Merry CHRISTmas!

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying...

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:6-14

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Merry CHRISTmas!

we are greatly loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

away in a manger

  "... and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7

No room for them in the inn... so where can we find Him? Where is the manger?

For more years than i can remember, my Aunt Mary and Uncle Lynwood placed the nativity scene in their gazebo. It was a community tradition that drew family, friends, and strangers by their home each CHRISTmas.  With my Aunt making a heavenly reunion with my uncle this year, it was a joyous sight for all that my cousins continued the tradition.  The manger scene returned to Forest Road in Oxford, but more importantly we are assured the message and meaning of the manger is for eternity.

  

Wherever it is, the manger scene sings of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, Truth, hope, fulfillment.  

Yet, we can easily lose our focus by allowing our preparations and expectations of CHRISTmas crowd out what is most important.  The distraction can set us up for frustration, sadness, exhaustion and disappointment. What all we add to CHRISTmas has the potential to rip away our JOY.

Lord, may it not be.  I want to be where You are; i want to meet You at the manger first. There is nothing we can do or say to compare to the glorious gift of eternal life -- made possible only by the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank You.

Let's keep room in our hearts for Him each day and be filled with His Peace.

Merry CHRISTmas.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

come, all ye faithful

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14

Once again, many holiday plans have been interrupted, cancelled or postponed due to illnesses, health issues, or other situations. With these unexpected changes, it's hard not to have a sad, heavy heart for missed gatherings. 

I pray your heart can still find JOY in spite of the unwanted changes... just because of the REASON for this glorious season.  May God, the birth of our Savior and CHRISTmas songs fill your soul with LOVE, JOY and PEACE... He is enough, always.

Do you hear what i hear?  Good News can be found!
Angels we have heard on high exclaim, " Jesus is coming to town!"
Come all ye faithful, be filled with His joy and love,
A silent, holy night will then give you His Peace from above.

Deck the halls, we have reason to shout!
Christ the LORD has risen! let there be no doubt.
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, your beauty i see,
is about celebrating what Jesus did for you and me.

So, you better not cry, you better not pout,
Hark! the herald angels still sing it out,
"Joy to the world, the Lord has come!"
Have yourself a merry 'lil Christmas... each and every one!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what Child is this?

 “'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel... 

'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.'" Luke 1:34-35

Impossible situation, impossible solution... we have all faced them at one time or another.  And sometimes we're smacked in the face by what feels like an endless cycle of challenges and trials... with one right after-the-other. 

How can this be?
What will happen next?
How will we continue?

The CHRISTmas story is full of lessons, hope and direction for any season we are facing.

Whatever the question, the answer remains the same:

When we are weak, He is strong.  Trust Him.

God is with us, and He will see us through.

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

you better watch out

 "...Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...'"Luke 10:39-42

My Bible did not fall apart due to misuse or neglect, but due to an abundance of good stuff.  Jam-packed with bookmarks, favorite passages, notes, letters, and booklets, it could take no more.  With no warning, the binding blew apart.  Too much good stuff can be as dangerous as too much bad stuff.

How is your holiday season going?  Is it slam packed with good stuff and happenings?  Supporting friends/family in various programs, attending gatherings, preparing special foods, serving others in need, leading a group, joining committees... how much more can you squeeze in before exploding?  Even good people (and apparently reindeer) can only bear so much, especially during the holidays.

Just because it's good, doesn't mean you should say yes and do it... especially if it means not leaving time to sit at our Father's feet.  After all, it is His Son's Birthday, and all He wants is our thankful presence.  

Do you have time to celebrate Him -- with JOY?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

love, JOY and peace to you,

veneal

your presence...

 "We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Best gift of the season?  You. Be the gift in how you care and love others.

Father, may we keep our eyes on You, as You demonstrate how to love others.  May we reflect Your image during the CHRISTmas season and every day.  For some, our mere presence may truly be the best present received.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

all i want for CHRISTmas

"...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4

Like many, with family scattered across the lands, we are busy gathering for  CHRISTmas celebrations far and wide. Traveling for some visits, we left our dogs at home.  As we departed, the message on their long faces was abundantly clear, "All we want for CHRISTmas is you".

What creates for the most fulfilling relationships?  I think my dogs nailed it... spending time with each other.  Isn't that the most valuable element we possess or can give to each other and with God?  

In many areas of life... love, faithfulness, forgiveness... i believe my kind, wise dogs really do know what matters.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
and He desires for us to spend eternity with Him,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

peace on earth (and everywhere)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

It's the most anticipated display in our library... a crackling fire.  While we set the example for students to follow, they sometimes set the example for us too. Recently, nestled next to our "roaring" fire and twinkling lights, Ms. Merry's class soaked in a few quiet, golden moments. Do you yearn to feel that peace too?

Don't let the busyness of the season leave you drained and depleted. Come sit by the fire and CHRISTmas tree -- allow the quiet peace to seep into your soul for a needed moment of sweet relief. 

Stop... rest... refuel.

And be filled with the delight of the season and Him.

Peace on earth, wherever you are. 

Just listen...

https://youtu.be/klgg0LUvDNQ?si=ghzqxMlPGPKVAcci

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

love, JOY and peace to you,

veneal

let Me in.... please

“Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears Me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with Me." Revelations 3:20

Opening my kitchen door, i was startled at the sight. There appeared to be strangers on my porch bent over and begging.  After a moment of shock, i realized they were not strangers but my manger people... Mary, Joseph, the shepherd, angel and baby Jesus.  I had sat them on my porch the day before, only to forget about placing them in my yard.

How could i forget them, especially at CHRISTmas?? But no worries, at least i was quietly reminded by them, they didn't forget me.

  

Isn't that true about Jesus? We get hurried, scurried about details, schedules and ongoings; and He slowly slips in the back of our mind.  Yet, He does not yell for our attention, pout about our decisions or clam up in anger.  Instead, He kindly waits... hopes... prays for a better and deeper relationship with us.

Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart? Open wide and welcome Him into your day.  He will fill your heart like nothing else.  Jesus is patiently waiting for all of us.  Let's go and celebrate with Him now.

p.s.  Not sure why all these porch stories are surfacing.  But i've got one more porch at my home and can't wait to see what unfolds there. Maybe it's just Him reminding me i am always surrounded by Him.  What a God of wonder and love and JOY we serve.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal  

a ring to BELIEVE

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

My doorbell ring camera alerted me of an unexpected visitor at my door.  Not expecting anyone, i peered at the footage on my phone to see who was present. What i discovered was a beautiful red cardinal flying in and sitting on the rail of my porch.  Calmly, it sat there as if to say, "all is well."

I've heard that seeing a red cardinal means the spirit of a loved one who has left earth is around and watching over you. I know it's a tale, but it's one that warms my heart with sweet peace, especially during CHRISTmas. There is comfort in the cardinal reminding me of all the beautiful memories with my precious loved ones and showing up to spread love and cheer in my life.

But wait, there is one more heartwarming sight that i did not even notice until i wrote this devotion and added the picture.  People who know me, know i look to the sky for crosses... for comfort and reminders of God watching over me.  If you look closely at the picture, there is a cross in the sky too.

Only God, my friend, only God.  He knows us better than anyone and provides what is needed. If we allow Him, i believe He will see us through this CHRISTmas season with a JOY-filled heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you hear what I hear?

 Would you like to listen to my prayer today? It might be yours too.

Lord, how much more? The waters are white capping all around, I really need a break from the rocky waves in life -- health issues, financial uncertainties, loss of precious loved ones, unexpected detours, increased demands, heartaches... how much more?

You must trust Me.  

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 

Father, i do trust You, but haven't i been through enough?

I am working in you and on you, Child.  

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."  Isaiah 46:8
 

Father, i'm tired and worn thin.  

I've got some rough ends to smooth out in you.  We will gain much through these times.  Trust Me.   

"But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." Jeremiah 18:4

Father, i know i'm not perfect, but aren't i good enough?
 

I understand how you feel.  Remember Jesus had had enough in the Garden too.  But you must trust Me to do what is best.There is still work to be done.  

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20

How much more, Father? 

Just leave it to me.  

"And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."  1 Corinthians 10:13 
 

But how much longer it take?

Until you give it all to Me.  

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

I have surrendered all to You.

No, child, there are some parts of your life that you still have your fingers gripped tightly around... areas concerning your life, your family... to name a few.  Don't worry, I promise you that i know what you can bear.  I have a perfect plan for you.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I am afraid of what's to come.

You need not be fearful. I am always with You.  

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear."  1 John 4:18

 

Okay, Father, Your Will be done, not mine.  But can you please do it gently? 

It will be as it needs to be.  

"... we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'" Acts 21:14

I love you, Father.

I love you too -- and more than you can humanly understand. Just trust Me.  

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love."1 John 4:16 

In Christ we pray and give thanks,

amen, amen.

we truly are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

hear this and tell it

 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:6-12

 

As a 10-year-old, he didn't like CHRISTmas, and why should he?  He had never had a tree nor presents -- there were no good memories.  All he knew about CHRISTmas was what the world told him and what he saw around him.  So, when asked to write about CHRISTmas memories, he couldn't.  Sensing his emptiness, Ms. Wesley told him about CHRISTmas, the true CHRISTmas.  He had never heard it, but now he has... hope is planted where only darkness existed.

If you are stressed, disheartened, discouraged, maybe you need to stop and hear the real CHRISTmas story, again.  Escape the make-believe and usher in Truth and Peace -- then we can celebrate no matter what the circumstances. 

 

For God gave His Son for us to have eternal life... isn't that enough?  If we need to give anything to others, may it be the sharing of the Hope we confess because of Jesus.

"Hark" the herald angels sings. Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled;

Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

May we never forget...

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
love, JOY and peace to you,
veneal

Three Trees for Thee

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

A teacher wanted a special CHRISTmas book.  I told her about one of my favorite books, The Tale of Three Trees.   Not having it in the library, i offered to bring her my personal copy from 20 years ago.  As i reread it, i realized i didn't exactly get the story right, it actually was more beautiful than i remembered.

You might enJOY listening or reading it too.  https://youtu.be/DjlOViJlM3U?t=5

The Tale of Three Trees is a traditional folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt.  It explains how our dreams of greatness do not always come true.  God has a divine plan for each of us. When we lose sight of our dreams, and don't  understand things that take place in our lives, don't lose hope. May we continue to remember God loves us, has a plan for us, and is in control; therefore we can trust Him... at all times.

Whatever you are dreaming of for CHRISTmas and your life, may you discover it met or even exceeded by God's dream and plan for you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

living what you preach

"You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? 

While you preach against stealing (an action), do you steal (act that way)?" Romans 2:21

"Mrs. Williams, can i get my lamination?"

But i didn't have it.  Confused, i thought hard about my actions the day before.  I remembered laminating the items because it was tricky placement. I remembered cutting the pieces off. And then, my mind blacked out.  But knowing my usual pattern, i was sure i returned it to her.

"Didn't you see it in your classroom?" 

"It's not there."

Doubting her, i went to look myself, nothing... then i checked with her team mates on the hall...then i sent out an email looking for it... then i checked the path of my footsteps the day before... then i checked  ALL the classrooms... checked the bathroom... and finally i returned to the library, defeated and puzzled, where i met these sweet words.....

"Ohhhh, Mrs. Williams," look what i found."

"What?! Where!?!"

"It was in the workroom in a box next to the laminator."

In that moment the rest of the laminating job rushed back to me.  After finishing the task at hand, i was immediately interrupted by a teacher looking for some books in the workroom. I sat the items down to help her.  And obviously forgot about it, exiting the workroom  to resume checkout duties.

What happened to me was exactly what i preach to students time and time again when they come to me positive they returned a missing library book.  "Go back and look again.  You were likely in the process of returning the book, got interrupted or sidetracked and didn't complete the task."

Ugh. If only i had taken my own advice... the steps, the time, the energy, the confusion... i could have saved.

Father, if we practice what we preach, would it make a difference??  For me the answer is an obvious yes.

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

do you gift match?

"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

I am making a bold change in an old habit. Gift matching has been a stumbling block for me at CHRISTmas for years.  I end up stressing and spending more time and money on unneeded gifts than in areas of genuine needs. Why? because i didn't want to feel embarrassed or look cheap.  Yet, the Truth is if they know me, they know i care for them by how i love them year-round.

After wrestling with this for ages, i am finding sweet peace in Truth. The most valuable gift i have ever, or will ever receive is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ,  This gift is untouchable on all levels. I can never begin to match this gift nor do i try. Instead I humbly accept it and strive to live continuously with a grateful and loving heart to my Giver. 

Why am i openly 'fessing up?   At an age of more than half-a-century, i have nothing to lose but some silly pride... and it might help someone else with their struggle. May we accept all gifts with a grateful without a feeling of owing as we allow pockets of love to spill out on others throughout the year. Afterall, isn’t love the greatest and most needed gift by all? 

Father, help me stay mindful that what we do in love is what matters. 

Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what do you see?

 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

"Wow! Look at those planets!"

I quickly looked up expecting a spectacular celestial sight, but the sky looked no different than any other day. I turned around to see the direction of her eyes and was surprised to find her looking at my legs.  Confused, i asked, "What planets are you talking about?" 

She immediately responded, "The planets and stars on your legs."

"Haha... Actually they are CHRISTmas lights." 

What a "bright" reminder not everything we see is what we think. 

Father, in this busy season, provide me with a quiet, watchful heart. Help me to slow down and try to see people as they truly are.  What we see may only portray the surface. The season can disguise what the heart truly feels:

sadness... instead of joy
tears... instead of laughter
emptiness... instead of fullness
turmoil... instead of peace

As Your children, open our eyes, ears and heart to truth and use us to Your glory. With a kind spirit may we spread Your love, goodness and light to others in need, especially during CHRISTmas.

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

excess baggage

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

Dropping my CHRISTmas wear from the attic, I nearly broke the ladder. It was past time to reduce the 28 pound bag.   Was 62 items really necessary?  Silly me, NO. Tossing out worn-out and ill-fitting items reduced my choices, but more importantly, reduced my stress in dressing and the pain of an aching back from an unbearable load.

What I have found to be the most valuable item to wear is a smile, reflecting a grateful heart. In this season which should exude JOY for the gift we have received, the weight of worry, regret and busyness bog us down instead. What if we unload our crowded heart from what we can’t control or change and focus on our indescribable gift of Jesus? Is it possible that might free us to celebrate and sing “O Holy Night”, as well as create JOY for others? 

This is my prayer for you  and me today.

O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

https://youtu.be/UneUnpNBTYM

Oh, sweet Babe, our Savior, we love You and are thankful for Your birth.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

fragile souls present

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

Last year's decorations had been quickly packed, stored and stuffed in the attic.  It was good enough for most items, but not the CHRISTmas bell.  It was totally shattered.  Better wrapping could have saved it.

How is your CHRISTmas season progressing?

Shattered bells, shattered lives ~ and CHRISTmas still comes. 
It's nearly impossible to live 365 days without changes.  Marriages, deaths, loss of income, moves, sickness, births and other events happen. Some for the better, some not - as least through our eyes.  During trials, i struggle, as my eyes shift down on me and not up to Him.
 
Father, there are times i am crushed by the world around me.  Life can be difficult, unpredictable and mean.  And when i tackle it, without You, i shatter like glass.  I need to be completely wrapped, protected and covered in Your Love, Wisdom and Will.  Oh, how thankful  i am for the wonderful CHRISTmas season.  

During this time, no matter what has happened the past 365 days, i am reminded and brought back to what really matters... You and Your unconditional Love for us expressed through the gift of Your Son, sealing our eternal life with You.  

Thank You that this world is not our end, thank you for my life, thank You for my Savior!

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

take time to tell...

"Sing and make music in your heart to the LORD, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Activities and demands in our lives are increasing at an ever-rapid pace.  Sadly this was evident when i had a difficult time finding my favorite pictures for Thanksgiving. While pictures of turkeys were plentiful, i missed reading what students were most thankful for this year.

But, hark, on a bulletin board far, far away... and one i had missed, in beautiful colors and writings, was the artwork my heart longed to see.  Seeing me in the hallway and preparing to change out her board, the teacher knowing my passions, brought it to my attention.  OH, HOW MY HEART SANG WITH JOY!

So, i share it with you now, because we need to be reminded of what our children know is important and we, older children of God, sometimes need to be reminded.  And if you don't have time to zoom in and read these, i'm showing one up close that represents the heart and thanks of many.

Thank you, Ms. B, for keeping the fire and hope burning in my heart.  I am thankful for you and the many who continue to inspire me to share the love, goodness and faithfulness of our Father with others.  

There is no better way to enter the CHRISTmas season than with a heart overflowing with thankfulness.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal