here is your present

 "The virgin will be will child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel -- which means, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:23

Unto us, and for us, a child is born... sing unto the LORD -- for He is good.  His love endures forever. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

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

merry CHRISTmas!

 "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

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Merry CHRISTmas!

we are greatly loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

away in a manger

 "…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 room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:6-7

The manger scene sings of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, Truth, hope, fulfillment.  

Yet, we easily get sucked in and wrapped up into "our" preparations and expectations of CHRISTmas being so much more... setting us up for frustration, sadness, exhaustion and disappointment. What we add to CHRISTmas has the potential to take away our joy.

Father, may it not be! I want to meet You at the manger first.  May there always be room in my heart for You. There is no where we can go nor nothing we can do or say on our own that compares 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.

Keeping room in our heart for Him, fills us with His Peace.

Merry CHRISTmas!

we are greatly loved and chosen by God, 

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

all i want for CHRISTmas...

 "...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4

Like many, with family scattered across the lands, we are busy gathering for CHRISTmas celebrations. Traveling for some visits, we left our dogs at home.  As we departed, the message on their long faces was clear, "All we want for CHRISTmas is you".

What makes for the best relationships?  I think my dogs nailed it... time spent with each other.  Isn't that the most valuable element we possess or can give to each other and with God?  

In many areas of life, i believe my dogs really do know best.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
and He desires for us to spend eternity with Him,
what a love!
veneal

have you heard?

As many leave school for CHRISTmas Holy-day, i pray you are filled with the love, joy, and peace our Father intends for you.  If you need a little help, try putting the melody of songs below in your heart. And speaking of heart, know you are in mine…. but more importantly His.

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Jesus Christ is all around.

He's making a list

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice

Jesus Christ is all around.

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Jesus Christ is all around.

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

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!

Whether you need a quiet moment or an extended rest, i pray you find it.  And when you do, may your heart overflow with all the love, peace and JOY our Father desires to pour over you. No one never has nor never will love you like Him.

have a joy-filled day and a glorious Merry CHRISTmas!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love  and do like we believe it,

happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ, 

veneal

quiet moments

"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 heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Quiet moments... we all need some, whether child or adult.

Set up for students, our JOY overflowed when teachers dropped in for a quiet moment with us too.  Nestled next to a "roaring" fire and twinkling lights, they allowed the quiet peace to provide a needed moment of sweet relief.

Don't let the busyness of the season demands leave you drained and depleted.

Stop... rest... refuel.

Be filled with the delight of the season and Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

falling apart

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:71

For years i've transformed my Halloween pumpkins into snow Santas and then snowmen.  But not this year. After numerous attempts and an unknown reason, the white spray paint refused to stick on the pumpkins. The pumpkins people only celebrated one season this year. 

I didn't get the recycling decoration i wanted, but i did get a gently reminder regarding life.  Life is not perfect, even at CHRISTmas. Yet, that shouldn't prevent us from having a grateful heart.

Father, each year i anticipate CHRISTmas with a joyful heart.  Some years all my wishes and plans are fulfilled and my heart overflows.  Yet, my greatest test of strength and faith occur in the years when unexpected events and heartaches threaten to chock the joy right out of me.  It's then i must stop and recall the initial reason for my Joy... it's not the gifts, gathering with friends or even family -- it's Jesus.  

Whether i'm experiencing easy joy or bittersweet joy, i am aware of my need for a Savior.  Getting through jolly times are easy but getting through difficult times are powerful as i acknowledge how desperately i need You. So, today, Father, i want to thank you for easy days, but more importantly, for difficult days because it's then i am keenly aware of Your Breath and Hand in my life. Whatever the day brings, as long as You are in it, there will be joy.  

Thank You for Jesus. Thank You, for eternal Joy and life because of Him.  May i seek You first always.  

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

are you counting?

 "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27

The time before CHRISTmas is evaporating.  How do you feel about it?

If worrying can't increase our time or ability to do something, or solve an issue, what can it possibly accomplish besides sucking the life and joy out of our day?

Father, when i get that dazed deer-in-the-headlight look, hit my heart with a dose of Truth through a Word, a song or a cheery greeting. Remembering the why of CHRISTmas should be enough to remove any worry and restore JOY.

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

don't lose Hope

"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

We had almost finished decorating the CHRISTmas, when suddenly Hope fell.  The string gave way and the Hope angel hit the floor.  Besides the broken loop, Hope was unscathed, and a new loop secured her back to the tree.  Only her beauty reflected on the tree... not her fall.

Isn't Hope like that for us too?  During trials, disappointments and hardships sometimes our Hope wavers, cracks or falls into a dark pit. But Christ does not leave us there. He scoops us up and reconnects our heart/loop to Him, securely putting us close by His side.  His loving Hands shows up in the form of a friend, a song, His Word, a prayer. The source is not important, but His magnificent Presence is. And others come to see and know Him as they witness His glory through us.

Is your loop to God holding tight or a bit loose?  Rest in knowing He is watching, waiting and willing to do what is needed to strengthen our faith in His Mighty Power. Oh, what a Mighty Foundation is our God.

Hang in there. You are looking good; God will make sure of that.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

here's the Truth

 "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born... She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 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 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. 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, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:6-14

He didn't like CHRISTmas, and why should he?  He had never had a tree, never had presents, and had no good memories of it.  All he knew about CHRISTmas was what the world told him and what he saw around him... things and ways that excluded him.  So when asked to write about CHRISTmas memories, he couldn't.  Seeing his discouragement, the teacher told him about CHRISTmas, the real CHRISTmas.  He had never heard it, but now he has... and hope is made possible where there  once was darkness. He now knows about the Truth, and it includes him.

If you are stressed out, disheartened, discouraged... then maybe you need to hear the story, the real CHRISTmas story, again too.  Let us escape from the make believe and usher in truth and peace.  Then we can celebrate no matter what the circumstance around us might be.  For God has given His Son for us to have eternal life... can that not be enough?  If we are to give anything to others, may it be the sharing of Him.

Father, in song and praise, we thank You for our Savior.

"Hark" the herald angels sings. Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled;

Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

May your CHRISTmas be filled with love, joy, peace, laughter, and mostly with Him!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

name calling, at its best

"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

When we know Him by all these names, we are blessed indeed! 

Call out to Him, and He will answer.  Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

do you have room?

"(Mary) wrapped (the baby) in cloths and placed Him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

What about now?  Do you have room for Him? 

in  your heart

in  your day

in  your thoughts

in  your actions

in  your plans

in  your prayers

Don’t let Jesus get crowded out due to stress, busyness, commercialism, shopping and other added demands of the season.  His Presence in us needs to be always one of permanent residence, especially now.  

Wrap Him securely and tightly in your heart and place Him actively out in your life for all to witness.  Make room for Him in all you do and say, and the true joy and peace of the season will be yours and radiant out to others.  And what better gift to share than Him?  Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ increase

"Be filled with the Spirit... Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20

Father,  i pray for an increase of my heart, as i love You and others more than last year.  I pray for an increase in boldness in serving You better.  I pray for an increase in faithfulness to You when i face the dark.  I pray for an increase in serving others consistently and not just during special seasons. I pray for an increase in thankful songs to You for Jesus and all other blessings in my life. Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

shattered

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

Last year's decorations had been quickly packed, stored and stuffed in the attic.  It was good enough for most items, but not the fragile glass CHRISTmas bell.  It was totally shattered.  Better wrapping could have saved it. 

How is your CHRISTmas season coming?

Shattered bells, shattered lives ~ and CHRISTmas still comes. It's near impossible to live 365 days without changes.  Marriages, deaths, change of income, sickness, births and other things happen. Some for the better, some not - as least through our eyes.  During trials, i struggle, as my eyes shift down on me and not up on Him.

Father, there are times i am crushed by the world around me.  Life can be hard, unpredictable and mean.  And when i tackle it, without You, i shatter like glass.  Instead, i want to stay completely wrapped, protected and covered in Your Love, Wisdom and Will.  Oh, how thankful  i am for the wonderful CHRISTmas season!  During this time, no matter what has happened the past 365 days, i am reminded and drawn back to what really matters... You and Your unconditional Love.  Thank You for my most precious gift, Your Son, my Savior.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

just a letter, please

 Jesus said...

"Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8

I, like many, have few needs,
and when i do, i purchase with speed.

So, if you were planning to shop for me this year,
here's what will bring the greatest pleasure and cheer.

Write me a note or send a letter,
sharing what you did for a hurting gal or fella.

If short on money, don't despair,
use some time to show another you care.

Can you do it, can you pass the test?
Can you give to those in need, and simply embrace the rest?

So much today is bought strictly in vain, 
We spend time and money on things with no real gain.

Let's eliminate the rush of "keeping up with the Jones",
And concentrate on bringing glory to the One on the Throne.
 
Strength in NOT overindulging in a "want" list is required,
to defeat the materialist thinking we've acquired.

God, help us remember everything belongs to You,
And to help care for all your children is what we need to do.

A little less for me and more for Thee,
will bring true joy and peace for CHRISTmas eve.

How excited i will be to see my note filled CHRISTmas tree,
with kind/caring deeds and stories of those who believe...

JESUS IS THE REASON TO CELEBRATE ~ HIS LOVE FOR YOU AND ME! 
THANKS BE TO GOD!

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it, 

veneal

(feel free to share the letter as your own) 

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.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ hallelujah

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

I can't think of a better way to start the month of December than with a song of thanks to God.

Thank You, Father, for your mighty love, deliverance and song for me.
Here's one for You...

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRP8d7hhpoQ  

(copy and paste in your browser)

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we love, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

Building His House His Way

 "...God is the Builder of everything... Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house.  And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast."  Hebrews 3:4,6

Thanksgiving… it delivered big -- incredible food topped off sweet gatherings with family and friends and joyful celebrations.  But it doesn't stop there. Overindulgent due to a weak self-will is inching its way under my skin. The days between Thanksgiving and New Year boil over with temptations -- guaranteed to bring even the strongest to their knees.  What’s a person to do?

Accepting what is ahead, i have a plan.  A plan to remove what causes useless bulges.  I have a Mind and Body Builder Who can steer me clear of costly temptations.  I need only confess my weaknesses to Him and keep in close contact with Him.  So here goes.

Father, keep me from gorging on the fats of the land, from buying excessive gifts for those who are not in need and from greedily stuffing my plate and life with needless things.  Instead, help me butter the life of the hungry, spread warmth over the cold, dry the tears of the lonely and heap layers of Your love on those who feel hopeless.  Father, You and only You, can give me the strength and will power to do good and not become a victim of this fallen world.  Build me up in Your Ways to be Your House filled with Your Light and Love.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

the star you are

 "... for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..."  Philippians 2:13-15

It's said most everyone will experience five minutes of fame or stardom on earth.

As a believer in Christ, though, you have the opportunity to shine like a star every day.  Live as you believe, my sisters and brothers, and His Light within you will reflect an eternal stardom -- possessing the power to draw others to His Mighty Love and salvation.  

You are His star; and you are His hope for others to witness.

we are love and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

thankful for you

 "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

As you travel and gather, praying you have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving season. 

Happy Thanksgiving; i am so thankful to be your sister-in-Christ. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

i an thankful for ___________

 "I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..."  Philippians 1:3-5 

It’s Thanksgiving week, and the wisdom scribbled on turkey placemats keep swirling in my mind.  The typical responses expected from 5-7 year olds regarding what they're thankful for… toys, bikes, electronic devices… were minimal.  Their overwhelming response centered on relationships... mom, dad, pets, cousins, brothers, sisters, God and Jesus.

Out of the mouth of babes, truth flowed -- hearts still untainted by the world.  The genuine riches on earth are planted in our relationship with each other... God, family and friends. The love, care and trust we develop in our relationships is priceless and everlasting.  How very grateful i am memories can sustain and comfort us, when physical contact is not possible.

Father, thank You for the many acts of kindness, encouragement and goodness You provide me through my sisters and brothers in Christ.  And thank You for Your indescribable gift, your Son, Jesus, my Savior.  What a wonderful Thanksgiving this will be!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

what is this?

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19

They were not what i expected.

For years the kindergarten Thanksgiving placements have had a beautiful traditional look.  But this year, i was shocked to discover a drastic change in color and design.  After studying them for a few minutes, i found myself liking the change.  Different fresh colors for an updated look made for happy turkeys.

Often i find myself stuck in a comfortable rut not open to change.  And then i hear God tapping at my closed heart. Sometimes He wants to share a fresh, new spin of His Word with me, sometimes He feels the need to totally rearrange my thought process and sometimes it's necessary for Him to remind me i'm still a work in progress.  Whatever the reason, i need to always stay open to His nudging.

When i finally remove the fences of comfort from around my head and allow myself to see and be with God with unfiltered eyes, our relationship grow deeper.  He can then share the true beauty of trusting Him with whatever changes occur.  

There is beauty in the moment, with or without changes, when God is with you.  He has a perfect plan... and it is good.  Trust Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

feathers of thanks

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (one feather at a time) 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The proof of kindness was in the feathers.

Throughout the school, walls were plastered with turkeys.  Student Council secretly and diligently transformed all our teachers and support members into turkeys... complete with beautiful feathers.  Each feather represented a colorful symbol of thanks with kind words and/or drawings for the teacher.  It was a touching and meaningful sight to see, thanks throughout the school for each person serving our students.  A lot of planning, a lot of work, and a lot of feathers add up to the fact YOU are appreciated and loved, everyday... even on the days when you feel like all your feathers have been plucked slam off your skin.

Keep spreading your wings, my friend, you are covering many with love, support, worthiness and encouragement.  May you never underestimate the difference you are making.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

never too early for this

 "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you..." 3 John 1:2

Thanksgiving is a week away, but it's never too early to give thanks.  Today i'm thanking God for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.  You encourage, inspire, strengthen and delight me.  I love doing life with you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

a gift for you

“Be joyful ALWAYS,

pray CONTINUALLY;
give thanks IN ALL circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you, (your name),  in Christ Jesus.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Celebrate each day as if it's your birthday.  Because when you woke this morning, you received a priceless gift.  Today... given with love from God. 

Know He is watching with the excitement and anticipation of a Daddy to see what we do with our present.  We can’t return it, save it or re-gift it.  May we be joyful, prayerful and thankful and then live today to His glory.  What an incredible party we can look forward to with Him because the best is yet to come.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

no change here

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

During our lifetime we face continuous changes in....
jobs
standards
styles

priorities
relationships
technology
rules
tastes

But there is One area of our life where change NEVER occurs.

My heart and soul are deeply THANKFUL to know our Father Above is a stable, unshakeable Constant in...  
who He loves
what He desires
how He feels

He loves us unconditionally forever and forever... no matter what. And He wants nothing more than for us to abide with Him for eternity.

Give thanks to our Father, for He is good... yesterday, today and tomorrow. On that we can hope and depend and know.  

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

make me a line

 "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Students are smarter (and some more daring) these days.  If you tell them to make a line, you better be specific or you might not get what you intended.  In their defense, all lines are not necessarily straight.  Some  are wavy, curved or zigzag.  The clearer the directions, the greater the possibility of getting the behavior desired.

Father, thank You for providing clear, precise directions in your Word on how to live.  May we indulge, digest and follow Your good and perfect Truth.  In doing so, we share Your light and love with others... and Your eternal Kingdom grows, as You desire.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

let freedom ring... and thank you

"The Lord your God Himself will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22

As we salute the veterans and soldiers who serve, i also extend my hands in thanks to their families... spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. The soldier's family serves an important role of support. Together, they exemplify a unit of love and strength amid ongoing changes and trials. To conquer battles in the field and at home, loyalty, dedication, encouragement, trust, sacrifice and integrity are necessary elements for the soldier, as well as, his/her family.

As believers, we are all military family members. On the heavenly battlefield, our Father and Mighty Defender, sealed our freedom in Christ. ALL our sins were forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. And as a member of His family, we should celebrate this victory daily by living for Him boldly in Truth, love and peace.

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

Thank you, Veterans and family members. May God bless all your days.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal