we can do it

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  Romans 12:13

Clang those cans, and sing a song of joy! 
We reached 100 days of school for all girls and boys! 

 

To celebrate this milestone, students dressed up as 100 year-old people and collected can goods.  All classes set a goal of collecting 100 cans. As the cans stacked up, so did their excitement. The thrill in reaching 100 school days and 100 cans by the students can only be exceeded by the ones receiving the cans of food. 

Good News, whether in words or actions, is more fulfilling when shared with others. It spreads goodwill, inspires hope, and creates unity.  When we care, we share... and others are helped. 

Father, thank You, for opening our eyes and hearts to the needs of those around us.  May the spirit of giving continue the next 100 days, and the next, and the next, and the next, etc.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and give like we believe t,
veneal

may I have a word with you?

"May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

After going over new material, the teacher asked to see a student... in private.  Classroom instruction is good.  But at times, a word in private is needed.  Whether for extra instruction or needed clarification, discipline or correction of a behavior, or even a word of praise, some things need to be relayed privately.  Wouldn't you agree that sometimes a little one-on-one is needed to accomplish your goal as a teacher?

I believe God feels the same way with us.  As wonderful as corporate worship, Bible study classes, and prayer groups are, do you think it's enough?  God speaks to us and moves us in group situations, but He also desires to speak to us One-on-one. 

This is especially true in times of chaos, frustration and confusion. Make time for just you and Him... there are things He longs to say to you, His precious, beloved Child, to calm your weary soul.  Listen, He's calling.  Can He have a private Word with you now?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

healing hearts

"The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds... Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:3,5

Running on empty?

Keep God at the top of your equation for life, and be filled with His healing and love.

Where we are incapable, our God IS capable.

When we are ready to give up, our God IS going strong.

He care, He can, He will... rest in Him and His Truth.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

good enough

"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." 1 John 4:16

Seeing the scraggy condition of my holding cross yesterday, a friend offered me hers.  Aware of her hardships, i knew she valued her cross as much as i did mine. I was deeply touched by her willingness to sacrifice her cross and assured her mine was now good enough to keep.

During the time of my brain surgery over 11 years ago, a friend gave me my cross.  It has been a daily part of my life since then.  Through sickness, deaths, hardships, fear and more, it has helped me cling and focus on our Father.

Knowing how special it is to me, my husband sanded out the rough areas and sealed it with an oil... kind of like what God does with me. He continually smooths out my rough patches, hurts and pain and coats me in His love. Like my cross, i'm not perfect, but good enough for Him to keep, love and put His Light in me for others to know Him.

May His Light shine through our brokenness... always.

we are loved and chosen by God, 

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

veneal

do you care?

 

"Should we accept only good things from the Hand of God and never anything bad?" Job 2:10

Who destroyed my cross?  

With her head lowered, my sweet dog possessed the look of guilt.  She had gnawed my holding cross, and then a day later chewed up my devotion book, "God is in the HARD Stuff". I thought, Stella, you know exactly how i feel! So, where is God in the hard stuff? Why isn't He doing something about this right now?

As questions swirled, i started to wonder about the strength of my faith.  Was my anger a sign of weakness?  Did my questions make me less a child of God? Was this an indication i truly didn't trust God in all things.

Satan would love for me to believe that, but i don't.  They are lies.

The truth is i am a believer and lover of God, but i am also still human... one who feels pain, sadness, anger and fear... a fragile child, one in desperate need of my Savior every day. When life is calm and going smoothly, i wrongly get too comfortable and confident in my own skin. But when a hardship erupts, i am quickly reminded how desperately i need Him every minute.  

Trusting during good times is easy, but in hard times when we can't readily see Him, we must dig deeper and latch firmly on to His Promises. God is not only aware of our situation, but is in the midst of it too. He knows what needs to be done to accomplish His purposes.

Father, life is not easy, even as Your child. Give me strength.  Your purpose is not always my plan, but it is always right and what's needed.

Trust in Him at all times... Psalm 62:8

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ stay

 "Be still and know I am God." Psalm 46:10

Sometimes when life is overwhelming, i just want to fly far, far away.

But clip my wings, Father, because i KNOW the only place for true peace is with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

do you have a Word for this year?

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in HOPE of the glory of God.

 

And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, HOPE; and HOPE does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5

For years i have focused on Mighty Words for the day.  But i also need a Mighty Word to sustain me through the year.  With so much turmoil, uncertainty, heartache, fear, tension and disruption, i hunger for a word to carry me through the year and permeate the foundation of my soul. And after much prayer and consideration, God has continually placed a Word in my heart while at home, school, church or on errands... HOPE.  As a believer and child of God it's the word He has pressed in my soul to claim with confidence. 

Anxiety, fear and doubt can easily erode faith when the ground beneath our feet is cracking like fragile eggshells, teetering us precariously over a jagged, deep ravine.  If and when that shell breaks, i need to know it will land me exactly where God sees fit. And wherever that is i can be assured i am not alone and am held in our Father's Mighty Hands.  Today more than ever, i don't know what tomorrow or even the next 5 minutes holds, but as long as i belong to God, the HOPE i possess from Him will sustain me. And His peace can restore comfort to my ragged soul.

Father, i am reminded from one of my favorite songs...

https://youtu.be/WoPcyr2oYhg

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. 

On Christ the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand...

... this hope will not disappoint.

 

Do you have a Mighty Word for this year? If not, may i suggest you pick one. The Bible is a rich source of words to strengthen us.  Kindness, love, forgiveness, gratitude, prayer, rest, giving, patience, praise, encouragement, obedience, respect, trust, honor are just a few that spill from the pages. I HOPE your Word causes your life to overflow with our Father's wonderous, unending love for us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

show me your hearts

"Friends, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

"Why you wearing that, Mrs. Williams?"

Honestly, this is a common question to me.  My children say it's because of my unique, vintage style.  Yet this time i had on a new sweater... one with hearts.  Heart wear is usually saved for Valentine's Day, but hearts make me feel better.  So why not wear hearts and feel the love on other days too?

What if we chose love every day?

Love in our looks, love in our hearts, love in our ways...

Would it make a difference? It certainly does for me. Matter of fact, i'm planning to expand heart wear for me and heart care for others.

So, let's --

wear it

say it

do it

be it 

May love rule in all our ways, everyday.

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, (your name), out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6

You are greater than a national treasure... you are a Holy treasure.

May we live like we believe Him in spreading His Light while serving others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

who should you listen to?

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3

Tough season?  Difficult decisions to make? Who should you listen to?

When it comes to advice, everyone has an opinion.

There's the good....

The bad...      

                             And the ugly. 

Father, give me discernment in asking You first. 

HOW we achieve the end result can be as important as the result itself.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

dream big

"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

Dreams can come true.  Can't they?

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

Father, as we remember and honor Martin Luther King, Jr. today, help us to dream with a heart like him. Remind and encourage us to dream big and to expect even more.

May you have a peace-filled day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

A mighty word ~ comfort

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose, for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever --" Psalm 138:8

What ever is going on in our life, may we find comfort in knowing God's Will, His good and perfect Will, for our life will be fulfilled. 

Believe and have a peace-filled weekend.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Post it!

"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

It was students first day back from Christmas break.  And what to my wondering eyes should appear when i walk into work??

A line of smiling students waiting for me to check out their new books. Students eager to do what we want... reading.  If that doesn’t put a smile on the face, what does? 

Snap a picture of your own feeling good moment and slap it on a computer or close by.  May it remind you that you are on the right track on difficult days and are doing a great job.  

Keep up the good work, my friends.  And enJOY those smiles your heart and efforts are producing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the Truth about friends

  "A friend loves at ALL times." Proverbs 17:17

Genuine friendship comes with a price... honesty, truth, forgiveness and unconditional love. 

Why invest in another? Because the rewards of such a friendship are priceless.  I am thankful for you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

walk on

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 

The depth of our faith is not measured only by the number of trails we encounter, but in how we face and walk through them.

I was kindly reminded yesterday, whatever God does, it is a blessing.  

Whatever God does, it is a blessing.

Whatever God does, it is a blessing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

listen...

"To answer before listening— that is folly and shame." Proverbs 18:13

Listen... 

Mrs. H hardly ever started talking without first saying, "Listen..."  and for me it usually works. It keeps me quiet as i actually listen and give her my full attention.  I know personally many times when i am talking to someone, my mind starts wondering to other things, like -- what i want to say next, what i need to do, i need a snack, etc.  A kind command to listen and focus on the person talking can be appropriate. 

Unfortunately, friends and family aren't the only ones who might not receive my complete attention when talking.  I shutter to know even God must shake His head while trying to speak and guide me, especially in agonizing seasons.

Father, forgive me when the commotion of my life interferes and yanks my attention away from you. Drifting away from You is dangerous for my mind and soul.  When i miss your whispers, i pray my name rumbles LOUDLY off Your lips before i fall.  But if it takes falling to my knees to hear You, let it be.  Because i know in due time, You will reach down, pick me up and then heal and restore me to You. Thank You for pursuing me and Your other children, no matter what we have thought, said or done.

Listen, friends, God knows, cares and is our Anchor no matter the storm. He has us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

never and for always

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

How long will God love us?

...until pigs fly.

And from what i know about pigs, we have no worries. 

His love endures through all things and forever. Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ stay

 "Be still and know I am God." Psalm 46:10

Sometimes when life is overwhelming, don't you just feel like flying far, far away?

Father, clip my wings, because i KNOW the only place of true peace is with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

are you celebrating?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Wouldn't it be nice if a new year also meant new beginnings?   As 2023 rolls in, i find myself still entangled with some of the same issues, fears and challenges of 2022. The excitement of a new year didn't evolve. Just like you, i sometimes find myself in need of encouragement. 

As the heaviness of looming events clouded my first day back at work, i found comfort from several in my path. But the most powerful encouragement came from our Father. He prevailed in my day mightily with a staunch reminder of Who He is... for me, and with me.

Leaving an hour later than planned for lunch, i went home to eat, but the timing was perfect on God's scale. Practically every day, a common, peaceful habit for me is looking up at the sky.  But lately my focus has drifted no further than my own feet.  This day, my eyes unintentionally drifted up while stepping in my car, causing me to freeze in place.  Boldly and beautifully the sky danced with crosses. 

In front of me and to my side, i felt surrounded by the presence of God. It was if a boulder had been lifted off my shoulders. And my lungs overflowed with sweet air.

To my delight, when i arrived home for lunch the beautiful crosses appeared to touch the sky directly in front of my house. 

After a quick bite, i discovered the crosses faded in the sky, but not in my soul.  The memory and Truth of it burned in my heart... God is with me.

God speaks, comforts, directs and woos us in many ways.  One might say "my crosses" are merely jet streams, but to me they are so much more.  When i'm in desperate need of direction, strength and faith God reminds me of His mighty power and that i am not alone.  Such perfect timing can only come from Him.  

And in such moments, i realize the truth that His ways might not be my ways nor my desires.  Yet, in His vast understanding and all-knowing power, His is the perfect way and answer.  And that, my friend, acceptance of this fact, is where our peace can take root and flourish in our soul.

Maybe a Happy New Year is not what i'm after or in need of each year. Happiness is a state of mind that ebbs and flows based on happenings. Instead, i want/need everlasting peace.  Maybe a more appropriate and meaningful wish or prayer would be for a Peaceful New Year.

Wishing a Peaceful New Year to you, your family and friends.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ goals

Finding a goal for 2023 was not difficult for me.  I actually have several from my most Faithful Friend:

"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 primary goal in 2023... 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

Hand Book review for 2023

 "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 2023 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 2023, i need to review a Good Handbook.  Maybe you can benefit from it too.

HANDBOOK 2023

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 is

          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 2022.

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