a Mighty Word ~ unspoken

"Therefore encourage one another..." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Sometimes comfort comes in words and sometimes in actions.  

And sometimes it's unspoken.

But always it's a ray of Sonshine.

Thanking God and His angels for continuous comfort.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

don't you care??

"Should we accept only good things from the Hand of God and never anything bad?" Job 2:10

Who destroyed my cross?  

Actually, it could have been me, when an unexpected bomb dropped in my life. Feeling betrayed, frustrated and yes, even angry with the turn of events, my emotions ricocheted from hiding to fighting. With looming, unwanted changes on the horizon, I even felt destructive.  

Ironically my dog did too. She gnawed up my holding cross, and then a day later chewed up my devotion book, "God is in the HARD Stuff". I thought, Stella, you know exactly how i feel! So, where is God in the hard stuff? Why isn't He doing something about this?!

The questions swirled. I started to wonder about the strength of my faith.  Was my anger a sign of weakness? Did my questions make me less a child of God? I questioned if being bothered by comments meant to encourage me was an indication i truly didn't trust God in all things.

Satan would love for me to believe that, but i don't.  They are lies.

The truth is i am a believer and lover of God, but i am also still human... one who feels pain, sadness, anger and fear... one in desperate need of my Savior every day.  Yet, when life is calm and going smoothly, i falsely get too comfortable and confident in my own skin. But when a hardship erupts, i am quickly reminded how desperately i need Him every minute.  

Trusting during good times is easy, but in hard times when we can't readily see Him, we must dig deeper and latch firmly on His Promises. God is not only aware of our situation, but is in the midst of it too. He knows what needs to be done to accomplish His purposes.

Father, life is not easy, even as Your child. Give me strength.  Your purpose is not always my plan, but it is always right and what's needed.

Trust in Him at all times... Psalm 62:8

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

streeeeetch

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

I am so grateful for family, friends, coworkers and neighbors who will do almost anything for you.  But let there be no doubt.

NO ONE will stretch their neck out for you like Him.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ forgive

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

UN-forgiveness... It's like a monster.  It brews destruction for everyone in its path, and it hardens the heart, dangling God on the frigid lining of the heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,
Father, help us to love like You,
veneal

how to survive...

"Jesus said, 'Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" Mark 6:31

Covered up with pressing issues? Feel forgotten, alone or at a lost? We need only to read and hear His Words to remember He cares for us and about us.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal 

need a break?

"Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." Luke 6:21

When surrounded by hardships, disappointments, tumbles and heartaches, we always need God but sometimes we need a good laugh too.

Here's  one for you today.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word~ RESPECT

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:1-2
 
(This is a post from 4 years ago.  True then, true today, true tomorrow.)

Tall orders from a Tall God.

For all He has done for us and still does, may we stand Tall in faith and allow Him to shine through us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

don't you know who I am?

"By God's mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." Ephesians 3:20

Needing to check out a book, i asked the student for his ID card. He didn't have it. Although his face was familiar, his name was stuck in the back of my head, so i asked his name.  His response was embarrassing... 

"Don't you know who I am??"

Ironically, his words were all too familiar.  In recent days, they've continuously pounded in my head. With fear, doubt or anger racing up my spine, i've heard this same question from God.   
"Don't you know who I am??"
Unlike the student, His name I always know, but it's His Power that sometimes escapes me. When the dark clouds thicken around, we don't readily see His Almighty, Powerful Hand -- yet, it is always with us, on us, by us and for us. Through each and every situation we encounter, God is already in the midst, orchestrating what He deems necessary and perfect.  Our part is to TRUST and BELIEVE and REMEMBER not only Who He is, but What He is... our Almighty, Powerful God.

Father, I KNOW You are working in my life; thank You. Thank You for loving me even more when i fall short on faith.  For when i am weak, You are strong.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ stay

"Be still and know I am God." Psalm 46:10

Sometimes when life is overwhelming, i just want to fly away.

But clip my wings, Father, because i KNOW the only place of true peace is with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

know your Supplier

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Cor 9:10-1

Make sure the one who feeds your soul, is the one who cares and loves you best.  Do not be weighed down with the lies of satan, but instead be filled with the Truth of God.

God, on days when life appears more wrong than right, i desperately need to just focus on You and feed on Your Word.  Thank You for your many blessings... family, friends, life, salvation. Help me keep believing and responding to Your wondrous love so i can kindly give to and care for others.

we are loved and chosen by God, 
He NEVER fails us,
veneal

picked by Him

"YOU are the apple of His eye!" Psalm 17:8

No matter how you look --

your color... 

your age...

your shape...

God says you are precious in His sight....

and He loves you.

We are each uniquely made and designed by God for His glory.





And anyone who touches you...

touches the apple of His eye.


Have no doubt, God will do anything for you...

you are His treasure.



we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ quiet

"You're my place of quiet retreat, I wait for Your word to renew me."
Psalm 119:114

Be still my heart and listen. His Word holds my peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

the love of a father....

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

By now, most of you have seen the special photo of father and son after the nail-biting Clemson win.  As a family member, i can verify this photo could have just as easily been taken after last year's gut-wrenching loss. The dedication and support of father is unswerving and unshakable whatever the outcome.  

Through the victories, defeats, heartaches, trials, accomplishments, dreams and mistakes, Bill's fatherly love for Cannon is solid and unshakable, an iron-clad safety net at all times. But as awesome as being united as 1981 and 2017 National Champions on the field, being united as believers in Christ with the promise of eternal life is even better.

How blessed to have the unconditional love of a father through all our wins and losses in life.  And we do!  As believers, our heavenly Father coos, woos, defends, cheers, corrects and loves us in all circumstances.  Nothing that touches us escapes His ever-present Hand and Heart.

What great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Oh how sweet the love experienced when we win, but oh how much sweeter our Daddy's love in all seasons. 

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

the children are coming! the children are coming!

"... (you are) His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6

I wasn't on a football field, but felt the need to brace for a tackle.

Eating out with my family, a student from school and her mom ran up to me.  I asked if she was ready to return to school in the morning.  Before she could even part her lips, her mom blurted, "Yes! Oh, yes! I cannot wait!  She is so bored at home I don't know what to do?!" 

I could only chuckle.  Quietly i considered this fact -  she struggled with one restless, wanderer at home, how would she cope with a classroom of 23? 

Friends, just a real, kind reminder, YOU are greatly loved, appreciated, valued and desired not only by God but by many others. 

Smile and feel the love.  You deserve it!

you are so loved and chosen by God,
veneal

we ALL win!

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3

Father, just a little more time to rest, recuperate and enJOY the hills, drills, chills, spills, fills and THRILLS of the season. It's a win for ALL!

Thank You!

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

p.s. When i snapped this picture last week, it was the smile on his face that caught my attention, but now the color of his scarf is also special.  I wasn't even thinking about the football game, just looking for cute art work. Wow, God! You never cease amazing me! You really work all things for something and for the good! Congratulations, Clemson!

how did you know??

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Thank You, Father, for this snow day.  You always know exactly what's needed. I'm sitting in Your lap today and smiling.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

now, that's good!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

I'm not sure what's in store for us today or for the weekend, but as long as it includes God, we can be confident it will be good! He knows what we need.

Be filled with the One who warms the heart and soul with His love and peace in all seasons.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

time for a Handbook review

"I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32

As one year ends and another beings, i also find myself winding down from a hectic season of ups and downs. Will 2017 be easier or more challenging?  Am i ready for the days ahead? Now is the right time to reflect, redirect and refresh. In preparing my mind, body and soul for 2017, i need to review a Good Handbook.  Maybe you can benefit from it too.

HANDBOOK 2017

Health:

1.       Drink plenty of water.

2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured 

          in plants.

4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5.       Make time to pray.

6.       Play more games.

7.       Read more books than you did in 2016.

8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9.       Sleep for 7 hours.

10.    Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12.    Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy

         in the positive present moment.

13.    Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16.    Dream more while you are awake.

17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past.

         That will ruin your present happiness.

19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the 

         curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will

         last a lifetime.

23.    Smile and laugh more.

24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25.    Call your family often.

26.    Each day give something good to others.

27.    Forgive everyone for everything.

28.    Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6.

29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.

31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32.    Do the right thing!

33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34.    GOD heals everything.

35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37.    The best is yet to come.

38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

And when all else fails or questions arise, consult the original Handbook on living life to the fullest… the Bible.  It is a proven and true Source for everything under the “Son”!

you are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

the truth about friends

 "A friend loves at ALL times." Proverbs 17:17

Genuine friendship comes with a price... honesty, truth, forgiveness and unconditional love. 

Why invest in another? Because the rewards of such a friendship are priceless.  I am thankful for you.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ f.o.r.e.v.e.r.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

How long will God love us?

...until pigs fly.

And from what i know about pigs, we have no worries. 

His love endures forever! Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

A Mighty Word ~ new

The Lord says...
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!"  Isaiah 43:18-19

A New Year, a New Thing... God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal