Thinking air condition is unnecessary in the mountains is a lie. With the sweltering heat, a window fan only redistributed the stale, warm air in my son's apartment. Fortunately, my brother had a portable a/c unit. Unfortunately, due to a long distance and demanding work schedules, getting the unit to the mountains was an uphill challenge. Thankfully, i was able to assist with this urgent "cool" mission. Sharing my plans with a friend, she quickly offered to ride with me. And even though, the planned 7 hour round trip turned into an 11 hour marathon, due to accidents and road work, she never complained but remained joyously supported. Now, that's a friend!
Friendships are priceless. They provide much love, joy, laughter and support to our lives. They can also add anxiety, grief and pain. Is it worth it? Absolutely! In true friendships, our life is enriched from everything we experience together. It strengthens our relationship with them and God.
Going out on a limb with and for friends, exhibits a richness in Fruit of the Spirit. It like biting into a peach, you already know will be good, but experiencing an unexpected intense sweetness instead. It's the taste of unexpected sacrifice of self from another for your benefit.
Father, Thank you for friends, who go beyond the call of duty and willingly set aside their own comfort and agenda to help us. How sweet it is to love and be loved by You and others. May the fruit of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control -- be ever growing in bounty within us and poured out on others.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain." Isaiah 4:5-6
Need to escape from something?
Heat
Pressure
Pain
Fear
Hurt
Circumstances
Abuse
Mistakes
Our Father will provide... He knows. He cares. He can.
Resting in His Truth and Love.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord... I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:6,8
Yesterday was literally the longest day of the year. With the June solstice boasting of the maximum amount of daylight, there was more time for sun-filled activities. Yet for most of us, we quickly equate "the longest day" to difficult days...
waiting for test results
healing from a loss
recovering from an injury
surviving a broken relationship
completing a complicated task
needing a new start
trying unwanted circumstances
But yesterday also came with the sweet reminder that the longest day can end like a sundae, with a luscious cherry on top... or strawberry. At the end of the longest day this year, the full moon rose, a strawberry moon. These two events have not occurred on the same date since 1948 and will not again until 2062. It was an absolutely breathtaking sight, capping off the longest day!
Father, we are reminded by Your spectacular display that when we face our longest day, it is not the end. Exhaustion, fear and doubt may overtake us during the day, but You do not leave us there alone in the dark. In Your perfect time we see Your Hand and are reminded it is never pulled away from us. We are always surrounded and covered by Your brilliant light and love. Thank You for ending our longest days in glory to You, not just on special occasions, but every time.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118:1
Thank You, Father, for leading, directing, showing and instilling in Your children the ways of a good father. We are thankful to be surrounded by Your love from our earthly fathers... those by blood and those by heart.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7
In a field of wildflowers, the overall beauty is comprised of sun-dipped colors and a sweet fragrance sprinkled over the land. Individually and specifically, they are grown by the Master Gardener as He sees fit, living in harmony under the "Son".
As
believers, we all have special gifts and talents God has equipped us
with in serving Him. We may look and bloom differently, but
rooted in Him, we are all beautiful, significant and greatly loved.
You are a breath of fresh air, the Holy Spirit, to another...
and God smiles.
Wild Child, i think He loves you!
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." Psalm 37:7
Have you ever woke up in the morning, only to discover you are still in the dark? Such was the case for me today. News of the senseless, horrific massacre in Orlando sent a numbing chill throughout my body. Why? Why? Why?? There is no way to understand, explain or comprehend the acts of a terribly unstable and lost soul. My human side wants to scream out curses on him... my faith side whispers to pray for him.
Sometimes like now, doing what's right is difficult... and only possible with God. Left on my own, my words and actions might spew as much venom as the assailant. At times like this, we feel God must be absent, yet i am reminded by past experiences, it is only by His love, grace and mercy we are sustained and can move beyond tragedies.
Come, Lord Jesus, we are in great need of You. Wrap your loving Arms around the hurting, crushed in heart and spirit. Bring comfort, healing and strength to Your children. And for the evil doers, i pray their hearts of stone crumble, and open to Your Truth and Way. Only through You can peace prevail.
Praying for you, our sisters and brothers, in Orlando.
friend, we are ALL loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"Be still, and know I am God." Psalm 46:10
If i walk Bella early enough, she obeys great without a leash. But if we wait too late and the squirrels are awake, it's a different story. Bella has an uncontrollable urge to catch a squirrel. Just the sight or rustle of the long-tail critter sends her off like a loose rocket. For her safety and my sanity, a leash is required. Some temptations can't be tamed without proper restraint.
Bella isn't the only one in need of a leash. Sometimes i also can be found chasing temptations. The world tells us to get more, want better, promote self... do this, do that... go, go, GO, do, do, DO. If left on my own, i would be just like Bella chasing the unattainable squirrels, panting with my tongue hanging out and still unsatisfied.
Father, just keep a leash on me all the time. How easily and quickly the glittering lights and "squirrels" can distract me. When life is quiet, it's easy to pray and spend time in Your Word. But when trying life issues pop up, i frantically scurry about in mind and body attempting to solve them. Please give me a good yank... remind me, You are still in control. I need to be still and trust You.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139.13-14
For some reason, i can't explain, my hydrangea plant in the backyard blooms in all colors... white, pink, violet, blue... in varying shades. One plant, one root, but an array of colors. It's impossible to pick a favorite, because each bloom is unique and possesses its own beauty.
One God, one Root, but an array of children... in all colors, sizes, styles. All His, all beautiful. Each one specifically and uniquely designed by Him for His purpose. He loves them one and all.
Father, i want to love like You. Help me see others like You do. Every thing and one You created is good.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding." Psalm 49:3
In need of a word for
direction...
peace...
guidance...
hope...
strength...
rebuilding...
answers...
joy...
purpose...
comfort...
rest...
Open up His Word. It's a one-stop reading for EVERY need under the "Son".
Thank You, Father.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night. Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 64:6-7
Before i can roar into summer...
i need to catch up on some needed rest. Could you use some quiet time too?
The lion sleeps tonight, and maybe for a few days. But morning is on the horizon.
God will strengthen our weary bones, and refuel our drained spirits. Just listen. The quiet hum of joyful song can already be heard.
A good rest will help us prepare for a spectacular summer of "Son"shine!
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
Friendships are priceless. They provide much love, joy, laughter and support to our lives. They can also add anxiety, grief and pain. Is it worth it? Absolutely! In true friendships, our life is enriched from everything we experience together. It strengthens our relationship with them and God. 
