a Mighty Word ~ habits

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-23

Know this:  Old habits restore the old you; there is greater hope and life in establishing new habits and a new self. In light of our current circumstances, there's never been a better time than now to start and keep new habits.

Father, help us live our life to the fullest by keeping our thoughts and eyes on You. There is celebration in obedience. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

GO with God

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Some call me a tightwad, penny pincher.  I prefer to think of myself as a creative, wise consumer of goods. My favorite book of late provides hundreds of household uses for vinegar, salt or baking soda -- saving many $$.  I can't wait to try many of these ideas over the summer, despite the failing of my latest experiment.  The mayonnaise hair conditioner did not produce the smooth results i'd hoped to see.  But it did make me hungry for a sandwich.
  

Not all we read or hear is completely reliable or true.  Gathering information with a blinking yellow caution light is advisable.  Thanks be to God, His Book is completely reliable and 100% true.  His Words are pinned in love and blood for the sake of our lives.  We can read His Word with a steady green light and proceed ahead with confidence and peace in receiving His dependable guidance in living an abundant life.  There's no stopping God in loving us unconditionally with grace and mercy.  And for that we can be thankful everyday.

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

a Mighty Word ~ strength

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 

Lord, How easy it is to be distressed, shaken, downcast or depressed with all the uncertainties surrounding us.  But because of You, and You alone, we KNOW joy and peace... You are our Joy and Peace.  You surpass any and all obstacles we face.  Whatever, whenever, wherever... we thank You for sustaining us.

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

somewhere over the rainbow

 “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Lamentations 3:21-26

While on a morning walk, i spotted a neighbor and her children at their picnic table creating artwork. We waved and chatted. I told them about rainbows popping up in windows around the world as a reminder of God's promises and love for us.  When possible, i wanted to find a rainbow to place in one of my windows.

A week later, an unexpected rat-a-tat-tat at my door brought a sweet surprise.  My little-T friend, not only heard my wish, but painted me a beautiful rainbow... one full of love and hope. It's exactly what i and most of the world need now.  And if you look closely, you can even spot a cloud heart. 



His picture is actually a twice-as-nice one. The back of the framed picture is just as special.  It's covered in more hearts and love yous. So whether going or coming in my house, or going about inside of my house, i have reason to smile and be thankful. 


Like you, i am missing family visits - smiles from school - HUGS from everybody - meals with friends - casual shopping and outings. But i am reminded by little-T's special rainbow, storms do end and rainbows show up. We have God's promise He has not forgotten nor neglected us.

As God listens to our prayers, may we listen to the needs of others.  We have no idea what impact even a small act of kindness might have on another.

Somewhere over the rainbow,
there there are sunnier days ahead.
I'm trusting God.

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

don't forget

"'Because he loves Me,' say the LORD, ' I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.'" Psalm 91:14-15

YOU are greatly loved and cherished, just because you belong to Him.

When we remember and believe His unfailing love for us, other matters dim in comparison.

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

it's a closed book... and year

"Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

People aren't the only thing under quarantine... our library books are too. With several hundred library books checked out, we set up a temporary drop off station at school.  After quarantining the returned books for  a week and then sanitizing them, it's finally safe enough to check-in and shelf them... for next year's use.  It's a longer process than normal, but one we will continue for the safety of our students.... even if for only one.

How is your quarantine going? If i'm honest, i'll have to say getting out of the house is quite a process.  There's no grabbing keys and hopping in the car.  It's a conscious effort and routine questions to answer for safety:  do i know exactly what my mission is, do i have all the essential items needed, can i leave or reduce the load i'm carrying? I've had to make a checklist to make sure i am properly prepared leaving and returning.  The hassle of it all reduces my outings.

There is a lot i don't know, understand or even like about this season.  BUT, there is one thing i do know for certain.  Whether it's distancing, quarantining, or sanitizing a book or myself, if it benefits only one person, that one person is worth taking extra time and effort to ensure their safety.

And now with all that being said, regarding the breaking news of SC schools being closed for the rest of this year, my heart is broken.  There are so many loose and unfinished ends, awards, programs, ceremonies, etc. I am reminded the right decision is not always a happy one, but it is for safety of all, and it's best.

Please stay safe, as we wait and prepare as patiently as possible for healing and guidance in moving forward.
Father, give us strength to properly care for ourselves and others.

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

you've been heard

Jesus said...
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
No matter how small or tall...

No matter where we are, who we are, how we feel, what we say or do, or when we pray -- 
When we believe, ALL our prayers are heard and answered by God, is His perfect way and time.

He is as close as our next breath.

Thank You, Father.

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

don't break this chain... please

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:22

Even though social distancing is required, we can still be bound tightly together by kindness.  Let's be kind by touching others with our heart, words and actions.

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

spreading like glitter

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Glitter... i do not like it in my hair, i do not like it on my face; matter of fact, i do not like it anywhere!   But inevitable, anytime i show up to help with our school plays, "it's glitter time!" Not wanting to be a pouty Patty, i smile, grab a jar of glitter and some paint and shake it out.  Though no matter how carefully i shake, the result is shining e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. - all around me and on me.

Glitter permeates the atmosphere, sticking to absolutely everything in its path.  You walk into another room and wonder, "how did it get in here??" Two days later, after you wash your face, you still spot glitter on the side of your eye and even between your toes! Yet, i must admit, when all is said and done (glittered), the end result adds "wow!" and life to sets and costumes.  After the mess, there is good in glitter, and the director knows it.  

Like glitter, with just the twitch of your nose, the coronavirus can spread.  We are instructed to avoid the c-virus much like the precautionary measures i take with glitter... keep a safe distance from it, constantly wash my hands and keep my hands away from the face... and best of all, just STAY AWAY.  

But after recent reflections, i've realized the similarity between glitter and c-virus go beyond the bad and ugly.  When all is said and done, good from both can be gleamed.  With the play, it's the glitz of the show, with the c-virus, it's a wake-up call to what really matters.  

The past few weeks, we've been forced to slow down. This slower pace has exposed the JOY of simple pleasures like walking, riding bikes, talking more to neighbors and family. The PEACE of restructuring/deleting a lot on our to-do lists. The LOVE of experiencing life with those in our homes. The APPRECIATION of the sights and sounds of nature. The REALIZATION of the many good people around us. The CHANGE of habits established by wiser, safer behavior. The SACRIFICES made for the sake of our health, welfare and safety. To KNOW that being STILL is okay and good. The ADJUSTMENT of being content alone - with God. The ACCEPTANCE of God being in control.

As you spend sweet time with our Father, i am positive you can add more to the above list.

Father, we're trusting you through this difficult season.  The pain, suffering and death experienced by many is heart breaking. Yet, we rest, wait and trust You to guide us through this time. Help us keep our eyes on You as you bring hope, healing and direction to us.  I pray when this mess clears, we will see blessings received through Your Loving Hands. May we grow closer to You and each other in better ways.

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

a Mighty Word ~ peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

He cares, He knows, He can... resting in our Father.

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

which will you "be"?

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

TP, PT, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes or spray... who would have guessed finding these items in a store  would equate to discovering valuable, rare treasures. Yet in this season of uncertainty, a recent trip to the store had me dancing in the aisle with excitement when i racked up with a large pac of disinfecting wipes! 

Besides ongoing multiple visits to storeS to acquire these items, other unnatural habits exist now... like social distancing, limits on quantities purchased and facial masks worn when in public.  A friend relieved some of my stress of current conditions when she surprised me with a mask, i actually like!

When i opened it, i thought, how true! be busy as bees to find the loot and stay safe.

But soon a greater Truth took place in my heart -  be still and know I am God.

Ahhh...
Which will you choose to be?  One instills peace and is definitely sweeter than the other.

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

a Mighty Word ~ call

"The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.  He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them."  Psalm 145:18-19 

Our cries are heard, and our God does respond... perfectly.  
Trusting Him, especially now.  He is clearly our best Provider and Protector.

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

a lasting memory

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

This year most of us were forced to find new and different ways to celebrate Easter.  Our neighborhood held an "I SPY Easter Egg Hunt". 

Yesterday my dogs and i walked around removing signs from telephone poles about the "I SPY" activity.  Afterwards, we came back home where i took up our decorations.  I felt a tinge of sadness about it ending, as it had been a fun, safe alternative for children to spy eggs. 

   

But thanks to the harsh Sunday storm, the event did not end, and i was left with a lasting memory. While picking items up, i found one of my cross eggs in a tree ripped open, and the top was no where to be found. I'm going to leave the opened cross in my yard.

I recalled at Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the weather was harsh with violent earthquakes. Matthew 27 tell us, "when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open."

Then Matthew 28 tells us "there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it." Then the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen."
My Easter cross, as His tomb, was empty.  

Easter is only over and forgotten, if we choose to let it be.

Thank You, Father, for the lasting memory.  Thank You, for the gift of eternal life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

the morning after...

"Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

SPECTACULAR SUNDAY!

"HE HAS RISEN!"  Mark 16:6

"But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone! the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!" 1 Corinthians 15:57

It's Easter Sunday

The earth shook, the cloth was folded, His work finished.

And the glory of the LORD shone all around.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

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

veneal

Silent Saturday -- not.a.sound.

"'Take a guard,' Pilate answered (the Pharisees). 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.'" Matthew 27:65

It's Saturday

All is quiet.  The rush and excitement of the past week is on hold.  You can call it the silence before the storm.  Come Monday the chains will be broken and our freedom guaranteed.  How eerie and dark is the silence.  But not for long!

All silence is not golden, some is torturous.There is silence at the tomb.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, is dead. His body now guarded in a tomb with a massive stone covering the opening. No one can possibly enter.  But, they forgot to consider the possibility of Someone coming out. Oh, ye, of little faith. There will be an awakening! What a glorious day to come!  Thank You, Father!

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

veneal

Friday's forgiveness - the choice

"... there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'.. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked him... Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" Luke 23:33‑43

It's Friday

Jesus, weak and nearly unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His followers nor His disciples. The women followed in tears, the men scattered in fear.
  
Jesus' last walk on earth shook the ground with raw emotions, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But, hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house, but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom!

Even at the very last minute on the cross, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him.  He humbly gave His all, so we may live. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.  May we remember and honor His love for us by loving Him and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Tearful Thursday - by the light of the moon

Jesus prayed -
"My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." John 17:20

It's THURSDAY
Sweat rolling down His back and legs and tears spilling from His eyes, the dirt on His knees change to mud. The fury of the week left the disciples too exhausted to stay awake in the Garden. Three times Jesus wakes them... and later, three times Peter denies Him. Under the full moon, Jesus is alone on the path to the Cross.

The brilliance and beauty of a full moon is mesmerizing. So full and bright, it is breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much pain and sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 year ago, Jesus prepared to be betrayed and disowned by His own, and unjustly accused by others. In the Garden after the Last Supper, He committed His final act before captured -- He prayed.

 He prayed for Himself and the ability to be obedient...Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. He prayed for His disciples and their strengthening. And He prayed for you and me. His final prayer -- for us to be one in Him.

May you see the moon in a different light tonight... His eternal Light for all. The sorrow of this night will fade as His path fills with believers. Victory over darkness is guaranteed. Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Willful Wednesday... just take Him

And Judas said...
"'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins." Matthew 26:15

SOLD OUT

It's Wednesday
Jesus relentlessly pushes onward His final days -- performing miracles, praying, reaching people for God's Kingdom. The sweet perfume oil from Mary's fingers, drips from His head and puddles in the dirt. His disciples grumble over the waste. Is Jesus making a difference, just what is His real mission, is His time almost over for good?

The words "SOLD OUT" hardly ever produces a favorable or acceptable feeling. Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was of a spiritual nature and not of power or money, he sold Jesus' life for the immediate short-term security of a few coins... coins offering temporary pleasure in place of eternal joy.  How could he? And yet, in some respects, it still continues...  

Are you still holding on to Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life.

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

Turbulent Tuesday - cleaning up

Jesus said --
"... Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25:34

It's Tuesday
He's rattled the temple, He's called the Chief Priests out, He's comforted the prostitutes. It's fair to say Jesus kicked up dust on the path to the cross. Are you still holding on to His Hand? It's total turmoil, but with God, peace will fill our soul.

Turmoil... it's still happening.  With high alert health issues, economic uncertainties and dwindling school days surrounding us, we are engulfed with questions and shaky deadlines. It's a volatile time, requiring continuous  assessment of the situation. The only constant is our need for changes in our habits, actions and even deadlines. 

Jesus' deadline was set in stone. He found Himself faced with a significant, unbending, life-changing deadline, His last week on earth. This deadline was unexpected and took everyone by surprise... everyone except Jesus. Knowing His days were numbered, Jesus unleashed many lessons --

To His followers He encouraged them to choose rightly and righteously.
To His critics, the religious leaders, He scolded them for misguiding His sheep. 
To the unbelievers, He gave warnings. 
To the believers, He reminded them about being ready and watchful, as He instilled in them the hope of things to come. 

Jesus holds nothing back for He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain... another believer, joining His family for eternity. He did and will do whatever it takes to reach even one more. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Monday's madness -- on a mission

As we leave behind the glorious entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Sunday, the palm branches and cloaks scattered on His path are also gone.  The bare dirt and pebbles along the path now squeeze between His toes.

Monday
Jesus' first stop in Jerusalem, the Temple...
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves... He said, "My house will be call a house of prayer, but you are making it a den for robbers." Matt. 21:12-13

Later that day, He tells His disciples...

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,... you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Matt. 21:21-22

Jesus' last week on earth was not a walk in the park; it was filled with difficult and trying work.  The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life.  

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

the beginning of our Greatest Week

"They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'" John 12:13

THE countdown is on...

Nothing supersedes the magnitude of the countdown of Jesus' final week on earth.  The countdown that sealed forever my future and yours. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, purchasing for ALL who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

I wonder how Jesus felt His last week on earth?  After His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, life took a dramatic turn.  
Did He understand what would happen? Yes.  
Did His disciples? No. 
On Sunday, the palm branches are swaying with shouts of "Hosanna", in anticipation of Jewish independence, and by the end of the week shouts of "crucify Him!" by the same lips.

With joy comes tears. With thanks comes humbleness.  Let's walk down the  rocky, dusty path in hand with Jesus this week with grateful hearts, as we remember His sacrifice and unconditional love for us.

Hosanna, to God in the highest! Thanks be to God!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

personal note:  The past few weeks have been difficult confusing and turbulent, and a peaceful end is no where in sight. Refocusing on God's incredible love for us is exactly what we need now for direction, restoration and strength.  As in the past years, all my devotions this week will center on God's Easter gift of eternal life made possible for me and you through His Son, Jesus.  It's what we need... He's what we need.

Thank You, Father. Because of You we always have reason to celebrate.

a Mighty Word ~ overcome

 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

God still has His Hands on us, and He will carry us over the obstacles before us.

"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong, They are weak but He is strong."

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


As in the past, on Psalm Sunday we will begin our daily walk with Jesus during His last week on Earth. May the immense power of Easter fall fresh on our hopeful hearts.

my new walking stick

"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you." Hebrews 13:17

As we cracked the door open for a walk, a dog whizzed by in our yard.  Not seeing his owner and knowing his aggressive behavior, we eased back in the house.  After much whimpering and some waiting, my dogs and i preceded with our walk... but i needed protection.  A yardstick in the laundry room caught my eye.  I grabbed it, and we took off, ready to fight our fears and threats.  Luckily, we didn't need it for that, but it did serve an unexpected purpose.

The more we walked, the more i thought how during these uncharted, strange days we all could benefit in carrying a yardstick. My 3 feet matched up with your 3 feet would assure us of maintaining the mandated 6 feet of social distancing by our government officials. For an undetermined number of weeks, we are urged to keep a safe distance from others. Sometimes obedience is more successful with a verbal or even a physical prompt, like a yardstick. For me, it serves as a reminder, Don't get whacked, stay back... and stay alive.

Father, whatever it takes - stern warnings, silly phrases, tearful prayers, caring signs - let us be found as obedient people.  And as we honor You, may peace and healing cover our lands.  Thank You. 

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