REST... how can you?

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

Even though the official CHRISTmas day is over, it proclaims an event worthy of daily celebration.  Thank You, Father!

As you continue celebrating with family and friends, be sure to take time to rest in Him.  

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

away in a manger

"…the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:6-7

The manger scene sings of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, Truth, hope, fulfillment.  

Yet, we easily get sucked in and wrapped up into "our" preparations and expectations of CHRISTmas being so much more... setting us up for frustration, sadness, exhaustion and disappointment. What all we add to CHRISTmas has the potential to take away our joy.

Lord, may it not be.  I want to meet You at the manger first.  May You always find room in my heart for You. There is nothing we can do or say to compare to the glorious gift of eternal life -- made possible only by the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank You.

Keep room in your heart for Him and be filled with His Peace.

Merry CHRISTmas!

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

a Mighty Word ~ JOY

The angel said... "Don't be afraid!  I am here with Good News... which will bring JOY to ALL the people.  This very day... your Savior was born -- Christ, the Lord!" Luke 2:10-11

What does the angel need to remind you of today?  Not to be afraid, or something else?  Not to be:

sad
worried
angry
doubtful
upset
uptight
anxious
aggravated
distressed
jealous
pouty
??

The JOY of the Good News is still true... and it's for you and me!
Thank You, Jesus!

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

sing it out loud!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14

Do you hear what i hear?  Good News can be found!
Angels we have heard on high exclaim, " Jesus is coming to town!"
Come all ye faithful, be filled with His joy and love,
A silent, holy night will then give you His Peace from above.

Deck the halls, we have reason to shout!
Christ the LORD has risen! let there be no doubt.
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, your beauty i see,
is about celebrating what Jesus did for you and me.

So, you better not cry, you better not pout,
Hark! the herald angels still sing it out!
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Have yourself a merry 'lil Christmas... each and every one!

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


P.S.  and, a Merry CHRISTms break to all!

this is what i want...

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus'...
'How will this be,' Mary asked, 'since I am a virgin?'
The angel answered... 'nothing is impossible with God.'
'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered.  'May it be to me as you have said.'"  Luke 1:29-31, 34, 37-38  

FAITH - believing God for the good, even in the face of adversity, hardship, fear or doubt.

Now, talking about faith… Mary had it.  

Father, that's want i desire most.   I want to be filled with the faith of Mary.

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

do you believe?

Jesus said -

"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life..." John 6:40

Yes, i believe i can get through the next few days

Yes, i believe there is calmness after the storm.

Yes, i believe it is okay to eat lots of sweets, especially during CHRISTmas.

Yes, i believe we will see lots more snow.

Yes, i believe hot chocolate is better with marshmallows.

Yes, i believe CHRISTmas was, is and shall always be about the birth of Christ.

Yes, i believe we all have something to give... even if it's just a smile.

Yes, i believe we, as believers, have already received the greatest gift ever!

Yes, i believe Jesus is my Savior.

Yes, i believe the best is yet to come.

The question is -- are we living like we are believing?  

Father, may our life reflect what we believe... especially our belief in You.

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

veneal

who's in town?

You better watch out!
You better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,
Jesus Christ has come to town.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11

He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Jesus Christ is all around.

Jesus said - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:20

He sees you when you're sleeping.
He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,
Jesus Christ is coming back to town!

Jesus said - "And if  I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am."  John 14:3

Look for Jesus in whatever you do, say, see, hear or sing. He is there... even in the rafters of the school, the last week before CHRISTmas break. :) 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,Merry CHRISTmas!
veneal

all i want for CHRISTmas...

"...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4

Like many with family scattered across the lands, we are already busy gathering for CHRISTmas celebrations. Traveling this weekend for visits, we left our dogs at home.  As we departed, the message on their long faces was clear, "All we want for CHRISTmas is you".

What makes for the best relationships?  I think my dogs nailed it... time spent with each other.  Isn't that the most valuable element we possess or can give to each other and with God?  

In many areas of life, i believe my dogs really do know best.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
and He desires for us to spend eternity with Him,
what a love!
veneal

all wrapped up?

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 

The days are closing in on CHRISTmas.  Are you ready?  Are you all wrapped up?  And if so, what are you wrapped up in?  CHRISTmas can be a season of mixed emotions.   It can be a time to get easily wrapped up in emotions of anger, resentment, pain, regret, hurt, loneliness, fear, envy, bitterness, jealousy, exhaustion or pity.  But don't despair, you don't have to stay there.  

God wants to free you whatever is tightly wrapped up in your heart causing you pain, hurt or separation from Him.  He wants to unwrapped those harmful, destructive emotions and wrap you up in His Love, Hope and Peace instead. Through the birth of Jesus we have been given the greatest gift of all times... a gift that lasts for eternity.  A gift that by itself is reason alone to still have joy during CHRISTmas. 

Is your wrapping a bit tight and uncomfortable?  Do you need a change in your life right now?  Our Father has the perfect wrap picked out for you, and it starts with His unending love for you.  What's that?  Yes, i think i see a smile starting to stretch across your face.  Thank You, Father, 'tis Your Season.

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

what a sweet aroma!

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere." 2 Corinthians 2:14

Ahhh!  The smells of CHRISTmas, mesmerizing and enchanting... pine and greenery, cinnamon sticks, steaming apple cider, fresh bread, peppermint mocha, sugar cookies, a cozy crackling fire, warm gingerbread and more.  But none of it compares to the captivating, yet freeing, fragrance of one filled with His Spirit.

Father, it's my prayer that Your love flows freely and generously to all in my path, especially during the CHRISTmas season.  JOY to the world, the Lord has come!  I give my humble thanks for the gift of our salvation through Your Son, Jesus.

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

the unexpected gift...

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

It was an early and unexpected CHRISTmas gift... and i can already tell you, it was also my favorite.  Like many of you, my ever-growing schedule was overflowing with this and that.  Falling further behind in my wishes and plans, my frustrations were increasing and cheer decreasing.  And then it happened.  A miracle! A timely gift i yearned for, yet found it slipping rapidly through my fingers.  TIME... it is one of the most precious gifts we possess. And one we have for only one second to the next.

Father, i am so thankful for the gift of quiet time for the past couple of days... time to stop, reflect, prepare, rest and restore the JOY of CHRISTmas.  Thank You, for the fresh snow. You again have melted my heart with Your goodness.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may His love fall on you, again, like fresh, new snow,
veneal

just stop

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

They said it... 

and snow it did.

Perfect Word for a perfect day from a Perfect God.

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

unexpected delays...

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

It's that time of year... holidays, holidaze.   Plans, schedules and to-do lists are bulging, but a possible icy change is on the horizon. A winter warning weather alert will mean reduced preparation time.  How do you feel about it?

My first response is one of a sour attitude. There is so much to be done! But then i start to think, maybe this is actually good -- a good slow down and reduction of activity during this wondrous season.  Maybe it's just the breath of fresh air  and rest i need to restore JOY in my CHRISTmas season.  I'm now looking forward to --
less shopping
less running about
cooking treats
watching Hallmark movies
wrapping a few gifts
napping under my tree
snuggling with my pets
listening to uninterrupted CHRISTmas music

So... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

A change of pace and priorities just might be the best gift i receive this season... and maybe yours too.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we take the time to remember,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ relax

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

Oh, my!!  Only 19 shopping days until CHRISTmas?! 

Relax  

Don't let shopping steal your JOY.  God has already provided the perfect gift for everyone.  


Live today knowing it and believing it. 

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

caution: fragile decorations

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

Last year's decorations had been quickly packed, stored and stuffed in the attic.  It was good enough for most items, but not the glass CHRISTmas bell.  It was totally shattered.  Better wrapping could have saved it.

How is your CHRISTmas season progressing?

Shattered bells, shattered lives ~ and CHRISTmas still comes. 
It's near impossible to live 365 days without changes.  Marriages, deaths, loss of income, sickness, births and other events happen. Some for the better, some not - as least through our eyes.  During trials, i struggle, as my eyes shift down on me and not up to Him.
 
Father, there are times i am crushed by the world around me.  Life can be difficult, unpredictable and mean.  And when i tackle it, without You, i shatter like glass.  I need to be completely wrapped, protected and covered in Your Love, Wisdom and Will.  Oh, how thankful  i am for the wonderful CHRISTmas season!  During this time, no matter what has happened the past 365 days, i am reminded and brought back to what really matters... You and Your unconditional Love for us expressed through the gift of Your Son, sealing our eternal life with You.  Thank You for my life, thank You for my Savior!

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

a Mighty Word ~ go

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

However you do it...  

Strut, walk, trot, run, skip, glide, dance -- there is beauty in sharing the Good News with others.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it, AND...
Go tell others by our words and actions,
veneal

who's rich?

"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love." Psalm 145:8

"Mrs. Williams, I am rich!!"
"Wow, Wayne!  How wonderful."
"Yes!! I have 902 ---- cents!"

In colorful detail he explained his weighty wealth... a couple of dollar bills, various coins, and a heap of pennies. Only out of the mouth of a child could such excitement be generated over possessing 902 cents.

Are you rich?  Wealth truly is in the eyes of the beholder and is measured in various ways...

One can be rich in friends, rich in kindness, rich in family, rich in opportunities, rich in joy, rich in memories and even rich in pennies.  

Yet, the greatest treasure of all is found being rich in the love of God.  And if you are interested in increasing your wealth, the surest way is to actually give it away.  Share the love of our Father with others, and watch it multiple.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

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

ready to celebrate?

Jesus said...
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Seeing me in my CHRISTmas shirt, Sue asked, "You ready to start celebrating CHRISTmas?"

"Start? I never stopped." And it's true.

The manger scene at my front door and baby Jesus in the den are permanent fixtures.  I use to chunk them in the attic after December, but not anymore.  I need their presence and reminder year round, and especially this year.  Through the loss of my Daddy and other loved ones, family members moving a greater distance away, family job shake ups and health issues, i find the visual reminders of our hope as believers a needed touch of comfort and peace  

No matter the circumstances of the day, refocusing on the immense love and promises of God, I am strengthen. CHRISTmas can be and is a daily celebration for the hope in our faith. Because of Jesus we have the promise of eternal life.

Are you celebrating yet?

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

a Mighty Word ~ regardless

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." Psalm 86:5

Regardless of...

the outcome
what is said
how you feel
what you do
decisions made
how you act
repeated failures...

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL AND LOVES US!

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

bittersweet days

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:38

Some people revel in change, but not me. The fact i haven't changed my furniture in over 20 years supports that truth.  So when people around me change jobs and leave, i find it bittersweet.  As in the case this week, the sadness over a person leaving is soften knowing they have a wonderful opportunity waiting for them... 

and in some cases, even a sweet good bye celebration can lessen the sadness too.

Facing a difficult moment or situation?  Be on the lookout for God to sweeten your life in His special way. Sometimes we see immediate benefits from a change, sometimes the blessing appears later and then there are times we do not get to personally witness the joy of it on this side of heaven.  But on this we can always depend... God's plan for us is a work in progress... and it is for the good.

Now, how sweet is that?

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

a Mighty Word ~ blessings

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

More plentiful and beautiful than the feathers on a turkey are God's blessings to us.

Just to name a few -- Jesus, family, friends, health, school, a warm home, delicious food, clean water, beautiful music, laughter, travel, safety, freedom, peace, helping hands, you...  

Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.

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

we are loved and 💓

we are


wwe 

lessons from a turkey

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

This year i cooked a recorded breaking 117 turkeys for Thanksgiving...not nice, plump turkeys, but one dimensional ones.  It's a kindergarten traditions, painting thankful turkeys and laminating them for place-mats during the holidays.  

The best part of cooking these school-yard turkeys is having the opportunity to read the sweet messages and thoughts from the students.  Plus, they are low in calories and rich in love.

Even though Thanksgiving Day is over, i am still remembering people i am thankful for... like you.  I am so grateful to teachers for stirring the pot and serving up the most important life lessons... love and thanks. Through art, music, dance, drama, essays and other venues, you share our Father's heart and love with students. They see Him through your words, action and teaching. You inspire them to see, know and remember what matters.  I might be late, but i want to say, i am very thankful for you.   

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

the empty chair...

"...give thanks in all circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Father, 
Today is Thanksgiving, and my emotions are mixed. I am so thankful for Your many blessings to me, but beautiful memories of past Thanksgivings are tugging at my heart.  While much food, laughter, hugs, play and talk will be shared today among family and friends in some home, it will not be so in all homes. Life has delivered changes. The past memories bring sadness... BUT, i'll take the sadness and still be thankful because of the JOY of having had them.

As we gather around our table today, the empty chairs will not go unnoticed.  Due to their choice, another's choice, Your choice or situations, loved ones are missing.  Some will be feasting elsewhere and some will be feasting at Your heavenly table.  Please help me maintain a  grateful heart... whatever the circumstances.  

Father, because of You and Your love, i am still thankful.  You are enough today and everyday.  Thank You.

Happy Thanksgiving! because...
we are loved and chosen by God,
may we know it and live like we believe it,
in His love,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ thankful

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

In a time where change is a constant in....
jobs
standards
styles
relationships
technology
rules
tastes

...it is with a most thankful heart to know our Father Above is The Constant of no change in...  
who He loves
what He desires
how He feels

He loves us unconditionally forever and forever... no matter what. And He wants nothing more than for us to abide with Him for eternity.

Give thanks to our Father, for He is good... yesterday, today and tomorrow. On that we can hope and depend.  

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

was that a grumble?

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4

Are you ready for a fabulous Thanksgiving? 

With questioning circumstances and facing some precious empty chairs around the table this year, i am digging deep to find a heart of gratitude.  Like the turkey, i needed an attitude adjustment and a shift of focus.

Thankfully for me, working in a school provides an abundance of opportunities to help refocus and remember what is important.  Reading some letters on a bulletin board was certainly good medicine for me. I felt sharing a couple of them, might offer assistance for someone else needing to restore a thankful spirit for this season.













Father, thank You for providing us with reminders of our many continuous blessings from You.  We want to replace our grumbles with a rumble of thanks to You.

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

on a ledge?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

How are things looking for you?  As i looked at the turkeys on the ledge in the hallway, i had to smile.  I might have some struggling and uncertain days ahead, but many turkeys next week will be facing tougher, final days.  And unlike them, i have a full-time Protector.

Father, thank You for Your presence, laughter and needed breaks from tense times.  You are so faithful in answering all our needs.

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