going home

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

One of the best unexpected parts of retiring from school has been the reaction of others when i  returned to school as a substitute.  The temporary "coming home" was filled with smiles, hugs and JOYful chatter. I look forward to my next gig to see if the sweet "coming home" feeling continues.  To be remembered and felt missed was a tremendous heart warmer.

Unfortunately, not all homecomings are good and comforting.  Maybe the length of time for the return was too long or even too short.  Misunderstandings, lack of communication, unexpected events and changes could all contribute to a cold return.

Jesus' return to His hometown likely involved all of the above.  His return initially stirred excitement but quickly reversed to resentment and even anger.  They missed His true mission and His blessing at home.

Father, may we keep our eyes on You and Your mission for us.  May we not be deterred by others in serving You first.  Keep our arms, heart and soul open to Your Truth.  Just because we might fail to understand Your path or ways, please help us to continue trusting and believing You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

happy Valentine's Day!

Straight from the heart of God to yours:

Happy Valentine's Day! You, My child, are the cherished love of My life!  I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.

My dear sweet (your name),

Rejoice! For I have made this day for you!  (Psalm 118:24)

You have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  I chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in My sight.  (Ephesians 1:4)

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and I will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Since I am for you, who can be against you?  (Romans 8:31)

Who or what shall separate you for My love?  Shall trouble or hardship? No, never!  (Romans 8:35)

I will tend to you like a shepherd does his flock.  I will gather you in my arms and carry you close to My heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

When you are tired and weary, come to Me, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Whatever yoke you are under, I will free you from it.  I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  You are mine, and I am Your God.  (Exodus 6:6-7)

I will keep you from all harm and watch over your life always.  (Psalm 121:7-8)

It is My prayer that you may grasp how wide and long and high and deep My love is for you.  (Ephesians 3:17-19)

always on your side and for you,

Dad

Need more affirmations regarding His love for you? Just pull out His Book. It's a love letter written just for you. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Happy Valentine's Day, friend! I love you too, 

veneal

do you feel loved?

It's Valentine's week and for some it's produces more pain than love. Through death, disagreements, hardships or other factors, some loved ones are no longer part of our life. So, is there still reason to celebrate?  With a thankful heart, our answer is yes.  There is One Valentine that will never forsake us. 

Let's reread, rediscover and reflect on the greatest love of all, poured out freely to each of us from Above. Here's one of many love letters written especially to you...

   

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day, (your name), my Child!

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?   (Isaiah 40:21)

I will never take my love away from you.  (1 Chronicles 17:13)

To you, I will be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.    (Psalm 103:8)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

"I will meet all your needs."  (Philippians 4:19)

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you... do not be afraid, for I am with you.  (Isaiah 43:4 5)

I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.   (Isaiah 42:1)

I will quiet you with My love. I will rejoice over you with singing.   (Zephaniah 3:17)

And remember, dear Child of Mine,

My love endures forever.   (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Dad

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

and never doubt or forget it,

veneal

where you lead

"It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4

Where you lead, i will follow...

Oh, to have the faith and trust of a child, Father, that is exactly what we must have with You.

I love You, Father, with all my heart, mind and soul;

Let me be filled with Your peace, so i can be usable and whole. 

With each step i make, take my hand and my heart,

From Your side, do not ever, ever let me depart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Who won?

 "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."  Ephesians 6:10-11

Super Bowl --  The Bedazzling King of football games  --  delivered a so-so evening for me. From the game to the commercials to the entertainment, i could barely stay awake.  The most meaningful battle for me was the one in my kitchen. Trying to decide which tasty snack to attack next. 

Last night's Super Bowl battles are over, but the battle for our mind continues.  The enemy will use any and everything possible to corrupt, misled and destroy us.  He is a keen opportunist.  Talk about fouls, bad calls, temptations, dark moments... he is the master of them all.  

We can't control the outcome of a football game nor some of the events in our life, but we can control who we listen to and believe. We can chose our Father of Truth, or the father of lies.  Only One offers victory for eternity.  Praying and  reading His Word will help keep us prepared for the battles of the day.

I'm praying for you. Will you pray for me?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneall

and another thing...

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

When my grands came to visit, Allie insisted on visiting the library.  She wanted to see the students, and she wanted Stetson to see them.  It was a fun visit, but she wouldn't leave until she saw a specific person... Officer L.  She had met him once, but he made a lasting impression on her. Was it his smile, his uniform, his calm voice, or the fact she knew he was there to keep students safe??  Whatever her reason, we couldn't leave until she introduced Stetson to him.

Just a quick, happy fact to leave with you this weekend.  We are never too young to feel, need or understand feeling safe and secure. 

Be safe and rest in the Arms who loved you best.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you feel safe?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Once upon a time we didn't worry about being safe at school or church.  It was a given. Now they, like other establishments, must address and implement safety measures.  For schools my favorite safety change is the addition of a resource officer (RO).  Just their mere presence on campus emits a feeling of calmness, safety and peace.  The students at PSS love seeing Officer L in the hallway, giving high fives and big smiles.

One resource officer is great, but would more be better?  When i visited recently, I was surprisingly greeted by SEVERAL Officer Ls.  Everywhere i turned, he seemed to be there.  Only one was real, but the cardboard images also provided a magical comfort throughout the school.

Do you feel safe?  While we don't have the benefit of having an Officer L around us wherever we go, we do have One who never leaves us.  

God, our #1 Protector is always with us.  He never leaves our side and is aware of all our fears, issues and needs.  May we trust He is with us and turn to Him at any time. 

Do you feel you need to see His face for assurance?  Just look around... He is there in the face of a friend, the gentle breeze, the singing bird, the warm sunshine on your back, the Bible verse on your desk.  You are not alone... never.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

forward thinking

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

What are you doing today?

I'm thrilled to be preparing for a new chapter in my life.  Starting next week i will begin subbing at my former school.  To say i am excited to return and spend time with my some of my favorite peeps, small and tall, is a gross understatement.  With renewed energy and direction, i can't wait to return and enJOY the flexibility of a work schedule, AND to see my grands more often. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Father, i've spent much time thinking about the past and what i will miss... all with the realization, i can't get it back.  While reminiscing is good and a dose of sweet medicine, i can't survive or live to my fullest on it alone.  Today and tomorrow require my attention and energy... and so do You.  If i am breathing, i know You are not finished with me yet. Help me focus on the work/service You need from me now.  What's good for You is also good for me.  Thank you...

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

when small is GALACTIC

 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing... always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. " 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 15

Can you think of anything small that in reality is not small?  

What about a word? a gesture? a second? a smile?

"Please"... "thanks"... a smile... a helping hand... a nod of approval... any of these and countless other actions have the power to inject JOY, happiness, peace, acceptance and love into someone's life.

Acts of kindness don't have to be earth-shaking events to be meaningful. The smallest act of kindness can be soul shaking.  A constant tremor of kindness has the power to move mountains of doubt, hurt, fear and loneliness with the potential of turning a life around.

As every second counts, so does every action from us.  Never doubt even the smallest act of kindness from you... it does make a difference. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

getting your steps in?

 "The steps of a man are ordered by the Lord who takes delight in his journey." Psalm 37:23

"Wow, it's going to be easy to get my steps in now." My replacement at school discovered this little unknown fact in just a couple of days. I had never thought about it.  But after being at home a couple of weeks, i understood how important getting steps in are if you want to keep fitting into your pants. 

To increase my steps i lengthen my walks with Stella.  But with bone-icy weather, another solution was needed.  Being a regular W-M visitor, i decided to try walking EACH aisle in the store.  While doing wheelies with my cart on sharp turns and an hour of walking, i had clocked 1,659 steps and ended up with a buggy of unplanned purchases.  I'm  weighing the pros and cons of my new step route which obviously calls for a stronger hands-on-cart discipline.

When we walk/act with the right motives God leads and provides goodness to our soul and life.  

Father, please keep me on Your path. I want my steps to count in serving you and others. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

who matters?

 "Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”   Matthew 19:14

 

We are ALL important to God, no matter how short or tall,

He love us exactly the same, each one and all.

Father, help me not to hinder the path to You with thorns and rocks but to clear it in love for all i meet.  Let my words by kind, my actions sincere and heart pure. I want Your Love to guide me always.  As i matter to You, may others matter to me.

have a kind-filled day,

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

how are you?

but, God said...

"I will be with you... I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians (or whatever chokes you)." Exodus 3:12, 6:6

If your heart is broken, i pray God gently weaves His love in your tattered, tired heart.  It's normal to wonder how is it possible to serve others when we feel empty? The answer surfaces from the widow of Zarephath lesson (1 Kings 17:7-16).  It reminds us in hard times where the ability to continue comes.

What yoke are you struggling under?  Sickness, loss of a loved one, termination of a career, a new beginning, an unplanned circumstance, financial distress, abandonment, abuse, relocation?

Life will not always be fine. Some seasons uncover events and situations that drain us, causing us to feel incapable of serving or functioning. Whether at home, work, school or even church... with family, friends, coworkers or students... life can take a harsh toil. So, how can we continue when we feel we can't?

I know of only one way... with God. When we are spent out, God comes and infuses His blessings in us exponentially through His Spirit, His Word and earthly angels.  Because of God we are able to go and continue serving.  

Father, alone we are unable to adequately prepare for all our ongoing changes. However, You know and prepare the way for our upcoming needs. Things will not always be fine, but because You are with us, we will be fine.  As we stop and recall Your continuous blessings, may we be renewed and refueled to commit ourselves to loving You and others in this hurting world. 

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

surrounded by Him always

 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—  where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth...
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:1-2,8

My heart was broken.  In a matter of 24 hours, i learned two friends had lost their precious daughters.  Tired and troubled i took my dog for a walk. I went outside to a beautiful, clear blue sky.  As i returned from my walk and "talk", i looked up to the heavens to see a magnificent sight. What i saw wrapped my heart in peace and assurance.  It was a sky full of crosses.  And in the center of one of the crosses was the glorious, glowing sun/Son.

Was this a sign all is well?  My heart says yes... my friends and their daughters are not alone.

I am tenderly reminded, God goes before us, with us and after us.  The days ahead can be difficult, but we will not go it alone.  God will hold, prepare and guide us through all circumstances.

If you are hurting, may you also lift your eyes to Him and feel His presence. God cares, He can, and He will be our tower of Strength through it all. There is no battle we face that He is not prepared to handle. Matter of fact, He  is already working on it in His Perfect Ways. And i believe that with every fiber of my heart and soul.  Thank You, Father.

Hymn of Heaven

Phil Wickham

How I long to breathe the air of Heaven

Where pain is gone and mercy fills the streets
To look upon the One who bled to save me
And walk with Him for all eternity

There will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord

And every prayer we prayed in desperation
The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear
In the end, we'll see that it was worth it
When He returns to wipe away our tears

Oh, there will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord

And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain"

And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain"
"Forever He shall reign"

So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord

So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord

Holy, holy is the Lord
Holy, holy is the Lord

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

looking for peace?

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

As you might remember, i left my CHRISTmas tree up and reworked it for Easter.  Don't think me lazy, but i also reworked my CHRISTmas wreath too. 

In a time of change and confusion along with restlessness and fear, My "peace on earth" wreath appeared pitiful, pale and lifeless. Where is the peace? How do we find it?  Is peace possible?  What is my part in creating peace?

As i stared at my wreath, i thought... for peace to exist we must be covered in love... God IS love... so, if we love, truly love, we will be covered in the peace of God.  Right?  

I'm banking this is correct and am loving God with my heart, mind and soul... as well as my neighbor.  While we can't depend on others to do it, we can do it ourselves, and that is a good beginning.

 

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:8-11

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a drip at a time

 "... He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

A leaky faucet is normally an unwanted, and maybe expensive problem. But recently due to the below-freezing temperatures, a slow drip was purposely allowed for an outside faucet. While it kept the pipe from freezing, a 3 foot icicle formed from the drips.  Each tiny drip was a contribution to the majestic sight and reminder of the power of nature.

What's dripping in your life? Increased demands, difficult circumstances, undue stress, unanswered questions, unfair decisions, health concerns?  At times issues, large or small, can build up causing frustration, fear and hopelessness, as we face one difficulty after the other.  When the drips are continuous, remembering the immense Power and undeniable Strength of the One collecting them is our true hope.

Through prayer, His Word and encouragement from other believers, i am reminded what is overwhelming for me, is not for God.  Each drip, each tear is lovingly caught and handled by God.  As He tends to the continuous drips in my life, He is also growing my faith and dependency on Him.  When i am weak, He is Strong, He is Mighty and He is still in Control of all things.

Father, thank You for collecting the drips in my life.  May i remember than even with various, ongoing issues, when in Your Hands something good and beautiful can be created. When we are ready to give up, You are still going strong.  I am resting in Your Truths and Love.

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

if the hat fits...

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Whether it's cold, frigid air or harsh, frigid demands, i pray you are covered in safety, well being and peace.

If the hat fits...

wear it, we need protection.  May you discover comfort and restoration in the moments of rest God has provided.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you like bread?

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.... I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever."  John 6:35,51 

It's that time of year when people want to shed some winter pounds.  From the old tried 'n true diets to new ones, people are dieting. Many are eagerly sharing tips and recipes on how to do it better.  

While details vary, many of the diets share a common thread of reduced carbs.  For us bread lovers, getting our fill of delicious, mouth‑watering bread is a thing of the past.  Or, is it??

Here's the Good News.  I know one Perfect Bread available with zero carbs. PLUS, it's 100% filling and totally satisfying.  Eat all you desire, stay healthy, and even be guaranteed to live forever!  Now, that's a Bread worth devouring without any guilt... just total pleasure.  His Bread of Life is the best tip we can share with anyone.  Do tell, and be filled with Jesus!

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 others who dreamed big and followed their dreams, while doing as Jesus would.

Father, as we remember and honor Martin Luther King, Jr. today, help us to dream with a heart like his. 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

have you retired?

 "And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great." Job 8:7

I have to tell you, this devotions has SO MANY possible angles.  And as i type i'm not sure which path it might take. Maybe you should stop reading this one, and write your own.

For my friends who have retired, most of this might sound familiar.  Retiring can be viewed as a chapter short of death OR as a new beginning.  Two drastic views, right?  I'm somewhere in-between them. When i was a child, i'll never forget when the local meat market man retired, he died the next month.  People kept saying, "retirement kill him."  I'm sure that had an indirect impact on me in dragging my feet to retire (besides the fact i LOVED my job).  You retire and die??  No, thank you. 

At church we were given the opportunity to pick a STAR word for the year… a guiding light, so to say, for 2025. As I returned to my seat, I turned the star over to find the word “expand”.  I had no immediate thought or feeling. I felt like this year was more of a time to wind down instead of expand. Was I wrong?  Expand?  Yes, that is exactly what I needed to do. 

Besides enjoying more time with my grands and family, i started imagining all kinds of fun things i might do.  I could attend a morning Bible study, volunteer at church or other organization, start a cooking\ Bible class for students, have a “what’s cooking?” plan  and sell select items, offer a pickup/do this service… all of a sudden I started getting excited about my new chapter. And to think, God stirred my heart with a star of HOPE and TRUTH.  Our latter days are called to be great, not meaningless. 

Do you need a star for your year?  I know where some are. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe,

veneal

the secret battle

"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come... All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 2:17-19    

 Over or under?

I imagine i am not the only one dealing with this battle.  Whether it's the paper towels or the toilet paper, many of us have a preference of over or under.  And if your household is like mine, it's not an unanimous choice.  It's obvious who put the roll on based on the direction it rolls... at the time.  Because those with a strong preference will change it to our liking when we can. So, whether it's a new roll or an "ongoing roll", it's easy to tell who used it last. The roll will tell, and the battle rolls on without a word.

Do you have any secret battles with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers?  How about our Father? If not, i applaud you for your adaptability and flexible understanding.  If you do, i hope it's over silly, insignificant issues of no importance.  

But if the issues are life altering/threatening, destructive, hurtful or mean spirited, i pray your secrets come to light for reconciliation.  May these battles resolve peacefully and to the benefit of all.  With secret battles there is no winner, only harm, pain and separation for both sides.  The constant struggle to prevail will strip one of strength, shift the focus from God to self and possible damage or destroy relationships with others and God.  Lean into God, our Perfect Counselor, and find true peace with your next decision.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

where are you going?

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

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

But no, don't let that be.  Father, clip my wings and let me stay underneath Yours, because i KNOW the only place for true peace is with You.

For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy." 

amen, amen.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

we have a choice

"Do all things without grumbling or complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life..." Philippians 2:14-16

To be/do or not to be/do... that is the question.

During the recent winter "storm", i had a surprising outing.  Around 1pm Saturday, i went to return a purchase.  After walking in the store from the frigid weather, i found the service area literally in the dark.  Was it closed? Where were the helpers?  Confused, i turned to a smiling employee and asked her where they were.  She politely told me i'd have to come back another time --  likely tomorrow.  What??!?  So now, i have to take my item back through the Arctic to the car and then come back to shop??  She smiled. I felt chilled to the bone.

As i slowly turned to leave, I heard a man calling, "Wait little lady, wait." 

With simmering confusion, i turned to see who he meant.  Running up to me, he politely said, "I can help you."

So, here came my first choice... greet him with an icy face or a smile.

As he happily processed my refund, i asked him why the department was empty.  He shared he was the only one in the store managing all the front store business of checking out and service from 7 to noon.  53 employees had called out.  Instead of complaining, he was doing all he could.  His do-all-i-can attitude melted my sour disposition.

I next decided to stay and shop in the sparsely-stocked store with a new attitude.  I was grateful for what items i could find, and thanked every employee i passed for their choice of being there.  Not only did they smile, but i felt a smile ignite within me too. 

May we encourage and show appreciation whenever we can instead of grumbling about what's missing or wrong.  Spreading JOY delivers richer rewards for all than spreading misery.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need a reminder?

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

With some major changes in my life, my soul required an extended boost of comfort, encouragement, JOY and peace this year.  Instead of rushing to take my CHRISTmas tree down, i decided to wait. One of my best holiday experiences was from a couple of years ago, when I left my tree up until Easter. With a few changes, it is the perfect all-CHRIST tree. I switched the lights from colored to white, and only left decorations reflecting Christ and my family.  

I am now enJOYing some of my most peaceful nights, remembering and reflecting on the full story of Jesus  Wouldn't you agree Christmas would mean nothing, if it weren't for Easter?  Just like Easter would mean nothing, if we don't love  the Lord with all our hearts, mind and soul, as well as love our neighbors as ourselves.

Father, thank You for Jesus... the baby, the man, my Savior, Your Son.  You knew we required Him in all forms for all seasons and emotions... from joy to sorrow to humble thanks.  May we remember it all with a heart full of love and service to You and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal