ready for a change?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5
 

In case you haven't heard, i changed jobs.  But it's only for this week.  Currently, i am a book store clerk, not a media assistant.  Our school Book Fair is a huge fund raiser and requires all our effort and time.  The transformation from library to book store is magical -- like someone sprinkling Tinkerbell's pixie dust everywhere.  I'll be ringing up more books on the cash register from the Book Fair than i normally checkout from our shelves... and that's a lot of books!

Do you embrace change with an open heart? I must admit, i don't.  I prefer the comfort and familiarity of routines.  I like knowing what is expected, feeling confident in my task, while experiencing little uncertainty or fear.  But, there are times when change is necessary or unavoidable. We can't end all the changes in our life, but we can change our attitude regarding them.

Father, strengthen us with all the unsettling changes we face.  Help us start by trusting You with what's ahead and embracing a change in attitude.  May it produce sweet results, and bring peace to our soul.

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

a Mighty Word ~ sweeter

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18

Cotton candy clouds. Heaven got a bit sweeter...

when another child of His arrived home.  

Thank You, Father, for Rev. Billy Graham. How blessed we were to have his godly presence, passion and purpose on earth with us.  He made a difference in my life and millions of others.

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

Words to Live By... pray

 "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: 'In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me.'" Jonah 2:1-2

This week's Word to Live By is PRAY.   Although prayer may already be a familiar habit you employ daily, or even hourly, it's always good to take a fresh look at an old friend.

Let's start with a not-so-fresh look inside the not-so-friendly fish which swallowed Jonah: I can only imagine the dark, the slime, the smell surrounding Jonah as he jostled around in the belly of that fish, still untangling the seaweed from around his head as he hunkered down in his new habitat for three days and nights. Not exactly luxury accommodations, were they?   

And yet, God used that period of tremendous discomfort to bring Jonah to his senses:  ""When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you.  What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land" (Jonah 2: 7-10).

This week as we pray, let's ask the Lord to bring to our attention any situation in which we have not been obedient, any worthless idols we might be clinging to.  Pray He will help us "make good" our vows.  And pray, thanking Him that in His time, He relieves us from our distress, untangles our anxious thoughts, and puts us back on dry land!

For more fresh thoughts about the word PRAY, please read pages 133-138 in Words to Live By:  One Word a Week by my friends Linda Gilden and Dalene Parker.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what are you passing to others?

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17

She had a stomach virus.  And the nasty bug zapped the life out of her.  Who would the next victim be? So with disinfectant in hand, we went from room to room spraying and wiping to kill the virus and stop the spread. Isolating her from others was necessary too. With symptoms still present, she was contagious, and the danger of catching the nasty bug lurked for all in her path.
 

What are you passing on to others?  Is it good or bad?  Discouragement, encouragement... rumors, truths... threats, understanding... hate, love... hurt, compassion. 

If it's the wisdom or love from God, keep passing!  We all need Him.  But if what you are passing on is Satan-infested germs, pray for a thorough cleansing from our Father and isolate yourself with Him until He heals you from the virus.  Don't let it zap the life out of you and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

he's home...

"Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."  Deuteronomy 5:33

He set the example for millions... not for personal gain, but for a Kingly gain. 

Thank you, Rev. Graham for living out and sharing your passion, pouring out your life and love for God on all.  I smile, thinking how you must be joyously singing now with the angels, "blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!"  

"He has shown you, friend, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

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

is it over?

Wilted flowers, torn wrapping paper, empty candy wrappers...

Valentine's Day was a week ago, are you still feeling the love? There is One we can always count on. The love of our Father is as unshakeable today as yesterday or tomorrow. From a beautiful sunrise to a cooing dove to love letters, He serenades us nonstop. 

How would you like to receive a love letter today? Because that is exactly what He has for you! 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 and believe His blessings for you  -- His beloved, forever Valentine.  

Dear (your name),

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

a Mighty Word ~ watching

"From heaven the Lord looks down  and sees all mankind;
14 from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth—
15 He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do." Psalm 33:13-15

Looking back at the One who loves us best

Whatever is going on in our life... if we can just keep looking up, we will find reason enough Above to keep smiling.  And rest assure, even when we forget, He is still watching over us.

Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness.

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

Words to Live By... praise

“...I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

The word of the week is PRAISE.  Since God inhabits the praise of His children (See Psalm 22:3 KJV), that's reason enough to praise Him, inviting His presence and power into our pain or into our joy. 

It's interesting to note that the Psalmist declared an intentional and continual act of praise, blessing the Lord at all times. And yet, a look at the definition of continual (as compared to continuous) shows us that continual praise means frequent, often, and occurring at regular intervals whereas continuous means without ceasing. Somehow i am comforted by that distinction. It's almost as though the Lord gives us permission to pause, catch our breath, ask some hard questions, and then choose to trust Him and praise Him rather than expecting our praise to flow continuously. After all, it's sometimes a challenge to praise Him when we're hurting or watching someone we love walk through a dark valley, right? Although we may not be able to praise Him FOR the circumstances or the pain, we can praise Him for being WITH us at all times.

It also helps to remember that "Nothing too good or too bad lasts too long."  Our joys may seem fleeting and our trials seem forever, but in reality, they cycle through our lives like the seasons. We can certainly praise the Lord for the change of seasons!

For other ways to activate the word PRAISE in your lives, please join Linda and Dalene on their Weekly Words to Live By Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/ and in their Words to Live By book, pages 127-132.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

new beginnings

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  
a time to be born and a time to die, 
a time to plant and a time to uproot,  
a time to kill and a time to heal,  
a time to tear down and a time to build,
 a time to weep and a time to laugh, 
a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 2:1-4

Due to warm days and rain, beautiful daffodils are emerging through the dirt and crumpled leaves.  A true and needed breath of fresh air for me. The cheery colors, sweet aromas and new growth are a welcomed change, signifying hope for a better tomorrow. 

Through the wintry days of heartaches and disappointments, our Father is always about His business watching, preparing and tending to our needs.  He lovingly sprinkles signs of hope in our path, reminding us a new season or new beginning is coming.   

How thankful i am in His faithfulness.  He reminds me over and over that He knows how and when to changes seasons... those on earth and those in us.

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

a Mighty Word ~ still

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

When we don't understand, we just need to sit with Him.
Father, we need You. Help us.

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

you are loved...

Happy Valentine's Day, my Child!  You are the cherished love of My life!  I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.

My precious child, (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

broken hearts

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Father, my heart is broken over the loss of precious loved ones.  Yet, i can praise You still. Because what is taken away on earth is added to heaven.  I'm counting my blessings thanks to Your Son, our Savior, Jesus.

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

Words to Live By... play

The Weekly Word to Live By is PLAY! Oh, if only we could! Many of us find that getting away to a more relaxed environment is the only way to give ourselves permission to "play."

Yet spring break is seven weeks away and every hour of every weekend seems to get washed away in the laundry room or swept up in an attempt to catch up on cleaning. Often there's a hurting friend or grieving family who needs some attention, too. Although i am ever so thankful for each minute of and each person in my life, i do sometimes wish for more lightness and fun. How about you?

This week, let's do our best to find ways to play--maybe through a fun song, silly joke, or dance move. Perhaps you could literally sing in the rain. Spend ten minutes playing with your cat or dog. Or, since it's Valentine's week, compete with a friend to see who can make her piece of dark chocolate last longest.

Romans 14:19 reminds us to "Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Why not see if learning to play a little more actually makes you feel more peaceful and build relationships, too?

Have a play-filled week, Friends. And check out other ways to play in Words to Live By, pages 121-126.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

let it go...

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

What is happening in your life?

worries...  let it go
disappointments... let it go
mistakes... let it go
heartaches...  let it go
unfairness... let it go
brokenness... let it go
disillusions... let it go
abandonment... let it go

When we let go of our frustrations, fears and hurts and let God take over, peace can again fill our heart and soul.

He who created us, has a plan for us... and it is a plan for good. What we can't see or know, He does. His definition of good might not match ours, yet it is divine.  We can completely trust He is working all things to the good in His Perfect Way.

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

starry, starry night

"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." Isaiah 40:26

He who knows the name of each star, knows our name too. And more importantly, we too are not forgotten, lost or misplaced by God... NEVER. No night is too dark nor sea too deep for Him to rescue us in our times of distress.

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

are you stressed?

"Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

It might as well have been God talking. 

If a family member, friend or other adult had asked me the question, my response likely would have consisted of a shrug, nod or maybe a word or two.  But it was a child asking.  And the weight of the question, carried the impact of a hundred sticks of dynamite.

"Are you stressed?"

Not a word had we exchanged, yet my demeanor and body language spoke clearly to him... and others. Our one-on-one interaction lasted less than 7 seconds. Yet, "Charlie" blew me away with his keen observation.  A powerful lesson regarding the affect we have on others, when we least expect it. Whether we spend years, days or just seconds with them, we constantly impact those around us.
  

Father, help me keep my attitude intact by remembering to keep my heart and eyes turned to You. When frustrations begin to overtake and drown out my peace, let me be reminded of what Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  Thank You, for the Charlies you put in my life.  You know what it takes to get my attention.

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

a Mighty Word ~ protected

"I am your hiding place, I will protect you from trouble and surround you with songs of deliverance."  (Psalm 32:7)

And that's a promise from our Father we can fully rely on and believe.

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

Words to Live By... work

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23, NIV).

Who? Me

What? Whatever work i find or am asked to do

Where? Anywhere and everywhere

Why? It's for the Lord

When? All the time

When i think about what the word "work" entails, i may not always recognize the "glory" in it. After all, anyone who works at home or in the public arena knows that work can sometimes seem menial, tedious, or unappreciated.

However, when i reflect on God's view of my work, whatever i do becomes an opportunity to glorify Him. That's where the glory belongs, after all.

This week as we work, no matter how great or small the task before us, may we "work at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Join my friends Linda and Dalene on their Weekly Words to Live By Facebook page and/or in their Words to Live By devotional book (115-120) for new ways of thinking about the word "work."

What we are is God’s gift to us. What we do is our gift to God.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

say it and believe...

"If you say, 'The LORD is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways..." Psalm 9:9-11

Know it, say it, believe it, and His Peace will be yours in all circumstances.  That's a promise from Above.

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

3 in 1

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Corithians 13:14

Yesterday we witnessed a rare celestial phenomenon... the super blue blood moon.  It consisted of 3 moon events in 1... the super moon, the blue moon  and blood lunar eclipse moon. It was an exciting sight, but a fleeting one -- one we can't count on occurring again in our lifetime.

How grateful i am we have a 3 in 1 God available to us every second of our day.  God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit  are continuously working together in specific roles for our good. With the Father as our Creator, the Son as our Redeemer and the Holy Spirit as our Sanctifier we can count on receiving all God has in store for us.  Thanks to the Trinity we can count on being loved, covered, saved and guided throughout our lifetime.

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