a Mighty Word ~ trust

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 61:8

Tough month, tough week, tough day, tough hour...

May we stop to remember --

                         He cares, He can, and He will provide for all our needs.

Thank You, Father!

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

can do!

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  Romans 12:13

Clang those cans, and sing a song of joy!  We've completed 100 days of school!

To celebrate this milestone, our classrooms collected 100+ can goods for people and pets. As the cans stacked up, so did their excitement. Yet, i imagine the thrill in reaching 100 school days and 100 cans by the students will only be exceeded by the thrill of the recipients of these gifts.

Good News, whether in words or deeds, is more fun and fulfilling when shared with others. It makes people feel better, inspires hope, creates goodwill.

When we care, we share... and others are helped. Father, thank You, for opening our eyes, hearts and ways to the needs of those around us.
we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ focus

"Let us fix our eyes on _______" Hebrews 12:2
money
power
problems  
friends
security
titles
suffering 
fame
family
talents

... Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

There's nothing sweeter than good eye sight.

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

ZERO carb bread

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.... I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever."  John 6:35,51 

It's that time of year when people are wanting to shed some winter pounds.  From the old tried 'n true diets to new ones, people are dieting. Many are eagerly sharing tips and recipes on how to do it better.  

While they can vary on details, many of the diets share a common thread of dislike for carbs.  Just about everyone you see is counting carbs or, at least, thinking about them.  For those of us who are bread lovers, getting our fill of delicious, mouth‑watering bread is a thing of the past.  Or, is it??

Alas, great ball of dough! There is One Perfect Bread available with zero carbs. PLUS, it's 100% filling and totally satisfying.  Eat all you desire, stay healthy, and even be guaranteed to live forever!  Now, that's a Bread worth biting into over and over again without any guilt... just total pleasure.  His Bread is the best tip we can share with anyone.  Do tell, and be filled with Jesus!

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

one drip at a time

"... He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

A leaky faucet is normally an unwanted, and maybe expensive problem. But recently due to the below-freezing temperatures, a slow drip was purposely allowed for an outside faucet. While it kept the pipe from freezing, a 3 foot icicle formed from the drips.  Each tiny drip was a contribution to the majestic sight and reminder of the power of nature.

What's dripping in your life? Increased demands, difficult circumstances, undue stress, unanswered questions, health concerns?  At times issues, large or small, can build up causing us to feel frustrated and even at a loss, as we face one thing after the other.  When the drips are continuous, remembering the Power of the One collecting them is our true hope.

Through prayer, His Word and encouragement from other believers, i am reminded what is overwhelming for me, is not for God.  Each drip, each tear is lovingly caught and handled by God.  As He tends to the continuous drips in my life, He is also building my faith and dependency on Him.  When i am weak, He is Strong, He is Mighty and He is still in Control of all things.

Father, thank You for collecting the drips in my life.  May i remember than even with various, ongoing issues, when in Your Hands something good and beautiful can be created. When we are ready to give up, You are still going strong.  I am resting in Your Truths and Love.

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

a Mighty Word ~ strength

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  Isaiah 40:29

Too much rain, too little recess.  We need more of the "Son".

Father, Your strength is needed in the halls of our schools.  Thank You.

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

sweet dreams

Ever wonder what God might dream?  Could it be about us?--

"go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:18

May we keeping dreaming... with the heart and mind of God.

...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.

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

what is your dream?

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

Often... the thoughts of children are more pleasing than those of adults.  Prayers for more child-like hearts where hardness has set in.

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

I have a dream...

"...warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14

As we remember the goodness of Martin Luther King Jr., may we strive to live in a way to honor him and to honor God... today and everyday.

Dreams can come true.  Can't they?

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

roses in the sky

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands... The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul." Psalm 19:1,7

It was a welcomed and needed sight. The brilliantly, rosy colored sky yesterday was breathtaking and refreshing after so many cloudy, rainy days.   

God, there's a new Rose in the sky and because of You and Your promises, we can celebrate. Thank You for the beautiful reminder yesterday of being under and in Your ever-strong, ever-loving, ever-watchful, ever-knowing, ever-caring, ever-lasting Arms.  Just when i start to doubt, You gently pull me near showing Your timing is always perfect.  When my frail mind fails and my faith falters, You restore and resuscitate, breathing Your life and strength back into me.  Thank you... again.  On You, we can depend for all our needs. 

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

when angels sing...

In the midst of shock and grief, our soul is consumed with questions, doubt and disbelief.  And then, the gut-wrenching questions surface... Why?? How could this happen? Where were you, God??

Questions, no person can answer. Answers, no reasonable person can fathom. 

So, where can we turn for sanity, peace and the slightest comfort? In the wake of recent losses, i am reminded, the only and greatest consolation possible comes from our Father.  If you are hurting, may His Words cover your aching heart too...

"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
"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 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 through the sharing and caring, blinders may fall off the eyes of some unbelievers and lives changed for eternity.

"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, because of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection, we have the gift of eternal life.  And in the face of tragedy, grace and mercy of God restores hope and peace to broken lives.  

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Jesus.  He has the power to mend the heart. Even while we are raining tears in sorrow, we can join the angels in singing of Your wondrous Good News.  

Where, O death, is your victory?Where, O death, is your sting?  

It is not the end. Because of Jesus there is hope and life beyond the grave.

how greatly loved we are,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ healing

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Kind words... one of the most powerful, effective and sought-after medicines on earth.  May we spoon some out to all we meet.  One kind word at a time, we can make a difference.

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

again, we pray

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." Isaiah 43:2-3

Relentless rain -- best describes the weather of late.  For what seems like endless weeks, we've experienced some type of storm... anything from drenching monsoons, to a fine mist, to frozen precipitation, to a soft drizzle. Our only question has been which form of liquid will permeate our path.  

But the past few days, we've been caught off guard by an unexpected, painfully massive storm. A flood of tears has rained through the halls of our local schools as we struggle with the sudden, devastating loss of a beloved student and a coach in our community. Yet, even as the waters and hurt engulf us, they will not overtake us, because God, who is faithful, will continue to carry and lift us... even with the grief of these heartbreaking, unfathomable losses. 

No matter what category of storm we face, our safest and best protection is God. Our relationship with Him enables us to rest under His Shield of faithfulness and in His Arms of unconditional love.  Being a believer doesn't stop the storms, but provides us with the power, guidance and strength to go through them -- with Him. 

Thank You, Father.  We desperately need You for the storm today and the ones to come.  I trust You will see us through... i have to, for You and Your promises are sometimes, and many times our only hope.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

is it really good?

"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

Shutdowns, shutouts, wrongdoings, mistakes... when all around is falling apart and hearts are broken, remembering God's Words and Truths are essential.  Because at face value, we witness continuously life is not fair, and it never will be this side of heaven.  

May we learn to rely on this fact - the love of God conquers all for the good for His children. Our faith and hope is not on what we see, but believe... God. Print this Truth and plaster it on the walls of your heart -- God works ALL things to the good because He loves us so; and His promises are ALWAYS true. Believe Him and remember His Word in all things and circumstances.

Father, i don't always understand Your purpose or plan, so please just help me to believe You no matter what.

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

it's not what you think...

"God is love." 1 John 4:8

If i've heard it once, i've heard it a hundred times this week...

"Why is a Christmas tree still up in the library?"  So, watching Dion stare at the tree, i just knew he was thinking it too. But when i asked him, "Do you know what kind of tree this is?", i was the one surprised. 

Quietly he responded, "Yes, it's a green tree." Prepared to defend and proclaim how the tree had never been a Christmas tree, but a Jan Brett Winter snow tree, i was taken back by his response.

Depending on the season, a tree actually can be decorated and called by many different names -- Christmas, snow, Valentine, President, American, Easter, etc.  But at it's true root, Dion was correct.  It is a green tree and will always be a green tree first no matter how it's dressed in different seasons.

How would you describe God? Depending on our circumstances, needs and seasons we call God by many different names --  Protector, Defender, Healer, Savior, Shelter, Rock, Deliverer, Friend, Helper, Comforter, Keeper, Redeemer.  But at the root and core of God, He is first Love. No matter what we need for Him to be for us, His relationship with us will always be built first on a foundation of Love.

Thank You, Father, for loving us first.

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

a Mighty Word ~ goals

" Live in peace with each other...
warn those who are idle...
encourage the timid...
help the weak...
be patient with everyone...
always try to be kind to each other...
be joyful always...
pray continually...
give thanks in all circumstances...
test everything...
hold on to the good...
avoid every kind of evil..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13-22  

My goal in 2019... not just believing in God, but believing God.  That's the goal of my heart, greater faith... one day at a time, one circumstance at a time, one step at a time. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

handbook review

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

As one year ends and another beings, i also find myself winding down from a hectic season of ups and downs. Will 2019 be easier or more challenging?  Am i ready for the days ahead? Now is the right time to reflect, redirect and refresh. In preparing my mind, body and soul for 2019, i need to review a Good Handbook.  Maybe you can benefit from it too.

HANDBOOK 2019

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 i

          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 2018.

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 on 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, beautiful 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 life to the fullest… 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 ~ treasured

"The LORD your God has chosen you, (your name), out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6 

You are greater than any national title. 
You are a Holy treasure, the daughter/son of the King of Kings. 
You are a winner of eternal life!

Thank You, Father!

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

is it really over??

"...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."   Romans 6:23   

Well, we made it through another CHRISTmas.  The wrapping, the unwrapping, the eating, the cooking, the eating, the visiting, the guests, the eating, the decorating, the undecorating, the eating, the cleaning, the eating.  CHRISTmas is officially over, and now it's time for business as usual.  Or, is it?

As we leave the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, let's do just that.  Let's shake off the weary human-generated hustle and bustle, but not the true spirit of CHRISTmas...  God's gift of eternal life to all who come to Him. 

I hope your CHRISTmas was full of His wonder, joy and love.  If not, don't fret. There is reason to celebrate CHRISTmas everyday in our heart and lives.

So, as you toss your decorations up in the attic until next year, be sure Jesus is not packed up too.  Leave Him out and up front in your life for all to witness His goodness, as He uses us to grow His Kingdom.  His Presence is our daily present -- and one designed for sharing in a hurting and lonely world. 

Here's to wishing you a merry CHRISTmas-filled day and year!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Happy New Year!

"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

Thanking God for blessings of the past, present and for the blessings to come.

Happy Year Past and Year to come! 

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