just sit

" Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was." Job 2:13

Sometimes our mere presence speak louder than any words our mouth might utter.

Is there someone needing the comfort, strength and peace of your presence?  

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

the rebuilding

"And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

A couple of days ago, it appeared the bluebirds had finally decided to rebuild their nest after their night of terror.  The male bird cautiously flew around with a twig. He went to the home and then away... twig still in his mouth.  Several times he flew in the home only to come back out with the twig still tightly clinched in his beak.  Finally, he and the female returned to the home, leaving the twig in there; they brought in just a few more and stop.  

The next day, much to our disappointment, it appeared they had changed their minds.  The twigs were gone, and so were they.  Maybe it was too soon, or maybe the nightmare of losing their babies wouldn't go away, or maybe they needed to find a new location far away from the snake attack. 

This morning started off similar to the others.  We spotted the bluebirds back in the yard; my curiosity and hope could not stop my anxious feet from checking the home.  The rebuilding had started again, and this time it looks for sure!!  

My excitement was soon met with a rush of air from the male's fluttering wing, swooping by my hand.  Startled, i quickly closed the door.  His message was clear... "we got this; leave us alone; we are busy about our family needs. SHOO!"  I turned around to see them both perched on the backboard watching me.

It was clear the bluebirds were restored... strong, firm and steadfast in continuing their mission, despite the tragic loss of their babies. God cares for all His creation.  Watching what He did for these bluebirds was incredible and a godly reminder of His immense love.  Let there be no doubt on earth, what He has done for the smallest of His creatures, He can and will surely do for us too.

No matter our circumstances, like the bluebirds, we have reason to sing today, if for no other reason, than the fact we belong to an awesome God, full of love, mercy and grace.

Thank You, Father!

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

waiting with Him

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

As we faithfully watch the bluebirds mourn the loss of their babies, i'm praying to see them recover and start rebuilding. They are still searching the empty home, but the visits are less frequent. I also know they may never return to rebuild a nest in their former home.  Sometimes it takes moving away in order to move on.

There is no timetable for mourning; there is no perfect length; it varies for each. For the bluebirds, they are not ready.  The disbelief is still too new. The hurt is still too fresh. The scent of evil is still too prevalent.  When that day comes for rebuilding, i hope it's in my yard.  I want to be there for my feathered friends, cheering on every twig, piece of moss and pine needle brought in for a new start.  I hope to see them restored to their chirpier selves.

Father, there are many needs around us.  Provide us with a watchful eye and heart to step in as and when and how for the comforting of others, as You do us.

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

gone, but not forgotten...

How does one continue after pain and grief?

"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 receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We quickly moved the bluebird home to a new, safer location, and they immediately found it.

Now for 4 days we have painstakingly watched the bluebird parents fly in and out of their home still looking for their babies. Disbelief and numbness surely filled every essence of their being. How could it happen?  They were devoted, committed parents, watching and caring for every need of their babies. Yet, through no direct fault of their own, their babies have vanished.  The natural acts of nature reeked havoc in their home. In the life cycle of the snake, he had his way, his stomach victorious.  And the grievous bluebird parents suffered an unbearable loss. 

As parents, we know and understand the plight of the bluebirds, because we too through our own trials and tribulations, have also suffered.  Providing shelter, food, clothing, as well as, prayers, is not enough to ensure safety.  And when the unthinkable does occur, we are distraught, numb and even angry.  Often during times of crisis, there is not much others can do.  Yet, experience and His Word tell us that even if the pain is not alleviated, it can be lessen, when loved ones sit in silence with us and pray for us in difficult times. The comfort of pure presence often triumphs words.

Silence can be golden, as well as, healing.

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

snatched

"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

Location, location, location. Any realtor will tell you that is one of most important elements considered in choosing a home.  Same is true for bird homes. Having dogs and cats in our yard, my husband carefully thought out and planned for the safest, most perfect location to place a bird house. Once decided, he nailed the home high in a quiet back corner; quickly a happy couple moved in. 

Daily Don watched the pair of bluebirds build their nest; soon 5 eggs completed their family. Once hatched the devoted pair busily flew to and fro feeding the hungry crew. Don's nightly reports on their progress were like a proud granddad's.  But excitement turned into grave concern earlier this week after he spotted a snake in our yard.  As vigilant as the the parent birds (and my husband) were in protecting the babies, they lost the battle.  

Like a thief in the night, the babies were snatched.  Hearing the parents screech out and seeing them search frantically for their missing babies, was gut-wrenching and too much to bare. Sleepless nights, nightmares, disbelief, heartaches and tears flooded two homes... the bluebirds and ours.

Snatched -- by death
Snatched -- by a toxic relationship
Snatched -- by a poor decision
Snatched -- by deception
Snatched -- by an accident
Snatched -- by a  lie
Snatched -- by a mistake
Snatched -- by abandonment
Snatched -- by sickness
Snatched -- by an unexpected event
Snatched -- by a stinking snake

Father, oh, how it hurts when we or a loved one is snatched of the life known or of the future planned.  Sometimes we see it coming and then sometimes we are blindsided.  YET, whatever the cause or reason, we must look to and trust You for healing, guidance and comfort.  No matter how well we try and protect our heart, mind and soul from hardships and hurt, slithering snakes will show up and cross the safety barriers we have erected.  So when it happens and we get our shocking screams out, i pray Your love, strength and wisdom rapidly fill in the gaping hole of our heart.  Direct us to bolder and stronger ways... direct us to You.  Help us to remember Your promises, including the one to work ALL things to the good to those who love You.  All glory and honor to You, Father, may we be a witness to that in all things.

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

forever a faithful Father

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

If you're facing Father's Day without your daddy, you are in my heart and prayers; i truly share your hurt. And if you are one still blessed to have your daddy on earth this Father's Day, i rejoice with you! Be sure to hug your daddy tighter, laugh longer, talk more, gaze into his eyes one more time, and tell him how much you love him.  There is no way to prepare, understand or anticipate the loss when he is gone, but you can ease the grief, reduce regrets and increase your peace by loving on him while you can.

Happy Father's Day to the many who give, guide, share, teach and love all who look up to them.  Your faithfulness lives forever in your loved ones.

Thank You, God, for all the special daddies, of the past and present, those by blood and those by heart. We are thankful to be surrounded by Your love from them. A good father makes for a happy, happy, happy heart, no matter where they are.

"Give thanks to the Lord (our Father), for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 118:1

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

tunnel vision

"My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15

My mind was racing.  I was concerned about the health of family members, decisions my children were making, actions by others affecting our welfare, economic uncertainties.  The questions and concerns were ongoing  And there was nothing i could do.  Or, so i thought.

Looking down on my canna lilies, i was reminded what i needed -- tunnel vision.
 

The stamen nestled down deep in the wrap of the flower was secure and protected... i wanted to feel like that too. My head was filled with issues i had no control over, yet they were controlling and crippling me. I needed tunnel vision.  I needed to focus on God, and look to Him for guidance, strength and peace in my life. 

Father, i want to be forever wrapped in Your Loving Arms.  I know it won't stop storms or hardships from coming into my life, but Your protection is perfect. You know exactly what is needed to grow and strengthen us in You.  Let my eyes and trust be on You always.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

how did they know?

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."  Psalm 62:5

Sifting through the mail, i abruptly stopped on an unsolicited letter addressed to me. Why or how did they think i might be in need?  The information from a mortuary was timely in an eerie way.  

 The past few months have been an uphill battle, an endless blur of unexpected, as well as, routine activities and demands, leaving me exhausted.  My body and mind ache for complete rest and down time... but, not the kind offered in the mail.  At least, not yet.  

Father, only when i center my thoughts on You does the dust from my running settle down.  Then with You, and You alone, there is a stillness of mind, body and soul, allowing Your Peace to seep through and soak my bone-dry soul and spirit.  How thankful i am for the refreshment, renewal and life found in You!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

the Root of all..

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139.13-14

For some reason, i can't explain, my hydrangea plant in the backyard blooms in all colors... white, pink, violet, blue... in varying shades.  One plant, one root, but an array of  colors.  It's impossible to pick a favorite, because each bloom is unique and possesses its own beauty.  

One God, one Root, but an array of children... in all colors, sizes, styles.  All His, all beautiful. Each one specifically and uniquely designed by Him for His purpose.  He loves them one and all.

Father, i want to love like You.  Help me see others like You do.  Every thing and one You created is good.
we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

whose are you?

John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

mother
wife
daughter
cousin 
sister
aunt
neighbor
employee
friend
co-worker
teacher 

In the many roles in life we occupy, how well we handle them rides on our dependency, belief and strength in our primary role... a child of God. 

In their growing years,  through cards, notes and talks, a phrase i always tried to plant in my children's heart and mind was "remember who you are and Whose you are". If we digest this Truth, undoubtedly it will make a difference in how we think, do and treat others.

Father, I am thankful to be called first Your Child. And as a typical child, i am in constant need of Your guidance, correction, comfort and wisdom.  In whatever role i am performing today, i pray my relationship with You leads the way in my words and actions. Thank You for calling me Your own.  How great is Your grace and mercy!


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

show me your feet...

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

It's summer and the perfect time to let our feet breathe and be seen. Don't be shy about showing them because your feet are beautiful!  

Wondering what makes feet beautiful? It's not sparkly nail polish, a pedicure, corn removal or plastic surgery, but feet marred with knots, scratches, bunions, cuts, and bruises -- our trials and disappointments in life.  Experiencing God's goodness and faithfulness in our life is meant to be shared. The Good News is dazzling and life changing.

Take off your socks and shoes... bare your feet and soul to others.  Let your true beauty show for all to see, as we glorify our awesome God together!

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