how can this be?

 “'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel... 

'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.'" Luke 1:34-35

Impossible situation, impossible solution... we have all faced them at one time or another.  And sometimes we're smacked in the face by what feels like an endless cycle of challenges and trials... with one right after-the-other. 

How will this be?
How can we survive?
What will happen next?
How can i continue?

The CHRISTmas story is full of lessons, hope and direction for any season we are facing.

Whatever the question, the answer remains the same:

When we are weak, He is strong.  Trust Him.

God is with us, and He will see us through.

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

Merry CHRISTmas!

 "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying...

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:6-14

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Merry CHRISTmas!

we are greatly loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

away in a manger

 "... and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7

No room for them in the inn... so where can we find Him? Where is the manger?  

Wherever it is the manger scene sings of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, Truth, hope, fulfillment.  

Yet, we can easily lose our focus by allowing our preparations and expectations of CHRISTmas crowd out what is most important.  The distraction can set us up for frustration, sadness, exhaustion and disappointment. What all we add to CHRISTmas has the potential to rip away our JOY.

Lord, may it not be.  I want to be where You are; i want to meet You at the manger first. There is nothing we can do or say to compare to the glorious gift of eternal life -- made possible only by the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank You.

Let's keep room in our hearts for Him each day and be filled with His Peace.

Merry CHRISTmas.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it, 
veneal

come, ye faithful

"Against ALL hope Abraham in hope believed... 

he was strengthen in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.... The words "it was credited to him" were written NOT for him alone, but ALSO FOR US to whom God will credit righteousness -- for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to LIFE for our justification." Romans 5:18-25

Our lives, routines, traditions, gatherings for CHRISTmas are anything but normal this year.  With so many detours, delays, deadends and destruction in the road-of-life this year, most of us are finding it necessary to stay home. But i wonder, could less cooking, less shopping, less gatherings mean more Jesus?  

Don't let your hope and JOY of the season get squashed in the stillness surrounding us. During this time i pray we cultivate an unwavering faith like Abraham. And then may our grateful heart regarding the birth of our Savior, Jesus, overflow in glorious celebration this CHRISTmas.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

all wrapped up

"For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The days are closing in on Christmas.  Are you ready?  Are you all wrapped up?  And if so, wrapped up in what?  Christmas can be a season of many mixed emotions.  We can easily get wrapped up in emotions of anger, resentment, pain, regret, hurt, loneliness, fear, envy, bitterness, jealousy, exhaustion, and pity.  But because of the Good News, we don't have to stay there.

God desires to take away whatever you have so tightly wrapped up in your heart that causes you pain, hurt and separation from Him.  He wants to unwrapped those harmful, destructive emotions and wrap you up in His Love, Hope and Peace instead. 

Through the birth of Jesus we have been given the greatest gift of all times... a gift that lasts for eternity.  A gift that by itself is reason alone to still have joy during Christmas. 

Is your wrapping a bit tight and uncomfortable?  Do you need some unwrapping and rewrapping in your life right now?  Our Father has the perfect wrap picked out for you, and he is eagerly waiting for you to come to Him for it.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

have you heard?

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14

With so much heaviness and uneasiness around us, i pray to lift your heart and spirit by beginning this week in song and JOY --

Do you hear what i hear?  Good News can be found!
Angels we have heard on high exclaim, " Jesus is coming to town!"
Come all ye faithful, be filled with His joy and love,
A silent, holy night will then give you His Peace from above.

Deck the halls, we have reason to shout!
Christ the LORD has risen! let there be no doubt.
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, your beauty i see,
is about celebrating what Jesus did for you and me.

So, you better not cry, you better not pout,
Hark! the herald angels still sing it out,
"Joy to the world, the Lord has come!"
Have yourself a merry 'lil Christmas... each and every one!

have a joy-filled day and week!

Happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may awe live like we believe it,

veneal

preparing our heart

As many of us prepare to begin our CHRISTmas break today, we are consumed with a wide range of mixed emotions.  This roller coaster of human emotions is as real as God.  While one possesses the power to inflict fear and take our breath away, the other breathes peace and life into us. Staying in God's Word infuses guidance, comfort and JOY in our weary souls.

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

In other words, thankfully God comforts us through prayer, His Word and Holy Spirit. He also reminds us to watch and share His comfort with others. I pray these devotions have ministered to you this season. You are a dedicated servant to God, serving in love and devotion to our students and coworkers. Thank you for encouraging and inspiring me to keep my eyes on Him. Thank you for listening to my troubles and wrapping your kindness tenderly around my heart.

"And the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

In other words, CHRISTmas is upon us and we today, more than ever, have reason to celebrate the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Because of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection, we have the gift of eternal life.  And in the face of tragedy and pain, this grace and mercy of our God restores hope and peace to broken lives.  

Thank You, Father, for the only gift i truly need... Jesus, my Savior.  He has the power to mend the heart.  When i stop my racing thoughts and listen, i hear the angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to men." And to this i say, "amen, amen."

have a comfort-filled break and celebrate CHRISTmas... JOY is present because He is with us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

can CHRISTmas be saved?

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"Come here and show her what you did."

Oh no, my heart froze. Now what?  Being the active little fella he was i expected the worse.  I held my breath as i walked around the circulation desk to see the damaged goods.  I pictured Mark holding one of our library books with either a big rip in it or juice spilled all over it. Yet, it was neither.

In his little hands he held a book...

one he made, with his precious drawings.  My heart now felt heavy. Why did i expect the worse from him?  I loved his manger scene. It was so special for CHRISTmas. 

 As i looked through his book at his drawings, he quietly stood by. I wasn't sure why he included a picture of people in the water. So i asked him.

It was then he explained to me it was a picture of him and Jesus... and he was going to be saved this weekend.

So how did he end his story?

...with Jesus in his heart.

For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son... for me, and for you, and for you, and for you... that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.

CHRISTmas is because He loves us -- that much.  Thank you, my little friend, for reminding me of this important fact.

So, can CHRISTmas be saved?  Yes!  But more importantly, CHRISTmas saves. And that's reason enough to be JOYful.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Hallelujah!  Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow.

a Mighty Word ~ faith

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus'...

'How will this be,' Mary asked, 'since I am a virgin?'
The angel answered... 'nothing is impossible with God.'
'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered.  'May it be to me as you have said.'"  Luke 1:29-31, 34, 37-38
                      
Faith - believing God for the good, even in the face of adversity.

Now, talking about faith… Mary had it.  Father, i want to be filled with the faith of Mary.

JOY tip for today:

Either way you spell it, be Mary/merry.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

the first small CHRISTmas gathering

"...an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt." Matthew 2:13-14

Small gatherings, who wants that for CHRISTmas?   I do.

Mary and Joseph hosted the first small CHRISTmas gathering when Jesus was born.  There were animals and a few visitors, 3 we know about.  After Jesus' birth, they did not go straight back home, but stayed in Bethlehem awhile. Then God warned them it was not safe to return home and go to Egypt instead.

If Mary and Joseph could endure insolation and distance during such a monumental event, should we not be able to do the same now... for the sake of safety for us and our loved ones?  May we be like Mary and Joseph and heed the impending danger. Let's take extra precaution now, so we may enJOY larger celebrations when it's once again safe.

Father, give me a heart of obedience like Mary and Joseph. What would have happened if Joseph had not honored God's warning and fled to Egypt?  Suppose instead they immediately returned home to celebrate the birth of their Son with family and friends? Obedience often results in immediate sacrifice of self desires allowing blessings to flow later.

JOY tip today:

It's not the size of the gathering that matters, but the reason. And the birth of Jesus is all the reason necessary to celebrate CHRISTmas.   

Please, be safe.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Where's the Holy-day sparkle?

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

The holidays don't have to be as uninviting or dull as a plain cracker.

Invite Jesus into your celebration and allow the glory of the blessed season sparkle sweetly all around you.

JOY tip for today:

He is enough to fill each and every moment of our life, giving us more JOY than we ever imagined.  

Thank You, Father, for loving us unconditionally just the way we are... and not holding back on what You desire to shower in our lives.

we are loved and chosen by,

may we live like we believe it, 

veneal 

a sweet moment

"...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:3-5

So much has changed this year... so many events and celebrations cancelled.  One actuality that has not changed is the fact we are surrounded by smart cookies at school.

Wanting to experience some normality and sweet JOY, we decided to carry through with our 20/20 Reading Challenge with some modifications.  Upon completion of a student's reading log, showing 20 minutes of reading for 20 days, they were entitled to receive 2 cookies... one with their name on it for displaying their accomplishment on the wall and one for them to eat! 

We invited students to enJOY their cookie in the library before returning to class. The "roaring" fireplace in the library was the perfect backdrop for their isolated cookie consumption. A sweet treat for a sweet moment... and all were happy.  Eating alone had never felt so warm, fun and good.

your JOY tip for today:

Not all celebrations need to be struck down... for now, we might just need to rethink how to do it safely.  A new twist to an old way can show you to be a smart cookie too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

oh, for the JOY of ....

... a FULL bottle of Morning Mist!

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother and sister, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people." Philemon 1:7

These days, a FULL bottle of Morning Mist disinfectant spray is one of my most cherished items.  All day long we continuously disinfect our tables and computer areas in the library.  When the bottle is full, one pump produces a quick, easy and thorough spray.  When it's half-full or less, it takes several pumps to find a special angle which only squirts out a puny sprinkling, making it a haphazard endeavor.  And in these days of safety first, who wants hit-and-miss results?

Today i am JOYFULLY celebrating the gift of endless full Morning Mist bottles and giving a BIG shout-out to Ms. T and her crew for always taking care of our needs, big and small, with smiling faces. I need only mention my mist misery, and the bottle magically refills.  Life is different and oh-so challenging, but i am still able to discover enormous JOY due to the care and goodness of others. 

JOY tip for today:  

Take a few minutes to sit with our Father, and ask Him to replenish you with His Holy Spirit.  When filled to the brim with Him, it's easier to saturate others with His love, understanding and kindness. It will not only lift their heart but yours as well.

Let's pray as we sPRAY God's unending love on others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what kind of noise is that?

"Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”  John 20:29

There was a chill in the air and a plethora of loud music that sounded more like screeching owls. Why were they tuning up their musical instruments outside the classroom? I hadn't noticed it before. Yet, i didn't investigate, knowing safety/distance guidelines were in place for many school activities. When i finally walked out in the hallway, what i saw surprised me. There were no students playing instruments in the hall, but construction workers with tools.  

They were busy removing the old doors and installing more efficient ones using very noisy, annoying machinery. The breezeway going to the other building was completely exposed.  Now the chill in the air and odd noise made sense. My surrounding was more tolerable with a sweeter sound knowing it was for a good reason.

Our current turn of events is not pleasing. We yearn for laughter in group gatherings, sharing of scrumptious goodies, loud singing and a heap of hugs. YET, when we consider how fragile life is now with the threat of sickness or worse, the necessity of a quiet, simple CHRISTmas is more tolerable and desirable.  

Joy tip for today:

EnJOY the music/noise from an unexpected source.  It might not be your favorite tune, but you might receive an unexpected blessing from it.

We are living in a temporary season, not a permanent one. I can't see it now, but i'm believing in better seasons to come, i pray you are too. Jesus is still coming.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it, 

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ stars

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:4-5

5 

If God has taken the time to care for and name each star, can there be any doubt how important each of us is to Him?

Here's your JOY tip for today:  

Fill your tree with stars. And when you look at them, be reminded of His immense love for you while allowing His peace to flow in your heart.

Thank You, Father!

Oh, CHRISTmas tree how beautiful you are to me!  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

an invitation to eavesdrop

Would you like to listen in on my prayer today? It might be yours too.

Lord, how much more? The waters are white capping all around, and You know how much i don't like water.  I really need a break from the trails -- health issues, financial uncertainties, loss of precious loved ones, unexpected detours, increased demands, heartaches, fear of nightmares resurfacing... how much more?

You must trust Me.  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 

Father, i do trust You, but haven't i been through enough.

I am working in you and on you, Child.  "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."  Isaiah 46:8
 

But, Father, i'm worn thin.  It's so tiring. 

I've got some rough ends to smooth out in you.  We will gain much through these times.  Trust Me.   "But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." Jeremiah 18:4

Father, i'm not perfect, but i'm okay with me.
 

But I'm not.  I understand how you feel, remember Jesus had had enough in the Garden too.  But you must trust Me to do what is best.  I have more in store for you than you can ever imagine, but there is still work to be done.  "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20

How much more, Father? 

Just leave it to me.  "And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."  1 Corinthians 10:13 
 

But how much longer will this necessary work on me last?

Until you give it all to Me.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.." Proverbs 3:5

I have surrendered all to You.

No, child, there are some parts of your life that you still have your fingers gripped tightly around... areas concerning your life, your family... to name a few.  Don't worry, I promise you that i know what you can bear.  I have a perfect plan for you.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I am afraid of what's to come.

You need not be fearful. I am always with You.  "There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear."  1 John 4:18

 

Okay, my Sweet Daddy, Your Will be done, not mine.  But can you please do it gently? 

It will be as it needs to be.  "... we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'" Acts 21:14

I love you, Father.

I love you too -- and more than you can humanly understand. Just trust Me.  "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love."1 John 4:16 

In Christ we pray and give thanks,

amen, amen.

we truly are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

change breaker, chain breaker

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

Change... do you like it? I don't like tight scarves, and i don't like changes. I prefer the easy breathing derived from loose scarves, routine habits and traditions.  That is a primary reason why adjusting to a less involved and more distant holiday season is hard for me.  We are living through a large lashing of uncertainty and unrest.  The necessary changes in our manner of living, daily thoughts and preparation for events is taxing on the soul and even depressing.  

This week i've undergone extensive soul searching in regard to what is important... holiday traditions, gift giving, gathering of family, celebrating with friends, fabulous food... the manger.  As i have grappled to remember and regain the JOY of what CHRISTmas is about - the birth of Jesus, our Savior - the chains of unwanted change wrapped tightly around my heart are breaking and allowing the PEACE of God to enter.  

As this ever-changing season continues, it is my prayer we grow in our relationship with God and with each other.  May God provide the strength we need as we turn our eyes on Him first... and leave them there. If your heart is caught in chains-of-pain from all the changes, let God be the sledgehammer to crush them, so you will be free to feel His wondrous love for you.  He is the One constant in our life that will not end and will never change.  On Him alone we can depend and celebrate this CHRISTmas.  Whatever happens, He is enough.

I'm ready to lighten my heart and spirit. Are you?  I know where the Perfect Hammer can be found to do the necessary work.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ Healer

 "... at the time it happens, I am there." Isaiah 48:16

Covid, sickness, financial stress, uncertainty, alone for the holiday season?

No, never! Among all the unknowns, being alone is not one of them. 

Thanks to You, Father, we are never alone.  

We cling to You for help, hope and healing.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
He is our Peace,
veneal

Rock needed

"I love You, Lord; you are my strength . The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." Psalm 18:1-2

She had fallen again... face down smack in the dirt.  The addition to my manger scene, an angel, was a real lightweight.  Whether a gust of wind or a gentle stir of the air or the touch of a curious 2 or 4 legged bypasser, she possessed weak knees.  Digging her feet deeper down into the dirt and pine shaving was not helpful.  She was in need of some rocks for a stable, firm foundation.

Father, i'm no angel; but i am in need of a Solid Rock Foundation.  When unwanted winds of indifference, pain or disappointment blow around my soul, i find myself weak in the knees and eating dirt.  And even though i love You with all my heart, my selfish humanness causes me to respond to situations based on my personal desires.  

Nothing touches us without first flowing through Your Mighty, All-Knowing Hands. Continue sifting what needs to be in or out of me, so i might be filled with more of You and less of me.  Then i can know true inner peace and JOY.  This is my heart desire, during this holy CHRISTmas season and always.

More than anything, may we shine for You and about You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ companion

 The Lord says...

"'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
 For I am the Lord your God, your Savior...'" Isaiah 43:1-3

We are not promised a trouble-free life, but we are promised to never be alone during our trials, hardships and disappointments.  Thank You, Father.  When we are weak, we are strong because of You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal