treat 'n treat

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 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: 30-32

Every October, besides the cool crisp air, i love revisiting the tale comparing a Christian to a jack-o-lantern.

It goes like this...
God personally picks and prepares each of us to do His work.  Through continuous love and discipline, He diligently removes the yuck from us.  He rids us of the harmful seeds of hate, jealousy, anger, doubt, revenge, fear. Once in the Arms of Jesus, His Light shines from within us to draw others to Him. 

Isn't that a beautiful picture?  God's Hands on us taking out the junk and putting in His Light.
Enjoy this spook-tacular day.  When you treat 'n treat, you also shine!

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

a Mighty Word ~ trust

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1

For those of you following along with my friends Linda and Dalene in their book Words to Live By, the word of the week is TRUST (See pages 31-36).  I don't know about you, but this is definitely one area of my life where I have plenty of opportunities to practice.  Of course I find that the more I choose to trust God IN and FOR EVERYTHING --great or small-- the more confidence I have in Him, my circumstances, and others.  It really is all working together for good, just like He said it would.  

This week, let's exercise our TRUST muscles in every situation where uncertainty threatens to make us weak or wobbly.  Just as we choose to exercise, we can choose to trust.  Sounds like a great way to keep flab and trouble at bay!

I trust you will have a wonderful week!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

pick me!

"God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important—the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love..." Deuteronomy 7:7 (the Message)

"Okay, Captains, pick your team."
Do you remember the terror on the playground when game sides were chosen?

"Pick me! Pick me!" It was the heart cry of all on the playground. No one wanted to be the last one standing... all alone, embarrassed, feeling unwanted or unworthy by both sides. But for an uncoordinated child, like me, it happened. 

Our cry may fall on deaf human ears (young or old), but not so for the True Captain and Leader of our life.  From one of the least, God heard my "Pick me!" cry on the very first whimper.

And He claimed me instantly.

From the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the Truth.

He chose us first, because He loved us first and best.  
Father, help me to love the least best too.

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

a Mighty Word ~ fear-not

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

God will see us through every turn, every creak, every dark corner.  He is never surprised or caught off guard.

Thank You, Father.

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

you shouldn't say that

"Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment." Proverbs 10:13

Recently i had an embarrassing conversation.  It went like this...
"I saw Terrie today; didn't you say she ignores you?"
"Yes, but I hope you didn't say that to her."
"Of course not. But, i did say to the person with her, how a true friend is a friend at all times."
"That was not a very Christian thing to do."         

OUCH! How that rod hurts!

And right she was... it was an unkind thing to say.  Although my words were true, they were laced with unkind intentions.  God is constantly teaching me lessons through others.  Many days I  come up short, stumbling and choking on my own tongue trying to follow Him.  Frustrating and embarrassing for me -- but of little surprise to our Father.  He knows our e-v-e-r-y thought and motive.

Lord, thank you for faithfully picking me up out of the mud.  I pray You do whatever You must to keep my focus on You and Your Will, and not my personal petty issues.  Thank You for loving me enough to rattle my teeth and heart when necessary.

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

falling for you...

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Some days we just need to remember how incredibly loved we are.  
Thank You, Father.  I know Your love can see us through whatever falls our way. You can bring beauty out of all things.

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

a Mighty Word ~ accept

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7

For those of you joining our Weekly Words to Live By word journey at https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/ or in the book Words to Live By, I have a question for you.

Have you noticed that each word of the week builds upon the one preceding it and prepares us for the one ahead? First, there was LISTEN, which made us pay attention to what the Father was trying to tell us. Then, CHOOSE, which means we decide what we do, think, or BELIEVE based on what or whom we've listened to. What we BELIEVE helps solidify our faith in order to WAIT on Him to act on our behalf, ACCEPTing the fact that He knows best and his timing is perfect.

You get the picture.

This week's word is ACCEPT and i know i'm going to be doing some soul-searching as i seek to activate that word in my life (See Words to Live By, pages 25-30).

The opening page of that section in the book is already working on me: "...Practicing acceptance in our lives, acceptance of others, of situations, and of God's grace in every relationship and situation, creates a foundation for a happy, peaceful life."

This week, may our hearts, our homes, and our workplaces be happy and peaceful as we accept with joy that --

we are loved and chosen by God.

Now may we live like we believe it!

veneal

and, we're off!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1-2

 Our school's fund raiser event ended with students dashing around the track, determined to reach the goal of 35 laps. Their lap pledges created donations for multiple programs/needs for our school. The best part of the race was when all the cheering stopped and the dust cleared, all were winners. Now, that's my kind of race.

How thankful i am, our Father has designed such a race for us too.  Thank  You, Father, for Your Word, for Jesus and for the encouragement of others to keep our focus on what really matters.  May all we do and say bring glory to You and draw others into Your loving Arms.  How glad i am there is enough room for all of us at the finish line.

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

a Mighty Word ~ no-worry

Jesus said...
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27

What worries you?
God knows, God cares, God provides all we need.

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

dressed in your best

"For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise." Psalm 47:7
and "... to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

Our school's fund raiser included a costume day for the Castle Quest theme. But when i stop to think about it, dressing up as royal subjects isn't completely make-believe.

As children of The King, we should be rightly dressed as humble royalty, from inside out, every day, drawing others to God with the beauty of belonging to Him.  

Be the princess or prince you are, bestowing kindness on all in your path... just like our Father, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

But you are a royal priesthood...God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

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

how much longer?

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

46 days we waited...  in 1,104 hours, each hour of waiting seemed endless. How much longer, God, before You answer? 

Yet, God was answering with the wait.

The past 6 weeks have been trying with Daddy hospitalized at Duke enduring continuous difficult issues. How easy to think, do You care? Yet in the 66,240 minutes, God continually fed us ways to keep the faith. 

A quick healing fix was not His answer but doses of kindness sprinkled with hope.  His comfort came in unexpected relief in writing Monday devotions (a partnership opportunity developed 2 weeks prior to Daddy's issues), aid in meals and traveling expenses, a continuous staff of competent and attentive nurses and doctors, and unceasing prayers and assistance from family and friends.  Last week his nurse, Angel Grace, was yet another sweet reminder to keep believing God for the best. He was truly answering our needs with ministering angels spreading God's grace.

And then, it happened... day 47, a major breakthrough in our waiting.  After several complications and delays, Daddy's pacemaker was successfully put back in.  The wait isn't over, but He has renewed our strength. Going home is going to happen. 

God is always good, and His timing is always perfect.  Just you wait and see.

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

a Mighty Word ~ wait

"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20

For those of you joining my friends Linda and Dalene on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/, or in their book Words to Live By (pages 19-24), the word of the week is WAIT. Not exactly the kind of word we look forward to implementing, right?  Yet, according to answers.com, the word wait appears  in the KJV of the Bible 106 times, the word waited 35 times, the word waiteth, 11 times, and the word waiting, 8 times.  If we do the math, that's 160 total applications of the word wait recorded by God in His Word.  Evidently, it's a word which deserves our attention.

Although it's not my natural inclination to wait, I can't wait to see what God is trying to teach me through waiting this week!  How about you?

Whatever it is you are waiting for, may you know the peace of His presence and the strength of His power.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

over the moon...

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16

So who's over the moon with joy?

It's not just cows.

Because of you, many students also are over the moon brimming with new hope and joy!  You are doing a wonderful job. 

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

a Mighty Word ~ whatever

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Whatever you do, remember how valuable you are to Him.  And keep scattering His love on others.

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

#1 food chain

"...man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Deuteronomy 8:3

When the food chain begins with His Word, everyone who is part of it grows rich in His love.  Be filled on Who matters most.

Praying for a fabulous feeding frenzy with friends, family and foes.  
Father, may we start and end with You.

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

no other

“You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me." Isaiah 40:10

There is no other.
May His light shine through in all we do, so others may know and believe.

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

a Mighty Word ~ believe

"Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36

When you don't understand,  just believe. 
Believe in our Father who knows best.

The word of the week is BELIEVE.  It's a powerful word. After all, what we believe affects our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. Those who know Jesus and trust in Him understand that total, unwavering belief is the key to living life more abundantly. 

May you be blessed as you act on what you believe and may you experience His compassion and understanding for what you are struggling to believe.

Please join my friends Linda and Dalene on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/ and/or in their Words to Live By book (pages 13-18 for this week's reading and reflections).

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

what time is it?

"I trust in You, O Lord... my times are in Your Hands." Psalm 31:14,15

No matter what the time is....

happy
sad
confusing
hurting
fearful
thankful
overwhelming
exciting
angry
lonely
exhausting

It's always better when we include spending time with our Father... in prayer, thought, deed.

Make time for the One who longs to spend every second with you. In His Hands we will find Peace.


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

a Mighty Word ~ heal

"The LORD heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

No matter how broken we are, God knows exactly how to put all the pieces back together.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

she knows...

"Now may the God of peace... equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ." Hebrews 13:20-21

In light of recent personal and worldly heartaches, friends can find a way to make us smile.  Yesterday i found an unexpected, no-special-occasion, beautifully wrapped gift at my desk.  Inside was a scarf i easily could have designed and will certainly wear.  Although I haven't seen her for over a year, when she saw it, Ms. Goodheart remembered exactly what i needed on a daily basis, and in the right proportions... a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus.  

By the way we act and speak, others determine our priorities.  

Jesus, be the lead in my needs every day.

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

where do we turn?

The Lord says...
"... at the time it happens, I am there." Isaiah 48:16

How do we keep going?  Where can we find comfort?

I only know of One... to God who is our ever-present First Responder at all times.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Comfort us, Father.  We desperately need You.

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 receive from God.

Prayers to all, for we are hurting. 

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

a Mighty Word ~ choose

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

Because He chose us, we wear crowns.  Choose to let His light shine in all you do and say and feel His Peace.


For those who would like to be part of an online word study of ordinary words that lead to an extraordinary life, it's not too late to start or restart!  I hope you will CHOOSE to join my friends Dalene Parker and Linda Gilden on their "Weekly Words to Live By" Facebook page and see or share how the word CHOOSE makes a difference this week!  

Even if you have already read this book, it's worth choosing to read again--this time really concentrating on the changes and challenges God may be activating in your life through His Word first, and then, a word a week.

Hard copies of Words to Live By are available at Irwin's Ace Hardware, Christian Supply, Barnes and Noble, and Hub City Bookshop.  You may also order a copy online.May God guide and be glorified by every choice we make this week.

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