what's behind the mask?

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:12-14

Masks these days are not just for Halloween, but for every day.  They can conceal our identity and now even help save lives. But some people don a mask for another reason; they desire to hide their true feelings from others. 

Behind the smiles and laughter we see in a person, waves of tears and weariness might exist due to pain, loneliness, fear or hurt.  If we dare remove our emotional masks, what will happen -- embarrassment...dismay... rejection? Or, could there possibly be healing and understanding and encouragement?

Oh Father, how i pray we supply the support and soothing touch of You others need.  Grow our compassion, sensitivity and heart to a godly size.  May we be more like You today. Open our hearts and minds to aid in the healing of our sisters and brothers. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

yes, we can!

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  Romans 12:13

Clang those cans and sing a song of joy!  We've completed 100 days of school!

To celebrate this milestone, our classrooms collected 100+ can goods for people and pets. As the cans stacked up, so did their excitement. Yet, i imagine the thrill in reaching 100 school days and 100 cans by the students will only be exceeded by the thrill of the recipients of these gifts.

Good News, whether in words or deeds, is more fun and fulfilling when shared with others. It makes people feel better, inspires hope, brings healing, creates goodwill.

Can we make a difference? Yes, we can every day.  When we care, we share... and others are helped.

Father, thank You, for opening our eyes, hearts and ways to the needs of those around us. May the spirit of giving continue the next 100 days, and the next, and the next, and the next, etc.

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

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

Is there someone, who's name you need to put in the above blank?
 

When physical, emotional or mental distress is present... there is suffering. Some situations develop due to the consequence of decisions made; others just happen. 
I am reminded daily just how very little control we actually have over others and how presenting them to God for deliverance is a powerful and productive action.

TRUST (definitely my Mighty Word for this year) the strength and support for those in need, as well as, the peace of those who love them, is 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.

Even when i can't see it, Father, help me to believe it... and TRUST You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ follow

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." Isaiah 26:3

The key to peace lies in our hands.

When we trust and follow Jesus, we unlock the door to living as God intends. His peace then becomes our blessing.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Handbook for 2021

"I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32

2020 caught me by surprise, and i can't help but wonder what 2021 holds.  Are we ready for the days ahead?  What should we BE like in 2021?  Now is a good time to reflect, redirect and refresh. In preparing my mind, body and soul on how to BE, i want to review a Good Handbook.  Maybe you can benefit from it too.

HANDBOOK 2021

Health:

1.       Drink plenty of water.

2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is

          manufactured in plants.

4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5.       Make time to pray.

6.       Play more games.

7.       Read more books than you did in 2020.

8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9.       Sleep for 7 hours.

10.    Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all

         about.

12.    Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest

        your energy in the positive present moment.

13.    Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16.    Dream more while you are awake.

17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes

         of the past.  That will ruin your present happiness.

19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply

         part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but

         the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23.    Smile and laugh more.

24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25.    Call your family often.

26.    Each day give something good to others.

27.    Forgive everyone for everything.

28.    Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6.

29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.

31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in

         touch.

Life:

32.    Do the right thing!

33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34.    GOD heals everything.

35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37.    The best is yet to come.

38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Safety:

Respect others and help save lives

40.  Wear a mask if not alone.

41.  Stay 6 feet apart.

42.  Wash your hands.

And when all else fails or questions arise, consult the original Handbook on living life to the fullest… the Bible.  It is a proven and true Source for everything under the “Son”!

you are loved and chosen by God,

may we life like we believe it,

veneal

it's not what you think

"God is love." 1 John 4:8

For several years, a tree decorated in December in our Media Center has remained decorated throughout the month of January. And, if i've heard it once, i've heard it a hundred times... "Why is a Christmas tree still up in the library?"  So, seeing Dion stare at the tree, i just knew what he was thinking. But when i asked him, "do you know what kind of tree this is?" i was the one surprised.
Quietly he responded, "a green tree." Prepared to defend and proclaim it's a Jan Brett winter snow tree, i was speechless.

Depending on the season, a tree can be decorated and called by many different names -- Christmas, snow, Valentine, President, American, Easter, etc.  But at it's true root, Dion nailed it.  It is a green tree and will always be a green tree first, no matter what is added to it during different seasons.

How would you describe God? Depending on our circumstances, needs and seasons we call God by many different names -- Protector, Defender, Healer, Savior, Shelter, Rock, Deliverer, Friend, Helper, Comforter, Keeper, Redeemer.  But at the root and core of God, He is first Love. No matter what we need for Him to be for us, His relationship with us will always be built first on a foundation of Love.

Thank You, Father, for loving us first.

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

a Mighty Word ~ unity

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, as Christ accepted you..." Romans 15: 5-7

Whether a believer, a leader or a simple servant, we are all imperfect people.  Let's create an endless circle of unity in prayer for truth, obedience and discernment as we pursue God's wisdom and guidance. When we  work together by focusing on what's best for each other, the positive impact made on lives is significant.  May our prayers allow God to mold our hearts into teachable and listening instruments that honor Him while caring for others.

Isn't it awesome to know we serve an amazing God who can accomplish anything through willing servants?

United we stand, divided we fall,

But without God we have no hope at all.

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

peace... where can it be found?

 Jesus said...

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

Father, praying for our country as we prepare for changes in our government.  No matter who is ruling in this land, You reign over any and all. I trust Your Will will be done through whoever has earthly power.  However, these times are unsettling for all, even believers. The chaos we are witnessing clearly depicts the need for a massive healing of mind, body, soul and land. Your Word tells us healing begins with us praying and turning to You. 

Father, i pray You rock our world.  May the shaking we experience tilt us in an obedient position with You.  I'm wrapping my arms around You because the signs are flashing, we are in for a bumpy ride. I can't see all the twists, turns and dips ahead, but i trust You do.  And You know how best to maneuver through each inch of the journey.  Thank You for holding me close and whispering "I got you" in my ear when hope starts draining from my body.  Today and every day, i'm choosing You as Ruler of my life and letting Your Peace flow through me.  All glory and honor to You, Father. Enduring the ride with You by my side is what i desire most.

A godly peace is everlasting built on one solid foundation... Jesus Christ.
A worldly peace is one built on constantly shifting, sinking sands.

Choose God first, and let His Peace rule through all things.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

dream on

Ever wonder what God might dream?  Could it be concerning us?

"go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:18

May we keep dreaming... with the heart and mind of God.

...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.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

dreams to live by

"...warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Father, as we remember and honor Martin Luther King, Jr. today, help us to dream with a heart like him. Remind and encourage us to dream big and to expect even more.

With such actions, God will surely be pleased.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

this year i pick TRUST

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You."  Isaiah 26:3

For years i have focused on various Mighty Words for the day.  But i strongly feel a Mighty Word to sustain me through this new and challenging year is a wise decision.  With so much turmoil, uncertainty, heartache, fear, tension and disruption in our world, i hunger for a word to carry me through the year and fill the foundation of my soul. And after much consideration, the word i want to permeate my soul each morning is TRUST. 

Anxiety, fear and doubt can easily erode faith when the ground beneath our feet is cracking like fragile egg shells, teetering us precariously over a hot jagged, deep ravine.  If and when that shell breaks, i need to know and trust it will land me exactly where God sees fit. And wherever that is i can be assured i am not alone and held in our Father's Mighty Hands.  Today more than ever, i don't know what tomorrow or even the next 5 minutes holds, but as long as i can TRUST God, His peace can restore comfort to my ragged soul.

Do you have a Mighty Word for this year? If not, may i suggest you pick one. The Bible is a rich source of words to strengthen us.  Kindness, love, forgiveness, gratitude, prayer, rest, giving, patience, praise, encouragement, obedience, respect, honor are just a few that spill from the pages.

Father, i am reminded from one of my favorite songs that when you don't move the mountains before me, when the waters don't part for me to walk through, when i don't get the answers i cry out for in my prayers, i will still trust You.  Yes, Father trust is what i need more of this year.  Although it may take more than a year to transform that quality into a firm lifetime characteristic, i trust that You who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.(Philippians 1:6).   

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

"Trust In You"   by, Lauren Daigle

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see

I've tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You're by my side

When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

I will trust in You!
You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand

Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood

When You don't move the mountains I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!

picking up twigs

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right Hand." Isaiah 41:10

Walking in my neighborhood i slowed down as i approached a home that caught on fire this week.  The smell and sight of the massive destruction was gut wrenching.  In the yard the homeowner and her parents where quietly raking and picking up twigs in the yard.  I stopped to share my concerns for them. Their choice of activity seemed unusual considering their home loss.  I felt maybe their energy could be more productive if channeled elsewhere. But as we continued to talk, what doubt and confusion i possessed dissipated. Linda made a comment that clearly made sense and spoke to my heart.  "I know it seems trivial to be picking up twigs," she remarked, "but we can't go in the house now, and just picking up these twigs makes me feel like i am doing something that helps."

Wow... her attitude, calmness and focus left me in tears.  How often have i faced difficult or traumatic events that left me frozen in my tracks?  Frozen in fear, sadness, pain or a sense of hopelessness?  What's important is not the magnitude of what we do, but the effort in moving forward.  Even the slightest undertaking in a productive direction lays a plank in helping to bridge over to the next step.  Each step aids in adjusting and overcoming a situation while assisting in the growth of hope and belief that this time will pass. And in time we can look back with a grateful heart, seeing how God's mighty Hand carried us through the trial.  

Father, may i remember You always have my back and hand, and my faith is shown in how i move forward. Little steps at a time are sufficient in exhibiting our trust in You.

What do you do when disaster strikes? I pray you don't freeze and panic.  May the building of your faith one twig at a time be your foundation in growing your peace and dependence on Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal 

remember this!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

God doesn't make mistakes.  YOU are a spectacular work of art! created by the Perfect Master Artist. He has a purpose with you and in you.  

Celebrating you today -- His design is divine. 

I am blessed to call you my friend and sister/brother-in-Christ.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

more oxygen please

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else."  Acts 17:24-25

All we need comes from God.

When we can't breathe, God is our oxygen mask.

May we find rest and peace in Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

do you agree?

"As God's chosen people... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Today's thought: 'all I'm saying is, kindness don't have no boundaries.' ~ the Help

Just imagine if we lived out this truth. This is the kind of action we need to receive and more importantly to give.

Be a greeter, be a Jase.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

how did You know??

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Thank You, Father, for this wintery-messy day.  You always know exactly what's needed. I'm sitting in Your lap today and smiling.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

strong shoulders

"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

Oh, how weary and tired Your shoulders must be with all the unrest of our land. Yet, Your understanding, knowledge and strength surpasses any and all the comprehension we possess. 

Did you know shakem, the Hebrew word used for shoulder in Isaiah actually means the neck area between the shoulders where burdens are placed? Divine government rests smack in the middle of the shoulder of Christ for a firm foundation; there is no better place.

Jesus, You are our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  And on You we rely, trust and believe for all the days of our life. May what breaks Your heart break ours; and may we work together to mend and heal the pain and anguish before us in our homes, community, and country.  In You and with You all things are possible.

May we rest in the comforting fact Christ can carry the full weight of all our problems and burdens on His everlasting strong shoulders.  There's nothing better than a piggyback ride on the mighty shoulders of your Daddy.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ change

 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43: 18-19

Like my Santa pumpkins, i needed a change. What worked yesterday, might not be what's needed today. Faced with possible new and different circumstances, we might benefit from a change of attitudes, a change of habits, a change of desires, a change of thinking, a change of heart or even a change of prayer. 

Father, help me. Being stuck in old ways of thinking and doing could lead to the wrong place or state of mind.  I don't want to take the chance of missing what You have in store for me. Let me keep my eyes on You and gladly follow Your good and perfect will for my life in serving You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what does it matter?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

It's a new year, and i'm wondering, does it really matter? Will it make a difference?

Do you wonder how God wants us to see it?  Our God of order and detail took minute care in carving out time for us in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years.

Just like everything He created in the universe, God designed time to perfect precision and for a divine purpose. I think what we do with each new year... each new day, each new hour matters. It's an opportunity to choose and to worship Him through our actions and our lips.  It's an opportunity to love others as He loves us.  It's an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and experience more of His Peace and Joy.  It's an opportunity to allow Him to work within us helping to grow His Kingdom.

Be assured this new year, new day and new hour for you matters to God.  Let the transformation and renewing of our minds bring glory to Him.  

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

a Mighty Word ~ daily

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 61:8

Old year, new year, days to come... let's choose to trust our God in every minute in all things.

He cares, He can, He will provide for all our needs.
Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

reflections

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.... 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Phillippians 4:6-7, 12-13

Being the unusual, trying season it is i'm leaving my CHRISTmas tree up until the sight of it stops filling me with a magical sense of peace. While enjoying some quiet time near the tree this week, i noticed an interesting scene. 

The sparkle of the CHIRSTmas tree lights glimmered from a place other than the tree. The tree lights reflecting in a picture frame were beautiful!  In that moment the sadness from limited family gatherings diminished in the cheeriness of the CHRISTmas lights... causing my joy of the present moment to overflow. 

This year especially have you also found yourself yearning for the joyous celebrations of past? Looking back at clips of past memories can quickly stir up mixed emotions of the good old days. 

Yet, when i truthfully reflect on the "good old days", i remember they too were filled with challenges and issues that i anxiously wanted resolved.  So, i wonder, in 2 or 5 years when i reflect back on these current circumstances, will i yearn for these  good old days?  Is is possible the good old days are always before us but we are blind to them pining for something better?

The lesson i feel God is striving to infuse in my soul is to embrace the moment... this moment.  No matter the circumstance, make the present our best possible moment.  None of us know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who holds tomorrow. And all our days are in His Hands. Praying JOY in your morning as you find comfort, strength and peace in Him.  May we live today as the present it is from Him and with Him.  Thank you, Father, for this day; i am thankful for the gift of today from You.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

happy New Year

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-24

It’s a brand new day and a brand new year; and God has chosen to share it with you and me.  May there be singing instead of tears; trust, instead of fear; joy, instead of dread; and peace, instead of worry.

But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

May peace, comfort and hope surround us at we trust God's Hand in our lives.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal