nervous?

“'For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14

As the days quickly peel off the wall calendar and school approaches, many questions are still swirling around in the heads of officials, teachers, parents, students.  What should we do? What is the safest and best learning solution for our students? Never before have we faced such a dilemma.  Decisions on how to proceed are still feverishly being hashed out in homes.  The usual excitement of a new school year is masked with the unknowns.  For many, decisions must be very soon.  Do you know what to do?

Father,  so much is at stake in our homes, schools and communities. Important educational decisions regarding the welfare of our children are currently in the forefront of the Covid crisis.  

Today we come to You on bent knees and pray for all involved ...

Praying for parents for discernment on how best to meet the educational needs of their children.  

Praying for teachers as they prepare meaningful lessons in nourishing their mind, body and spirit of their students. 

Praying for administrators as they create plans to wisely proceed.

Praying for all school staff members' ability to comfortably fulfill their duties of support.

Praying for the children's confidence and peace as they enter a different, new school environment.

Praying for our leaders to be led not by political gains or favoritism, but merely by what is right and in the best interest of our children.

Praying for family and friends to surround and encourage our children as we blaze down a new path of learning.

And for all who work or live in any capacity with students, Father, we pray for their patience, compassion, wisdom, strength, understanding, courage and safety in the days ahead. May we remember we face no day alone.  You are always with us and Your help is as close as a whisper or a touch.  Whatever decisions are made, we trust Your protection and guidance will prevail, as Your Will will be done.  

Thank You, Father, for listening to each prayer and whimper. We will fear not what's ahead, because You are with us, for us and in us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ miracle

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Would you like a miracle?
Here's something to think about... miracles are born out of problems.  Just check your Bible; before every miracle, a problem existed. 

Let us give thanks in all circumstances -- even problems.  

And smile, you might be in line for the next miracle.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

nervous?

“'For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14

As the days quickly peel off the wall calendar and school approaches, many questions are still swirling around in the heads of officials, teachers, parents, students.  What should we do? What is the safest and best learning solution for our students? Never before have we faced such a dilemma.  Decisions on how to proceed are still feverishly being hashed out in homes.  The usual excitement of a new school year is masked with the unknowns.  For many, decisions must be made tomorrow.  Do you know what to do?

Father,  so much is at stake in our homes, schools and communities. Important educational decisions regarding the welfare of our children are currently in the forefront of the Covid crisis.  

Today we come to You on bent knees and pray for all involved ...

Praying for parents for discernment on how best to meet the educational needs of their children.  

Praying for teachers as they prepare meaningful lessons in nourishing their mind, body and spirit of their students. 

Praying for administrators as they create plans to wisely proceed.

Praying for all school staff members' ability to comfortably fulfill their duties of support.

Praying for the children's confidence and peace as they enter a different, new school environment.

Praying for our leaders to be led not by political gains or favoritism, but merely by what is right and in the best interest of our children.

Praying for family and friends to surround and encourage our children as we blaze down a new path of learning.

And for all who work or live in any capacity with students, Father, we pray for their patience, compassion, wisdom, strength, understanding, courage and safety in the days ahead. May we remember we face no day alone.  You are always with us and Your help is as close as a whisper or a touch.  Whatever decisions are made, we trust Your protection and guidance will prevail, as Your Will will be done.  

Thank You, Father, for listening to each prayer and whimper. We will fear not what's ahead, because You are with us, for us and in us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

hand-in-Hand

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

amen.
 

Prayer and peace go hand-in-Hand.

He's got us, and He won't let go.

Thank You, Father.

you are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

message of hope

"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 blooming right smack in the middle of it.  No matter my situation or mood, i can depend on daisies to lift my spirit and restore joy in my heart. Could you benefit from a daisy moment?

These days we are surrounded by countless messes... ones caused by our actions or the actions of others, or ones due to crazy life circumstances.  The daises were a helpful reminder not all is a loss in hard times... not all is a mess; there is also joy and goodness. God's love for us has a way of planting a surprising message of hope and reassurance even at a most unexpected, difficult time.

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.  May others benefit from this daisy reminder today too.

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

He loves me, and He loves you too.
we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

who knows?

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."Psalm 56:8

Whether a lake or the ocean, water has a magical way of restoring peace, calmness and healing to the soul. The tranquil beauty of contained waters remind me of God, the Maker of all things and our constant, abiding Comforter.

Can't you just imagine the shoreline as the outline of God's Mighty Hands... carefully holding each and every tear we've cried?  Whether tears of joy, sorry, excitement, anger, pain, delight, fright -- He has collected and knows the reason for each one. As a child of God, our tears don't fall on the harsh, unresponsive, cold ground, but into the loving, caring, faithful Hands of our Father.  Not a single tear is lost, missed or unaccounted for by our Father. And more importantly, each one matters. 

Thank You, Father, for knowing and caring for me so completely.  From You, i have no hidden joy or sorry.  You who knows all, should be trusted with all i have.  Help me release any and all fears, doubts and troubles to You.   I want to rest in Your still waters of peace.

"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:5

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

red, yellow, black and white

"DO to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12

We don't have to look any further than Jesus' disciples to remember any and all groups are composed of flawed people. Yet, their mistakes, weaknesses and shortcomings did not define or destroy the group. Instead, in spite of errors, we still received what Jesus created the group for -- to teach, strengthen and grow the faith.  Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, disciples of Christ.

During these turbulent, troubling days, may we look first to God for wisdom and guidance -- recognizing the wrongs of one, or a few, should not erroneously bleed out and harm those serving rightfully. Whether it's police, teachers, preachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, business managers... male, female... Christian, Muslim... red, yellow, black or white skin people... or any other way you want to define a group, no perfect group in this world exists and never will.  When someone is motivated/driven by greed, jealousy, power, hatred, pride, fear or anger, sin is surely to follow. We live in a fallen world, stirred up by the lies and chaos of Satan. 

Our eyes must stay focused on the One we can always depend on as Rock Solid and True, our Tower of Strength, our Protector and Provider. With Jesus alone, we receive unconditional Perfect love... only He is free of all temptations and wrong... only He is our Perfect Savior... only He has the Power to defeat and overcome any obstacles we face.

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

Our current circumstances are a stark, painful reminder, we all are in need of Jesus.

Only by becoming more like Jesus, will the heartaches and pain subside.  Let us replace our words of love with actions of love.

Red, yellow, black and white; all are precious in His sight... and mine... and yours.  Right?

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 19:19

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

still good...

"I remain confident of this: I will see (yet again) the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13

Hard days, long nights, unanswered questions, confusion, doubts, increased demands...

it will change.  

God is still in control, and He knows what to do.  Don't just believe in Him, believe Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe Him,

veneal

may i recommend this?

"Encourage one another daily." Hebrews 3:13

"You know some things don't matter that much, like the color of a house. But LIFTING A PERSON'S HEART--NOW, THAT MATTERS. The whole problem with people is they know what matters, but they don't choose it... The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters."

The Secret Life of Bees, have you read it?

A good book... a good quote... a good  choice. 
"Bee" an encourager. And like a good book, pass it on.

It's what we need most right now, as we gingerly move forward safely, sanely and shrewdly.

Father, we need to be like a good book, bound together securely (with You) and shared with others.  I pray we depend on You to cover us and bind us together in godly unity thought-by-thought, word-by-word, act-by-act, prayer-by-prayer.  May our spine be strong and filled with the Holy Spirit as we hold each other up and together during this trying season.

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

are you okay?

The Lord said...
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.  Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding... 
the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man/woman who trusts in Him." Psalms 32:8,9,10

Dear Friend,

I am praying for you. I feel your heartache and pain. But more importantly, God sees, hears and feels all that is consuming your entire being -- emotionally, physically and mentally. He sees between the lines of your heart and even understands what is covered up in the deepest, darkest corners of your life.

My prayer is for Him to surround you and comfort you as only He can.  What i know for sure is He does not want  you to feel hopeless, defeated or worthless.  We all make the best decisions we can based on the information and understanding we have at the moment.  Oh, IF ONLY we could see the future!!  What perfect lives we would have…. then who would need God?  How ignorant and dangerous and destructive this type of thinking would be for us!  We were created to BE WITH GOD… to lean, learn and depend on Him due to our frail humanness.

May we see our weakness, mistakes and stupidity as opportunities to grow our relationship with God.  It is the One relationship that can save us, protect us, strengthen us, lead us and love us unconditionally.  When I am weak, then I am strong... Thanks be to God!

Years ago, i chose this life verse: "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees" (Psalm 119:71). It is a verse i still fall on when life is shredding my heart.  It reminds me God has a reason and purpose for everything... even difficult times. 

Take it easy on yourself, my friend… rest in His lap of Love. He has a plan, and it is good.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

when we fail...

"He helps those who are in trouble; He lifts those who have fallen." Psalm 145:14

We all have failures...
It's not our failures that defines us, but what we do afterwards that does.

Lord, please guide me in my good and bad days; and remind me because of You we always have hope.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

it's just a habit

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

"So, you turn your blinker on when turning out of your own driveway?"

Ms. Lee's comment caught me off guard. "Well, i never really thought about it, but i guess i do. It's just a habit."   We both got a good laugh from it.  But honestly, it's a habit that developed from a near disaster.

A few years ago when pulling into the parking lot at school to park in a space on the left side, a car quickly whizzed by me.  I barely missed landing on her bumper.  From then on whenever and wherever i turn, my signal goes on.  While overused, I'm sure my signaling habit has prevented accidents.

A new life-saving habit, i pray we all catch is wearing masks when in public. When we remember we wear it for the safety of others, it takes on a new meaning.  It says we value and respect those around us.  I don't want to lose someone i know because my discomfort meant more to me than their life. And i hope they feel the same about me. Let's be safe, kind and loving to all in our path.

May

All

Serve with

Kindness and 

Selflessness

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil. 2:3-4

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

after the fall

"For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy." Psalm 63:7

Do you ever wonder what happened after the fall of Humpty Dumpty?  We're told all the king's horses and all the king's men could not put him back together again.   But if i were a betting person, i'd bet my last penny God could and did.

After being in the gentle, loving Hands of the Mastermaker, succeeding such a traumatic event, don't you imagine Humpty could soar higher and further knowing and trusting God for his future?   

We too are vulnerable to crack and break under stressful conditions.  When we set our own limitations or goals, we risk missing the blessings God has in store for us.  What if instead of sitting on a wall, He intended for us fly on His wings.  I don't want to miss that opportunity, do you?

Father, praying Your Will for my life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

who's hungry?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Our curbside garden was in trouble.  Whether lack of rain or lack of attention, nothing was growing.  The scorching heat cracked the dirt and dried up the roots.  A bountiful garden will not happen this year. If i were depending on it for nourishment, i'd surely die.  

Like my garden this summer, i feel pretty isolated, dried up and unproductive. How are you doing?  I imagine your plans, like many folks, changed or even got canceled due to uncertainties, new laws or regulations from the Covid-19 outbreak.  Yet, our worldly/personal disappointments and hardships need not wilt our attitude and actions. No matter our circumstances, as believers, God has instilled in us an endless supply of Him in the form of life-saving Fruit.  

The Holy Spirit flows and releases within us... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  We possess the necessary tools to cultivate and produce goodness and healing in a hurting world.  A kind word, an understanding smile, politeness while waiting, ears that catch and respond to tears, hearts to encourage the weary -- all these can restore, refresh or revive souls worn thin from unanswered problems, concerns and fears.   

Father,  the path ahead is strange and bare.  Thank You for equipping us with the Fruit of the Spirit.  Our world is starving for what can be found in You.  Give us strength and perseverance in sharing soul satisfying nourishment from You with others.  It is what we need as we continue this toe-stumping journey.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ thankful

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Normally when it's time to pay for my new car tags, i grumble.  This year i rejoiced with sweet relief.  Why you might wonder?  Was the cost less? The lines shorter?  No.... 

It was because the date on the tag reminded me that 2020 will not last forever.  It is a season, and it will pass too.  Look around and pray.  Maybe you will discover another reminder and won't have to pay for your taxes and tags to be reminded of this blessing. :) 

Thank You, Father! 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

one at a time

"Have I not commanded you? 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 disappointment 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 with us. We are never, never alone. 

While this is comforting, it's also helpful to remember God is never caught by surprise. He knows and has prepared 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 "but why" moments will transform into our "aha" faith moments.  Just wait on Him and see.

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

a Mighty Word ~ speed

"Everyone should be  
quick to listen, 
s-l-o-w to speak and 
s-l-o-w to become angry, 
for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." James 1:19  

In our wildest dreams, who would have guessed the road in 2020 would cause so much chaos and uncertainty? 

As we heed the correct speed during this season, may we see and understand more through the eyes of God and discover a more peaceful life.

"In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26-27

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

the journey continues

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I imagine the journey most of us would pick for ourselves and the one God has carved out is radically different.  Wanting a smooth, easy journey, i'd want to avoid situations that could steer me into dead-ends, ditches or rocky side-roads. Yet, if my path is too comfortable, it could cause me to erroneously take credit for my outcome, talents, accomplishments, strengths and victories.  An over-confident, proud attitude might be the surest way to lose sight  of God or feeling a need for Him and His Might. I pray to never be so high in the clouds of self-worth that i lose my sense of dependency for God. All we are, and all we have is because of Him.  I think at times God throws twists, surprises and bumps in our path to help us remember that -- to humble us -- and to remind us how blessed we are because of His unfathomable love for us.

Father, when life is good may we thank You. And when life is unbearable, may we still thank You; it's because of You we are able to move forward each day, no matter what.  Thank You.

On good days and on hard days, God is within us doing what is necessary.  

Thank Him for both.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

who's got this?

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.... all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:1-2,16

Before our journey in life even began, God knew how and when it would end. I'm not sure how this makes you feel, but for me it's comforting.  On my own, i know i'm going to make some crazy, careless, selfish decisions.  But thankfully in the end, God will have His way. 

God knows what's required for me to accomplish His will in my life.  It might take endless days of wandering in the scorching desert, being alone with a pack of junk on my back and experiencing a sense of hopelessness circling over my head like a buzzard. But those days are not forever, and they are not without a purpose. At these junctions, God is working to instill or remove something from me. In frustration i often stop and step back. Then when i remember His Word and promises to me, i am able to keep moving forward.  All the days before us are already ordained by God... He has a reason for each one.

God, not i, but "we" got this. Right?

Father, when life is good, may we thank You. And when life is unbearable, may we still thank You. It's because of You we are able to move forward each day, no matter what.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ saved

"... from the beginning God chose you, (your name), to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth... So, then, stand firm and hold to the teachings... 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 heart and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  2 Thessalonians 2:13,15,16-17
 

If we let someone affect us, negatively, then satan wins... 

God, keeping pouring Your love over us from our head to our toes. Because of You and Your saving grace, victory in You is already written in Your Word. 

Thank You, Jesus!  May we be bold enough to live in thanks and not doubt or fear.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

covered and safe

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!"  Isaiah 30:18

Due to health and safety issues, it appears masks will be part of our wardrobe for awhile. To decrease my anxiety and increase my feeling of usefulness, i decided to start making some masks. Not sure how to start, i got a kit for guidance. It was slo-go on the first one, but the next three went smoother.  With growing confidence, i went off the kit grid and bought some special fabric for a more personal touch.

All was going well, until i got engaged in a concerning phone call.  Surely, i can run a sewing machine, while i listen.  Right?  Wrong.  As i finished the call and the mask, i realized i had made terrible mistakes. 

The elastic was on the wrong side, and i had sewn the wrong sides of the fabric together. Ugh!! I was so frustrated with my lack of concentration.  With many tiny layers of stitches on all sides, it was hard to tell which seams needed removing and reworking.

Why did i feel so determined to keep and rework this material... it couldn't have cost anymore than a quarter?  Well let me tell you, it's not because i am THAT thrifty, but the message on the fabric was important to me... a reminder i wanted on good days and bad days.  So, after a brief hot moment, i ripped the mask to several pieces, set it aside and then, i went to bed.

The next morning with fresh eyes and a calmer heart, i pieced the sections back together and resewn it.  The finished product turned out much better than i expected. My sloppy mistakes were not very noticeable at all.  I was so thankful i didn't trash it the night before.  A defused hothead, saved disappoint later and brought joy back into the morning.

Father, disappoints and mistakes can bring out the worse in us, causing us to quit or lash out on things, people and circumstances. Sometimes when the ugly gets in our face, breathing its hot, nasty air in our space, we want to quit, hit and walk away or walk over it.  Help me to remember to keep breathing steadily, reach out to You for protection and to hold on for Your direction.  The answer needed or the valuable gem hiding in the dirt might be about to show it's shining face.  Please, Father, do not let me miss Your glory, grace and mercy.

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 decision 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.  The difficulty of your days keep me in deep prayer.

As we are surrounded by a storm cloud of controversy, pain and tension, i am incredibly thankful to be a child of God... and i am also still thankful to be an American. May His Peace reign in my heart and yours too.

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

Happy July 4th!
veneal

have you lost your identity?

“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

 

The newly bought car wouldn't sputter, much less start, and a "Key ID incorrect" was the message flashing on the dashboard. Now what? So I did what most people do, i searched Google for an answer. Then i contacted auto part stores, mechanics and car lots. The most popular answer, install a new battery, wasn't successful, and it appeared paying for the key to be reprogrammed would be necessary. But, my Mr. Right-at-Home had a different opinion... need to check the battery. No one else suggested such an issue. I had searched country-wide for a solution, and the right answer was inside my own home. A dead battery was the culprit for the car losing its identity.

Have you ever lost your identity, or had it questioned?  In this day and time, it is easy to lose one's identity and even one's religion. We are questioned and judged  about our decisions, attitudes and actions.  The world demands and has expectations for what they consider successful and acceptable.  But God has another. He says, I love you enough so that if you just believe in My Son, you will have eternal life.  Simple Truth, Simple Love, Simple Life.

So how is your spiritual battery? Fully charged, flickering or dead in the gutter?  Is it sputtering on faulty, loose connections due to the time of year, uncertainty of relationships, health issues, 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. 

Father, i need more of You everyday of my life. I'm more aware than ever before of my need to recharge my spiritual battery daily, strengthening my connection with You and in You.  In our current chaos i acknowledge my dependency on You for peace of mind and soul. You are my one eternal, never-ending Source of true Power for everything.  Thank You, Father, for being my All in All.

Sit still, friends, and allow yourself to be fully charged with Him. He will not fail us. All things are possible with God, our Victorious Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

note: if there is no devotional tomorrow, it is because i decided to take the day off to be with Someone Special. <3 

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 welfare of family members, decisions my children were making, actions by others affecting our lives, economic uncertainties, serious health issues, human injustice, wrongdoings against the innocent, and uncaring souls.  The questions and concerns were ongoing  And it appeared 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. I needed to keep a strong line of pray tied into God.

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 and Your Light is pure. 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