He protects... period

"God reached down from on high and took hold of  ____; He drew ______ out of deep waters. He rescued ________ from  his/her powerful enemy, from his/her foes, who were too strong for _______.  They confronted ______ in the day of his/her disaster, but the Lord was his/her support.
He brought ______ out into a spacious place;   He rescued ______ because He delighted in ______."   Psalm 18:16-19   

Do you know of a name(s) that needs to be in the above blank?  Someone who needs to be pulled out of deep waters, despair or trouble?

When physical, emotional or mental sickness is present... there is suffering. Situations can develop due to decisions we make, decisions others make, or they might just happen. In light of the past few months, i am reminded how little control we have over many circumstances. 

Thankfully, we can TRUST the strength and support for those in need, as well as, the peace of those who love them, are in the Mighty Hands of our Father, the Great Physician.

Where we are incapable, our God IS capable.  
When we are ready to give up, our God IS going strong.

He cares, He can, He will... rest in Him.

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

just look...

“The earth is filled with Your love, O Lord…” Psalm 119:64

Even amidst troubles, doubts and hardships, God's love for us is evident.  Only when we look up to Him does our mind clear of the clutter and foolishness of this world.  

Thank You, Father, for the beauty of the sky, with or without the effect of the Sahara dust storm.  It helps to keep my focus in the right direction. When i look to You everything is better... everything.  You know exactly what i need.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

manna matters

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;  His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

While walking in the early morning, i saw something that reminded me of the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert, after God freed them from captivity... it was "manna". Well, not real manna, but seeing the wispy white patches all over the yards certainly made me think of it. 

Manna was a physical sign of God's faithfulness in providing for the needs of His people.  Every morning, without fail, He provided the sweet heavenly bread; yet in a short time the Israelites grumbled wanting more... even longing to return to bondage in Egypt just for heartier, richer eats.  I feel an eerie connection, right now, to them... "just give me my old life back". 

Our world has been operating at warp spend for a long time.  People have been over-stressed, overworked, overloaded, overwhelmed and plain exhausted. Then Covid-19 occurred; and life as we knew it slowed down dramatically. We are now about 90 days into this strange journey.  Uncertainty of the virus is continuing and a growing unrest with injustice has increased the heaviness of our soul. These are daunting days. Can you imagine this going on for 40 years?  I think i might have been too harsh on the Israelites with their inability to "just trust God", especially after He parted the Red Sea and continually answered their needs. God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say He would be with them... He would free them, redeem them, take them as His own and be their God. God was moving them from captivity in the world to freedom with Him in the Promise Land. Yet, their focus stayed more on the moment of misery than on the God of Power and Might.

What about me?  Have i not seen God working in my life with miracles and unconditional love? Do i not know and trust He is moving me (us) from ways and lifestyles that are harmful, meaningless and selfish into a stronger, more satisfying and meaningful relationship with Him? Yet, i mumbled today.

Fact is i am not trusting God much better than the Israelites, and i have the benefit of His Living Word. Alas, we still go astray... desiring and believing what the world says is good, instead of what God says is good.  That morning manna i saw was a cold-water-in-the-face reminder. We need to be emptied of the bloated attitudes and actions of arrogance, self, pride and power, and instead be filled with the desires of God... love God with all your heart, mind and soul; and love your neighbor as yourself.  And, trust Him with each day.

Father, i hear You knocking on our doors, i see the numerous wake-up calls for change, i feel the pain of fear in our homes. I taste the bitterness of unkindness in our neighborhoods. We see the manna, so where is our faith? How much more of a shakeup is needed for a turnabout and dependency on You?  Another 90 days, a year, 10 years, more? Yet, You have already given us the answer. And it lies within us: 

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I am praying for the comfortable to get uncomfortable and for a transformation of hearts to occur. I am ready for better days. Father, we need a healing of our land, our mind, and our soul.  May our outstretched arms stay firmly wrapped around You, and not fall back down by our sides.... and our ways. Thank You, Father, for the manna and mercies... fresh and new each morning. May You matter more to us than we do to ourselves.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

just a can of beans

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Have you ever gone to the store just to pick up one item, and then come back out with a basket full of stuff?  Today, like many others, that happened to me. All i needed was a can of beans, but God knew i needed more.

As i left the store, i ran into a special friend coming in.  Even though we had not seen each other for a couple of years and half our faces were concealed with a mask, we quickly recognized each other and air hugged.  After our hellos, she immediately asked about a family member. She shared how he had been put on her heart recently. Her prayer of compassion and care was exactly the food my soul hungered for that day. God knowing our struggles, provides hope and encouragement precisely when we need it. I went to the store for a can of beans and came home with a basket of renewed hope and encouragement. 

So, Father, the next time i want just a can of beans, i'm going to smile and remember You just might have something else there for me there to pick up... or maybe, i'm the one needing to pass on the "can" of encouragement to another.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

who's taking care of business?

"Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4
  

Sometimes we just have to put matters in God's Hands...
                                               people
                                                situations
                                                frustrations
                                                fears
                                                doubts

                                                relationships
                                                mistakes
                                                disappointments
                                                decisions

Actually, that's not true.  We need to put everything in God's Hands... and then allow Him to work through our words and actions.  Why do we want to invite greater hardships or chaos, when we know only He can provide and sustain peace, even in the unimaginable moments?  I'm sure many of you know exactly what i mean.

Thank You, Father, for your unending love and strength!  I want to give it and leave it ALL with You. Be my Guide and my Foundation. Shake loose my fears and grow my trust.

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

a Mighty Word ~ protected

"Do not be afraid of _______; the LORD your God Himself will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22

When you find yourself up against a wall, exhausted, feeling alone and fearful of world or personal issues, remember Who has your back... EVERY TIME.

Thank You, Father, for being my Rock and my Redeemer. Because You love me and call me Your chosen treasure, i can trust Your strength will sustain and carry me through the days ahead.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

manna matters

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;  His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

While walking in the early morning, i saw something that reminded me of the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert, after God freed them from captivity... it was "manna". Well, not real manna, but seeing the wispy white patches all over the yards certainly made me think of it. 

Manna was a physical sign of God's faithfulness in providing for the needs of His people.  Every morning, without fail, He provided the sweet heavenly bread; yet in a short time the Israelites grumbled wanting more... even longing to return to bondage in Egypt just for heartier, richer eats.  I feel an eerie connection, right now, to them... "just give me my old life back". 

Our world has been operating at warp spend for a long time.  People have been over-stressed, overworked, overloaded, overwhelmed and plain exhausted. Then Covid-19 occurred; and life as we knew it slowed down dramatically. We are now about 90 days into this strange journey.  Uncertainty of the virus is continuing and a growing unrest with injustice has increased the heaviness of our soul. These are daunting days. Can you imagine this going on for 40 years?  I think i might have been too harsh on the Israelites with their inability to "just trust God", especially after He parted the Red Sea and continually answered their needs. God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say He would be with them... He would free them, redeem them, take them as His own and be their God. God was moving them from captivity in the world to freedom with Him in the Promise Land. Yet, their focus stayed more on the moment of misery than on the God of Power and Might.

What about me?  Have i not seen God working in my life with miracles and unconditional love? Do i not know and trust He is moving me (us) from ways and lifestyles that are harmful, meaningless and selfish into a stronger, more satisfying and meaningful relationship with Him? Yet, i mumbled today.

Fact is i am not trusting God much better than the Israelites, and i have the benefit of His Living Word. Alas, we still go astray... desiring and believing what the world says is good, instead of what God says is good.  That morning manna i saw was a cold-water-in-the-face reminder. We need to be emptied of the bloated attitudes and actions of arrogance, self, pride and power, and instead be filled with the desires of God... love God with all your heart, mind and soul; and love your neighbor as yourself.  And, trust Him with each day.

Father, i hear You knocking on our doors, i see the numerous wake-up calls for change, i feel the pain of fear in our homes. I taste the bitterness of unkindness in our neighborhoods. We see the manna, so where is our faith? How much more of a shakeup is needed for a turnabout and dependency on You?  Another 90 days, a year, 10 years, more? Yet, You have already given us the answer. And it lies within us: 

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I am praying for the comfortable to get uncomfortable and for a transformation of hearts to occur. I am ready for better days. Father, we need a healing of our land, our mind, and our soul.  May our outstretched arms stay firmly wrapped around You, and not fall back down by our sides.... and our ways. Thank You, Father, for the manna and mercies... fresh and new each morning. May You matter more to us than we do to ourselves.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

thankful for my Father everyday

"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

Whether it was the 1st, 5th, 10th, or 50th time, you faced Father's Day without your daddy, it hurt; and 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! Every opportunity you have, 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 yesterday, today and everyday to the many who give, guide, share, teach and love all who look up to them.  Your faithfulness is imprinted on the hearts and lives of your loved ones forever.

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

when you pray, expect answers

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

Yesterday i went into great detail on my broaden knowledge and new respect for snakes... even wishing for a good snake to return to my yard making it safer.  But i didn't expect God to answer and have one cross my path that very same day.  My prayer was genuine, but was i really ready for a change?

  

  

As the dogs and i rounded the turn to our driveway, we caught sight of a black snake crossing up and over the curb and through our fence.  I was amazed... and stunned.  Instantly i was reminded of a concern... we have 3 nests of baby birds in our yard. Yikes! With sticks and moth balls in hand, i went in the backyard to watch over the nest.  It wasn't long before i spotted the snake high in the shrubs.  The babies parents did too as they created quite a ruckus squawking and flying about the snake.  

At the end of the day, i had to leave me worries with God.  I did place a snowman nearby to hopefully deter the snake from robbing the most vulnerable nest. Yet, i know complete, full protection is from Above. God and nature have a way of working; it's not always what we want, but we have to trust God for the best outcome.

Father, when we pray, may it be with a heart full of TRUST and CONFIDENCE and EXPECTATION in You, and not fear on the hows. You sometimes answer our prayers in ways that boggle our human understandings. May the unknown hows not be a stumbling block to our prayers. Help, inspire, spur us on to DO what we can in difficult situations, and to also keep boldly praying for what's good and pleasing in Your sight, trusting Your answer and way is Perfect. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

things i've learned this summer

             

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I am not a fan of snakes, but this summer has been an eye opener for me and even caused a change of heart. After encountering 4 snakes, eye-to-eye, i now see them differently and have a new appreciation for them. 

The first snake i saw was a "harmless" black snake in my backyard, but it was not welcomed by me.  I wanted him tossed over the fence, far and fast.  Next, a little brown snake wiggled up from under a pot, scaring my aunt and me. It met with a shovel out of our fear... and ignorance. The deadly copperhead was only inches from getting into my house, and was stopped by our cat and a timely appearance by my husband. Snake 4, a king snake, was at the tip of my toe while on a walk, but unfortunately he had already expired.  Out of the 4 snakes i met, 3 are actually beneficial, and good to have around. 

So here's the uncurling of my snake education.   There are many more nonpoisonous snakes than poisonous ones.  The coloring can be misleading in identifying dangerous snakes.  A better indication is looking at their eyes.  Poisonous snakes have  elliptical eyes, not round, but who wants to get that close?!  A better test is head shape, and remember the saying, "BIG HEAD... YOU'RE DEAD!"

Father, i think similar guidelines can apply to about any group of animals or people.  Not all are bad, and not all are good.  But i do believe there are far more good animals/people than bad. When we haven't gotten close enough to examine or know another, keep us from being judgmental.  Continuous learning is necessary and helpful. Please lead and direct our paths to not harm the innocent through fear or anger, and help us to find ways and methods to better assist those who could pose a threat.  As Your children, surely, we can be wiser and kinder, and possibly make a difference for the better.  Lead us, Father, in Your Ways.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ (silence)

"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

Wonder what kind of world this would be, if we did what our mother taught us... If you can't say something nice, then please don't say anything at all.

Be kind, at all times.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what is your decision?

"whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9 

Consider every decision you have made in life so far and the many decisions to be made. Our decisions are connected to actions, reactions or lack of.  Each one has played a part in getting us where we are today and where we will go tomorrow... go left, right, turn around, stop -- say yes, no, ignore, override. There have been good ones, bad, stupid, brilliant, crazy and embarrassing decisions. And each one has contributed to where we are today; decisions, past and present, are the building blocks of our life.

Where we go in life and what we accomplish from here depends on our decisions today and tomorrow. With each decision we have opportunities for greater growth and change, if needed.  May they all count to the good of God, others and then self. 

Building our life on Him and His Word provides security, strength, righteousness, and peace for every day. Father, may our decisions be pleasing to You, bring healing to our devastated world and comfort to our aching hearts. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

uncomfortable, for the good

"The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." Psalm 145:9
  

Discrimination... you can see the hurt of it on many faces.  Faces of color, lifestyle, physical, mental or emotion differences. They all painfully know how it feels to be ridiculed, mistreated or ignored daily by the so called normal. Being "normal" puts one in a dangerous position of passing judgement on others.  Is it right to judge people different from what we view as normal or acceptable? We don't choose our makeup; we are all created by God.  The psalmist wrote --

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.

 My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

The psalmist goes on to say --
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

God who created and knows us completely... loves us without barriers and prejudices.  Sometimes i wonder if He allowed differences to separate the sheep from the wolves... to show the destruction of prejudice... to shame pride...  to grow compassion... to smack the face of arrogance... to test our following of His second greatest commandment -- love your neighbor as yourself.  

I think God wants to flip the tables.  I think He wants the normal to feel uncomfortable enough to change their heart and hurtful ways.  To be like Jesus is to love like Jesus.  And He loved all. 

Father, i don't want to be normal; i want to be uncomfortable enough to make a difference; i want to be more like You.  Remove any barriers i have to people, so i can love them all like You.  Only You can judge... You alone know our hearts.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it, 

veneal

Blisters, by Lydia

Writing and sharing God's Word has been my passion for 20 years. It is my greatest desire to help others see and know God is working in their lives through ordinary events. He doesn't talk to a select few, and it's not always about parting a sea, He talks to all His children and sometimes it's during a routine day. When I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2011, I was "out-of-order" for several weeks and unable to write any Salt Shakers devotions. My daughter, Anna, and some co-workers from school stepped in and kept the Salt Shakers going, writing beautiful devotions. It was my reminder we are all replaceable and we are all needed by our Father.

This week I heard of another special Salt Shaker writer. My neighbor, Lydia Johnston, told me her 12 year-old granddaughter subscribed (on her own) to my Salt Shakers devotions several months ago. While at the beach this week, her Lydia wrote her own devotion. I was so touched; and I share it with you now, as a reminder to listen. God is speaking to you, and His message through you has the power to change lives and the world.

EnJOY Lydia's devotion. And i would love to hear and share from some other Salt Shakers too!

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

"Blisters"

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11 

This week I have been at the beach! Yesterday, I went to the beach, put on my sunscreen, waited a few minutes and ran to the ocean with my boogie board! It was tons of fun, I got to meet two of my second cousins! Then we left (my immediate family, and me) and headed over to my first cousins house. My mom and step dad dropped my brother and I off, and left. 

When I got there I applied my sunscreen, then we drove to the river for a boat ride. So, I waited before getting wet. We had a lot of fun on the boat ride, we saw two bucks on someone’s dock! Then we headed back to their house. 

We arrived back at their house and applied sunscreen, then raced over to the pool and jumped in! (I did not wait for my sunscreen to dry) We were at the pool for about two hours, and man did I get sunburned. That night I applied lots of moisturizer, hoping the redness would go down. 

This morning, I woke up and saw that it wasn’t nearly as red. That was great, I thought to myself. Then later when I started washing my face, I saw what looked like a clump of moisturizer, then I tried to rub it in, but realized that it hurt. Moisturizer doesn’t hurt, I asked my mom and she said it was a blister! On my FACE!!! Ahhhhh! Not just one, but two, it was terrible. Now I am sitting on the sofa writing this devotion with ice on my face, and if that wasn’t bad enough when I go on the beach I have to wear a hat, how is the hat going to stay on when I’m boogie boarding? 

I did learn a valuable lesson, wait after you apply sunscreen. Before this happened, I didn’t realize the importance of it, but because this happened I know to wait before I get wet. The water will just wash off all the sunscreen you just put on. Learn from my mistake, it is not fun to have a sunburn or blisters. Just wait, it will be worth it. If I had not gotten these blisters I would have never learned this lesson. This is God’s plan, and things happen for reasons. 

Dear God, I have faced a lesson and saw it as a punishment, Help me see these situations as lessons, and help me learn from them. Amen. 

written in love by,

Lydia Morton

Columbia, SC

are you happy?

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and He began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  Matthew 5:1-12

Another version, Good News Translation, of Matthew 5:1-12 reads as follows:

Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where He sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and He began to teach them:

True Happiness

3 “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;
    the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
4 “Happy are those who mourn;
    God will comfort them!
5 “Happy are those who are humble;
    they will receive what God has promised!
6 “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
    God will satisfy them fully!
7 “Happy are those who are merciful to others;
    God will be merciful to them!
8 “Happy are the pure in heart;
    they will see God!
9 “Happy are those who work for peace;
    God will call them his children!
10 “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
    the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!

11 “Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are My followers. 12 Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted."

This version expands my understanding of happiness, adding a refreshing, different perspective. There is fleeting happiness like from eating a double cone of your favorite ice cream, and then there is continuous, unending happiness from belonging to God.  I am so thankful for the Good News, thankful for Jesus. May we never doubt/forget we have an Everlasting Reason to be happy.

Praying peace, comfort and happiness into your day .

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal