a Mighty Word ~ DO

"Do  some  most  part  half  your portion  what you want  what's fair EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." Philippians 2:14-15

When the demands are high, time short and to-do lists a mile long, remember---

Life is...
not about fairness, but righteousness
not about our way, but God's way
not about conquering, but surrendering to God
not about independence, but dependence on God
not about our glory, but His.

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

how is your battery?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

How is your spiritual battery?  Is it sputtering on low due to the time of year, uncertainty of relationships, the demands of the day or unpredictable circumstances?  Do you need a spiritual jump start or refueling?  One thing for sure, i can always use a refueling of Him. 

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent… the forty days of meditation in preparation for Easter.  Its purpose is for us to give up (sacrifice) something and to fill that void with our Father or to simply add more of Him to our day.  Lent is the perfect time to recharge our spiritual battery by strengthening that connection with our Father, acknowledging our dependency on Him and giving Him thanks in all things.  He is our one eternal, never-ending Source of true Power for everything.  May Lent be a time of thankful preparation for you as you get your heart and mind ready for a glorious, joyous Easter celebration.

Whatever you give up, be sure to fill up with Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

how much longer?

"I am God. At the right time I’ll make it happen.
When the right time comes, I will make this happen quickly. 
I am the Lord!” Isaiah 60:22

He has said it; and it will be.

Father, increase my faith to rely on Your perfect timing. Your are as close as my shadow and know precisely what is needed to help me fulfill Your plans for my life in serving You and others.

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

a Mighty Word ~ support

"A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings." Proverbs 25:11

Whether spoken from the lips or the hand, a kind word to a wounded soul is a healing balm.  God's angels are the best medicine, restoring life and hope to those in need.  

Thank You, Father.

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

i see flakes!

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

We haven't seen the amount of snowflakes we've wanted for this year, but we are fortunate enough to be covered year round with God's best flakes... friends.

Several years ago i realized all my true friends are flakes. Like a snowman, flakes help to form and shape us into who we are. Without flakes there would be no snowman.  It takes flakes to make a snowman into what it is; flakes are what hold the snowman together; and flakes stick to the snowman to the very end.  

That's exactly the kind of friends i do and want to have... flakes.  "Flakes" to build me up when i am down, flakes to brighten up my days, and flakes who are hard pressed to stick with me through the difficult time, especially during meltdowns.  

So, to all my flakes, thank you!  Thank you for sticking with me through seasons of testing; thank you for encouraging me when i have been discouraged; thank you for dancing with me during times of joy; thank you for your prayers during heart ache; thank you for helping to make me who i am.  Flakes are great!  And you, my friends, are the best!  You are a part of my life forever.

Take time to thank the flakes in your life.

Have a wonderful flake-filled day!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal 

a Mighty Word ~ rest

"And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us." 1 John 5:14

Thank You, Father, for answered prayers... thank You for needed rest. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal 

what do you need?

"Call to Me and I will answer you..." Jeremiah 33:3

Sometimes what we need most is a breath of fresh air from Above.  
And today, Father, we would gladly welcome it.

"Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me

Melt me, mold me

Fill me, use me!"

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

a Mighty Word ~ BIG

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

When difficulties surrounding us appear larger than life... 

remember, our God is still BIGGER.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

too far away

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4

Sweet Sally was sad as she told me her best friend just moved to Michigan.

"I understand how you feel, Sally.  When that happened to me, my friend and i kept in touch by visiting each other in the summer and writing letters during the year."

With a confused look on her face, Sally responded, "Well, my mailman doesn't like to travel that much."

After i explained to her he doesn't actually take it all the way to Michigan, but it's sent to Michigan by big mail trucks, she looked quite relieved and hopeful.  

No matter how far away or complicated the issue, many times the answer or solution is closer than we think. God is never too far away to care or listen.  As we pray and bring our concerns and desires to Him first, may we trust His direction and help.  

Thank You, Father.

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

working in the dark

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

With recent power outages, working in the dark was an unplanned and unwanted necessity for some.  Relying on memory and instincts helped to reduce some bumps and bruises, but not all of them.

Power outages aren't the only time we might find ourselves functioning in the dark. Life can be just as dark in difficult circumstances, unexpected hardships or unfamiliar waters causing us to stumble about grasping for answers and directions. 

Father, when darkness befalls us, for whatever reason, help us remember we are never without Your light.  We can trust the Love and Light of You to lead us through the maze of uncertainty as You restore Peace, Comfort and Hope within our soul.  
Thank You, Father.

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

Happy Valentines Day!

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1  

GOD is love.

God IS love.

God is LOVE.

Thanks be to God we are never without a Valentine.  May His Love fill you with peace, comfort and joy today and everyday.

Thankful for my lifetime Valentine, and thankful for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.

how mightily we are loved, 
the chosen treasures of God,
Happy Valentine's Day!
veneal

does He, or does He not?

Does He really love me??

YES!!! start counting the ways...

(your name), My dearly loved Child,   (Ephesians 5:1)

You have been fearfully and wonderfully made by Me.   (Psalm 139:14)

Nothing and no one will separate you from My love! ... neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation!   (Romans 8:35 39)

I will meet all your needs.  (Philippians 4:19)

I will fulfill My purpose for you with an unending love.   (Psalm 138:8)

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you... carry you... and rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)

I will never forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.  (Isaiah 49:15-16)

As I watch over you, I will not sleep nor slumber.  (Psalm 121:4)
 

Live with the confidence of knowing who you are and whose you are... My Child.  (1 Peter 2:9)

Keeping looking up, My Child, I am here for you always.  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

forever your Dad

we are love and chosen  by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

what to do, what to do...

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

God, when our heart cries or screams...

not fair!
why me?
who cares?
how much more?
where are you?
are you serious?
what now?
no more!
really???

help us keep our entire being wrapped tightly around You.  For those unbelievable moments, disappointments, hurts and situations... when everything is crazy, You are our One True and Steadfast Foundation.

Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Thank You.

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ chaos

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 

Father, it's been a full week of rumbling and chaos.  I pray You stir up our hearts and minds to remember and TRUST, when life is topsy-turvy, spinning out of control and our feet are slipping out from under us, that You are still with us. You are our soft landing spot.  Into Your Arms we will fall because You will never fail us.  May we never forget or doubt. Help solidify my trust in You.

Thank You.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

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

a question for you

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

May i help you?

If ever there was a time, it is now. 

Father, open our eyes, our hearts and our souls to the needs around us.  And thank You for the ones serving our needs.

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

NO WARNING - the sky is falling!

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving..." Colossians 4:2

It was like pages out of one of our library books, "The Sky is Falling!".  But what we were experiencing was not fiction; it was a NON fiction situation.  The first alerts of a tornado warning went off on cell phones.  A visiting volunteer tapped my shoulder to show me her phone and asked what to do.  Before i could call the office, an announcement over the intercom directed us to follow tornado warning procedures. It was already upon us.  After a few numbing seconds trying to digest our situation, the powerful winds slung open our courtyard door  exposing the ferociously pounding rain, which look like a opaque white sheet, we went into emergency response. What felt like minutes, was actually seconds. Quickly we gathered and herded our mixed guests --  a group of first and second graders checking out, a parent volunteer tutoring and our guest storytelling speaker -- into our identified secure location.

I have no doubt what we spent doing in our holding cell was exactly what teachers all over our school and other affected schools were doing... soothing and comforting frighten children, hugging and loving them, reassuring them we were all fine and safe.  Keeping the anxiety under control for about 2 hours in a holding pattern, took a believable and visible presence of calmness and strength from teachers, staffers and administrators.  

We think, plan, practice and know what to do in case of an emergency.  And when that time actually comes, the best tool for survival is the training, practice and knowledge.  Did everything go perfectly? Probably not. But thankfully all are safe, and areas that might need attention or revision have a chance to be identified and improved before another possible encounter.

Father, thank You for Your protection of lives.  Our prayers are with those suffering from the aftermath of yesterday.  We trust You will see them and us through it all. Yesterday was a reminder storms and events can occur at any time, without any or little notice. 

Father, thank You for truly giving us what we need.  Due to knowledge and proper procedures we have the ability to reduce damage, pain and death.  We are called to be prepared, not only for storms on earth, but for the return of our Savior. Your Word tells us, Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 

Like the storm we experienced yesterday, unexpected and sudden, we want to be prepared for His sudden return too.  And like yesterday, may our hearts and ways not just help prepare ourselves, but because we are witnesses for Him and His Love for us, help others to be prepared too.

Be safe... know and tell.

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

a Mighty Word ~ steps

"Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me." Psalm 119:113

Are you stuck in a muddy messy or stepping forward?

Lord, when my feelings, pride, honor, ways, rights or heart have been trampled on, please help me walk in Your Light and not kick back.  Keep my emotions in tact, as well as, my actions.

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

just suppose...

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us." 2 Corinthians  5:20

Just suppose...

you listened with both ears and a wall of doubt came tumbling down
your voice soothed and diminished the harsh words spewed from another
a bear hug from you built a wall of trust
your eyes portrayed acceptance and care to a crumbling soul
your words of tenderness replaced tears with a smile
the song of your heart ignited a fire for our Father

Father, if i am the closest link to another in sharing Jesus and Your Love, help me be a link that makes a thankful and eternal difference.

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

a Mighty Word ~ smile

"God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. 
Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him." Psalm 34:4-5 (The Message)

Thankful God knows my every thought, feeling and desire.  With Him there is safety and peace in being real.  We don't have to pretend; He truly knows us... and loves us.

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

do you know who won?

^"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

 

Whether it's the Super Bowl or other sporting event, no matter how well prepared or good the teams are the outcome of the game is not a given. Game variables and circumstances are constantly changing, even during the game.  And the fact remains, there's going to a winner and a loser.

 

But with Jesus Christ by our side we are a winner for Life!  And in the biggest game of life, that is what matters most.

Thank You, Father.

 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal