here's the point...

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.  I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands." Psalm 63:3-4

Had something extra or unexpected added to your plate?  Just remember at the end of the day, who and what really matters.  It's something to sing about.

We love God because He first loved us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

first, you got to open it

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

 Arrival of the Book Fair carts last week stirred up doubt.  Seeing them all neatly stacked in a corner, i felt concerned.  Judging by the looks, i questioned if we had enough merchandise to cover even a fourth of our space. Hopes for a successful Book Fair were diminishing.

 

But oh! How quickly my jitters subsided when we flung open the cases and boxes! Like an accordion the merchandise kept spreading out, forcing us to pull out more display tables.

Spilling from one end of the library to the other, Book Fair treasures covered it all. There is little room, if any, left for disappointment or doubt. The bounty is plentiful and ready for eager students, but we had to open the goods to see it and remember the promises made on how good it would be.

Same can be said for God's Word... it is packed with Good News.  The Bible is full of encouragement, guidance, love, correction and HOPE for all our seasons. God has given us all we need.  But it's up to us to remember to open, read and recall all His incredible truths and promises.  

Experience the fullness of our Father, open up your heart to Him and to His Word.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

it's up to you

"Live in peace with each other... encourage the timid, help; the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind to each other other... be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13,14,15,16-18

Happy early birthday, Dr. Seuss.  I really like you and your zany words, a whole awful lot.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

do tell

"His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

This news is too good to keep under your hat.

God loves you!

When life is stressful, disappointing, painful, confusing or just completely unfair, remember His love for us endures forever and through all things.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

caught!

"...never tire of doing what is good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13

When caught, let us be caught doing what's good.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

who hears you?

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made." Psalm 145:13

Who matters to God? You do! No matter who you are... small, tall, old or young He loves you!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

a breath of fresh air...

"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14
 
The sunshine, warmth and blooming daffodils on Sunday were a beautiful reminder that nothing stays the same...
 

frigid days melt away to sunny ones

sadness is replaced with hugs

loneliness is erased by laughter

pain is eased by caring hands
 
hurt is healed by kindness

silence is broken from sweet singing
 
darkness is overcome by Light
 

Thank You, Father for bringing nights to an end and joy in the morning.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

love letter #4... always and 4ever

How does He love you?
...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

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Need more affirmations regarding His love for you? Just pull out His Book.   It 's basically a love letter written just for you.  Face it...  He's crazy about you!

love letter #3... 4 u

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

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Love letter #2... i pick u

Reduce your stress, and bask in the love of the One who loves you best...

Here is the next letter from your forever Valentine.

 

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 1819)

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

Forever your heavenly Dad

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Found! love letters to you!

Some things in life are worth repeating and rereading, like love letters.  Let's take the rest of the week to remember, rediscover and reflect on the greatest love of all,  poured out freely to 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, receive and believe His blessings for you... His beloved Valentine.

love letter #1... Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day, (your name), my Child!

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!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal