in the middle of a mess

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. " 1 John 4:16

Needing a break from a project and some fresh air, i took a walk.  Before long i found myself next to a neglected dump field.  As i looked over the weeds and trash, i  noticed my favorite flowers smack in the middle of it.  No matter my situation or mood, daisies have always made my heart happy, and it did not fail me then.

More times that i care to count, i find myself in the middle of a mess... one caused by my actions, another's actions or just due to crazy life circumstances. It was helpful to be reminded not all is a loss in hard times.  God's love for us has a way of planting hope and reassurance into all situations we face.

Thank You, Father, for the daisy reminder. When i ponder the phrase of the popular "loves me, loves me not" flower, I know there is no question regarding Your love.  Wherever i am, whatever i am doing, however i am, i am assured by Your Word and Presence the answer from You is always He loves me.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

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

how's your connection?

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? Who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price..." 1 Corinthians 6:19

What a mess!  The power company was upgrading power lines in our neighborhood. As a homeowner, your yard is not completely yours; others have the right-of-way to it as well.  And as luck would have it, our yard served as a primary location for some utility work.

Although we were not happy about the power company taking up residence in our yard, we did look forward to better service.  Not only would we benefit from the work, but our neighbors would too.  It was important to remember the inconvenience and ugliness of the moment would reap better service to all around us.

As a believer, we do not belong just to ourselves.  We belong to God; He permanently resides within us.  When the world and temptations weaken us and our heart wires get crossed, God has the right-of-way to revamp and recharge His Power within us.  While His working in us can make us uncomfortable, upset or ill at the time, the end result is being more like Him.  Clearing the path of shorten fuses, dirt and other debris allows for His Light and Power to shine through, strengthened by less interference and misdirection. In the end, an improved connection to our Source of Eternal Life reaps benefits to us and all in our pathway.

"being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Thank You, Father.

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

It's not the end

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

What looks like a dead end or disaster to you, is not.   

One day at a time, one trial at a time, one mess at a time  -- God is with us. No matter what our "ones" are in life, we always have The One. We are never, never alone. 

Unlike us, God is never caught by surprise. He knows and prepares perfectly for all our moments.  What we see as the end is actually the beginning of something new with God. In time, what we don't see or understand will be revealed to us.  Then our ah-ha moment will show us what our but-why moments did not.

Thank You, Father, for staying, sticking, and surviving with me in each moment.  You are The One for me, always!

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

you believe that??

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26

Change... is it possible? Of course it is.  We change our outlook, change our hairdo, change our taste in food and clothes, change our career path.  But what about a change within the person?  Here some draw the line and say "no way"; people don't change.  

What about you? Do you think a person's heart can change, and be reflected by changed thoughts and actions?

Jesus chose His disciples not based on their perfect ways and heart; because they, like us, had unsettling issues, including heart issues.  But, He knew what they could and would become... with Him, beginning with a transformed, new heart.

I believe people can and do change, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Our environment, the people around us and current situations can influence, reshape and change our minds, actions and hearts. With the right spear of influence and with God... all things are possible, even a change of heart.  I am believing God for the best, and i am believing for the best in others.

Father, i have  some unhealthy spots on my heart that need to go. Remove from me judgmental ways and create a heart more like Yours.

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

check this out

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

While on various errands this summer, parking spaces have been a cinch... that is, until last week.  Needing a book to read, i zipped out for an anticipated quick trip to our local public library. What was going on there??  

Had i missed an announcement regarding a major event?  There was not a single parking spot to be found. After circling around for five sweaty minutes, i finally won rights to a vacancy.  

Entering the library, a feeling similar to the holiday shopping season continued.  People of all ages were coming and going, toting books and other articles or attending special programs. 

Despite the boom of technology and electronics, libraries still serve a purpose loaning books, tapes and movies, as well as, providing other activities. While the life span of many businesses is volatile, i found the library, by adjusting to changes in the market still thriving.  Can anything stay the same and still survive? 

I can only think of One.  Jesus.  Jesus, just the Way He is, has a permanent place in our heart and soul forever and ever!  Nothing will ever duplicate, replace or surpass Our Savior.

Thank You, Father!

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

a surprise in the sky

Jesus said...
"They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." Matthew 24:30-31

Sitting outside, minding my own business, I heard a low humming noise.  As i kept reading, it got louder and louder.  Finally, fully distracted and concerned, i turned around and looked up, halfway expecting to see a plane about to make a crash landing. I was caught totally off guard.

Mid-high in the sky, i was in perfect positioned for a closeup view of an oncoming blimp.  As it got closer, i read the message on its side, "#CHOOSEFUN", as well as, where to do it. I am reminded of an unknown future day, when a Magnificent cloud event will expand and be witnessed over the entire earth.

 

In His Word, God tells us one day to expect the Son of Man's majestic entrance from the sky. His message is clear, #CHOOSELIFE", as well as how... by choosing Jesus as our Savior.  May His return not catch anyone off guard or unprepared.

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

just a song away

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a Mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17 

(if you look closely, you can see her head peering out at me)

Sneaking up to the bluebird house, i found the momma bird at home singing softly to her unborn babies. It was a sound of comfort and joy.  But being a klutz, i stepped on a twig startling her, and she quickly flew away.  Fortunately, she didn't stay away long, but i hated disturbing their special time.

Like the bird, our Parent God, watches over us, protecting and singing of His love over us.  Unlike the bird though, no circumstance, trial, fear, mistake, influence or person can EVER cause Him to fly away from our side even for a split second, no matter our age.  Now, doesn't that put a song of thankfulness in your heart too?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

not a peep is missed

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it... with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Psalm 81:10,16

In peace the baby birds slept and in hunger they peeped.  Though their cry for food escaped my ears, the alert, attentive parent soon arrived to answer their need.

Father, on You we may rely to fill our every need. Not even the tiniest peep do You miss. Thank You for nourishing our mind, body and soul.

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

covered

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4

From just about every spare corner of my yard, baby birds are hatching.  In the beginning they look more like beating fluffs of cotton than baby birds. Being completely helpless, their survival is totally dependent on the watchful and consistent care of their parent.  

Looking at these tiny, fragile, helpless babies, i think how much like them we are. While babies our dependency on a parent is obvious. Yet, even as we progress through life, we still need our Father.  Fragile, helpless times resurface throughout our life as storms, sometimes unexpected and violent, wash through us and in us.  How thankful i am to know, God is always present and prepared to protect us under His Wings of love, strength and grace.  Life may fail us, but God never will.

Father we can always cry out to You to cover our wounds.  And even if we don't have the voice to cry with our mouth, You hear and respond to the cry of our heart.  Thank You for a love i can't understand, but am humbly grateful to receive.

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

it's a stage

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

Under the wings of their mom and nestled deep in the nest, the baby birds prospered...

High and hidden in the leafy fern basket, the parents constantly prepared, fed and safely raised the family.

Through each stage, parental protection surrounded them as they grew and developed  sufficient wing strength to fly away.

And in the end, a quiet, empty nest provided reason to celebrate.  
It ended as God intended... it always does.

We are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

blessings multiply... always

"
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

For several days it appeared my backyard bluebirds were expecting a single baby.  While i was glad a baby was on the way, i was disappointed the nest wasn't full.

But then, another egg appeared... twins!
 









And finally a third...  Triplets!  

Isn't that just like God?  Just when we are about to give up and think there are no more blessings, God surprises us.  May we never underestimate the grace, love and desires of our Father for His children.  He has far more in store for us than we can ever imagine.  

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

let freedom ring!

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a  yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

May the bells of freedom be heard everywhere today!

For the many who dedicated their life and even died for my freedom, I humbly give thanks. Did i do anything to deserve such a sacrifice? Not at all; it was completely their desire to save and serve others.

Sacrifice...

God, You started it all with the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross.  You determined me worthy of saving, even before I spoke Your name.  Such a love I cannot fathom. Grace beyond measure. Mercy deeper than the universe.  I celebrate freedom and peace in You. Thank You.

And to the many selfless public servants and soldiers who have and still fight to protect my life and my homeland, I salute.

I am thankful to be a child of God, and I am thankful to be an American. Long live the free and the brave. May His Peace reign in my heart always.

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

Happy July 4th!
veneal

renewed spirit

"He/She is not afraid of bad news; their heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

Bad news has a way of knocking the breath out of you, and sometimes even the hope of your future.  How can one continue?

When facing hardships and trials, i want to be more like the bluebirds in my yard.  The tragic loss of their babies slowed them down, but it did not destroy them, individually nor as a couple. Together they have persevered, and new blessings are now coming their way.

Father, whatever the day may bring, renew our weak spirit when needed.  May our trust in You be the source of our strength and peace.  Thank You.

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

how sweet is that...

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

How hot is it?? VERY!

In the dreaded scorching heat of the sun or in the heat of words, a cool treat can ease the burn.

Whether ice cream, words of forgiveness/thanks, or a big hug, i pray you receive the cool relief your body and heart yearns  for today. Or, perhaps, you might need to treat someone.

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

tag team

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor." Ecclesiastes 4:9

Over the past few days, there has been a flurry of activity in my backyard.  The pair of bluebirds are fully committed to rebuilding their nest.  But i must say, their plan of action has been an interesting one to me.  Initially, both birds scurried all around and in the house, checking and rechecking it for safety.  Finally when convinced it was secure, the male placed twigs down for a foundation while the female "supervised". 

Then, it appeared they switched roles.  In a maddening pace, she gathered and placed bedding in for the nest.  Perched on the backboard and snacking, the male resumed the supervising role.  

Without a tweet, they worked smoothly, quickly and quietly on their nest, with an unspoken understanding of their roles. I never heard them squawk nor saw their feathers ruffled. Much to my delight, the tag-teaming, nest-building plan worked for them.  Now i hope to wait, watch and enjoy the fruit of their labor and love.

Thank you Father, for the lessons from your little bluebirds. Their tenacity to continue together in the face of hardship and heartache is encouraging, and a reminder that together we can accomplish more than when alone. With You as our Mighty Father, no matter what we encounter, we still have reason to sing and a job to do, while bringing glory to You.

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