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