a heavenly sign

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8,9

Have you ever pulled a trailer behind a car?   If so, you know traveling forward is not too difficult but backing up is quite a different story. While traveling in the mountains and needing to stop, i pulled off the road before we reached our destination.  When my daughter asked me how we were going to get back on the main road i froze, realizing i put us in a terrible dilemma.  

The curvy road i turned on appeared to be a private path.  Fearing going forward would not lead to a place to turn around with a trailer, i tried backing up.  Ha! impossible task for me; then she tried... better, but still a harrying challenge.  On one side was a deep drop and the other a full, small parking lot. Inching back and forward, i felt trapped in an impossible situation.  When i finally looked up, i saw the answer staring me in the face. It was a heavenly sign for 2 reasons. 

The destination of the path i had unknowingly turned on was to a church... a church with a parking lot large enough for us to twirl the car and trailer around without a hitch.  

Thank You, Father, for Your perfect ways!  May this serve as a constant reminder for me -- when in a tight, or impossible situation to stop desperately looking for feeble solutions on my own and instead look up to You first.  Your ways are always perfect and better than mine.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

note:

I've been informed by blogger that emails will no longer be supported by on any blogsite.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, starting in July you will need to access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website - www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and like my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from my blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

more signs to watch for today

 As our journey continues, so do His signs....

U TURN     "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." 

                  Psa. 34:14

MERGE      "...encourage one another and build each other up..." 

                  1 Thess. 5:11

NARROW   "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.."

BRIDGE        Matt. 7:14 

RIGHT TURN  "The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in

ONLY                  them..."  Hosea 14:9

CONSTRUCTION    "... He who began a good work in you will carry it on to 

AHEAD                     completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6

WATCH FOR          "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is

CHILDREN                old he will not turn from it."  Prov. 22:6

No journey is too long or difficult with God.  Rest in Him.  He who is faithful will lead us home safely with His mighty signs of love.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

watch for the signs

As you travel this summer far or near, take note of the road signs.  They offer true guidance and direction...for the road and for our life.

STOP        "Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10               

YIELD       "...stand firm.  Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves

                     fully to the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor. 15:58

CAUTION  "Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls

                     around like a roaring lion..."  1 Peter 5:8

GO           "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." Matt. 28:19

ONE WAY  "Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always."

                 1 Chr. 16:11

The journey is long and the signs are plentiful.  Watch for more of His signs to come, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the longest day

"Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord... I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:6,8

Yesterday was literally the longest day of the year.  With the June solstice boasting of the maximum amount of daylight, there was more time for sun-filled activities. Yet for most of us, we quickly equate "the longest day" to difficult days...

waiting for test results
healing from a loss
recovering from an injury
surviving a broken relationship
completing a complicated task
needing a new start
trying unwanted circumstances

Father, may we remember when we face our longest day, it will not last forever. Exhaustion, fear and doubt may overtake us during the day, but You do not leave us there alone in the dark.  In Your perfect time we see Your Hand and are reminded it is never pulled away from us.  We are always surrounded and covered by Your brilliant light and love.  Thank You for ending our longest days in glory to You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

 note:

I've been informed by blogger that emails will no longer be supported by on any blogsite.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, starting in July you will need to access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website - www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and like my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from my blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

Happy Father's Day

"Give thanks to the Lord (our Father), for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 118:1

Happy Father's Day to the many who give, guide, share, teach and love all who look up to them.  Your faithfulness lives forever in your loved ones.

Thank You, God, for all the special daddies, of the past and present, those by blood and those by heart. We are thankful to be surrounded by Your love from them. A good father makes for a happy, happy heart, no matter where they are.

"Sing to God, sing praise to His name... A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling."  Psalm 68:4,5

Sweet God above, a Father for all, forever!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

 note:

I've been informed by blogger that emails will no longer be supported by on any blogsite.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, starting in July you will need to access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website - www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and like my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from my blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

seeing as God sees

"You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus... there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26,28

"So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality..." Acts 10:24

"And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth..." Acts 17:26

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

It appears to me, God's view of us has nothing to do with our outward appearance.

What matters to God is our heart.  Period.
If you find anything different, let me know.

Meanwhile, may we celebrate and be thankful for our acceptance, unity and love as members of His family.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

 note:

I've been informed by blogger that emails will no longer be supported by on any blogsite.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, starting in July you will need to access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website - www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and like my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from my blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

the Root of all

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139.13-14

For some reason, my hydrangea plant in the backyard blooms in all colors... white, pink, violet, blue... in varying shades.  One plant, one root, but an array of  colors.  It's impossible to pick a favorite, because each bloom is unique and possesses its own personal beauty, meant to be enjoyed and appreciated by all who pass by it.  

One God, one Root, but an array of children... in all colors, sizes, styles.  All His, all beautiful. Each one specifically and specially designed by Him for His purpose.  He loves them each, one and all.

Father, i want to love like You.  Everything and everyone You created is good.  We are blessed by all Your creation.  

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

note:

I've been informed by blogger that emails will no longer be supported by on any blogsite.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, starting in July you will need to access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website - www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and like my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from my blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

speak, Lord...

 "My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding." Psalm 49:3

In need of a word for...

direction
peace
guidance
hope
strength
rebuilding
answers
joy
purpose
comfort
rest

acceptance
 

Open up His Word.  It's a one-stop reading for EVERY need under the "Son".

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

are you bait?

 Jesus said...

“Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19
 "go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

As believers, Jesus has cast us into the world to show, inspire and help bring others to Him.  We are the bait, He is the Master Fishermen.  As a true fisherman depends on a variety of baits to entice and capture fish, God desires a multi-packed tackle box loaded with successful bait too.

Father, You created each of us uniquely, possessing different needs, talents and desires. In growing Your kingdom, each and every one of us is needed to reach others.  May we be alive in You, so You can reel in an overflowing eternal catch.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's okay...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Failures... we all experience them.  But they are not what define us.  What we do afterwards is what determines the person we are.  And we have a Mighty God who is working out everything for our best and His glory. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

note:

I've been informed by blogger that emails will no longer be supported by on any blogsite.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, starting in July you will need to access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website - www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and like my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from my blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

If you receive this via email....

I've been informed by blogger, the means by which I post and email my devotions, they will no longer be supported by an email server.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, you may access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website - saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and like my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from this blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

In prayer and thanks to God....

because we are loved and chosen by Him,

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

veneal

 

a Mighty Word ~ free

 "My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15

Tripped up, tied up, turned up, twisted up... i don't want to be.

Father, help me keep my eyes on You, so my feet will be free.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

taking care of business

"Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4

Sometimes we just have to put matters in God's Hands...
                                               people
                                                situations
                                                frustrations
                                                fears
                                                doubts
                                                mistakes
                                                disappointments
                                                decisions

Actually, we need to put everything in God's Hands... and leave it there.  Why do we want to invite greater hardships or chaos, when we know only He can provide and sustain peace, even in the unimaginable moments?  And many of you know exactly what i mean.

Thank You, Father, for your unending love and strength!  I want to give it and leave it ALL with You.  Shake loose my fears and grow my trust.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

no discount here

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10

Don’t discount anything you do.  What might seem like nothing to you, might mean the world to another.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

here's a thought

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... and be thankful." Col. 3:15

here's a thought...  

Suppose you woke up this morning with only what you thanked God for yesterday. Would it be a good day?

May we live with a heart full of gratitude everyday... no matter what.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

ready? jump!

 "For in the gospel a righteousness is being revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"  Romans 1:17

The rustling above my head caught my ear.  I peered up and watched a squirrel in the tiptop of the tree scamper to the end of a twig and then sail in the air to the branch tip in another tree.  He exhibited a magnificent leap with no hesitation!

Often we are called to take such leaps in our life... leaps of faith.  Feats appearing dangerous, uncomfortable or impossible can cause us to cower.  We stop, ponder, analyze the circumstances through our human eyes and then slink away.

Is our Father calling you to take such a leap of faith and to follow Him down a different and uncertain path?  Unlike the squirrel, you can rest in the fact God will lead, guide and even catch you if you fall.  All He is asking is for you to believe Him.  May the grass around you rustle in celebration as you take a leap into faith with Him... with no hesitations.  After all, our worse fate would be falling and landing in our Father's Hands.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

wild is good

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."  Colossians 2:6-7

In a field of wildflowers, the overall beauty is comprised of sun-dipped colors and a sweet fragrance sprinkled over the land.   Individually and specifically, they are grown by the Master Gardener as He sees fit, living in harmony under the "Son".

As believers, we all have special gifts and talents God has equipped us with in serving Him. We may look and bloom differently, but rooted in Him, we are all beautiful, significant and greatly loved.

Wild Child, i think He loves you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal