feeling rattled?

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.  Great is our Lord and mighty in power, His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:4-5

He who numbered the stars, also numbered each bone and created each cell in our body.  We may get rattled, but because of Him, we are not destroyed!

Thank You, Father.

I pray you have a peaceful long weekend.  May it be filled with delightful treats, and no tricks.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

you make a difference

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men/women...

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ... 

God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to  be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  " 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12, 18-20

God has created each of us for a special purpose for His glory.  And when all the different pieces/gifts/talents come together, it makes for a beautiful picture. Never doubt or downplay  or dismiss God's magnificent plan and role for you.  You are needed and appreciated!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you understand?

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5

Life changed, and they didn't understand why.  Bringing sweet lil AJ home from the hospital brought much JOY to the parents (and grands), but confusion to the pets.  One filled with curiosity and the other anxiety, they felt a major changed and didn't understand why.

Yet, as days past they sensed all was well.  Although the new addition to the family restructured some routines, there was still plenty of time and love for them.  Plus a budding new love for them was developing for Sweet Pea.  Nothing was loss, and much was gained.

Father, when there are confusing issues and uncertainty in life to me, help me remember it is not to You.  Grow my trust in You as You lead me to a fuller life in You and with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ calmness

"Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

How do you feel about dark or uncertain times?

 

The "cross" in the windowpanes in the haunted house reminded me of an important fact.  

 

When life feels spooky, scary or uncertain, we are not alone.  No matter where we go or what we do, God never leaves us to face even one second alone.

Thank You, Father. You are our calmness in the dark moments.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

shine on

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4: 30-32

Every October, i am reminded of the tale comparing a Christian to a jack-o-lantern.  God personally picks and prepares each of us to do His work.  Through continuous love and discipline, He diligently removes the yuck from us.  He rids us of the harmful seeds of hate, jealousy, anger, doubt, revenge, fear. Once in the loving Arms of Jesus, His Light shines from within us to draw others to Him.

Don't you agree, that's a beautiful tale/Truth?  God's Hands tenderly and continuously on us removing the junk and making more room for His Light to shine brighter!

 
Smile, give thanks and let His Light shine for all to see!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

choose life, and know this

"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.  For the LORD is your life..." Deuteronomy 30:19‑20

I am certain of the faithfulness of our Father.

I am certain of His goodness, mercy, grace, and unconditional love.

I am certain His promises to us are true... all of them.

I am certain He is aware and cares about every minute detail in our life.

I am certain His will and purpose will be accomplished.

I am certain Jesus died for all my sins... those in the past, present and future.

I am certain prayer is answer by God... in His perfect way and perfect time.

I am certain i am a child of God... and not of the deceiver.

I am certain He works in our lives through others.... you, are proof of that.

I am certain that the "Son" is still present even on cloudy days... though covered, He is never gone.

And, i am certain my Mother is home with God, and i will see her again.

Thank you, Mother, for sharing your faith, love and guidance not by telling, but by showing in how you lived. Your sweet presence, heart and face have been missed 12 years, but i carry you in my heart every second.  Thank you for choosing life in Him, so i can live too, as well as be the spark to carry on life in Him to my children and my children's children.   

God is so incredibly good ALL the time.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

a fresh start

"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

Fall in love with His faithfulness...

If you got up this morning with yesterday’s worries still clinging to your heart, try going back to bed and getting up on the other side with our Father.  It’s a new day, and God has chosen to share it with you.  May there be singing, instead of tears; trust, instead of fear; and peace, instead of worry.  With Him, this is possible.

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.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ help

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I AM HELPED."  Psalm 28:7

When we think we don't have enough, we need only to remember He is always enough ~ always.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

don't worry, My Child

"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. indeed, He who watches over Israel (and all we love) will neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:1-4

It was a tearful departure yesterday.  After a week of heavenly bliss with my granddaughter, daughter and "son", it was time to return home.  How could i leave this new love? How would they manage? Who would help them maneuver through new parenthood waters?

But the truth is i did not leave them alone. Others would be in and out helping and checking on them. And most importantly, there is One that will never leave them or doze off... like i did.

Thank You, Father, for Your ever watchful, attentive and loving Eye on my family and friends. Because of You there is rest and peace in our worn and worried souls.  Trusting You with our most precious gems because You loved them first.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a sweet assortment

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

Do you know of any two children who are exactly alike?

No matter who you are... how alike or different you are from others, GOD LOVES YOU... just the way you are.

Father -
"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You." Psalm 63:3

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

through His eyes

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." 1 John 4:16

When we see others through the eyes of Jesus, blessings flow in both directions.  And that makes Him smile.

May your weekend be as sweet as a baby's breath.

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

do you still believe in miracles?

"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. Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-14

Missed reports, broken laptop, jumbled-up schedules, loss sleep... in this week of interruptions i am wonderfully reminded of the magical wonders and awe of our Father.  As i take time off from my regular schedule for a week to soak in the joys of my baby having a baby, i will continue to pray for you.  Of all the things i do not know, there is one fact i am completely sure of... our God is still a God of miracles.  Don't just believe in Him, believe Him.

While you might miss receiving some devotions from me, rest in the fact God never stops or postpones His plans for us.  Think about it and give thanks. He is crazy in love with you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ love

"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

As you take hold and believe how precious you are to our Father, may your roots dig deeper in His extraordinary, unfathomable love. You are blooming and you are beautiful.

You are a breath of fresh air, the Holy Spirit, to another... 
and God smiles.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's your day!

“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.  The present?  Today, with endless love from God. 
   

Know He is watching with the excitement and anticipation of a Daddy who's all-in and eagerly waiting to see what you do with your present.  You can’t return it, save it or re-gift it.  Let's be joyful, prayerful and thankful and then live today to His glory.  What an incredible party we have to look forward to!

Today i am celebrating the glorious life of each and every one of you... big and small, old and new.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need another chance?

"Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that." 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (the Message)

What a sweet Word of Truth! and beautiful reminder to start our day and week...  

we are firmly wrapped in His unconditional love FOREVER.   He will never let us go.

So thankful God is God and not a person; He gives us not only a second chance, but a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. -- whatever it takes. When others/we are ready to throw our hands up on someone or something, God digs deeper. He never gives up on His children, even when we are in the stinking ditch.

Father, i am resting in Your Truth, and not in my circumstances because You are in control of all things. Thank You for being our Redeemer and Savior and Fighter.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what is your name?

"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will..." Ephesians 1:11

"What is your first name?"
"I don't know."

"Is it Matthew?"

"I don't know what it is."

What he serious? Yes. 

Checking a library book out to the new kindergarten student, i stumbled onto a common problem with kindergarteners. Having several names and a nickname, He wasn't sure what to tell me.  Fortunately, his teacher returned and filled in the blanks.  Now we both know his first name for school.  :)

Sometime the obvious in life is not so obvious, and we have to be reminded.

Here's your reminder for today...

You, my friend, are greatly loved.  God created you specifically at this time for a divine purpose.  Whether for one, tens, hundreds or more, God's plan includes you touching the lives of others with His love, kindness and comfort. 

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ singing

"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." Zaphaniah 3:17

There's a song in the air, and it's for you...

In the midst of turmoil, God can quiet our soul with His love.  Stop, listen and enJOY His song meant for you.

Thank You, Father.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal

be like Him

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with My loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8

In the hands of a caring teacher all prosper, especially those who have received little direction, encouragement or hope elsewhere.  God works through you shaping and transforming all into precious treasures.

When we teach like Jesus, we love like Jesus... and lives are changed for the good.  You are making a difference in the future of others.  

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

a Mighty Word ~ treasure

"The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession."  Deuteronomy 7:6

We are His treasure... 

because He says so. 

 

Believe Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what are you counting?

"If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? but with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You." Psalm 130:3-4

Books with just 32 pages are the norm for children picture books.  Checking in a stack last week in our library, the title of one, "The Book of Mistakes", caught my attention and triggered a thought. 

I couldn't help but chuckle considering the fact a book with that title authored by me could never be a picture book because it would be WAYYY thicker.  A listing of all my mistakes would resemble a set of encyclopedias with yearly updates, not a skinny stand alone book.

Luckily, God does not burden Himself down counting and remembering our mistakes.  As His children we are covered in His unending love... a true picture story of mercy and grace. Today may we serve others in the joy and freedom of forgiveness from the Author of our life.

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.  Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.”  Romans 4:7-8

Let's live with peace and thanks as we count our blessings and not our mistakes.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

THINK about it

"Friends, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

In class, at home, within our community there are many issues being debated, doubted and discussed.  In the heat of a tense moment or in a fit of exhaustion, we run a high risk of our tongues rattling too quickly and harshly.

Before we speak, i pray we THINK:

T - is it True
H - is it Helpful
I - is it Inspiring
N - is it Necessary
K - is is Kind

Thinking before we speak will likely spare unnecessary hurt and bring healing to a broken situation, person and world.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal