Building His House His Way

 "...God is the Builder of everything... Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house.  And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast."  Hebrews 3:4,6

Thanksgiving… it delivered big -- incredible food topped off sweet gatherings with family and friends and joyful celebrations.  But it doesn't stop there. Overindulgent due to a weak self-will is inching its way under my skin. The days between Thanksgiving and New Year boil over with temptations -- guaranteed to bring even the strongest to their knees.  What’s a person to do?

Accepting what is ahead, i have a plan.  A plan to remove what causes useless bulges.  I have a Mind and Body Builder Who can steer me clear of costly temptations.  I need only confess my weaknesses to Him and keep in close contact with Him.  So here goes.

Father, keep me from gorging on the fats of the land, from buying excessive gifts for those who are not in need and from greedily stuffing my plate and life with needless things.  Instead, help me butter the life of the hungry, spread warmth over the cold, dry the tears of the lonely and heap layers of Your love on those who feel hopeless.  Father, You and only You, can give me the strength and will power to do good and not become a victim of this fallen world.  Build me up in Your Ways to be Your House filled with Your Light and Love.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the star you are

 "... for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..."  Philippians 2:13-15

It's said most everyone will experience five minutes of fame or stardom on earth.

As a believer in Christ, though, you have the opportunity to shine like a star every day.  Live as you believe, my sisters and brothers, and His Light within you will reflect an eternal stardom -- possessing the power to draw others to His Mighty Love and salvation.  

You are His star; and you are His hope for others to witness.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal

thankful for you

 "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

As you travel and gather, praying you have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving season. 

Happy Thanksgiving; i am so thankful to be your sister-in-Christ. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

i an thankful for ___________

 "I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..."  Philippians 1:3-5 

It’s Thanksgiving week, and the wisdom scribbled on turkey placemats keep swirling in my mind.  The typical responses expected from 5-7 year olds regarding what they're thankful for… toys, bikes, electronic devices… were minimal.  Their overwhelming response centered on relationships... mom, dad, pets, cousins, brothers, sisters, God and Jesus.

Out of the mouth of babes, truth flowed -- hearts still untainted by the world.  The genuine riches on earth are planted in our relationship with each other... God, family and friends. The love, care and trust we develop in our relationships is priceless and everlasting.  How very grateful i am memories can sustain and comfort us, when physical contact is not possible.

Father, thank You for the many acts of kindness, encouragement and goodness You provide me through my sisters and brothers in Christ.  And thank You for Your indescribable gift, your Son, Jesus, my Savior.  What a wonderful Thanksgiving this will be!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what is this?

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19

They were not what i expected.

For years the kindergarten Thanksgiving placements have had a beautiful traditional look.  But this year, i was shocked to discover a drastic change in color and design.  After studying them for a few minutes, i found myself liking the change.  Different fresh colors for an updated look made for happy turkeys.

Often i find myself stuck in a comfortable rut not open to change.  And then i hear God tapping at my closed heart. Sometimes He wants to share a fresh, new spin of His Word with me, sometimes He feels the need to totally rearrange my thought process and sometimes it's necessary for Him to remind me i'm still a work in progress.  Whatever the reason, i need to always stay open to His nudging.

When i finally remove the fences of comfort from around my head and allow myself to see and be with God with unfiltered eyes, our relationship grow deeper.  He can then share the true beauty of trusting Him with whatever changes occur.  

There is beauty in the moment, with or without changes, when God is with you.  He has a perfect plan... and it is good.  Trust Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

feathers of thanks

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (one feather at a time) 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The proof of kindness was in the feathers.

Throughout the school, walls were plastered with turkeys.  Student Council secretly and diligently transformed all our teachers and support members into turkeys... complete with beautiful feathers.  Each feather represented a colorful symbol of thanks with kind words and/or drawings for the teacher.  It was a touching and meaningful sight to see, thanks throughout the school for each person serving our students.  A lot of planning, a lot of work, and a lot of feathers add up to the fact YOU are appreciated and loved, everyday... even on the days when you feel like all your feathers have been plucked slam off your skin.

Keep spreading your wings, my friend, you are covering many with love, support, worthiness and encouragement.  May you never underestimate the difference you are making.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

never too early for this

 "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you..." 3 John 1:2

Thanksgiving is a week away, but it's never too early to give thanks.  Today i'm thanking God for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.  You encourage, inspire, strengthen and delight me.  I love doing life with you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a gift for you

“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.  Today... given with love from God. 

Know He is watching with the excitement and anticipation of a Daddy to see what we do with our present.  We can’t return it, save it or re-gift it.  May we be joyful, prayerful and thankful and then live today to His glory.  What an incredible party we can look forward to with Him because the best is yet to come.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

no change here

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

During our lifetime we face continuous changes in....
jobs
standards
styles

priorities
relationships
technology
rules
tastes

But there is One area of our life where change NEVER occurs.

My heart and soul are deeply THANKFUL to know our Father Above is a stable, unshakeable Constant in...  
who He loves
what He desires
how He feels

He loves us unconditionally forever and forever... no matter what. And He wants nothing more than for us to abide with Him for eternity.

Give thanks to our Father, for He is good... yesterday, today and tomorrow. On that we can hope and depend and know.  

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

make me a line

 "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Students are smarter (and some more daring) these days.  If you tell them to make a line, you better be specific or you might not get what you intended.  In their defense, all lines are not necessarily straight.  Some  are wavy, curved or zigzag.  The clearer the directions, the greater the possibility of getting the behavior desired.

Father, thank You for providing clear, precise directions in your Word on how to live.  May we indulge, digest and follow Your good and perfect Truth.  In doing so, we share Your light and love with others... and Your eternal Kingdom grows, as You desire.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

let freedom ring... and thank you

"The Lord your God Himself will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22

As we salute the veterans and soldiers who serve, i also extend my hands in thanks to their families... spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. The soldier's family serves an important role of support. Together, they exemplify a unit of love and strength amid ongoing changes and trials. To conquer battles in the field and at home, loyalty, dedication, encouragement, trust, sacrifice and integrity are necessary elements for the soldier, as well as, his/her family.

As believers, we are all military family members. On the heavenly battlefield, our Father and Mighty Defender, sealed our freedom in Christ. ALL our sins were forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. And as a member of His family, we should celebrate this victory daily by living for Him boldly in Truth, love and peace.

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

Thank you, Veterans and family members. May God bless all your days.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Here's to you!

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word (and even a cup of coffee) cheers it up." Proverbs 12:25

"Wow! Mrs. W, are you drinking all of those??"

While there are many days i could benefit and love to drink my mornings away, yesterday was not one of them.  Instead, i had the pleasure of participating in the preparation and sharing of pumpkin latte coffee for co-workers. It was a busy hour serving over 50 cups but so much fun!! The smiles and thanks made their day sweeter and ours too.

Never underestimate even the smallest act of kindness.  Where the overindulgence of coffee would have left me sluggish, the sharing of it filled me with JOY and others too.

We share because we care.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

He knows

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." Psalm 86:5

Regardless of...

the outcome
what is said
how you feel

what you do
how you act

what you decide
failures made - old, new and even repeated...

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL AND LOVES US!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live and breathe and look and act like we believe it,

with a grateful heart, always,
veneal

do you know my story?

"He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." Psalm 91:4

Ten years ago, i was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As i reflect on this event, i recount the faithfulness of a God, we sometimes dismiss as distant, uncaring or slack in answering our needs.  Yet, He has saved me not just once (on the cross) but numerous times.  

For those who don't know my story, i have summarized it below.

As God would have it, while walking my dogs, i took a nasty, hard fall.  A trip to the emergency room confirmed i had a concussion, but also revealed i had a rare brain tumor.  As God would have it, the physicians at both local hospitals admitted they were not the best choice for treatment. As God would have it, the local neurosurgeon spoke of a neurosurgeon in our state, Dr. William Vandergrift, as best qualified for cases like mine. As God would have it, i was whisked to MUSC in Charleston for emergency surgery, where God placed me in the hands of the doctor on call...  Dr. Vandergrift, a truly godly, humble man. Dr. V. led a talented team through 3 critical surgeries on me during the next two weeks. As God would have it, one of my nurses happened to be a former member of my home church, providing additional peace of mind and comfort. As God would have it, i returned home just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving and in time healed enough to return to work. As God would have it, i have not suffered from any long-term side effects, and i am truly a living miracle. My story could have ended differently and that would have been okay.  But as God would have it, He is not finished with me yet... i have a story of wonder and thankfulness, a story to share, a story to remind others His faithfulness is up-close and personal to all!

I don't remember all the details from 10 years ago, but i do remember some significant factors.  Things like, the unending comfort and support of loved ones by my side.  The unexpected visit of a cousin and friend's son, triggering an acute awareness i might actually die. A surgeon discussing in length the seriousness and risk of my condition and surgery. But what i recall most vividly is the complete inner peace. "Peace at a time like that?" you might ask.  Yes -- very strange because i love and cherish my family and friends tremendously.  During those days of questionable health, i couldn't grasp how i felt so peaceful. Having no panic or fear of my outcome, i was prepared to accept whatever fate God deemed right.  There can only be one answer for such indescribable peace... i was witnessing and living God's love, mercy and grace, up close and personal.  It's a peace that can only be contributed to a relationship, dependency and faith in God.
   

It's a busy week of remembering for me; but what a perfect prelude for the Thanksgiving season. As God would have it, we all have an abundance to be thankful for daily. Thank You, God, for miracles everyday... large and small.

What's your story?  Share it; someone needs to hear it.  Spread the Good News! And celebrate the moments, because actually that is all we have... and that is okay.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

He's calling you

 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."

So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing his clock aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.  Mark 10:49-52

Could you benefit from a slight revision of the above verses?  Something like this:

Jesus stopped and said, "Call, (your name)."
So they called to me, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing my (troubles, worries, doubts, fears) aside, I jumped to my feet and went to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
I answered, "Jesus, I want (my need)."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately my need was met, and I will follow Jesus for the rest of my days.

God is calling you... We need not be scared.

He is our Protector and Provider. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ nourishment

 "The lips of the righteous nourish many..." Proverbs 10:21

Thank you for feeding the children with love, patience, care, hope and goodness.  There is nothing more satisfying or filling than a favorable meal.  You can see it on their faces.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Falling with you

 "... be careful that you don’t fall!  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Cool, crisp air, roasted marshmallows and the crunching of fallen leaves under the feet... don't you just love Fall?  A favorite childhood memory for me is raking up fallen leaves as high as possible and jumping in them.  But not all falls come with satisfying, safe landings.

Life is filled with temptations.  When weary or busy, falling away from our faith and trust in God is possible.  The crushing of our spirit and coldness of heart can leave us feeling forsaken and panicky.  This is not what our Father intends for us.

When faced with temptations and hard times, God provides an abundance of methods to cushion the fall and to help restore our faith.  Through prayer, worship, music, reading His Magnificent Word, or talking with a fellow believer, God equips us with the tools to stay strong in leaning on Him, the Root of our faith.  

Father, i am so grateful You Fall with me... giving me what i need.  Thank You for catching me when i fall and for providing numerous ways to assist in safe landings.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal