just like Him

"One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor..." (as well as family, friend, stranger) Proverbs 12:26

Looking at a series of family shots, i chuckled.  It was clear she had her daddy's ways and looks.  And why wouldn't she, since we naturally become like the ones we are around? It only makes sense that the greatest influence on  children's behavior is from the relationship they have with their parents.  From quiet moments to funny ones, they see and digest it all.

As a child of God, i pray the same truth for us. May our behavior and thoughts reflect the One we  should have the closest relationship to in our life.  And as we spend more time with Him, may we become more like Him each day.

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." 1 John 3:1

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a clean nose, please

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

What started out as a nice walk ended up disastrous.  Brimming with curiosity, Dex insisted on sticking his nose into every pile of yard debris we passed.  When we got home, i discovered his head and feet were covered with teeny-weeny burrs.  For over 26 minutes of combing and brushing, i tried to unglue the burrs burrowed deep in his long curly hair. Finally, with scissors i snipped them out.

While many times curiosity and temptation might be harmless, it can reek havoc and turn one's live upside down.  Luckily scissors saved Dex from the extended pain of my tough brushing. His chopped-up haircut will eventually even out, and i can only hope he will not be as nosey the next time we walk.

Father, help keep my nose and behavior clean of unhealthy curiosity and temptations.  But when i fail, please do what's necessary to straighten me out.  I pray to learn the lesson without too much pain while being led to better decisions.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

miracles, do they still exist?

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-14

Summer started off with a bang.  With good intentions of continuing devotions during break, i have failed. In 3 weeks i've only written 2 for an understandable reason.  My days and nights are filled with enjoying my growing family.  My daughter and "son" welcomed their second child June 8th.  Needless to say, i am soaking up sweet time with them and my other grand treasure. In this summer break of jumbled-up schedules, loss sleep, new routines and other changes, i am wonderfully reminded of the magical wonders and awe of our Father.  As  i take time off from my normal path, i will continue to pray for you.  Of the many things i am uncertain of, the one fact i do know is enough... our God is still a God of miracles.  Don't just believe in Him, believe Him.

Even though my devotions are currently sporadic, we can rest in the fact God never stops, postpones or quits His plans for us.  Think about it, and give thanks. He is crazy in love with you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

whose are you?

 John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

mother
wife
daughter

grandmother
cousin 
sister
aunt
neighbor
employee
friend
co-worker
teacher 

In the many roles in life we occupy, how well we handle them rides on our dependency, belief and strength in our primary role... a child of God. 

In their growing years,  through cards, notes and talks, a phrase i always tried to plant in my children's heart and mind was "remember who you are and Whose you are". If we digest this Truth, undoubtedly it will make a difference in how we think, do and treat others.

Father, I am thankful to be called first Your Child. And as a typical child, i am in constant need of Your guidance, correction, comfort and wisdom.  In whatever role i am performing today, i pray my relationship with You leads the way in my words and actions. Thank You for calling me Your own.  How great is Your grace and mercy!


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

job done

"He/She is not afraid of bad news; their heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

Bad news has a way of knocking the breath out of you, and sometimes even the hope of your future.  How can one continue with a severed, and even an angry heart?  

It was an incredible relief to witness our Daddy Bluebird found a way to push through his pain.  After the sudden loss of his mate, he continued raising their family with a resolute and fierce dedication.  We watched him through each stage of growth of the babies and then to their final healthy release.

When facing hardships and trials, i want to be more like the bluebirds in my yard.  The tragic loss of Mother B was not the end of life or future for the babies.  It changed the routine and work load of Daddy B, but it did not destroy the entire family. They all survived and will soon discover new blessings to come. 

Father, whatever the day may bring, renew our weaken spirit when needed.  May we trust You to be the source of our strength and peace, especially when we don't understand the whys or hows.  

Thank You.

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