Wednesday, December 25, 2019

JOY TO THE WORLD...

the LORD has come!
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"  
2 Corinthians 9:15

Merry CHRISTmas!!

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

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

silent night, holy night

"... 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 2:7   

What makes CHRISTmas so special?  The children... especially The One.


No room in the inn for The Child... yet, may we always have room in our heart, for Him, our Savior and Redeemer.  Thank You, Father!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

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

Friday, December 20, 2019

have you heard?

As many leave school for CHRISTmas Holy-day, i pray you are filled with the love, joy, and peace our Father intends for you.  If you need a little help, try putting this melody of songs in your heart. And speaking of heart, know you are in mine…. but more importantly His.


You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Jesus Christ is all around.

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

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 all around.  

"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!


we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
have a joy-filled day and a glorious Merry CHRISTmas!
Happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ, 
veneal

Thursday, December 19, 2019

do not fear

"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 coming?

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 things 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 is hard, 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.  Thank You for my Savior... because of Him, we will not fear but give thanks.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you, 
veneal

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

there's a song in the air

"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
Thank You, Father, for your mighty love and song over me, day and night.
Now here's one for You...    a Hallelujah CHRISTmas

Because of Jesus, our hearts are filled with JOY and thanks.

HallelujahHallelujahHallelujah!


we are loved and chosen by God, 
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

a Mighty Word ~ love

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Best gift of the season?  You...Be the gift.  Care and love others.

Father, may we keep our eyes on You, as You demonstrate best how to love others.  May we reflect Your image during the CHRISTmas season and every day.  For some, we may be the best or only present received.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Monday, December 16, 2019

do you hear what i hear?

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:6-12
 

He didn't like CHRISTmas, and why should he?  He had never had a tree nor presents -- there were no good memories.  All he knew about CHRISTmas was what the world told him and what he saw around him.  So when asked to write about CHRISTmas memories, he couldn't.  Sensing his emptiness, Mrs. Wesley told him about CHRISTmas, the true CHRISTmas.  He had never heard it, but now he has... and hope is possible where there once was darkness.

If you are stressed, disheartened, discouraged,maybe you need to hear the real CHRISTmas story, again.  Escape the make believe and usher in Truth and Peace -- then we can celebrate no matter what the circumstances.  
For God gave His Son for us to have eternal life... isn't that enough?  If we need to give anything to others, may it be the sharing of Him.

"Hark" the herald angels sings. Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled;

Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

May we never forget...

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Friday, December 13, 2019

a Mighty Word ~ rest

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Colossians 3:15

Sgt. Pepper looks like he's had an exhausting week at school.  I bet you know exactly how he feels.
As the weekend approaches and the days before CHIRSTmas dwindle, i pray we keep our focus on the 3 W's -  Why and What and Whom we are celebrating.  And then, maybe His Peace will be ours too.

Father, let it be so with us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Thursday, December 12, 2019

a word of caution

"...Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...'"Luke 10:39-42

My Bible did not fall apart due to misuse or neglect, but due to an abundance of good stuff.  It was jam-packed with bookmarks, favorite passages, notes, letters, and booklets.  The over accumulation of good stuff finally blew the binding apart.  Yes, even too much good stuff can be bad.

How is your holiday season going?  Is it packed with lots of good stuff and happenings?  Supporting friends/family in various programs, attending gatherings, preparing special foods, serving others in need, leading a group, joining committees... how much more good stuff can you do?  How much more can you stick into your days before blowing up?  Even good people (and apparently reindeer) can only take so much, especially during the holidays.
Just because it's good, doesn't mean you should say yes and do... especially if it means not having time at our Father's feet.  After all, it is His Son's Birthday, and all He wants is your presence.  Do you have time to celebrate Him -- with JOY?

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

a Mighty Word ~ faith

"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. 

Now, talking about faith… Mary had it.  

Father, fill me with the faith of Mary.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

break for peace

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

It's one of the most anticipated and enJOYed decorations in our library... a crackling fire.  While we set the example for students to follow, they sometimes set the example for us too. Recently, nestled next to our "roaring" fire and twinkling lights, Ms. Merry's class soaked in a few quiet, golden moments. Do you yearn to feel that peace too?

Don't let the busyness of the season leave you drained and depleted. Come sit by the fire and CHRISTmas tree -- allow the quiet peace to seep into your soul for a needed moment of sweet relief. 
Stop... rest... refuel.
And be filled with the delight of the season and Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Monday, December 9, 2019

naughty or nice?

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

"He's making a list, checking it twice,
gonna find out who's naughty or nice..." 
What a helpful stanza this for teachers and others to cite at school to get children focused and to stay on task.  If ever there is a time everyone wants to be found on the nice list, it is now.  No one wants to forfeit a single gift from Santa because their name ended up on the naughty list. When all is said and done though, the power of Christmas for desired behavior is seasonal. 

During this CHRISTmas season, i am thankfully reminded that the most incredible gift of all, eternal life, doesn't depend on what i do, but what has already been done for me.  No matter the season, whether i'm in the mood to be good or not has no bearing on my receiving and keeping this gift from God. Once i accepted Jesus as my Savior, my name was placed on His list as a believer, not just for a season but forever. 

The power of CHRIST... all-sufficient, all-powerful, all-lasting.
Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Friday, December 6, 2019

a Mighty Word ~ come

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 
Come ye faithful, and let's sit at the feet of our Father this weekend, for some peace and quiet.  It's what He desires and what we need.

Come let us adore Him, and give Him our thanks.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
Love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal 

Thursday, December 5, 2019

do you have room?

"(Mary) wrapped (the baby) in cloths and placed Him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

And what about now?  Is there room for Him...

in your heart
in your day
in your thoughts
in your actions
in your plans
in your prayers

As the 25th gets closer, don't let Him get squeezed out due to stress, projects, programs, busyness, commercialism, shopping and other demands of the season.  The craziness can cause us to flip, if not careful.

Let's be sure to take a daily, quiet moment to securely and tightly wrap God in our hearts, and allow His Light to shine in us.  As we make room for Him in all we do and say, the true JOY of the season will be ours and will radiant to others in need of His Peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

a Mighty Word ~ BElieve

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13
How to handle a hectic day:

Refocus and remember the true reason for CHIRSTmas.
Believing Him makes CHRISTmas and every day better.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

when hope falls

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

We had almost finished decorating the CHRISTmas, when suddenly our hope fell.  The string gave way and the hope angel hit the floor.  Besides the broken loop, hope was unscathed, and a new loop secured it back to the tree.  Only her beauty reflected on the tree... not her fall.  

Isn't hope like that for us too?  During trials, disappointments and hardships sometimes our hope wavers or falls into a deep pit. But Christ does not leave us there. He scoops us up and reconnects our heart/loop to Him, securely putting us close by His side.  His loving Hands shows up in the form of a friend, a song, His Word, a prayer. The source is not important, but His magnificent Presence is. And others come to see and know Him as they witness His glory through us.

How is your loop?  Is it holding tight or a bit loose?  Rest in knowing God is watching, waiting and willing to do what is needed to strengthen our faith in His Mighty Power. Oh, what a Mighty Foundation is our God.


Hang in there. You are looking good; God will make sure of that.

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

Monday, December 2, 2019

23 days and counting

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel -- which means, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:23

Drum roll, please.


Don't panic, but there are 6 less days after Thanksgiving this year to prepare for CHRISTmas.  
Six less days to celebrate the Birth of Jesus...
Six less days of singing CHRISTmas carols...
Six less days to enJOY the lights of this holy season...
Six less days of devouring delicious holiday delights...

The only thing i will not miss is six less days of shopping.

Let's turn up our Joy-filled and thankful heart with CHRISTmas music.  We don't want to miss a single glorious second of celebrating this holy season.

If you need some help, here's is a link to a beautiful CHRISTmas song to flame your spirit.

http://m.godvine.com/Amazing-A-Capella-Group-Sings-a-Christmas-Classic-That-You-Will-Love-4330.html

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Jesus! We want to bring the gift of a peaceful, grateful spirit to Your feet. May the rat-a-tat of the drum signal joy and not panic in our hearts.


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

Thursday, November 28, 2019

wherever you are

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever..." Psalm 100: 4-5
Wherever the road takes you today, i pray it's filled with peace, love, joy and a heart of thanks.  God alone is worthy of all our praise and thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

thankful for you

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

I am so grateful for you in stirring the pot and serving up important life lessons seasoned with an abundance of love and compassion. Through a variety of venues, including art, music, dance, drama, essays, and even just through your presence, you share our Father's heart and goodness with students in our path. They see Him through your words, action and teaching. You inspire them to see, know and remember what matters.
I am very thankful to be on this pilgrimage with you, and blessed beyond words to call you my friend.  You encourage and inspire me to seek God's will for my life.  

Happy Thanksgiving. May God's blessings cover you and your family.

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

Monday, November 25, 2019

it takes all kinds

"Sing and make music in your heart to the LORD, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Turkeys come is all shapes and sizes... so do our blessings from God.
Thank You, Father, for them all.

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

Friday, November 22, 2019

turkey truths

"Ans be thankful." Colossians 3:15

It's a hot job, but someone has to do it... and i'm glad it's me!


This year i cooked at least 105 turkeys for Thanksgiving...not nice, plump turkeys, mind you, but the one-dimensional kind.  It's a kindergarten tradition, painting thankful turkeys and then cooking them in the laminator for holiday place-mats.  
The best part of cooking these school-yard turkeys is having the opportunity to read the sweet messages and thoughts from the students.  I'm reminded we always have something to be thankful for in our life.  There's nothing like a colorful, kind turkey to warm and fill a heart with thankfulness. They are rich in love and low in calories. 

Thank You, Father, for our blessings... may we never forget.

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

Thursday, November 21, 2019

field of broken dreams

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed... 
 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." Romans 4:18, 20-21

Shattered dreams, we've all had them.  And no matter how we finagle or struggle to fit the pieces back together like we want, it usually doesn't happen. Broken dreams come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes they occur rarely and sometimes in clusters, sometimes we sense it and sometimes we are blindsided.  However it happens, it still hurts and can feel more like a feverish nightmare than just a broken dream.  Are you facing any brokenness today?

job uncertainty
financial turbulence
torn relationships
challenging children
aging parents
insensitive spouse
demanding leader
false accusations
physical limitations
sickness
emotional stress
death
worldly pressure

Whatever is going on... we can still be thankful.  In faith, we can trust God will see us through each hardship and trial.  We only have to look back and see God's continuous fingerprints on our lives to remember what He has already done for us.  Our strength and peace will be restored knowing He will continue to sustain us.  


As God picks up all the pieces of our broken dreams and rearranges them, let's keep believing and knowing He has the power and desire to bring goodness into our lives.

God works all things to the good to those who love Him.


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

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

YOU made the list!

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life..." Proverbs 13:14

They may squirm in their seats, talk out of turn, forget their homework, push your last button, or spill the beans... but there is one fact which still remains true.

Students honestly appreciate and love their teachers.  On silly days, pouty days, moody days and all days in between, they desire to please and bring a smile to your face.  Whatever the day holds for you in your classroom, remember it is still filled with love for you.

Along with many very special people and things, you made their thankful list.  Never doubt how much your teaching, sharing and caring provides life, light and hope to others.


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

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

a Mighty Word ~ fearless

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
   
 of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

No scarecrows needed...

God is with us through every step in our life.  Nothing catches Him off guard or by surprise.  He knows and is perfectly capable to move us through and beyond all circumstances.

Thank You, Father.


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

Monday, November 18, 2019

a sweet change

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Have you ever had a morning when everything seemed to be going south, and then have someone turn your day completely around? Such was my morning last week when i found a special treat at my desk.  The sweetness of her kindness lingered for the entire day... and that was a benefit for me and everyone else in my path. 
Father, kindness comes in so many ways.  Thank You for angels that surround us, tending to unspoken needs.  May we be someone's angel today, whether through a special treat, a smile or an understanding heart.  As we help restore hope to others, i'm giving thanks today for more fluttering of wings and less splattering of spirits.

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

Friday, November 15, 2019

send me! send me!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Isaiah 6:8
It's a sight teachers absolutely love: hands eagerly flying in the air responding to their questions. It's like watching a flock of seagulls soaring over the ocean... beauty in motion. Beyond a doubt, there is one sure-fire way of accomplishing this type of response.  Ask for a volunteer to deliver a message, run an errand, or any other reason to depart from the classroom and there won't be a hand left in the lap.

As students of the Word, our eagerness in responding to our Teacher's requests to leave the classroom should be the same.  God is constantly searching for volunteers to deliver His message, to do His work and to leave the routine of classroom learning for some hands-on action.

Listen.  He's asking right now for a volunteer. 

"Who will share My love with the unlovable? Who will provide help to the needy?  Who will stand up for the abused? Can anyone deliver the message of forgiveness to a neighbor?"

I feel a breeze in the air with hands going up.  God is surely smiling with joy.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Thursday, November 14, 2019

a Mighty Word ~ nourish

"The lips of the righteous nourish many..." Proverbs 10:21  
You are awesome!  Thank you for feeding the children with love, patience and goodness. There's nothing more satisfying  than a good meal.

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

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

slippery slopes

The LORD said...
"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

Wet leaves, loose gravel, untied shoelaces and slick floors aren't the only sources of slips and falls.
  Hurt, doubt, jealousy, greed, heartache, fear, sickness, loneliness and regret also have the power to tie our feet up, break our walk and bring us down.  

Father, my knees are covered with scars from numerous falls, but i count each one as a blessing.  While the fall is painful, messy and sometimes even due to my own carelessness, it is not the end of my story.  I only have to glance down at the scars to remember that healing does come, and it always comes from You.  Thank You for mending my heart, my hurt and my ways.

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

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

it's not what you think

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

It was a busy morning in the library.  Books were dropping through the return bin as fast as popcorn popping.  As i turned around in get out a new load, i lost my breath.  Inside the book bin appeared to be a spider about the size of my hand.  Can you see it?

Thankfully, it wasn't what i thought it was.  It was a new book with a slick, glossy cover and with a too realistic spider on front.  Call me a wimp, but i do not like spiders... at all... any size... dead or alive.

Father, while many things in life are not what they appear to be, i am so grateful that is not true with You.  You are Who You say You are, You can do what You say You can do -- and on that we can depend and believe every second of our day.  Thank You for being the constant, unshakable certainty in our life which is otherwise sprinkled with too many uncertainties from day to day.

He cares, He can, He will... i am resting in Him.  You too?

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

Monday, November 11, 2019

thank you, Veterans

Jesus said...
"Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13

Every saying we hear isn't true, but i know two that are. 

1. Many hands make light the work.
2. It takes an army to keep our country safe.  

Today, Veterans Day, we stop to remember and to give thanks to the many fine soldiers who have sacrificed their time, and some even their life to protect us and our country.
What a joy to be involved in one of many schools recognizing the importance of our Veterans. Honor, respect and courage are alive and well in the United States.  What wonderful mentors for each and every one of us.
We humbly give thanks for having these special warriors in our schools today, whether in spirit or body... as positive role models to our students. They represent true citizenship, commitment unity and love for one another at its best.

Father, Thank You for our soldiers.  May Your grace and goodness always be with them.  Bless them and their families... as they have and continue to bless and sustain our freedom.



friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
with a thankful heart,
veneal

Friday, November 8, 2019

name calling

Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

"Did he just call you a monster!?!"

The teacher was horrified. Ms. Hardy reached my checkout counter just as i was checking books out to her students. It is our practice to tell kindergartners (usually with some expression) the title of their book when we check them out. Ms. Hardy approached my desk at an untimely moment, only to hear me plead, "Quit Calling Me a Monster".  
We both had a good laugh afterwards... when i explained to her i was only reading the title of the book to the student.

Father, thank You for light moments. Laughter is always good; but during tense or difficult seasons, it is a very welcomed dose of medicine. Thank You too for the reminder of speaking kindly to others. Unfortunately, there are times my actions and words might justify others calling me a monster. Yet, additional negativity is rarely the remedy called for with a bothered heart... understanding love is.  Father, help me to remember we often are or become what others say.  Let what we say be good, uplifting and kind. May our actions/reactions help grow princesses and princes in Your heavenly kingdom.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it... for us and for others,
veneal

Thursday, November 7, 2019

He knows

"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

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

you're being called

Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing his clock aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.  Mark 10:49-52  

Could you benefit from a slight revision of the above verses?  Something like this --

Jesus stopped and said, "Call, (your name)."
So they called to me, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing my (troubles, worries, doubts, fears) aside, I jumped to my feet and went to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
Trembling, i answered, "Jesus, I want (my need)."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately my need was met, and I will follow Jesus for the rest of my days.

He calls, He cares, He can.

Go to Him, and see what He will do for you today.

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

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

ready to vote?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 515:5-7
Father, as we prepare to cast our votes, may we seek Your guidance first.  Help us overcome any feelings of greed, prejudice, selfishness or other that might prohibit us for making godly decisions.   We pray that nothing separates us in first being servants for You.  Because when all is said and done on earth, You are still on the throne and the One who reigns.  And that is a victory we can all celebrate everyday!

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