break for peace

"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 one of the most anticipated and enJOYed decorations 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.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

love, JOY and peace to you,

veneal

naughty or nice?

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

"He's making a list, checking it twice,

gonna find out who's naughty or nice..." 

What a helpful stanza this for teachers and others to cite at school to get children focused and to stay on task.  If ever there is a time everyone wants to be found on the nice list, it is now.  No one wants to forfeit a single gift from Santa because their name ended up on the naughty list. When all is said and done though, the power of Christmas for desired behavior is seasonal. 

During this CHRISTmas season, i am thankfully reminded that the most incredible gift of all, eternal life, doesn't depend on what i do, but what has already been done for me.  No matter the season, whether i'm in the mood to be good or not has no bearing on my receiving and keeping this gift from God. Once i accepted Jesus as my Savior, my name was placed on His list as a believer, not just for a season but forever. 

The power of CHRIST... all-sufficient, all-powerful, all-lasting.
Thank You, Father.

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

a Mighty Word ~ come

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

Come ye faithful, and let's sit at the feet of our Father this weekend, for some peace and quiet.  It's what He desires and what we need.

Come let us adore Him, and give Him our thanks.

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

do you have room?

"(Mary) wrapped (the baby) in cloths and placed Him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

And what about now?  Is there room for Him...

in your heart
in your day
in your thoughts
in your actions
in your plans
in your prayers

As the 25th gets closer, don't let Him get squeezed out due to stress, projects, programs, busyness, commercialism, shopping and other demands of the season.  The craziness can cause us to flip, if not careful.

Let's be sure to take a daily, quiet moment to securely and tightly wrap God in our hearts, and allow His Light to shine in us.  As we make room for Him in all we do and say, the true JOY of the season will be ours and will radiant to others in need of His Peace.

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

a Mighty Word ~ BElieve

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13

How to handle a hectic day:

Refocus and remember the true reason for CHIRSTmas.
Believing Him makes CHRISTmas and every day better.  

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

when hope falls

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

We had almost finished decorating the CHRISTmas, when suddenly our hope fell.  The string gave way and the hope angel hit the floor.  Besides the broken loop, hope was unscathed, and a new loop secured it back to the tree.  Only her beauty reflected on the tree... not her fall.  

Isn't hope like that for us too?  During trials, disappointments and hardships sometimes our hope wavers or falls into a deep pit. But Christ does not leave us there. He scoops us up and reconnects our heart/loop to Him, securely putting us close by His side.  His loving Hands shows up in the form of a friend, a song, His Word, a prayer. The source is not important, but His magnificent Presence is. And others come to see and know Him as they witness His glory through us.

How is your loop?  Is it holding tight or a bit loose?  Rest in knowing God is watching, waiting and willing to do what is needed to strengthen our faith in His Mighty Power. Oh, what a Mighty Foundation is our God.

Hang in there. You are looking good; God will make sure of that.

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

23 days and counting

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel -- which means, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:23

Drum roll, please.

Don't panic, but there are 6 less days after Thanksgiving this year to prepare for CHRISTmas.  

Six less days to celebrate the Birth of Jesus...
Six less days of singing CHRISTmas carols...
Six less days to enJOY the lights of this holy season...
Six less days of devouring delicious holiday delights...
The only thing i will not miss is six less days of shopping.

Let's turn up our Joy-filled and thankful heart with CHRISTmas music.  We don't want to miss a single glorious second of celebrating this holy season.

If you need some help, here's is a link to a beautiful CHRISTmas song to flame your spirit.
http://m.godvine.com/Amazing-A-Capella-Group-Sings-a-Christmas-Classic-That-You-Will-Love-4330.html

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Jesus! We want to bring the gift of a peaceful, grateful spirit to Your feet. May the rat-a-tat of the drum signal joy and not panic in our hearts.

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