open wide

 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt/(out of your bondage).  Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10

Trusting the One who has the power and desire to free us from everything that attempts to choke the life out of us.  There is nothing more satisfying or sweeter to our lips than Him and His Word.

Thank You, Father.

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

i give up

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Unexpected changes and future uncertainties are a rich breeding ground for worry. And i am wobbling knee-high in a pile of worry-weeds.  But the Good News is it actually assisted me in deciding what to give up for Lent.  

This year i committed to give up worry. I choose to consciously pull out the doubts of my heart and turn them over to God.  This has aided me in keeping God in the forefront in my mind and heart every hour, every minute.  

One important purpose of Lent is to give up something that causes us to depend and focus more on God.  I can honestly say by doing so, i feel an increase of His Peace.  I have no answers or solutions to my circumstances, but growing trust in God.  He has this for Lent... and for my entire life.

God hath not promised skies ever blue,

Flower-strewn pathways always for you.

God hath not promised Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain;

But He hath promised strength from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying Love.

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

i wonder...

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1

I wonder, why did God create the sloth and the porcupine?  The sloth moves painfully too slow and burns up my patience.  And the porcupine, well he just sticks me in the wrong ways.  I know people like them.  Do you?

God created all critters for a reason... and humans too.  We don't have to like them or what they represent, BUT maybe there is something we can gleam from them, grow, mature and even become more Christlike.  Don't you possibly expect that's true?  God uses all... the good, the bad and the ugly. The longer I live, the more i believe it's true.

“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

Father, You have a plan, and it is good.  Grow my trust and faith in You. May i not ignore, misuse or neglect the work you have for me.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

lean on...

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and  he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Lean on God...

When we lean on God, He holds us up through all our rumblings and shaky ups and downs.  He is our One Firm Foundation.  We don't have to understand how, just BELIEVE and TRUST Him.

As believers, we possess a leaning tower of Power with God.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

i see You

 "DO  some  most  part  half  your portion  what you want  what's fair 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 2:14-15

When we live knowing and accepting  

life is...
not about fairness, but righteousness
not about our way, but God's way 
not about conquering, but surrendering to God
not about independence, but dependence on God
not about our glory, but His...

His Peace becomes ours, shining for others to see where to find Hope.  

Father, direct my ways.  I want others to see and know You through my words and actions.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

you know my name?

 "But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, (your name), He who formed you: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1

 "How do you know my name? Is it because you know my Nanna?"

Although her thinking was correct, it was not completely true.  I knew her name before i realized i also knew her grandmother.  Her face was planted in my heart from our interaction and relationship at school.  So, i truthful responded to her, "No, Madison, I know your name because I know you, and you are my friend too."

And she beamed with JOY.

To be known and loved just for being us, isn't that what we all want?  That is the type of relationship we possess with God.

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.

Thank You, Father...

and we beam with JOY.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

time to rest

 Jesus said...

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Many need to read this and then read it again and do it.

When we rest at His feet, He restores us.

No one or nothing else can fill His shoes.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

let’s celebrate

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Wearing the green... eating party food... dancing the jig... is that all there is to St. Patrick's Day?  Not at all.

The roots of St. Patrick's Day stem from a British Christian child, kidnapped and kept in slavery in Ireland. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. After he finally escaped,  he dreamed of an angel telling him to return to care for the Irish people and teach them about God, so after 15 years of religious training, he returned as a missionary. Due to his dedicated kindness, he later became St. Patrick.  Since his death, around March 17th, there is a Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick to honor him.

And did you know the shamrock got its Christian meaning from St. Patrick? He used it to explain the Holy Trinity, one God in three divine beings, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Whatever we feel enslaved to in life, God can grant us the freedom to overcome it in His love and strength.

In the spirit of Saint Patrick, may we continue to live, share and tell others the Good News as he did.  It certainly is worthy of great celebration!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

just hand it to Him

"Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10

Got worries, troubles, concerns, problems?  Hand it over to God.

He's got the whole world, including us and all our issues in His Hands.

Even with all we are facing today, peace is possible because of the One who loves us best.  Let the day begin.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need a buddy?

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The world is never more frightening and scarier than when you are feeling alone or abandoned in it.  This is especially true on a playground bursting with a field of happy, engaged children. Whether a new student or someone feeling left out due to conflicts or other issues, it is a painful, sad feeling and sight.

I LOVE what i've discovered at a couple of elementary schools.  Their all important, tell-all playground has a Buddy Bench on it.  When someone is having a difficult and lonely time, the Buddy Bench is a welcoming aide.  It quietly signals to all in the area, they are lonely and in need of a buddy.  There isn't a more beautiful and satisfying moment than to see someone answer that need.

I think we need Buddy Benches, not just at schools, but all over the country.... in every park, neighborhood, city and anywhere people gather or visit.

Father, we are thankful we always have a Buddy in You.  May we carry that feeling of buddyhood to the lonely souls we see around us... always.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

where is He?

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I understand. Sometimes it seems like God doesn't cares at all. And it makes me sick at the stomach, knowing life is so unfair. Why must good, innocent people suffer unjustly? 

Then at some point in my frustrations and anger, i remember we were never promised life would be just or easy. The disciples are my resounding harsh reminder of this, as well as the hell Jesus endured on earth.  This world is full of pain and heartache. Only God can get us from one moment to the next. Due to our freewill and others, He doesn’t fix it, but He can bring comfort in His promises to us. Sometimes that is all we have, and it somehow has to be enough for the moment. 

Whether our pain or heartache is on a national, community, family or personal level, God is fully aware of it. When our heart is crying tears, and we cannot see His hand, we must trust His heart, and know for certain that He has not forsaken us.

"...for we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Hold on... He hasn't left us. And more importantly, He's coming back.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do tell

"His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

This news is too good to keep under your hat.

God loves you!

When life is stressful, disappointing, painful, confusing or just completely unfair, remember His love for us endures forever and through all things.

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

veneal 

it's up to us

"Live in peace with each other... encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind to each other other... be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13,14,15,16-18

Dr. Seuss, i really like you and your zany words, a whole awful lot.

Thank you for opening our eyes and hearts to those like us and those not.

Father, keep my focus on You and others in need of love, protection, encouragement, safety and healthy relationships.  This world You created is so much larger than my personal space and needs. May my words and actions reflect You, even if it's just a caring smile.

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

who hears you

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward ALL He has made." Psalm 145:13

Who matters to God? You do! No matter who you are... small or tall, old or young, rich or poor, sick or well, good or bad... He loves you!

A person's a person, no matter what.  Thank You, Father for your faithfulness and loving us all.  May we be more like You today.

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

veneal 

beware: high, dangerous winds

"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:24-26

With dangerous, high winds expected, many schools opted for school closure today. I don't think anyone would disagree safety is and should always be a top priority. No matter what actually happens, i am thankful to be safe at home. 

Perhaps being at home won't be any safer than elsewhere, but that's not where my greatest peace is derived.  Like the disciples, fear and panic can surface no matter where we are, what we are doing and even who we are with.  

Mistakenly when we live with Jesus in our heart, we don't expect a nasty, gusty storm or situations to rip through our lives, shredding our foundation, confidence, livelihood, health and faith.  In truth, as we read over and over in the Bible and witness in lives of believers, God doesn't stop the storm and chaos from coming but He does see us through the disruption and restores His peace... in His perfect time and Way.

You of little faith, why are you so afraid?

Whatever the day holds, may our faith in God and knowledge of His immense love for us, carry us boldly through any and all storms for all sources. He has not forgotten or forsaken us. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

just a thing or two

"'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?'

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.' 

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'” Matthew 22:36-40

As a teacher, Jesus knew the simpler the lesson, the better.  He reduced His teachings to just 2 main things, making it clear what God desires and is most important for believers to know and do.

Father, i pray for us to be good students. These things of God, One and Two, may we not forget nor neglect.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

Who said it?

 "… we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Oh, Dr. Seuss, how did you know?
the many injustices the earth would unfold.

Thanks for your colorful, zany characters a-plenty,
a dose of truth from them have taught many.

Be kind to others, do as i say,
love one another, and forgive each day.

Being right in life shouldn't be our mission or goal,
but a right relationship with others is worthy we're told.

And thank you also for encouraging and letting me know,
being different is okay, God has great plans for all in His show!

Hardships, questions and trials are a part of our life,
but if we follow the right One we will have more peace than strife.

So, today we celebrate you, Dr. Seuss... and oh, the places we'll go,
reading and believing with Him allows freedom, grace and love to grow.

Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!  I are so thankful for your zany true words and ways.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal