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

safe at home

  "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

I'm not sure what's in store for us this weekend or in the days ahead, but as long as it includes God, we can be confident it will be good! He knows what we need.

Be filled with the One who warms the heart and soul with His love and peace in all seasons.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a day of mourning...

"Jesus replied:

 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself..." Matthew 22:37-39

I don't typically post 2 devotions a day, but today is not a typical day.  It all started this morning when we allowed our sweet Bella to go "home".  With heavy hearts, we let her go.  But not without a flood of emotions and gratitude of all she unselfishly gave us... unconditional love, pure loyalty, laughter, encouragement, faithfulness, protection and peace to name some.  She was not just a dog, she was our beloved fur girl. There are times we didn't always agree or like her ways, but i would take all her good and bad habits a million times over to experience the greatness of a friend she was to all our family. The saying is so true, the greater the love from a fur friend, the greater the loss and pain.

After releasing Bella to the heavenlies, we returned home to find President Carter's funeral in progress. We walked in during his grandson, Jake's, eulogy which caused me to stop, listen, laugh and cry, as well as Rev. Andrew Young and the other eulogies that followed.  I miss leaders like Carter.  President  Carter was not just a President, he was more importantly a great man and humanitarian.  A man of respect, integrity, truthfulness, humbleness and faithfulness just to site a few of his honorable traits.  As President (as with all Presidents),  there were times people didn't agree or support his decisions.  Some might say he was not a great President because of decisions or issues that personally affected their wallets.  I'm not sure if I agree with this thinking anymore, especially when it deters efforts to improve the well being and care of others.  Even so, i would take all his good and bad decisions one million times over to experience the greatness of a person he was to ALL mankind.  

I'll say it again... the greater the love from a person, the greater the loss and pain.

I'm feeling a tremendous, painful loss today for my family and my country.  

God bless you, President Carter, and rest in peace.  And if you see Bella, give her a pat for us.

"He has shown you, friend, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

can't breathe?

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else." Acts 17:24-25

Feeling trapped, scared, confused, lost? Don't panic.

When we can't breathe, remember God is our oxygen mask and as close as our fingertips. Breathe Him in, and be filled with peace. ALL we need comes from God. He will not fail us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

this year, i will..

"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 goal for 2025... not just believing in God, but believing God.  That's the goal of my heart, greater faith, living my life to please Him... one day at a time, one circumstance at a time, one step at a time.

 

Cheers, my Friend! Here's to a new year with you.  With God we got this. We just need to believe it and Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

What’s new?

  The Lord says...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!"  Isaiah 43:18-19

A New Year, a new day, a new way, a new routine, a new beginning, a new thing... God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.

Praying a year of smiles and blessings to you.  God has a plan, and it is good. Trust Him.

Are you smiling yet?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a sweet depression

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

Have you ever heard of a depression cake?  I hadn't until last week while thumbing through recipes. 

“What’s this?” my head said.   Are there magical ingredients in it to keep depression away? Or, does it cause depression due to its luscious taste and MEGA calories?  It turns out neither is true.  This cake was created during the depression and made without key ingredients found scarce during the time… milk, eggs and butter. Trust me when i say this cake is fabulous and truly satisfies the taste for sweetness any day! 

 

I'm having a sweet little depression today, and it's not just cake.  It's my first official day of not returning to school. It’s comes with mixed emotions of quiet peace and sadness. I will miss the hugs and cheery chats and the company of my "family". Yet, like with the depression cake, i am learning when crucial ingredients are missing, changes and substitutes can successfully bring fulfillment and sweetness to our days. 

So, today i am focusing on the new sweetness of what is ahead… flexibility.  While missing my former daily routine in the Media Center and cherished friends, the added flexibility to my life will provide the needed opportunity to spend more time with my personal family. And i have no doubt my revised routine will also allow me to maintain precious relationships through subbing, volunteering, writing or just doing a “check-in” to grab a hug or two.  😉

Do you feel a little depressed?  Have some cake and enjoy the sweetness of it with Him. God still has a plan for us in this new season, and it is good.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

read before proceeding

 "I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32

Today is the first day of a new year. No matter the past, it’s an opportunity for changes and new beginnings. 

Now is a good time to reflect, redirect and refresh. A healthy and godly preparation for our mind, body and soul on how to BE, will benefit and sustain us through whatever the year will hold.  May 2025 be filled with blessings, JOY and peace for you. 

HANDBOOK 2025

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 2024. 

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 anxieties, fears, doubts 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”... for any hour, day or year.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal