once upon a pumpkin

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

It's my favorite Halloween tale, how believers are like pumpkins...

First, God picks you from the "pumpkin patch". All the outside influences/dirt of our former life must be removed. Old ways are washed away, and all things become new.

Then, He carefully removes all the “yucky stuff” (sin) from the inside.  He changes us from the inside out by the Power of His Word. Seeds of doubt, hate, greed, and fear are removed and replaced with the seeds of faith, hope and love. After Jesus is invited inside, you begin to experience the changing power of God’s love in your life.

Next, He carves a new smiling face.  With Jesus, who is called the Son of Light, lives inside of us, He shines through our life for all to see. Our countenance is changed by the power of His presence in our life, and it's evident to all.

Let your light so shine before men that they may be able to see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.

Shine on my friends, the world desperately needs our light.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what’s behind the mask?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, as Christ accepted you..." Romans 15: 5-7 

Masks.... we all wear them, and i'm not referring to just during Halloween.  Often, we mask our true feelings from others.  

Behind the smiles and laughter, waves of tears and weariness might exist due to pain, loneliness, fear or hurt.  If we dare remove our masks, what would happen? Embarrassment? Dismay? Rejection? Or, perhaps healing and understanding and encouragement.

Oh Father, how i pray we are the touch of You others need.  Grow our compassion, sensitivity and heart to a godly size.  May we be more like You today. Open our hearts and minds to aid in the healing of our sisters and brothers. We are One in You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

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

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

Fear not

"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 will see us through every turn, every creak, every dark corner.  He is never surprised or caught off guard.

Thank You, Father.

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

lessons from my Mother

"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, now, and the ones to come.

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 beliefs with me... not by telling, but by showing. For 13 years, i have missed your sweet presence and face, but i carry you in my heart every second.  Thank you for choosing life in Him, so i may live too. 

The earthly loss of my mother was excruciating. But as God's children we can move forward with a grateful heart. God, our Anchor and Rock and Savior, leads us from the darkness of distress into His glorious Light, while instilling in us the ability and willpower to continue life in joy and in hope.  For the rest of my days i choose to live a life in honor of my mother's gentle, giving spirit and in thanks for God's faithfulness and promises of eternal life to all who claim Him.

Is it easy? No, but with God it is possible... and for those of you who understand, an extra big hug to you.  

They will have no fear of bad news; their heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

You did what??

"Then Job replied to the Lord:  ^'I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.'" Job 42:1-2

Bad news
Lost documents
Destroyed relationships
Forgotten appointments
Hurtful words
Careless actions
Selfish decisions
Missed opportunities
Wrong choices  

Painful accidents

Nothing surprises God... nothing catches Him guard... nothing causes Him to be unprepared.

Nothing keeps God from accomplishing His Will.  

Everything will be fine, not because of us, but because of Him.

He knows... He cares... and He loves you.  He is in control.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

restoring order

"I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 17:6

When it feels like your life or situation is in shambles, and you can't even spell your own name....

Turn to God... the foundation and strength of our faith.  When we are anchored to Him, and we allow Him, He restores and brings order to our days.

REST and be RESTored in Him. 

Thank You, Father.

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

veneal

A Mighty Word ~ restored

"He leads me besides still waters, He restores my  soul..." Psalm 23:2,3

Before we can be restored, we must first rest...

REST and then be RESTored.  

It's written this way for a purpose.

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

what can you spare?

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Spare parts… i’ve never given them much thought, have you?  Because in the normal realm of things, unless there is an emergency or accident, spare parts aren’t needed. For example, my spare tire, it has never touched the ground, and i never think about it. Yet, if i ever have a flat, i am prepared. And at my first opportunity, it will be replaced. No one in their sensible mind wants to risk being on the road without a spare.

So now, imagine this. I am in a meeting with a medical professional regarding my kidney and the healing process.  And this remark is made… “Well, at least you have a spare.”  Hmmmm...  I don’t know about you, but i have never considered any part of my body as a spare. I think all parts are essential, and i want to keep them… after all, you can’t just swing into a store and pick up a spare. 

In this startling season of surprises, i'm reminded how Jesus relates our body parts to the parts of the body of Christ... each is needed for their own function or gift and serve a purpose. As believers, God has a purpose for each of us.  When we feel overwhelmed or defeated in our life, may we be reminded God is our primary Doctor. From our broken hearts to our confused souls, no matter the damaged sustained or the chaos created,  He can restore our peace and health as and when He sees fit.

Father, we want to put everything down at Your feet and trust Your healing.   We ask for patience as we wait and prepare for Your perfect plan.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Where should i go and when?

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Father, when instructions are not precise and the needs are great, help us be mindful of our circumstances and Your lead and to act accordingly.

... may it be as You say. 

Our rest is in You and with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

after the fall

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall... 

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you ever wonder what happened after the fall of Humpty Dumpty?  We're told all the king's horses and all the king's men could not put him back together again.   But if i were a betting person, i'd bet my last penny God could and did.

After such a traumatic fall and then landing in the healing, gentle Hands of the Master Maker, don't you imagine Humpty could soar higher and further than before by knowing and trusting God for his future?   

We too are vulnerable to crack and break under stressful conditions or a mishap.  When we set our own limitations or goals, we risk missing the blessings God has in store for us.  What if instead of sitting on a wall, He intended for us fly on His wings.  I don't want to miss that opportunity, do you?

Father, praying Your Will for my life and for others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

fall to Him

The LORD said...

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

It's what we all need most right now... Him.

Father, when are running on empty, it's imperative we refuel by running to You.  Thank You for catching and reviving us.  Thank You for Fridays.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

fire alarm

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong." Proverbs 3:5-7

Fire drills are practiced monthly in schools, but i've never heard or seen them in businesses or hospitals. Have you?  So, at 9pm in the hospital when the hall lights start flashing and a commanding loud voice blurts over the intercom, "There is a fire in the building, exit immediately using the stairs and not the elevator."  You just know it's real.

It was in that moment i looked at my husband and told him he best leave, as he had 5 flights of stairs to descend. Strapped to a bed, i could only imagine what was in store for me.  Maybe they had a secret shaft to hoist patients down to safety.  Luckily, i did not discover what the actual protocol was, as we were soon informed the fire was in another building... whew.

In life we sometimes have drills to prepare us for events, and sometimes we don't.  Life lesson today... Listen, follow instructions and be prepared to act on the unknown.  Because at some point in our life, we will all face an unexpected event. Yet, here is One comforting Truth we can always rely on:  

Listen, and Trust the Voice of our Shepherd.  He will not lead us astray nor alone.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

be kind, please

"Kind words are like honey—  sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24

As you know, at the end of a hospital stay the doctor visits to explain your aftercare instructions.  Never having an organ tear before, i expected and needed detail instructions.  Yet, my doctor felt 2 verbal phrases were sufficient... REST and use your common sense.   What??  Being the rule follower i am,  i needed precise details, i needed to know what was normal, what to expect, what can i do, what my weight, driving or working limits or restrictions are, etc.  His unwritten instructions left way TOO much white space for my brain.

As i pushed for more specifics, each response from his tight lip fell into the same instructional short words... use your common sense.  To me, common sense is beneficial when you are familiar with a situation, but can be totally misleading or wrong if not.  After a couple of specific questions, he finally summed up "all" answers with an insinuated, short fact from his perspective:  based on your looks and age, you have likely survived this long due to your common sense.  Well, needless to say, i had no more questions.  

Is there a positive spin from this?  Of course.  It's another lesson learned for living life better. Our words need to be coated in honey, not sour milk.

We all know through experience, whether short or long, it's not so much what we say as it is how we say it.  And when someone is traveling in foreign waters or learning new information, we as teachers or leaders need to remember to patiently meet and serve others where they are... and not where we think or want them to already be.  

I hope you have a honey of a day as your words stick lovingly to the souls of those around you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

healing medicine

"A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing..." Proverbs 17:22

God speaks to us in all places at all times, including my stay at the hospital. May some snippets and lessons gleaned there make for a better, happier day for you. Because it is true... laughter is good medicine.  And can't we all benefit from a daily dose of it?

My husband left the hospital as i prepared for a restful night.  All was well until 10pm when i got "an urge".  Being hooked up to the bed with wires and tubes, i kindly pressed the nurse button for assistance.  

At 10:05, i gently pressed it again.  

At 10:10, i tapped the button on the opposite side of the bed. 

At 10:15, i firmly pushed both button.  (fyi - i waited 5 minutes between attempts, as i did not want to be known as THAT patient).  

At 10:20, i jabbed the buttons SEVERAL times and loudly called out numerous times, "HELLO??"  Only to be met with deafening silence in my room at the end of the hallway with its closed door.  

At 10:25 i frantically called my husband on my cell phone explaining my dilemma and urgent need. 

Realizing he could not provide the quick assistance i needed, i hung up and looked up the phone number to the hospital and called.  When i got a live person on the phone, i told her, "Listen, i'm a patient here in this hospital in room xxx, i am in desperate need of the nurse NOW... please call the nurse station on my floor and tell her."  Within seconds, sweet relief came with a very kind nurse.  She discovered my call button was not working, as the plug had been knocked loose.   So my lesson from this... make sure all the important components work before being left alone... or at least know who to call.

I hope this dose of laughter brought a smile of your face.  May the Son shine a little brighter and lighter on your day whatever it may hold.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what a friend

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

In light of my recent fall causing a grade 4 renal laceration, it is fair to say the above verse has really hit home... literally.  My nature to handle situations quietly with minimally outside assistance or noise has changed. God has tendered my heart in accepting help... and not view it as a personal weakness or an inconvenience/feeling of obligation from the giver.  

Unfortunately, it took my learning this from the hurt i caused one of my closest, most loved family members when i insisted he didn't make a 4-hour trip to check on me. I now recognize the favor i felt i was doing him was a rejection of his love... shame on me and my selfishness and control.  I ended up unintentionally hurting one of the kindest persons i know, and i prevented God from working through him and likely others.  But not anymore.

While now accepting and trusting the heart and kindness of others, it is making my current situation much more bearable.  From meals to visits to a call or text to emails to cards to running store errands to gifts to making cookies for my granddaughter, i have been deeply touched and thankful for all who surrounded me.  I am not in trouble because i did not fall alone.

May this time help me remember it's not the size of the helping hand, but the heart that matters.  It doesn't take much to make a difference in someone's life.  Even a simple smile is free yet reaps rich rewards to the recipient.

With a refreshed and thankful heart...

we are chosen and loved by God,

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

veneal

devoted

"Be devoted to one another in love." Romans 12:10

On the 14th viewing of her first steps, i experienced an awakening.  After weeks of watching her parents coaxing and cooing Lil Bit to take her first steps, she did.  BUT, it was not as anticipated... it was not to them.  

Her first steps were to her best friend.  Wanting to get a toy to him, she wobbled her first 2 steps.  And what did he do?  He waited patiently for her and gave her a sweet, wet kiss. It was indicative of his loyal, patient friendship with her. No matter her ups or downs, her laughter or her tears, her joy or her frustrations,  her giggles or her screams, he is always present and ready to be by her side for whatever need she possesses.

I'm so thankful for her loving friend, Dex.  And i'm so thankful for all my loving friends too.  I pray you receive an unexpected blessing and have a wonder-filled weekend.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

REST…

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him." Psalm 62:5

It’s been a turbulent few days with more on the horizon. After an unexpected, crushing blow last week, i am off my regular routine... all of them. Including writing/sharing devotions, as a period of rest and pure silence is required.

Sometimes our so-called duties deflect us from our true priorities...causing us to cling to the wrong responsibilities. On returning home Sunday afternoon from the hospital, the first regular responsibility that caught my eye was the unopened mail. I immediately reached for it.

In total disbelief, i stared at the first piece of mail addressed to me. It appeared stamped and sent directly from the Hand of God… PROJECT REST.  Really??

My Project REST mail was from an organization i had not heard from in a while… but more surprising than that was the fact they changed their name JUST this month. Now what are the odds of that?? I'd say, it's totally out of this world.  I share this now so you might keep an active awareness of God’s working in your life too. And yes, I believe He may even be using this devotion to remind you to trust and listen to Him. 

Honestly, I don't have the imagination to make these things up. Regarding my aftercare, i expected a list of rules... BUT the primary and only direction i heard was REST from all my caretakers... and then when i returned home. If repeated once, it was repeated a 1,000 times. 

So, my friend, have you looked on your counter recently? Has God sent you a message?  Are you experiencing a physical, mental or emotional rip in your life? Maybe a pull to change directions in your current path? 

I can tell you my life took a drastic turn last Thursday.  I wasn't able to carry out my plans for the weekend and missed my granddaughter's first steps. I'm sad but will survive as i can watch the video of the event over and over again. The constant main priority in my life (and yours) is not to miss God's direction because i don't think the consequences or alternatives will fare as well.

I am sending this today because I feel someone needs to be reminded… as they might need their own break of silence and rest.

It’s ok… to stop… 

                      don’t break… heal.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Veneal