a Mighty Word ~ trust

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

amen...

We can take the fear and anxiety out of the day, by keeping our eyes on God and not our circumstances.

we are loved and chosen  by God,

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

veneal

timing

"No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground that the water of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before."  Joshua 4:18

A part on my refrigerator door shattered and came off, requiring a firm push to close it securely.  My repairman ordered the part but due to shipping delays, said it would take a week to arrive.  It took 13 days. Frustrated about the problem and delay, i could do nothing but wait. I didn't have the needed part nor knowledge to fix the issue.

When it finally arrived, we scheduled his visit.  An hour before his appointed time, i noticed a pool of water under the refrigerator door. The waterline had a crack in it and needed to be replaced. Luckily, cracked waterlines are a common problem, and he had extra lines in his truck.  I now saw a blessing in the overall problem.  He was able to correct 2 issues with just 1 service call.  His service call ended up being perfectly timed.

Sometimes we think God's timing is off, but think again.  How many times did He respond too quickly or too late in the Bible? 

Father, help us remember You have a divine plan, and it will not be thwarted.  When the time is not pleasing to us, i hope to be reminded it is to You.  Thank You; please grant me more patience while i wait.

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

a Mighty Word ~ release

"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

God says it, and God means it... for now, and always.

 

Father, help me release fear and discouragement as i rest securely in Your powerful Hands. I need to plaster Your Words and promises all over the walls of my home and heart.  To fear anything besides You, is not trusting You are in control.  May my faith grow, and my fears subside.   Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

what are you counting on?

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

Price of gasoline... unpredictable

amount of milk you should drink... unpredictable

spread of diseases... unpredictable

weather next week... unpredictable

number of eggs you should eat... unpredictable

fashion trend... unpredictable

war time... unpredictable

lottery ticket... unpredictable

job security... unpredictable

relationship with friends, family, co‑workers... unpredictable

our life... unpredictable

moment of death... unpredictable

In this ever-changing world and time, just what can we count on?

Jesus Christ... predictable.  Always the same, always there, always involved in our life, always madly in love with us.  On Jesus we can always depend.  Can you survive on just that?  All i know for sure is i can't survive without Him.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

heart issues

"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

Have you ever had a heart issue? I have. It's been turned this way and that way, squeezed, cut, harden, punched, slapped, pulled, stomped, torn, and broken.  Recently, i added to my list an irregular heartbeat.  Of all the possible issues, i consider this last one a good and healthy hiccup.

Father, i don't want to continue beating to the same rhythm of this world with a focus on self.  The continuous pounding for more power, more happiness, more prestige, more titles, more money, more stuff is unending and unsatisfying. We live in a broken world in need of a different beat... a beat that considers the needs of others more important than self.

Help me, Father, to develop and keep an irregular beating heart.  I want it to beat first for You, and then for others... in love, understanding, giving, patience, kindness and gentleness.  Strength, correction and guidance from You is the healing i need to truly possess an aMAZing heart.

 ...be wise, and keep your heart on the right path." Proverbs 23:19

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ kindness

"...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind." 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15

Every day in many ways, hearts are beating with joy thanks to your encouragement, help, patience, and kindness. YOU matter to me and many others. You make school possible.

Keep tossing kindness everywhere... even outside the lines of your comfort zone. Because wherever it lands, it's good and needed.

we are loved and chosen  by God,

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

veneal

who is that?

"... from the beginning God chose you ... May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 16-17

Looking at the self-portraits on the wall, one fact was clearly evident.  How we see ourselves is not exactly accurate. And it's likely not how others would see or draw us either. I had to read the names to figure out who many of them were.   

Would you say we see the best in ourselves or the worse?  Is it a picture of truth or fiction? Whose picture of us is most accurate?  I know of One.

God, the Master Artist, sees us for who and what we truly are... His Child. He knows us inside out and could identify us with His eyes closed.  No matter our flaws or shortcomings, He loves us completely and unconditionally. If God had a  refrigerator, your picture would be on it with a frame saying, "My Beloved Child". 
                                                

Father, more than anything, i want my portrait to need constant updating.  As each day passes i want to bear a greater resemblance to You.  Less of me and more of You is the reflection i want to see in the mirror.  So, erase the worries and doubts and keep me known as permanently Yours... with a big smile and a peaceful heart.

Thank You.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ surrounded

"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways..." Psalm 91:11

Do you know who has your back?

Angels surround us.... ministering to our every need as God sees fit.
Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

tender guidance

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

With tubing and string, the tender, impressionable sapling received strong guidance on how to become a fine shade tree.  In due time, the restraints and guides will all be removed.  And hopefully when it reaches maturity, the bending and shaping from its younger days will result into a strong, magnificent tree.

Our schools are filled with young students stretching and yearning to grow. Many have a wonderful, solid support system at home.  Some are weathering difficult hardships with little to no home support.  As we prepare for today's opportunities, may we remember our instructions and guidance might provide the needed life line for some... connecting and anchoring them to a future with hope and peace.

Father,  Help me to shepherd the hearts around me with Your love and gentleness. 

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

veneal 

shine on

"His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."  Revelation 1:16

Sunflowers.  I love their cheerful presence and find it amazing how they always face and follow the sun.  They are a shining example on how to live as believers.

Having its roots nestled deep in the foundation, the sunflower grows strong and tall for all to see and enJOY its beauty.  No matter the time of day, it is always turned facing the sun.  But what happens when it is dark or cloudy? It appears the flower droops... as if its head is bowed in prayer. 

I want to live like a Sunflower.  I want to be firmly rooted in a relationship with God, watered daily by His Word. As the sunflower continually faces the sun, i want to be found facing and following the Son too.  And on dark, cloudy days, may my head be bowed in prayer -- laying my requests, pleas, cries and thanks before God. 

There is Power in the Son... may He bloom and shine through us, so others will see and turn to Him too.  Shine on, my friends, and have a wonder-filled weekend.

Let your light shine before others in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ loving

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

It had been a long day. Walking down the hall i was looking down, self-absorbed in serious thought.  Then i heard Charlie's cheery voice, "Hi, Mrs. Williams!" His genuine kindness helped me to refocus, changing the rest of my day.

Sometimes we teach the children...
and sometimes they teach us.

Write this down.  Loving hearts and loving minds are the beginning for better endings.

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

roots matter

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

How are you doing? How are you holding up during this stressful season?

If we are anything alike, current issues have unexpectedly thrown you around creating some painful bruises... each producing a greater awareness/need of love, patience, compassion, possibly correction or other lesson. 

Keeping our roots in His Living Waters builds and strengthens our faith, especially during turbulent times. Rocks and difficulties in life are not there to deter our growth, but to lead us into a deeper relationship with God.  And because of His mighty love we will not perish but produce. His glorious Sonshine streaming through us is meant for others to see, so they may witness and believe Him too.  

Father, many days i'm unsure what direction i'm moving and even why i'm moving.  But as long as my roots rest in You, i am confident of Your love for me and trust You will provide the strength and direction needed for each moment.  How grateful i am that no matter what's going on in my life i am not alone, You are with me.  I'm digging my toes deep in Your unshakeable, unconditional foundation of Love as You grow my faith and strengthen my heart and mind in 

serving You where i am planted.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ roots

"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

As believers, we all have different gifts and talents God has equipped us with in serving Him. We may look different and bloom/act differently, but rooted in Him, we are all beautiful and needed... just as we are.  Uniqueness is necessary to help grow His kingdom.

Father, as Your grace and mercy flow freely through You to me, may i grow in the Fruit of the Spirit -  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - so others may taste and know Your Almighty goodness.  Feeding on your Word and turning my prayerful concerns over to You, ensures a healthy harvest of faith nourishing our hungry souls and overflowing to others in need.   

As your roots run deep into the rich love of God, the bounty of blessings will multiply... and God smiles.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

all choked up

Jesus said... "I have come that they may have life." John 10:10

Sitting in church i could hardly breathe.  My issue was not due to covid fears nor an uncomfortable sermon, but the neckline of my dress.  As i continually yanked it down, it continually crept up to unlovingly embrace my neck.  Only when i got home to change clothes did i discover the root of my irritation.

In my hurried morning preparation, i slipped my dress on backwards, which also explained the strange wrinkles in the "front" of my dress. 

Anything choking you?

health issues 

work-related concerns

difficult relationships

future plans

necessary events

financial hardships

important decisions

Sometimes all our yanking and pulling for relief is fruitless.

Sometimes we act too quickly, without thought or preparation.

Sometimes we need a complete turnaround.

Sometimes we need a helping hand.

But ALWAYS, and i mean always, we need and benefit from the love, comfort and guidance of our Father.

If anything is choking the "life" out of you, i pray you turn to our Mighty God.  May He release the grip on you and bring new life into your weary soul. Be reminded of Jesus' Words, "I have come that they may have life."  I want that, don't you?

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ picked

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

Wondering if you are in the right place?

God has a perfect plan, and we are a part of it.  He created you for this precise time and task. Trust Him.  You are right where He needs you.

Smile, and happy Friday.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

shine on

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. ”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." Philippians 2:14-16

At first glance, i thought someone had made a mistake.  Surely there shouldn't be a period after the word shine. But when i said it out loud, "Shine period", i heard the Voice of God say, "Yes." 

It's been and still is a trying season.  An unexpected gift reminded me of what i needed to hear. SHINE -- PERIOD. As children of God, we need to let the love of Christ shine through us for others to see and know Him.  Yet, in times of difficult testing, when trials are banging at the door, it's sometimes hard to keep our eyes on God instead of the rattling door of our hurting soul. 

The shirt is a bright reminder for me of what God desires:  

Hit with injustice?   shine 
Relationship in shambles?  shine 
Financial hardship at hand?  shine 
Battling sickness?   shine 
Lost identity?   shine 
Filled with loneliness?  shine 
Heart broken?   shine 
Destruction of property? shine
Results/tests unfavorable?   shine 
Overloaded with demands?   shine 
Wronged at work?   shine 

              Shine -- period

Father, although i flicker terribly in times of bitter testing, may nothing ever extinguish Your Light in me.  In my dark, stormy times, i pray for an extra surge of Your strength.  May Your Power be revealed as we witness to other our steadfast connection to the One True Source of Light - You.  

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

a Mighty Word ~ secure

 "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

Distraught, nervous or anxious about something?

There is nothing in life that catches our Father off guard or unprepared.  He will carry us through the days and minutes ahead.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

proper care

 "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3 

Where you lead, they will follow.
How you lead, they will learn.
Why you lead, they will know, grow and prosper.
  
As you labor in love, you are right where God wants you and needs you.
Thank You, Father, for this opportunity to serve You and others.

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

what time is it?

"pray continually..." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

There is a --

time to dance... time to be still.
time to sing... time to be silent.
time to doodle... time to observe.
time to talk... time to listen.
time to play... time to work.
time to watch... time to participate.
time to read... time to write.
time to run... time to sit.
time to think... time to rest.

As we move from one activity to another throughout the day, there is one activity in which it's always the right time to do -- prayer.

Because without Him, i am not who i should be.
Say it and pray it... with Him.

Sweet reminder: It is also time for a long weekend. May it be a time of refreshment, rest and refueling for you.  EnJOY!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ wonderful

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I, (your name), am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

    

God doesn't make junk... you, my friend, are a priceless, unique jewel created by Him for His glory.  Shine so all my see and know Him!

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

be a jamie

"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. And let the PEACE of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be THANKFUL. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:12-17

Survival skills... they've never been more important than now.  Whether battling sickness, a loss, war, loneliness, abuse, abandonment, critical decisions, or other hardship  possessing godly knowledge and ways helps one to cope.  

I found the survival list from "Jamie" an excellent start to putting together my own survival list.  Maybe you will too.

Who would have thought my survival list would have so much in common with a first grader's list.

While i don't think our Teacher is interested in chocolate, i feel obedience to His Word and an active prayer life would be a wonderful, sweet substitute.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal