we remember and do.  Keep our hearts and hands active in service to others in need.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ gently

"He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

Tends... gathers... carries  gently.

Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

He heals...

"God reached down from on high and took hold of (your name or others); He drew (name) out of deep waters.  He rescued (name) from their powerful enemy, from their foes, who were too strong for them. They confronted (name) in the day of their disaster, but the LORD was their support.  He brought (name) out into a spacious place; He rescued them because He delighted in them." Psalm 18:16-19

Thank You, Father!

Trusting the strength and support for all in need, as well as, the peace of those who love them, is in the Mighty Hands of our Father, the Great Physician.

When we are incapable, our God IS capable.
When we are ready to give up, our God IS still going strong.

He cares, He can, He will... resting in His Truth.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

HOME in Louisiana

"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 have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I am almost speechless today, but i feel like SHOUTING, as i stand in complete awe of God's mighty works in so many, many ways.  Even in ways some may consider not a top priority... like a football game.  BUT, God does see it as a priority... there is NO LIMIT as to what our God can accomplish.  He uses absolutely everything for the good... for the opportunity to show and grow His Light among people so others may come to know Him too. And in an area that relishes football, it is a perfect venue to use. God desires ALL to know Him, and yes, if He can reach even one more through a football game, HE WILL,  HE CAN, and HE DOES.

I believe any college would have stepped up to help USC in this crisis (and many have), but just how perfect is it that LSU was the college USC was slated to play today in Columbia.  Just 10 years ago, LSU faced a similar situation with Katrina, having to play a home game in Arizona.  And look at this deja-vu story today... it's LSU's chance to pass on compassion and gratitude to another. And did you know that LSU had to cancel their first home game this season, due to weather?  I can hardly keep from crying as God's Hand and control over ALL things is overwhelming.    

For those who are unaware of the many acts of kindness from LSU and the state of Louisiana, striving to make USC "feel at home", i want to share with you some listed in the Columbia newspaper....

1. Transportation

LSU will provide the air transportation for the Gamecocks, Steve Spurrier said. “LSU actually rents with United Airlines. We go with Delta, but this week we’re using their charter flight with United. Their people are coming to get us and take us and bring us back and so forth.”

2. The band

USC’s pep band can’t travel to the game “due to time and travel challenges involved,” so the LSU Tigers Golden Band from Tigerland will fill in. LSU’s band will play USC’s alma mater, “We Hail Thee Carolina,” as well as the Gamecocks’ fight song before the game. (LSU won’t play the fight song after a USC score.)

3. ‘Sandstorm’

“Sandstorm” is the modern anthem of the Gamecocks, and LSU will play the sans vocal techno piece on its stadium sound system before the game.

4. Ticket money

All proceeds generated from ticket sales, minus the expenses that LSU incurs for hosting the game, will be given to the USC Athletics Department. USC had expected to make $3.8 million from the game, according to their 2015-16 athletics budget.

5. Fund-raising

The American Red Cross will be collecting monetary donations at the gates of Tiger Stadium on Saturday for the victims of the flooding in South Carolina. “I’m confident our compassionate LSU fans, who are very familiar with the damage a catastrophic weather event can bring, will respond in a big way to the presence of the Red Cross,” LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva said.

6. Keys to the stadium

The LSU student government will present members of the USC student government with ceremonial keys to Tiger Stadium as part of the pregame festivities.

7. Tailgating

LSU will have a pregame tailgate for LSU and USC fans with free food and non-alcoholic beverages. This takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time on the LSU Parade Ground.

8. Hype video

South Carolina will wear all white and take the field first as the home team. A Gamecocks intro video will be played on the stadium big screen.

9. Moment of silence

A moment of silence for South Carolina and the state’s flooding victims will be held with 2:22 to go before the game starts.

10. Billboards

Highway billboards with the words “Geaux Gamecocks: We stand STRONG with you!” and “Geaux Gamecocks: Make yourself at home!” have been spotted around Baton Rouge.

ead more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article38295864.html#storylink=cpy

What a incredible witnessing of College/team divisions and competitions put aside for the love for God and others. How can your heart not be ready to explode?!

If you have any encouragement for being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, have the same love, being one in spirit and purpose...

Thank you, LSU and Louisiana for living out His Word.   May God continue to bless you and your people.  Today, no matter what the scoreboard says, we are all winners.  Thank You, Jesus!!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, 
BELIEVE!
veneal

HOME in Louisiana

"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 have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I am almost speechless today, but i feel like SHOUTING, as i stand in complete awe of God's mighty works in so many, many ways.  Even in ways some may consider not a top priority... like a football game.  BUT, God does see it as a priority... there is NO LIMIT as to what our God can accomplish.  He uses absolutely everything for the good... for the opportunity to show and grow His Light among people so others may come to know Him too. And in an area that relishes football, it is a perfect venue to use. God desires ALL to know Him, and yes, if He can reach even one more through a football game, HE WILL,  HE CAN, and HE DOES.

I believe any college would have stepped up to help USC in this crisis (and many have), but just how perfect is it that LSU was the college USC was slated to play today in Columbia.  Just 10 years ago, LSU faced a similar situation with Katrina, having to play a home game in Arizona.  And look at this deja-vu story today... it's LSU's chance to pass on compassion and gratitude to another. And did you know that LSU had to cancel their first home game this season, due to weather?  I can hardly keep from crying as God's Hand and control over ALL things is overwhelming.    

For those who are unaware of the many acts of kindness from LSU and the state of Louisiana, striving to make USC "feel at home", i want to share with you some listed in the Columbia newspaper....

1. Transportation

LSU will provide the air transportation for the Gamecocks, Steve Spurrier said. “LSU actually rents with United Airlines. We go with Delta, but this week we’re using their charter flight with United. Their people are coming to get us and take us and bring us back and so forth.”

2. The band

USC’s pep band can’t travel to the game “due to time and travel challenges involved,” so the LSU Tigers Golden Band from Tigerland will fill in. LSU’s band will play USC’s alma mater, “We Hail Thee Carolina,” as well as the Gamecocks’ fight song before the game. (LSU won’t play the fight song after a USC score.)

3. ‘Sandstorm’

“Sandstorm” is the modern anthem of the Gamecocks, and LSU will play the sans vocal techno piece on its stadium sound system before the game.

4. Ticket money

All proceeds generated from ticket sales, minus the expenses that LSU incurs for hosting the game, will be given to the USC Athletics Department. USC had expected to make $3.8 million from the game, according to their 2015-16 athletics budget.

5. Fund-raising

The American Red Cross will be collecting monetary donations at the gates of Tiger Stadium on Saturday for the victims of the flooding in South Carolina. “I’m confident our compassionate LSU fans, who are very familiar with the damage a catastrophic weather event can bring, will respond in a big way to the presence of the Red Cross,” LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva said.

6. Keys to the stadium

The LSU student government will present members of the USC student government with ceremonial keys to Tiger Stadium as part of the pregame festivities.

7. Tailgating

LSU will have a pregame tailgate for LSU and USC fans with free food and non-alcoholic beverages. This takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time on the LSU Parade Ground.

8. Hype video

South Carolina will wear all white and take the field first as the home team. A Gamecocks intro video will be played on the stadium big screen.

9. Moment of silence

A moment of silence for South Carolina and the state’s flooding victims will be held with 2:22 to go before the game starts.

10. Billboards

Highway billboards with the words “Geaux Gamecocks: We stand STRONG with you!” and “Geaux Gamecocks: Make yourself at home!” have been spotted around Baton Rouge.

ead more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article38295864.html#storylink=cpy

What a incredible witnessing of College/team divisions and competitions put aside for the love for God and others. How can your heart not be ready to explode?!

If you have any encouragement for being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, have the same love, being one in spirit and purpose...

Thank you, LSU and Louisiana for living out His Word.   May God continue to bless you and your people.  Today, no matter what the scoreboard says, we are all winners.  Thank You, Jesus!!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, 
BELIEVE!
veneal

travel with Care

"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone....
the LORD says ' He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble...'" Psalm 91:11-12,15

Bulletin boards were changed last week.  And the theme of one caused me to think twice...  Road Trip Through South Carolina.  

Such a road trip right now would be impossible.  Massive rains destroyed roads, bridges, homes, businesses and life. Flooding is not a catastrophe we are familiar with here. But as believers, we are very familiar with an even greater Power... God.

The power of God coupled with prayer is sustaining many friends and families. My heart is full watching the overflow of kindness and love across the state.  Family helping family, friends helping friends, and total strangers helping any way they can.  Surging are countless stories of care and tears of gratitude.  From the woman literally clinging to a cross for safety in the raging floods to the sensitivity of the LSU band learning the USC alma mater and fight song for the game Saturday -- we are witnessing ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  Oh, how good is our God! building our faith and strength in the midst of brokenness.

What a timely reminder! Father, each time i pass the Road Trip board, i will pray for all affected by the flood and for all ministering to their needs.  You do work all things to the good.  Thank You, my Savior and Rock and Refuge.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ Hold

The LORD says...
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13

He's got us.

Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

seek shelter

The LORD said...
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you (your name) 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

When words fall short, His Arms reach in.

When darkness comes, His Light still prevails.

When tears roll, His Strength still holds.

When fear overcomes,  His Comfort sustains.

When doubts seeps in, His Peace washes over.

When anger demands time, His Joy conquers.

When all else fails, His Love never, never quits.

He knows, He cares, He can, He will... Resting in the great I Am.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ feet

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Father, guide me and grow my feet to fill your shoes... i want to be more like You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

and the rain came...

"The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord." Psalm 146:10

We needed the rain... but day... after day... after day?  Maybe so.  

I know i am in need of a thorough washing of my spirit. Even as we walk with God, we need to constantly monitor ourselves. Examining my own thoughts, actions and words, i find undesirable, nasty ways clinging to me. Anger, envy, resentment, fear and impatience are just some of the dirt popping up in my days preventing His Light to shine fully in me. 

Father, keep reigning; flood my soul with Your love, grace and mercy.  Remind me of the sacrifice You made for my life. I want to live a life of gratitude, not a life of attitude.  As You reign, let me cling only to You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

who's leading who?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Contacts for me consisted of 2 different lenses, one for distance and one for up close. I felt like a special one-eyed pirate, sporting 2 correcting "patches".  How is that going to work? The doctor said not to fret and explained my brain would figure it all out. Feeling doubtful, i decided to help.  So, when looking at things up close i turn my head to the left, and for distance i turn to the the right.  The past few days, i'm sure people think i've developed a twitch... to the right, to the left, to the left, to the  right, to the left, etc.

Yet all my yearning and turning is futile.  The brain really does rule and know which eye should dominate.  I know that because most of the time i turn the right eye in the wrong direction.

Regrettably, this is not the only area my extra efforts are futile.  Sometimes with my prayers, i am prone to think God needs my help as well.  I pray for His guidance, direction and help, and then before i know it, i've got myself all over the situation, striving to get the results i desire.  Surely, i put a twitch in God's neck with my impatience and give-and-take attitude.

Father, forgive me. May i lean into You with my prayers and leave them with You!  Train my brain and heart to trust You in all things.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ pal

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

Friendship... it provides sweet support and encouragement in life.
And when coupled with a relationship with our Father, the strength and peace of the heavens are ours.

friend, pal of mine, we are loved and chosen by God!
veneal