JOY to the world!

 the LORD has come!

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"  
2 Corinthians 9:15

Merry CHRISTmas!!

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

silent night, holy night

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6  

What makes CHRISTmas so special?  The children... especially The One.

No room in the inn for The Child... yet, may we always have room in our heart, for Him, our Savior and Redeemer.  Thank You, Father!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

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

the real story

 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:6-12

 

He didn't like CHRISTmas, and why should he?  He had never had a tree nor presents -- there were no good memories.  All he knew about CHRISTmas was what the world told him and what he saw around him.  So when asked to write about CHRISTmas memories, he couldn't.  Sensing his emptiness, Mrs. Wesley told him about CHRISTmas, the true CHRISTmas.  He had never heard it, but now he has... and hope is possible where there once was darkness.

If you are stressed, disheartened, discouraged, maybe you need to hear the real CHRISTmas story, again.  Escape the make believe and usher in Truth and Peace -- then we can celebrate no matter what the circumstances.  

For God gave His Son for us to have eternal life... isn't that enough?  If we need to give anything to others, may it be the sharing of Him.

"Hark" the herald angels sings. Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled;

Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

May we never forget...

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

do you have room?

 "(Mary) wrapped (the baby) in cloths and placed Him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

What about now?  Do you have room for Him? 

in  your heart

in  your day

in  your thoughts

in  your actions

in  your plans

in  your prayers

Don’t let Him get crowded out due to stress, unexpected events, busyness, commercialism, shopping and other added demands of the season. Keep Him at the top of your list. His Presence in us needs to be one of permanent residence at all times, especially now.  

Wrap Him securely and tightly in your heart and place Him actively in your life for all to witness.  Make room for Him in all you do and say, and the true joy and peace of the season will be yours and radiant out to others.  And what better gift to share than Him?  Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving.

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

veneal

a word of caution

 "...Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...'"Luke 10:39-42

My Bible did not fall apart due to misuse or neglect, but due to an abundance of good stuff.  It was jam-packed with bookmarks, favorite passages, notes, letters, and booklets.  The over accumulation of good stuff finally blew the binding apart.  Yes, even too much good stuff can be bad.

How is your holiday season going?  Is it packed with lots of good stuff and happenings?  Supporting friends/family in various programs, attending gatherings, preparing special foods, serving others in need, leading a group, joining committees... how much more good stuff can you do?  How much more can you stick into your days before blowing up?  Even good people (and apparently reindeer) can only take so much, especially during the holidays.

Just because it's good, doesn't mean you should say yes and do... especially if it means not having time at our Father's feet.  After all, it is His Son's Birthday, and all He wants is your presence.  Do you have time to celebrate Him -- with JOY?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

love, JOY and peace to you,

veneal

faith

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus'...

'How will this be,' Mary asked, 'since I am a virgin?'
The angel answered... 'nothing is impossible with God.'
'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered.  'May it be to me as you have said.'"  Luke 1:29-31, 34, 37-38

Faith - believing God for the good, even in the face of adversity. 

Now, talking about faith… Mary had it.  

Father, fill me with the faith of Mary.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

searching for the perfect gift?

 "We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Best gift of the season?  You...Be the gift.  Care and love others.

Father, may we keep our eyes on You, as You demonstrate best how to love others.  May we reflect Your image during the CHRISTmas season and every day.  For some, we may be the best or only present received.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

whew!

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Colossians 3:15

Sgt. Pepper looks like he's had an exhausting, chaotic week at school.  I bet you know exactly how he feels.

As the weekend approaches, school HoLy-day break begins and the days before CHIRSTmas dwindle, i pray we keep our focus on the 3 W's of CHRISTmas -  Why and What and Whom we are celebrating.  And then, we can claim and relish in His Peace too.  

Father, let it be so with us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

He's right!

"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you Good News that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. " Luke 2:10-11

Don't you agree??

Both Lukes got it right!  

Thank you, Luke!  Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

whatever happens...

...just keep singing.  

The birth of our Savior is enough reason to sing, Hallelujah to our King!

Do you hear what i hear?  Good News can be found!
Angels we have heard on high exclaim, " Jesus is coming to town!"
Come all ye faithful, be filled with His joy and love,
A silent, holy night will then give you His Peace from above.

Deck the halls, we have reason to shout!
Christ the LORD has risen! let there be no doubt.
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, your beauty i see,
is about celebrating what Jesus did for you and me.

So, you better not cry, you better not pout,
Hark! the herald angels still sing it out,
"Joy to the world, the Lord has come!"
Have yourself a merry 'lil Christmas... each and every one!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

just hold His Hand

"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

It was a very special and wonderful CHRISTmas celebration with family.  The only downside was spending more time traveling on the road than with our loved ones.  A back-to-back, 9-hour journey in a two-day span was taxing on all, but most of all for a one-year old.

Tired, fretful  and strapped in a car seat, she was miserable and restless. Taking her little hand and gently rubbing it, she finally settled down and slept... and so did i.

How are you doing?  Are you tired, fretful and strapped down to many activities?  I know a Hand you can hold to find calmness and peace.  Just hold your hand out, and let our Daddy's sweet love quiet your busy soul and flow over you and all your turmoil.  There is rest and restoration with Him.  Take it.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

watch... be alert!

“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son​—but only the Father. Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.” (Mark 13:32-33)

Delivering a print job to a second-grade teacher, her eyes twinkled as she told me of her latest class surprise.  Startled, she noticed a student was missing.  And when she asked the class about Annie's whereabouts, they told her she was in the bathroom.  

When Annie finally emerged, she had changed... literally. Instead of her jeans and shirt, she was clothed in a long blue dress with apron, her ensemble was complete with a pillowcase head covering.  She explained to the teacher she was now Mary.  You know, Mary the mother of Jesus.  Then others joined Mary, as they proceeded to perform their version of the CHRISTmas story.

Of all the things i  might have expected today, meeting Jesus, as well as, His family and the angel and the donkey were a total surprise.

What about you?  Are you expecting to see Him today? If we’re not careful, the delay in Jesus’ return will lead us to complacency. Living in the expectation that He could return TODAY compels us to live every day for what really matters—for eternity.

I don't know about you, but i going to change my expectations to the readiness of meeting Jesus every day!  I certainly don't want to be caught in disbelief, but in complete JOY.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

sing about it!

CHRISTmas is coming and that is something for us to sing about!

You better watch out!
You better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,
Jesus Christ has come to town.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11

He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Jesus Christ is all around.

Jesus said - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:20

He sees you when you're sleeping.
He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,
Jesus Christ is coming back to town!

Jesus said - "And if  I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am."  John 14:3

Look for Jesus in whatever you do, say, see, hear or sing. He is there... 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

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

can i read?

"Friend, the LORD has told us what is good. What He requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God." Micah 6:8

"Mrs. Williams, may i go read?"

I hardly knew how to answer.  

True, we were in the library where reading is a priority. But on special occasions when there is some spare time after the lesson, students are given the opportunity to engage on computer games found in the Media Catalog program.

So, when Arron and a friend asked to read instead, i looked at them to make sure they felt ok. With a smile on his face, Arron explained he couldn't wait to read his new book.  Excited about reading... certainly you understand how those words sounded like a love song to the ears of a librarian.

I can only imagine how thrilled our Father is when we follow the path He desires for us... to love and care for those around us, to be just in our words and actions and to walk hand-in-hand with Him.  Surely, He beams from ear to ear when our heart matches His.  Tis the season... and may this season be for a lifetime.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

come and sit

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

It's one of the most anticipated and enJOYed decorations in our library... a crackling fire.  While we set the example for students to follow, they sometimes set the example for us too.  Nestled next to our "roaring" fire and twinkling lights, Ms. Merry's class soaked in a few quiet, golden moments. Do you yearn to feel that peace too?

Don't let the busyness of the season leave you drained and depleted. Come sit by the fire and CHRISTmas tree -- allow the quiet peace to seep into your soul for a needed moment of sweet relief. 

Stop... rest... refuel.

And be filled with the delight of the season and Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

love, JOY and peace to you,

veneal

where is your hope?

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

We had almost finished decorating the CHRISTmas, when suddenly our hope fell.  The string gave way and the hope angel hit the floor.  Besides the broken loop, hope was unscathed, and a new loop secured it back to the tree.  Only her beauty reflected on the tree... not her fall.  

Isn't hope like that for us too?  During trials, disappointments and hardships sometimes our hope wavers or falls into a deep pit. But Christ does not leave us there. He scoops us up and reconnects our heart/loop to Him, securely putting us close by His side.  

His loving Hands shows up in the form of a friend, a song, His Word, a prayer. The source is not important, but His magnificent Presence is. And others come to see and know Him as they witness His glory through us.

How is your loop?  Is it holding tight or a bit loose?  Rest in knowing God is watching, waiting and willing to do what is needed to strengthen our faith in His Mighty Power. Oh, what a Mighty Foundation is our God.

Hang in there, friend. You are looking good; God will make sure of that.

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

what is patience?

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:7-8

The second grade class was discussing a story with Mrs. B. when Jimmy blurted out a question, "What is patience?"  Did he really not know?? Had he never been told to be patient or to wait?  

Reflecting on our high tech, electronic world,  i quickly concluded his question was valid.  In this get-it-now, instant gratification, no-wait for anything age we find ourselves in a dangerous position.  We want what we want when we want it... now. The JOY and HOPE and THRILL of anticipating something  is diminishing.  To wait for something, actually anything, can cause discomfort, anxiety and even anger.  

Numerous times while checking out a book for a student, another walks up announcing he is ready to check out or wants my help.  Without flinching i'll reply, "you'll have to wait for your turn."  And then comes the sigh and possible eye roll. Waiting, not a word or action that is happily accepted, but it is necessary.

So, Jimmy, to answer your question, what is patience, i have 2 answers.

1.  According to the dictionary, it is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. (not a fun answer... but)

2.  According to God, living in the manner described above leads to peace and His blessings. (now, THIS is my desire)

It seems to me, it is critical we not eliminate our ability to wait with grace but to develop and grow it.  God mandates and repeatedly tells us in His Word of the benefits and need for us to WAIT...

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..." Psalm 37:7

"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel." Proverbs 15:18

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."  Ephesians 4:2

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:25-26

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." Isaiah 30:18

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

I wonder, if we start practicing patience and learning to wait with grace, how much more of God and His blessings will we experience?

So, you see, i was not sick but had an ulterior motive of postponing a devotion for a few days. I HOPE you found His Word and message worth waiting for today... and every day.  In patience we can hear our breath, feel His touch and anticipate with JOY.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

sorry...

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."  Ephesians 4:2 

Sorry, i don't have a devotion ready for today. 

 

Thanks for your understanding and patience.  Have a calm, peace-filled weekend.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

be patient

"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:25

What is patience?

More on this tomorrow.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's not what you think

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

It was a busy morning in the library.  Books were dropping through the return bin as fast as popcorn popping.  As i turned around in get out a new load, i lost my breath.  Inside the book bin appeared to be a spider about the size of my hand.  Can you see it??

Thankfully, it wasn't what i thought it was.  It was a new book with a slick, glossy cover and with a too realistic spider on the front.  Call me a wimp, but i do not like spiders... at all... any size... dead or alive.

Father, while many things in life are not what they appear to be, i am so grateful that is not true with You.  You are Who You say You are, You can do what You say You can do -- and on that we can depend on and believe every second of our day.  Thank You for being the constant, unshakable certainty in our life which is otherwise sprinkled with too many uncertainties from day to day.

He cares, He can, He will... i am resting in Him.  You too?

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

dash on in faith

 "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1-2

The days are shorter, the weather is colder and the to-do list is longer.  Yet, as runners in a race, our course/day is already marked, and we need to keep moving forward in the direction set before us.  With the Word as our barrier, the Holy Spirit our monitor, and Jesus our focal point, we can run the race with confidence to the glorious end.
   
Lord, as the "Holy-day" season approaches, i pray for an extra measure of guidance and protection.  There are many external factors and worldly distractions yearning to trip me up, throw me in the wrong direction or even stop me in my tracks. The road is sprinkled with land mines such as hardships, disappointments, losses, painful memories, hurt and false priorities.  Cover me in Your love, grace and mercy. Monitor my days, nights and ways and keep me moving safely towards You in thanks and gratitude.

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

continuous blessings

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

More plentiful and beautiful than the feathers on a turkey are God's blessings to us.

Just to name a few -- Jesus, family, friends, health, school, a warm home, abundant food, clean water, beautiful music, laughter, travel, safety, freedom, peace, helping hands, you...  

Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.

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

broken? Give thanks. You’re covered

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed... 

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:18, 20-21

Shattered dreams, we've all had them. And no matter how we finagle or struggle to fit the pieces back together like we want, it usually doesn't happen. Broken dreams come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes they occur rarely and sometimes in clusters, sometimes we sense it and sometimes we are blindsided. However it happens, it still hurts and can feel more like a feverish nightmare than just a broken dream. Are you facing any brokenness today?

job uncertainty
financial turbulence
torn relationships
challenging children
aging parents
insensitive spouse
demanding leader
false accusations
physical limitations
sickness
emotional stress
death 
worldly pressure

Whatever is going on... we can still be thankful. In faith, we can trust God will see us through each hardship and trial. We only have to look back and see God's continuous fingerprints on our lives to remember what He has already done for us. Our strength and peace will be restored knowing He will continue to sustain us.  

As God picks up all the pieces of our broken dreams and rearranges them, let's keep believing and knowing He has the power and desire to bring goodness into our lives.

God works all things to the good to those who love Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

turkey truths

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

It's a hot job, but someone has to do it... and i'm so thankful it's me.

So far, this year i've cooked over 100 turkeys for Thanksgiving...not nice, plump turkeys, mind you, but the one-dimensional kind.  It's a kindergarten tradition, painting thankful turkeys and then cooking them in the laminator for holiday placemats.  

The best part of cooking these school-yard turkeys is having the opportunity to read the sweet messages and thoughts from the students.  I'm reminded we always have something to be thankful for in our life.  There's nothing like a colorful, cute turkey to warm a heart with thankfulness. They are rich in love and low in calories. 

Thank You, Father, for our blessings, especially Your Son... may we never forget.

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

it’s 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

what will happen?

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Tired? Worried?  Not sleeping well? Feathers ruffled?  Not sure what tomorrow holds, much less the future? You are not alone.

May we find comfort in knowing and trusting God with each minute, hour and day of our life. What seems hopeless, impossible or insurmountable to face is possible with Him.  He has a plan, and it is good.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what's in your book?

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4

Crisis or cross... whichever one occupies our mind most, makes a significant difference.

Like these students, may our book overflow with thanks to God for His goodness.  If we focus on our blessings instead of our disappointments, more of His Peace will fill our hearts and souls.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Who’s the teacher?

"Know this, my beloved friends: let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger..." James 1:19

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

Listen,

Open hearts and open 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

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