terror at the door

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears... The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them." Psalm 34:4,7

As i flew up the steps and reached for the door,
i caught him watching me and nearly hit the floor.

With his beady pink eyes, he just stared at me;
His long, thin tail made me jump and SCREAM.

Did i know him? Not really, Stewart Little he was not.
Stewart BIG would describe him best, my stomach was in knots.

What does it take to be filled and frozen with fear?
A little, a lot... something you feel, see or hear?

I remember my God says fear nothing but Him in life;
And the fear of God is a source of wisdom not fright.

So, Stuart, let me tell you, whether you're big or small,
My God promises to rescue and save me from you and all.

Thank You, God, and please help me to trust you more each day;
I want to praise You in all the circumstances as i think, do and say.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

older and wiser

"The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old." Proverbs 20:29

Happy Friday!  With 100 days of school completed, i thought we'd finish the week with a little humor and appreciation for the golden days...

from the parade of 100 year olds, to 100 can collecting, to 100 item snacks, to aged photos and pictures it has been quite a week.

 

For me, the "aging" app wasn't too funny, it was too accurate... my picture didn't change much (i will spare sharing it). 

But with the second graders it was quite entertaining.  Most of them "aged" well and with wisdom. 

I loved looking at their old pictures, but reading their comments on what they plan to do when 100 was the best. 

Their wise, old comments remind me there is much to celebrate and be thankful for in growing our crown of splendor... the true beauty in aging as a believer. Father, may we shine with wisdom and experience for You in all we do and say. Precious jewels are surrounding us, and i pray are following Your Light.

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

never too old

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime—  until your hair is gray with age.  I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and save you." Isaiah 46:4 NLT

The celebration of 100 school days is always a big event.  Seeing the first graders dressed up as 100-year-old people is one of my favorite days.  Their parade down the school halls is marked with bent backs, walkers, canes and lots of gray hair.  Through all the staged aches and pains, they also display a smile and a strut of confidence.

Father, we celebrate Your faithfulness to us each day.   No matter our age, our outlook, our behavior, our gray hair (fake or real) You love us, protect us and cover us. We never expire in Your eyes.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's not what you think

"God is love." 1 John 4:8

If we've heard it once, we've heard it a hundred times... “Why is a Christmas tree still up in the library?” 

So, watching Dion stare at the tree, i just knew he was thinking it too. Yet when i asked him, "Do you know what kind of tree this is?" i was the one surprised. 

Quietly he responded, "Yes, it's a green tree." Prepared to explain how the tree had never been a Christmas tree, but a Jan Brett Winter snow tree, i was taken back by his response.

Depending on the season, a tree actually can be decorated and called by many different names -- Christmas, snow, Valentine, President, American, Easter, etc.  But at its true root, Dion was correct.  It is a green tree and will always be a green tree first no matter how it's dressed in different seasons.

How would you describe God? Depending on our circumstances, needs and seasons we call God by many different names -- Protector, Defender, Healer, Savior, Shelter, Rock, Deliverer, Friend, Helper, Comforter, Keeper, Redeemer.  But at the root and core of God, He is first Love. No matter what we need for Him to be for us, His relationship with us is always built first on a foundation of Love.

Thank You, Father, for loving us first.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ trust

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 61:8

Old year, new year, year to come... we can trust our God in every minute of every day in all things.

Not a single issue of our heart escapes His Mighty Hand.  He cares, He can, He will provide for all our needs.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the perfect late gift

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

It was a late but perfectly timed CHRISTmas gift... and definitely most needed.  Like many of you, after dealing a hectic, almost normal holiday season coupled with growing and lingering sickness, exhaustion was taking its toil.

 

Falling behind in plans, my frustrations were increasing and cheer decreasing.  And then it happened.  A miracle! A timely gift i yearned for yet found it slipping rapidly through my fingers.  TIME... it is one of the most precious gifts we possess. And one we have for only one second to the next.

Father, i am so thankful for the gift of quiet time for the past few days... time to stop, reflect, prepare, rest and restore the JOY of CHRISTmas.  Thank You, for the fresh snow. You again have melted my heart with Your goodness.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may His love fall on you, again, like fresh, new snow,

let's live, love and do like we believe it... with thanks,
veneal

resting in a comma

Jesus said...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

According to the dictionary, a comma is a break; a punctuation mark that represents a slight pause.  According to the Word, i believe, it is a break in life; a pause in an ever turning and hectic world filled with obligations, schedules, conflicts and activities; a time of rest.  A moment of rest with Him can provide the fuel/strength needed to keep going, especially during difficult times.

 

Sometimes God interjects a comma in our life to slow us down and to refocus and rest in Him. I believe the snow and ice this week is His comma sent directly from heaven... perfectly timed to help us rest and recuperate from the crazy flurry in our world. I prefer a break to a breakdown any day. Don't you? 

And have you noticed when commas are used in sentences, the sentences are smoothly extended to greater lengths, as well as a clearer understanding?  Do you think that can be true regarding life too?  Listen, Jesus, our Teacher, believes in commas and calls us to Him to get needed REST.  And that Truth, my friends, ends with a period, not a comma.

Thank You, Father.  I am resting in You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

if the hat fits...

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

If the hat fits...

i hope you are wearing it and enJOYing the moments of rest God has provided.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

I have a dream

 "But the  wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18

Thankful for Martin Luther King, Jr. and all the others willing to do as Jesus would.

May the harvest of righteousness and goodness in Dr. King overflow in us as we stride each day to follow in Jesus' steps.

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

veneal

now, that's good!

 "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

I'm not sure what's in store for us this weekend or in the days ahead, but as long as it includes God, we can be confident it will be good! He knows what we need.

Be filled with the One who warms the heart and soul with His love and peace in all seasons.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

more oxygen, please

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else." Acts 17:24-25

All we need comes from God.

When we can't breathe, God is our oxygen mask.

In Him we find rest and peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

in a zoo?

"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you." Hebrews 13:17

The subject line in the teacher, Tom Smith's, email was "Tom Smith's zoo..."  It was referring to a zoom meeting, but the subject line was shortened on my computer screen.  I chuckled knowing it likely reflected how some teachers were feeling about their class after the holiday break.  But being experienced, resourceful and talented, they quickly restored classroom order.... and that was good for all.

Father, obedience can be hard, but it is necessary for peace, progress and well-being.  Help my obedience and respect to flow to those over me. And when You call out for my attention and a change in thought, action or heart, i pray to hear and follow Your Word... that will be good for all.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ goals

 " Live in peace with each other...

warn those who are idle...
encourage the timid...
help the weak...
be patient with everyone...
always try to be kind to each other...
be joyful always...
pray continually...
give thanks in all circumstances...
test everything...
hold on to the good...
avoid every kind of evil..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13-22  

My goal in 2022... not just believing in God, but believing God.  That's the goal of my heart, greater faith... one day at a time, one circumstance at a time, one step at a time. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

WHO loves you best?

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

The One who loves you best will never take His love away from you. 

Thank You, Father.  In Your Arms i can rest forever, no matter the storm surrounding me.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

a powerful thought

"And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him." 2 Samuel 5:10

We become like those we are around, and i know who i want to be like. Don't you?

Father, when i get too far from You, please trip me up. Scrap up my knees, sprain my ankle, break my leg, whatever it takes, just keep me by Your side.  Life is too complicated, overwhelming and dangerous to do without Your guidance, wisdom, power and protection.  May You always be the #1 company i seek.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

time for the Handbook review

"I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32 

As one year ends and another begins, i also find myself winding down from a hectic season of ups and downs. Will 2022 be easier or more challenging?  Am i ready for the days ahead? Now is the right time to reflect, redirect and refresh. In preparing my mind, body and soul for 2022, i need to review a Good Handbook.  Maybe you can benefit from it too.

HANDBOOK 2022

Health:

1.       Drink plenty of water.

2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that i

          manufactured in plants.

4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5.       Make time to pray.

6.       Play more games.

7.       Read more books than you did in 2021.

8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9.       Sleep for 7 hours.

10.    Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is

         all about.

12.    Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead 

         invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13.    Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16.    Dream more while you are awake.

17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes

         of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22.    Realize that life is a school, and you are here to learn.  Problems are

         simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class

         but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23.    Smile and laugh more.

24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25.    Call your family often.

26.    Each day give something good to others.

27.    Forgive everyone for everything.

28.    Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.

31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay

         in touch.

Life:

32.    Do the right thing!

33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34.    GOD heals everything.

35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37.    The best is yet to come.

38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

And when all else fails or questions arise, consult the original Handbook on living life to the fullest… the Bible.  It is a proven and true Source for everything under the “Son”!

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

veneal

what are you yearning for this year?

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her." Luke 1:38

Faith like Mary, that's what i'm after.
What do you want this year?

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

is it really over?

 "...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."   Romans 6:23

For the most part, celebrating CHRISTmas was like old times.  The wrapping, the unwrapping, the eating, the cooking, the eating, the visiting, the eating, the decorating, the undecorating, the singing, the traveling, the cleaning, the eating. It was heavenly gathering with family and friends. But now CHRISTmas is over, and most are getting back to cautious living.  

What should we do as we leave the JOY of the CHRISTmas season and return to a lingering watchful normal?  Keep God first in our mind. If we succeed, we will not neglect nor forget to keep the true spirit and reason of CHRISTmas alive in our heart and actions every day. 

 

I hope more than anything your CHRISTmas was full of His wonder, joy and love.  

The days ahead will be brighter if we put our decorations up in the attic, but not Jesus.  His Presence is our daily present -- and one designed for sharing, allowing others to witness His goodness through us.  Let's keep the merry in CHRISTmas going.  We live in a world in great need of Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

A Mighty Word ~ new

 The Lord says...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!"  Isaiah 43:18-19

A New Year, a New Thing... God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.

Praying a year of smiles and blessings to you.  God has a plan, and it is good. Trust Him.

Are you smiling yet?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal