wrapped too tight?

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

Are you ready for CHRISTmas?  Christmas can be a season of many mixed emotions.   It can be a time to get easily wrapped up in emotions of anger, resentment, pain, sadness, regret, hurt, loneliness, fear, envy, bitterness, jealousy, exhaustion, and pity.  Our feelings can cover up the true beauty of the season.

God desires to take away whatever you have so tightly wrapped up in your heart that causes you pain, hurt and separation from Him.  He wants to unwrapped those harmful, destructive emotions and wrap you up in His Love, Hope and Peace. Through the birth of Jesus we have been given the greatest gift of all times... a gift that lasts for eternity.  A gift that by itself is reason alone to still have JOY during Christmas. 

Is your current wrapping tight, stifling and uncomfortable?  Do you need some unwrapping and rewrapping in your life?  Our Father has the perfect freeing and flowing wrap picked out for you, and he is eagerly waiting for you to come to Him for it.  

May His Love flow and show through you, while you breath out His grace, mercy and peace.  CHRISTmas is about celebrating His gift to us.  Right?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

you are a star!

  "... for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..."  Philippians 2:13-15

This week a couple of our talented acting students joined other students in New York city for a special celebration of the anniversary of "Frozen".  It was quite a buzz and so exciting to see our stars up front and center performing on GMA.

But they are not the only stars i know.  It's said most everyone will experience five minutes of fame or stardom on earth.  And that includes you.

As a believer in Christ, you have the opportunity to shine like a star every day.  Live and believe it, my sisters and brothers.  His Light within you will reflect an eternal stardom -- possessing the power to draw others to His Mighty Love and salvation.  

You are His star; and you are His hope for others to witness.  Keep shining; God is watching with JOY and is thrilled.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what are you counting?

"He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth." Luke 1:14 

27.... 

What does this number mean to you?

The number of days left to shop before CHRISTmas??

Or, the number of days before you celebrate the birth of Jesus?

Your answer is as plain as the nose on your face.

Relax.  Count it for good and celebrate each day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

building His house

  "...God is the Builder of everything... Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house.  And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast."  Hebrews 3:4,6

Thanksgiving… it delivered BIG -- scrumptious meals topped off with sweet gatherings of family and friends.  For me, it's also a kickoff to an overindulging season. The days between Thanksgiving and New Year boil over with temptations -- guaranteed to bring even the strongest to their knees.  What’s a person to do?

Knowing my frailness, i have a plan.  A plan to remove excessive bulges.  I'm signing up with a Mind and Body Builder Who can steer me clear of costly temptations.  I need only confess my weaknesses to Him and keep in close contact with Him daily.  So here goes my contract...

Father, keep me from gorging on the fats of the land, from buying excessive gifts for those who are not in need and from greedily stuffing my plate and life with needless stuff.  Instead, help me butter the life of the hungry, spread warmth over the cold, dry the tears of the lonely and heap layers of Your love on those who feel hopeless.  Father, You and only You, can give me the strength and will power to do good and not become a victim of this fallen, materialist world.  Build me up in Your Ways to be Your House filled with Your Light and Love and Hope.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

thankful for you

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

As you prepare to travel and gather, i pray you have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving season.

Also i'm thanking God for the gift of you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.  You encourage, inspire, strengthen and delight me.  I love doing life with you!  I am so grateful to be your sister-in-Christ.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

believe

"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 struggle to fit the pieces back together like we want, it usually doesn't happen. Heartache comes in many shapes and sizes... sometimes we sense it and sometimes we are blindsided. However it happens, it hurts and can feel more like a feverish nightmare than just a broken dream. What are you facing?

job uncertainty
financial turbulence
torn relationships
challenging children
aging parents
insensitive spouse
demanding leader
false accusations
physical limitations
sickness
emotional stress
loss of a loved one
worldly pressure

Because of God, whatever is going on... we can still be thankful. In faith, we can trust He will see us through each hardship and trial. As we stop and look back, we'll see God's continuous fingerprints in our lives reminding us of what He has already done for us. Our strength and peace is restored knowing He will continue to sustain us.

As God picks up all the pieces of our broken dreams and gently 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.

 

I am thankful for You, Jesus

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

how is your turkey looking?

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth!...It is He who made us, and we are His... Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise."  Psalm 100: 1,3,4

As of today, I’ve  cooked  97 turkeys.  The size and trimmings for each turkey is unique, and promises to be a beautiful, colorful bounty for the recipient.  Laminating the turkey placemats created by the kindergarteners for their Thanksgiving lunch is one of my favorite tasks.  Some turkeys are painted on with brushes and others with their hands and fingers. For sure, no two turkeys are alike, but all are special. 

How would your turkey placemat look?  Would you draw a fat turkey with lots of colorful feathers and short legs or a bare, long legged skinny one?  And if that turkey could talk, would he be spouting out words of gratitude, even in a season of uncertainties?   It's time to prepare our hearts and placemats for the THANKS-giving feast.

Father, we want to present our Thanksgiving placemats before You overflowing with sincere gratitude for all You do in our lives.  We are so grateful that even though we are many and uniquely made by You, we are each special in Your eyes.  

And that, my friend, is no turkey!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

hot lips

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

It was a horrible, horrible mistake, and i could not get the burning taste of it out of my mouth. 

Late, tired and in the darkness, i brushed my teeth.  Spitting out the pasty foam, i knew something was dreadfully wrong.  A sensation of hot lava flowing through the craters of my teeth and the walls of my mouth, set my lips on fire.  Quickly i turned on the lights.  There on the counter, were 2 tubes, exact size and coloring, but completely different products.  

The truth was exposed. I grabbed the wrong tube. It was a painful experience, and believe me i have put steps in place to not repeat it.

Yet as much as i dislike pain, i do pray for an unpleasant sensation to happen when words from my mouth are spewing and displeasing to God.  Whether, gossip, unkind, discouraging, mean or tasteless, may such words burn my lips and disturb my soul. 

We live in a hurting world in need of healing. We don't always know, understand or comprehend the actions of others.  When we don't know the complete truth, wrong and painful conclusions can occur.  What we see in others in not always reflective of what's going on inside of them.

Father, if i discourage instead of encourage with my words, please help me put out the fire and remain quiet... and kind.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

marked for peace

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Isaiah 28:23-24

Sometimes i'm not sure what God is telling me.  With all the noise around me, i fail to hear Him.  Yet, He never gives up on me.  When necessary, He finds a way to get my attention.

Just this week, He slipped me a crucial note in a book that i was checking into the library.

Thank You, Father, for Your perfect Word and timing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

smiling at you

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

To be happy in life or with anyone else, we first need to be happy with ourselves.

Knowing and believing how God feels about us is the perfect way to start.

Smile, friend,  you are loved and treasured by Him and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

walls for good

Jesus said...

"I will be with you always." Matthew 28:20

Most times when we think of walls in our lives, it's in a negative way... hit a wall, up against a wall, climbing a wall.  But some walls are actually positive.  Just last week The Wall That Heals, a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring those who served and lost their lives in Vietnam was in our area.  It is a very humbling and touching tribute to those who served and their families.

It caused me to acknowledge i actually have my own personal healing wall.  For over 30 years in my home, family and friends signed our stairwell walls.

 

As times and seasons change some of the people are no longer in our lives. I cannot count the number of times my fingers have passed over the names of people i long to see again... the tears cried...

the smiles felt remembering our good times together... the JOY in my soul for countless blessings received from the relationships.  

Numerous times i've just stood on the steps rereading what i've read hundreds of times.  Oh, the sweet memories that will forever flood and replay in my soul.

But this weekend was a bittersweet one for me.  Like The Wall That Heals, it was time my Hall of Friends to part.  As my family prepares for the future, it was necessary to repaint our special wall.  I took numerous pictures, but i will never be able to replicate the unique beauty of my Hall of Friends. While the physical wall in now a clean slate, the  wall of precious people and their names are a permanent wall of love in my heart and soul.

We can't truly lose what we can't forget.  Right, Jesus?

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

thank you, veterans

 Jesus said...

"Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13

Every saying we hear isn't true, but i know two that are. 
1. Many hands make light the work.
2. It takes an army to keep our country safe.  

Today, Veterans Day, we stop to remember and to give thanks to the many fine soldiers who have sacrificed their time, and some even their life to protect us and our country.

What a joy to be involved in one of many schools recognizing the importance of our Veterans. Honor, respect and courage are alive and well in the United States.  What wonderful mentors for each and every one of us.

We humbly give thanks for having these special warriors in our schools today, whether in spirit or body... as positive role models to our students. They represent true citizenship, commitment unity and love for one another at its best.

Father, Thank You for our soldiers.  May Your grace and goodness always be with them.  Bless them and their families... as they have and continue to bless and sustain our freedom.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,
with a thankful heart,
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 in a hot pot.  As i turned around for 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 a new book  covered in a slick, glossy protector with a too realistic spider on 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 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

you are perfect

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

May we never doubt, neglect, devalue or dismiss the gifts God has equipped us with in life.

We are different for a reason -- He doesn't make mistakes.

God has a need, and a plan and a purpose for each of us... you're perfectly designed by Him, for Him.

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

ready to vote?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 515:5-7

Father, as we prepare to cast our votes, may we seek Your guidance first.  Help us overcome any feelings of greed, prejudice, selfishness or other that might prohibit us for making godly decisions.   We pray that nothing separates us in first being servants for You.  Because when all is said and done on earth, You are still on the throne and the One who reigns.  And that is a victory we can all celebrate everyday!

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

He knows

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." Psalm 86:5

Regardless of...

the outcome
what is said
how you feel
what you do
decisions made
how you act
repeated failures...

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL AND LOVES US!

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

veneal 

Fall back with JOY

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

No bones about it, WE ALL NEED A BREAK...

Along with my own, i've seen, heard and felt your overwhelming frustration, tears, tension and exhaustion.  Thankfully, a needed blessing of rest is at our doorsteps at the end of today. Whether it's a weekend containing a bonus Fall-back hour or one with a couple of extra days for Fall break, i pray it's filled with renewal and restoration. 

Shake and rattle those achy bones.  You deserve it!

Thank You, Father, for getting us through the week.  You are good all the time... all the time You are good.

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

what is a friend?

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

Being a friend is easy in good times, but most important and essential in tough times.  A true friend is as essential as the air we breathe.

My prayer for you is to always be surrounded by a friend or friends who carry, support and nurture you through sunshine and storms... and for you to be that person for your friends.  Maybe this should be called a golden boomerang blessing, because the value of your understanding friendship back to them is godly medicine for their soul.

Thank You, Father, for the touch of comfort through a word, a hug or a smile. Our friends... Your angels on earth. May we not neglect being one of Your earthly angels as we love, hug and love some more in the good times and bad times.

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

what time is it??

“Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act... Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm...” Psalm 37:7-8

With a sense of panic and confusion, the substitute teacher frantically asked, “What time is it?!”   Seeing where her eyes were fixed, i understood.  The clock in the Media Center was incorrect.  When time sprang forward last spring, our clock did not make the jump.  She laughed with relief when i explained to her our clock was wrong, but in a few days, it would be right "on time".

Are you flustered over a situation, circumstance or person?  If all seems to be out of kilter or off track, trust God is fully aware. Unlike our clock, He's not broken, late or unconcerned. He's plan is perfect and will happen right on time.  

Believe and wait on Him. His Will will be done.

we are loved and chosen by God, 

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

veneal