no words needed

 "...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26

Can't talk about it? Pray about it.
 
The One who needs to hear it most is listening.  And best of all, He doesn't even need our words to understand.

He sees us and knows us in our truest colors.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

unexpected Good News

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8

We had to reset our coffeepot's automatic brew time to 4am.  Not because we were getting up earlier, but it was taking over an hour to brew the coffee.  That wasn't a problem for the first pot, but it was totally unacceptable for the needed second pot of coffee to get through the morning in a timely, kind manner.  After school i threw my sluggish coffeepot in a bag and returned to the store where i purchased it.  I also took my receipt from the purchase -- 6.4 years ago.  

Once at the service counter, i explained my issue.  With no hesitation or questions asked, they credited my account with a FULL refund.  Did i expect it?  Not really. Was i surprised?  Absolutely. BUT, the Good News did not stop there.  After the exceptional customer service, i located an exact replacement in the store.  To my delight the price was identical to 6.4 years ago... PLUS there was a $12 rebate on the coffeemaker's price. I got a shiny new coffeemaker along with an extra $12 to spend on coffee!  

Did i deserve this generous gift? Probably not.  But the unexpected grace and mercy i received turned my bitter mornings into better ones.  My heart and cup runneth over this morning with an abundant amount of coffee and JOY.

Father, we are in a season filled with stress and strain.  Thank You for Good News and joy discovered in our unexpected moments of delight.  I am grateful for reminders to reflect on Your goodness, grace and mercy.  I did nothing to  deserve the sacrifice of Your Son for my sins.  I merely came to You and asked Jesus in my heart as my Savior.  You then credited my account as a child of God, accepting me as i was. Belonging to You blesses me continuously by restoring hope, joy and peace.  Thank You for loving me beyond what i deserve.  Your Love makes bitter times better.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the person who trusts in Him!

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ planted

 "Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him." 1 Corinthians 7:20

Bloom where you are planted.  God has you there for a purpose.  May His Light shine through you on others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ come

 “I am the Lord who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Come, all who are hurting...

Whatever ails your heart, mind, body, soul, our God has the means and way and power for healing as He deems right. 

Father, may we remember to come to you first when hurting. Your way is always perfect.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

why are you crying?

 "...she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that is was Jesus.  'Woman, He said, 'why are you crying?'...Thinking He was the gardener, she said, 'Sir tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.'  Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!'" John 20:14-16

When the pain is unending...

When disappointment is too deep...

When the doubt escalates to alienation...

When the fear eats you alive from the inside out...

When the hatred paralyzes love...

When the loneliness echoes, "nothing more"...

When the hopelessness sucks the life out of you...

When the threat turns into reality...

When the anger rules your heart...

When the whys return silent answers...

When the tears know no end...

Stop and listen.

He is calling your name. Turn to Him, and be filled with His Peace.  You will be okay.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

some days...

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life... The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever -" Psalm 138:7,8

I don't just walk in trouble, i can be the trouble.  

Some days i don't feel like, act like, talk like or look like i belong to Him.

But thankfully i still do!

Father, i am grateful you don't allow my quirky, moody ways to settle comfortably in me and that You don't toss me aside with all my shortcomings. Each day please continue to mold me, shape me and prepare me to shine for You. Thank You for Your amazing mercy and grace poured freely in my life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

is it really that bad?

"But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away... So all who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT

The description of her neighbor's front yard was unbelievable...  2 trailers, extra trash bins, odd pieces of wood, cut down trees, knee-high weeds and more. While it sounded like a snake pit, i couldn't really imagine it being all that bad.  However, riding by later, i witnessed an overwhelming pile of clutter in the front yard.  When i told my husband and showed him pictures, he responded, "Is it really that bad?" Well... i knew the answer.  Sometimes we must see with our own eyes to actually "see" the situation for what it is.

Through the media we're exposed to countless heartbreaking circumstances.  Yet the full impact of the situation doesn't always sink in. At times it appears we have fuzzy filters over our eyes, obstructing or skewing our view of reality. It's almost like watching a movie; we're briefly affected, and then we move on unless we witness it with our own eyes.  We find downplaying the seriousness, pain or desperation of a situation easier, if we are not personally affected.

Father, i pray to see the world and others through Your eyes. Let my heart break for what breaks Yours.  When we haven't walked in the shoes of others, we tend to fall short in understanding them and their circumstances. Yet, You, our all-knowing God, comprehend their situation fully. So, Father, when we haven't walked in their shoes, place our feet on top of Yours so we might feel and know the Truth as You do.  Fill my heart, and shoes, with less of me and more of You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ known

“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”  Psalm 147:4

If He knows the name of each star, He surely knows your name too.

Thank You, Father, for Your undeniable love and grace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

we have a new brother!

 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings..." Isaiah 52:7

With quick, determined steps, Ms. Kindly walked straight to me with her student tucked closely by her side.  Reaching me, she turned to him and said, “Now tell her what you did.”  My heart stopped.  Had he dropped a book in the tub, did his dog chew it up or his younger brother marked in it?   With smiling, sky blue saucer-eyes, Sammy announced, “I asked Jesus into my heart last night.”  For a brief instant, i was distress my initial thoughts were unpleasant incidents, when what he had to share was the greatest news of all!

Thank you, Jesus, for the sweet surprises of hope and encouragement You sprinkle in my life.  Thank you for the beauty of the feet of those who boldly go forth to share the good news of the gospel and the good news of Your mighty works.  Please do not let me be tainted by this world in expecting bad news, when the GOOD NEWS of Your love and grace FAR exceeds any news this world can dish out.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

special delivery, delivers

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Do you believe in them? Do you tell them?

Many who have succeeded in life or overcome difficulties, credit a special teacher who encouraged them. In a world filled with pain, uncertainties and hopelessness, teachers have the power to rescue. They can steer the life of a child with words that create and drive dreams into realities.  

Your words... a precious gift of hope and life.

May our words be wrapped and delivered in shiny silver boxes and not crumpled brown bags. 

When we choose love, we inspire others to shine.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

storms within

"But now, this is what 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..." Isaiah 43:1-3 

Spring, even with all its beauty, is a season of continuous, pop-up storms. It's not if we'll have a storm, but when. Our best line of defense is to acknowledge and prepare for impending storms with the right tools... proper outwear close at hand, a review of guidelines for tornadoes, and an attentive ear for weather alerts.  Fact is we can't always outrun or dodge the storms around us; some will strike with no warning.  But we can obtain safety and protection with wise preparation and action.

The storms inside us are not too different from the ones in our neighborhood. No matter how "good" we are, outside forces can sever our comfort zone... broken relationships, job loss, death, fear, sickness.  Sometimes our decisions or actions cause hardships and others times, it just happens.  No matter the circumstances, our pain from storms can be eased, comforted or resolved with the right tools:

*Being clothed in love as God's child
*Reading His Word for guidance, strength and peace
*Praying, listening and responding to God

Storms, disappointments, failures, hurts... God doesn't say if it happens, but when it happens; and when it happens, He is there. 

Let's ride out the storms with God. Because He who can still the wind, can also still our heart.  Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ healer

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

Jesus is greater than any brokenness in our life. He has the power to overcome and mend our broken hearts, broken ways, and broken dreams.

He who holds our heart, knows how to care for it.

Thank You, Jesus... i'm trusting You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

are you still in the boat?

 "Come," He said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"   Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said, "why did you doubt?"  Matthew 14:29‑31

Sometimes Jesus comes to where we are and sometimes, He calls us to step out of the boat in faith.  Faith is not a one-time event or a one-way path.  We don't simply "get it" and check it off our list... it is a continuous life process. We need only experience a dose of doubt like Peter for proof.  

The initial act of faith is stepping out of the safety of our boat/environment... the place we know, trust and find comfort.   Next, is fixing out eyes on Him so we can walk through the dark, murky, rough, deep waters of life.  Third, is maintaining our focus on Him as the unexpected winds/temptations/trials of life roll our way, as they inevitably do.  Even a mere glance away from our Lord and Master is long enough for the waves of life to engulf us in fear, doubt or unbelief.

Look around. Where are you?  Don't get stuck in the boat or succumb to a "sinking" spell.  Let's continue our walk in faith by keeping our focus and trust in Him.  

Go on, do it.  He's out there waiting to show you something spectacular.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ courage

 “They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.  Immediately He spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage!  Don’t be afraid.’ Then He climbed in the boat with them…”  Mark 6:49-51

Are you in the middle of a storm? Be not afraid, trust He is already in the boat with you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

(almost) the perfect season

 "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider; God has one as well as the other."  Ecclesiastes 7:14

Like many, i am thrilled winter is over, and spring is here.  I am not a fan of dull gray skies, bare trees and frigid temperatures. But spring does not blossom without its shortcomings too.  Pollen wreaks havoc with all ages, and rain boots are a constant companion for the feet.  

But even with its drawbacks, spring provides us with much to celebrate. After all, we can't have the beauty of new life, lush green trees and brilliant flowers without some misery... like a rise of allergies and illnesses due to an increase of pollen, possible destruction caused by high winds or tornados, and disease-ridden insects affecting fruits and veggies.

Happy is the heart that can still rejoice in the midst of tough times... because God is still good. He has the power to bring excellence even out of hard, trying times. 

Love where you are because God is there -- no matter the season.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a needed break

 "...Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." Luke 6:12

From the mountains to the beach to amusement parks, Spring Break brought about different journeys, schedules and choices.

For me the the best choice for the week required a break from chaos and a focus on more prayer... more time for quiet rest, active listening and positive reflection with God. Would you like to join us before we step back into a busy work/life routine?  There is still time left and there is room enough for all.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Sonshine song

 Jesus said...

"Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

"Son"shine -- God gave Jesus to us unconditionally to make us free.

No one, no thing, no circumstance can rip Him away from you or me.

Forever yours, forever mine....

Our God is with us until the end of time... and always.

Sing a song of thanks and praise,

Our God's Love is Mighty all night and day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the morning after

"Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

Spectacular Sunday

"HE HAS RISEN!"  Mark 16:6

"But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone! the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!" 1 Corinthians 15:57

It's Easter Sunday

The earth shook, the cloth was folded, His work finished.

And the glory of the LORD shone all around.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

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

veneal 

Silent Saturday... not.a.sound

 "'Take a guard,' Pilate answered (the Pharisees). 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.'" Matthew 27:65

It's Saturday

All is quiet.  The rush and excitement of the past week is on hold.  You can call it the silence before the storm.  Come Monday the chains will be broken and our freedom guaranteed.  How eerie and dark is the silence.  But not for long!

All silence is not golden, some is torturous. There is silence at the tomb.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, is dead. His body now guarded in a tomb with a massive stone covering the opening. No one can possibly enter.  But, they forgot to consider the possibility of Someone coming out. Oh, ye, of little faith. There will be an awakening! What a glorious day to come!  Thank You, Father!

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

veneal

Friday's forgiveness... the choice

 "... there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'.. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked him... Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" Luke 23:33‑43

It's Friday

Jesus, weak and nearly unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His followers nor His disciples. The women followed in tears; the men scattered in fear.
  
Jesus' last walk on earth shook the ground with raw emotions, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom!

Even at the very last minute on the cross, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him.  He humbly gave His all, so we may live. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.  May we remember and honor His love for us by loving Him and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Tearful Thursday... by the light of the moon

 Jesus prayed -

"My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." John 17:20

It's THURSDAY
Sweat rolling down His back and legs and tears spilling from His eyes, the dirt on His knees change to mud. The fury of the week left the disciples too exhausted to stay awake in the Garden. Three times Jesus wakes them... and later, three times Peter denies Him. Under the full moon, Jesus is alone on the path to the Cross.

The brilliance and beauty of a full moon is mesmerizing. So full and bright, it is breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 year ago, Jesus prepared to be betrayed and disowned by His own, and unjustly accused by others. In the Garden after the Last Supper, He committed His final act before captured -- He prayed.

 He prayed for Himself and the ability to be obedient...Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. He prayed for His disciples and their strengthening. And He prayed for you and me. His final prayer -- for us to be one in Him.

May you see the moon in a different light tonight... His eternal Light for all. The sorrow of this night will fade as His path fills with believers. Victory over darkness is guaranteed. Thank You, Father!
   
we are loved and chosen by God,

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