just wait

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

There are times in our life we don't know what to do, where to go, how to act, what to say, how to feel... and thanks to God's Word, i am assured and at peace that being still and waiting is the right response.

I have questions, but i will wait for God.  What i don't know is overcome by what i do know.  God will answer me, calm me, strengthen me and guide me as and when He deems best.

Thank You, Father.

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

a Mighty Word ~ claimed

"This is what the Lord says— He who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, (your name), whom I have chosen." Isaiah 44:2

As surely as snows falls to the earth and angels sing in heaven, you are wonderfully made and loved by our Father.

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

Words to Live By ... obey

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him." John 14:23 (NIV)

This week, our Words to Live By word of the week is OBEY (pages 109-114). It's tempting to think that word applies only to children, but i know better.  It applies to all God's children, regardless of age. 

The fact that Jesus equates love for Him with obedience to Him sobers me.  It also reminds me how essential it is to KNOW His teaching in order to obey it.  John 14:23 says when we obey, we experience our Father's perfect love and His powerful presence. 

Now, if that's not incentive to obey, i don't know what is.  This week, let's purpose to know and obey His teaching.  Although doing right is its own reward, i look forward to the bonus:  basking in His lavish love and in His peaceful presence.

Please join my friends Linda and Dalene on their Weekly Words to Live By Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/  and share how you are learning to show your love for God through obedience AND how you are experiencing His love in return.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

don't look back

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

Report cards were out, and her grades were dismal.  Looking over the information from the past 2 reporting periods with her, i asked Patty what she thought of her grades.  Eyes lowered, she murmured, "not good, but i can't do any better."

"Really??" i asked, "Well if that's what you think, then that's what will be. Your past grades are in ink, but the next nine week grades are yet to be determined.  Did you know, right now, you have all A's? BUT, what you believe and what you do will determine the outcome."  I must say, if i had transformed into a blockhead, i don't think she would have looked anymore surprised.

Will our chat make a difference? Is there a glimmer of hope for improvement?  Only time will tell. But what i do know, right now her interest is sparked, and she is putting forth more effort.

Do you feel trapped in an old way of thinking or in a cycle of poor habits?  Do you need your spirit renewed? Tomorrow is yet to happen.  And, it does not have to be a repeat of yesterday.

Father, turn my heart and head away from accepting undesirable ways as set in stone.  Equip me with the power, strength and wisdom to see tomorrow as what it really is... a new beginning, a chance to change or improve in serving you with a fuller, truer heart and spirit.

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

a Mighty Word ~ shine

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." Philippians 2:14-16

Pushed to the limit? Out of options? Ready to throw in the towel?  There is but one choice to make...

Shine, friends, shine.  

This world is in desperate need of all the SonShine we can give. God's Light shining through you, might be the ray that makes a difference for someone.

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

hot off the press!

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

Yikes!  January almost slid past me without an important checkup.  Below is a handbook i find refreshing and needed each year. Maybe you will too.

HANDBOOK 2018

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 2017.

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 or 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, appreciated 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… the Bible.  It is a proven and true Source for everything under the “Son”!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ faith

"Against ALL hope Abraham in hope believed... 
he was strengthen in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.... The words "it was credited to him" were written NOT for him alone, but ALSO FOR US to whom God will credit righteousness -- for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to LIFE for our justification." Romans 5:18-25
    

Jesus said... "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 

Father, i want the faith of Abraham,  and want to not only believe in Jesus, but also to believe Jesus. 

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

a Mighty Word ~ prepare

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."  Exodus 23:2020

We are so fortunate to have meteorologists who prepare us for impending winter weather or storms. Most of us ready our refrigerators and adjust our plans accordingly.  

Although we may still encounter unexpected surprises or extended delays related to the weather, many times those delays turn out to be blessings.  

For some, the snow provides much needed rest, catch-up on cleaning, or recovery from a lingering illness.  For others, it offers the opportunity to prepare for future projects or deadlines. Either way, we can feel more prepared for what's ahead.

And yet, there are those things we cannot possibly see coming and have no way to prepare for.  For those times, I like the reminder offered by my friends Linda and Dalene in their book  Words to Live By:  A Word a Week:  "The best way to prepare is to stay close to God.  If your heart is focused on Him, trusting in His plan will help you be prepared for anything that may happen" (page 103).

This week as we think about and activate the word PREPARE in our daily lives, let's thank the Lord that nothing takes Him by surprise and that He will send His angels to guard and guide us through whatever lies ahead.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what does it matter?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

It's a new year, and i'm wondering, does it really matter? Will it make a difference?

For some it's a time to make resolutions... get in shape, improve a career path, restore a relationship, abstain for unhealthy habits, renew former commitments.
Or, maybe it's a time to forge a new path.
Or, maybe it's a fight to keep things the same. 
Or, maybe it's just another day, unmarked with no desires or dreams.

Do you wonder how God wants us to see it?  Our God of order and detail, took minute care in carving out time for us in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years.

Just like everything He created in the universe, God designed time to perfect precision and for a divine purpose. I think what we do with each new year... each new day, each new hour matters. It's an opportunity to choose and worship Him through our actions and our lips.  It's an opportunity to love others as He loves us.  It's an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and experience more of His Peace and Joy.  It's an opportunity to allow Him to work within us and help grow His Kingdom.

Be assured, this new year, new day and new hour for you matters to God.  Let the transformation and renewing of our minds, bring glory to Him.  

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

a Mighty Word ~ rejoice

"This is the day the LORD had made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24


Snow slowing you down and keeping you from what you need to be doing??  

Rejoice and be glad!  And thank our Father.  He knows what we need, and He has a better plan than we.



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

that's snow right :)

"Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool." Proverbs 26:1

But, in the right season and with the right heart...
snow is beautiful and God's children a blessing.

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

honor roll...

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever!”  Daniel 12:3

Grades are in and the Truth is out...

Wisdom comes in many forms. 

Father, may we always remember, loving and honoring others is the best way to also love and honor You.

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

A Mighty Word ~ honor

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."  Phil. 2:14-15

How many times have we heard, thought, or said, "I don't want to..."?  As adults, we know we don't have to "want to" in order to carry out necessary duties or obligations.  We do them because we're supposed to or because they need to be completed. However, we can choose to perform our duties and obligations with an attitude that honors our Heavenly Father as well as the beneficiaries of our actions.  That means no complaining, right? Easier said than done, i know.  

Yet, what better way to HONOR your Heavenly Father than to love and serve others and to carry out duties or obligations without complaining? 

You will find support for this challenge on the Weekly Words to Live By Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/ and in the Words to Live By devotional book (pages 97-102).  Shine on!

#honor #wordstoliveby

We are loved and chosen by God, 

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what is your dream?

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God'”  Mark 10:27

What is your dream?  Take it to the dream-Maker.

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

He protects -- period

"God reached down from on high and took hold of ______; He drew ______ out of deep waters.
He rescued ________ from  his/her powerful enemy, from his/her foes, who were too strong for _______.
They confronted ______ in the day of his/her disaster, but the Lord was his/her support.
He brought ______ out into a spacious place;   He rescued ______ because He delighted in ______."   
Psalm 18:16-19
   

Do you know of someone's name that needs to be in the above blank?  Who needs to be pulled out of deep waters, despair or trouble?

When physical, emotional or mental sickness is present... there is suffering. Some situations develop due to decisions we make, others just happen.  
As the week draws to a close, i am reminded how little control we have over many circumstances. 

Thankfully, we can TRUST the strength and support for those in need, as well as, the peace of those who love them, are in the Mighty Hands of our Father, the Great Physician.

Where we are incapable, our God IS capable.  
When we are ready to give up, our God IS going strong.

He cares, He can, He will... rest in Him.

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

a Mighty Word ~ power

"And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him." 2 Samuel 5:10

We become like those we are around, and  i know who i want to be like. Don't you?

Father, when i get too far from You, please trip me up. Life is too complicated and overwhelming to do without Your guidance, wisdom, power and protection.

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

what do you want this year?

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her." Luke 1:38

Faith like Mary, that's what i'm after.
What do you want this year?

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

a Mighty Word ~ forgive

"Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" Ephesians 4:32

There's nothing like a fresh start to restore hope, confidence, and optimism for future endeavors.  A new year offers that kind of fresh start, but so does every single day.  And if need be, every hour.  Forgiveness does the same.  

Since all of us fight inner battles and/or outward challenges, i'm asking God to help me be more sensitive to the struggles of those around me. And i want to be quick to forgive those who say or do hurtful things toward me, whether intentional or not.  After all, Christ set that kind of example for us.  Surely, God would not have commanded us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving unless He knew it was for the best. He knows we need fresh starts, and he knows offering and receiving forgiveness is a powerful way to ensure we get them.

Enjoy the fresh start offered by this first week back at school. Then accept the fresh start God offers you through His forgiveness.  And pass it on.  

Please join my friends Linda and Dalene on their Weekly Words to Live By Facebook page or in their Words to Live By book (pages 91-96) for more ways to activate the word FORGIVE in your life this week.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

where is your joy?

As i prepare for school Monday morning, i wonder what joy will greet me at the doorway.  CHRISTmas came and we celebrated.  But along with it, hardships and heartaches rode in with some of the wise men/women seeking the manger. How will it feel walking through the doors of routine?  

And then the deeper questions surface... Why?? How could this happen? Where were you, God?

Questions, no earthly person can answer to our complete satisfaction. Answers, no reasonable human can fathom.  At such a time, where can we turn for sanity and peace? I can think of only one place -- the only peaceful consolation possible comes from our Father. Just listen to His Words...

"Jesus wept." John 11:35
The Lord says..."at the time it happens, I am there." Isaiah  48:16
"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:6

In other words, Jesus cries with us.  He knows and understands all our sufferings.  We are never alone... not for a day, not for an hour, not for a second.  And one day, in the blink of an eye, we will see and be with Him.

Jesus said... "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be... boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, without love,without self-control..." 2 Timothy 3:1-4 
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

In other words, Satan is active in our world. He knows his days are numbered and is furiously working to snuff out God; but God's victory is guaranteed. 

"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 8:28
Jesus said... "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creations. " Mark 16:14
"God our Savior, wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:3

In other words, God can and will use everything, good and bad, to fulfill His purpose - growing His Kingdom.  He desires for all of us to spend eternity with Him and not in the darkness of hell. Death is a fact, the only question is the destination.

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26
"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 have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

In other words, God who comforts us, helps us comfort others.

"And the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

In other words, the JOY of CHRISTmas' real gift can not be erased for any reason.  Because of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection, we have the hope and gift of eternal life.  And in the face of tragedy and pain, this grace and mercy of our God never becomes more evident than through the restoration of hope and peace to broken lives -- that, my friends, is the eternal power CHRISTmas delivers. 

Thank You, Father, for the only gift i truly want... the hope that comes in having Jesus as my Savior.  He has the power to mend the heart, while we join the angels singing, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to men."

EnJOY your weekend, we still have much to celebrate Monday morning and every morning.

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

a Mighty Word ~ focus

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."  Isaiah 26:3

Happy New Year!

How perfect that our word to live by this week is FOCUS.  From many new years of good resolutions gone bad, i have resolved not to make resolutions!  Instead, i find it much more meaningful to focus on a word, character trait, quality, or action that i know would please the Lord and make my life more balanced or productive.  Then i ask Him to help activate that word in my life daily.  Although it may take more than a year to transform that quality into a lifetime characteristic, i know that He who begins a good work will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).   

  

In 2018, no matter what word we choose or resolution we make, let's focus on keeping our minds steadfast and trust Him to keep us in perfect peace. 

Please join my friends Linda and Dalene on "Weekly Words to Live By"  FB page https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/  and in their Words to Live By book (pages 85-90) for inspiration on how to FOCUS on what really matters this new year.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal