rest in the nest

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4

The comfort of a parent... can there be a greater refuge?

I think not, especially when your Parent is God.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

the perfect season (almost)

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider; God has one as well as the other."  Ecclesiastes 7:14

Like many, i am thrilled winter is over, and spring is here.  I am not a fan of dull gray skies, bare trees and frigid temperatures. But spring does not blossom without its shortcomings too.  Pollen reeks havoc with all ages, and rain boots are a constant companion for the feet.  

But even with its drawbacks, spring provides us with much to celebrate. After all, we can't have the beauty of new life, lush green trees and brilliant flowers without some misery... like a rise of allergies and illnesses due to an increase of pollen and disease-ridden insects, fruits and veggies.

Happy is the heart that can still rejoice in the midst of tough times... just because God is still good. He has the power to bring excellence even out of hard, trying times. 

Love where you are because God is there -- no matter the season.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

rooted in Christ

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

As you take hold and believe the immense love our Father pours freely out on you, may your roots dig deeper in faith. 
His glorious Sonshine flowing through you is meant for others to see, so they may know and believe Him too.  You are blooming and beautiful.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ FAT

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:7

It's still raining, but we are a day closer to Sonshine.

And look! Bursting through the wet soil, flowers are already showing up.  Thank You, Father.

It's all about FAT ... Faith, Attitude and Trust.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

reign on

"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You." Psalm 5:11

The weather is harsh and unpleasant. Whether it's showers, torrential downpours, storms, floods, gusty winds, thunder and lightening, shelter is required from the elements.  As a child of God, no matter what our day brings, we are under the umbrella of God's love and assured of His complete protection.  With Him, we have nothing to fear.

Through it all, just hold tightly onto Him.  In His perfect time, April showers will end and brilliant May flowers will bloom again.  Singing in the rain is possible, thanks to God. He reigns, we sing.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

whose prints are these?

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

The  damaged library book was an opportune moment to discuss book care.   Ms. B showed the class a book with a footprint on the page and asked, "How can this be prevented from happening?"

Without any hesitation Braden  shouted, "Clean your shoes!"

Although his answer was basically correct, it was not the one desired.

Sometimes when nudged by God, i'm sure the responses i mumble are not what He's wanting...

I'll do it later.
She doesn't deserve my help.
I need more time... more money... more resources.
I don't have enough to share.
I rather do something else. 
But he gets on my nerves.

Father, help me to see my struggles with Your eyes. Clean my soul and heart, for i am often short-sighted, self-centered and hasty in making decisions. Sometimes it's helpful for footprints to remain.  Any prints or handiwork left behind is good, when it comes from You.  

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ delivered

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength...  And I was delivered from the lion's mouth." 2 Timothy 4:17

Deadlines, no solutions, new problems, ugly threats, unexpected terrors, big teeth....

No need to panic. God is at our side...  ALWAYS.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

can you just trust me?

"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

Exasperated from her student's relentless questions on the upcoming activity, the kindergarten teacher spun around on her heels replying, "Can you just trust me?? Please."

Waiting.  It's not an easy or welcomed state of being, whether we are 5 or 75. We are accustomed to instant answers, explanations and results.  Ms. Long's response reminded me, it's not necessary we know and understand everything happening in our life.  We need only trust and rely on our Teacher.  God has a plan for us, and it is good. All is revealed as He desires in His perfect time.

we are loved and chosen by God, 
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ roots

"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

As your roots run deep into the rich love of God, the bounty of blessings will multiply, feeding you and others.

Father, as Your grace and mercy flow freely through You to me, may i grow in the Fruit of the Spirit -  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - so others may taste and know Your Almighty goodness.  

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

the morning after...

"Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

SPECTACULAR Sunday!

"HE HAS RISEN!"  Mark 16:6

"But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone! the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!" 1 Corinthians 15:57

It's Easter Sunday

The earth shook, the cloth was folded, His work finished.

And the glory of the LORD shone all around.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

Silent Saturday... not.a.sound.

"'Take a guard,' Pilate answered (the Pharisees). 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.'" Matthew 27:65

It's Saturday

All is quiet.  The rush and excitement of the past week is on hold.  You can call it the silence before the storm.  Come Monday the chains will be broken and our freedom guaranteed.  How eerie and dark is the silence.  But not for long!

All silence is not golden, some is torturous.There is silence at the tomb.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, is dead. His body now guarded in a tomb with a massive stone covering the opening. No one can possibly enter.  But, they forgot to consider the possibility of Someone coming out. "Hakuna Matata! Oh, ye, of little faith. There will be an awakening! What a glorious day to come!  Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

Friday's forgiveness... choose your side

"... there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'.. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked him... Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" Luke 23:33‑43

It's Friday

Jesus, weak and nearly unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His followers nor His disciples. The women followed in tears, the men scattered in fear.
  
Jesus' last walk on earth shook the ground with raw emotions, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But, hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house, but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom!

 

Even at the very last minute on the cross, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him.  He humbly gave His all, so we may live. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.  May we remember and honor His love for us by loving Him and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Tearful Thursday... by the light of the Moon

Jesus prayer -
"My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." John 17:20

It's THURSDAY
Sweat rolling down His back and legs and tears spilling from His eyes, the dirt on His knees change to mud. The fury of the week left the disciples too exhausted to stay awake in the Garden. Three times Jesus wakes them... and later, three times Peter denies Him. Under the full moon, Jesus is alone on the path to the Cross.

The brilliance and beauty of the moon the past few nights is mesmerizing. So full and bright; it is breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 year ago, Jesus prepared to be betrayed and disowned by His own, and unjustly accused by others. In the Garden after the Last Supper, He committed His final act before captured -- He prayed.

 He prayed for Himself and the ability to be obedient... Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. He prayed for His disciples and their strengthening. And He prayed for you and me. His final prayer -- for us to be one in Him.

May you see the moon in a different light tonight... His eternal Light for all. The sorrow of this night will fade as His path fills with believers. Victory over darkness is guaranteed. Thank You, Father!
  
 
we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Willful Wednesday... SOLD OUT

And Judas said...
"'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins." Matthew 26:15

SOLD OUT

It's Wednesday
Jesus relentlessly pushes onward His final days -- performing miracles, praying, reaching people for God's Kingdom. The sweet perfume oil from Mary's fingers, drips from His head and puddles in the dirt. His disciples grumble over the waste. Is Jesus making a difference, just what is His real mission, is His time almost over for good?

The evening performances for our school play, sold out in just a few days. The money paid for meaningful, needed items -- costumes, props and other necessities. Not all sellouts are as honorable.

Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was of a spiritual nature and not of power or money, he sold Jesus' life for the immediate security of a few coins... coins offering temporary pleasure in place of eternal joy.
 
Are you still holding on to Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Turbulent Tuesday... cleaning up

Jesus said --
"... Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25:34

It's Tuesday
He's rattled the temple, He's called the Chief Priests out, He's comforted the prostitutes. It's fair to say Jesus kicked up dust on the path to the cross. Are you still holding on to His Hand? It's total turmoil, but with God, peace will fill our soul.

With the school year ending in less than 40 days, we are engulfed with required duties and deadlines. Each day's tasks must be completed in order to wrap up our job on time.

Jesus found Himself with such deadlines, His last week on earth. Knowing His days were numbered, He unleashed many lessons --

To His followers He encouraged them to choose rightly and righteously.
To His critics, the religious leaders, He scolded them for misguiding His sheep. 
To the unbelievers, He gave warnings. 
He told believers about being ready and watchful, as He instilled in them the hope of things to come. 

Jesus holds nothing back for He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain... another believer, joining His family for eternity. He did and will do whatever it takes to reach even one more. 

 we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Monday's Madness... on a mission

As we leave behind the glorious entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Sunday, the palm branches and cloaks scattered on His path are also gone.  The bare dirt and pebbles along the path now squeeze between His toes.

Monday
Jesus' first stop in Jerusalem, the Temple...
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves... He said, "My house will be call a house of prayer, but you are making it a den for robbers."

Later that day, He tells His disciples...
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,... you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  

Jesus' last week on earth was not a walk in the park; it was filled with difficult and trying work.  The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life.  

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal