just breathe

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Tired? Worried?  Not sleeping well? Feathers ruffled?  Not sure what tomorrow holds, much less the future? You are not alone.

May we find comfort in knowing and trusting God with each minute, hour and day of our life. His Hand is always on us and with us. What seems hopeless, impossible or insurmountable to face is possible with Him.  He has a plan, and it is good.  Just breathe... and let His Spirit fill us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

i quit

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

It's a favorite book in the library, "The Day the Crayons Quit".  They're fed up with neglect and misuse... at least according to their story.  The colors grumble and  revolt for a better life... a different job, a new meaning, more usage.  They fail to see their current worth and value in their job. 

What's their owner/ boss to do?  Is it possible for him to help them understand and appreciate the importance of their color usage, or expected job, instead of their own self-interests?  Truly it takes a variety of colors and souls to paint genuine beauty in a picture or in a workplace.

Father, when we feel like only one color is required to draw ourselves... red (anger), green (jealousy) or blue (sad), i pray we realize how awful our life would be with only that one color. You provided us with a palette of emotions.  Help us find a healthy balance as we serve You.

May we color our world today with love, JOY and peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what are you doing?

"...but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior." 1 Peter 1:15

She tiptoed quietly in the kitchen at 7am.   While hugging her Papa, she asked him what i thought was a ridiculous question.  Papa, are you eating chocowate?"

He hesitated, and then answered, "Yes, but how did you know?  Did you see it in my mouth?"

"No, I smelled it."

Ah-ha!  He was caught in the act of the do-nots through her nose... do not eat candy before breakfast.

Nothing crushes the power of telling more than the doing.  Our actions can undo whatever directions we expect others to follow.  It reminds me of a little rule i heard years ago... Say what to do, and do what you say.

Father, i am so thankful for You and Jesus.  Not a Word have You given us that You do not stand by.  No matter the circumstances, You don't hide or twist any guidance You've given. You stand by Your Word and in Your Word always. With an unshakeable faith, we can depend on You and what You say.  Never will we catch You doing wrong, but holy in all you do.  In times of weakness or temptation, please help us be holy while being a person of our word.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

are you my friend?

Jesus said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." John 15:14-15

After playing a game together, Millie decided she wanted to go color.  Annie was not ready for an activity change.  She was mad and hurt and let Millie know it in no uncertain terms by crossing her arms and loudly proclaiming, "You are not my friend." 

Millie sadly kept walking away.

I chuckled to myself, knowing how Annie momentarily felt... abandoned and miffed, as well as Millie... abandoned and hurt.  Afterall, don't we all like for people to do what we want and to have things go our way? Yet, in our imperfect world, that is not the norm.  Some flexibility, patience and communication can aid in reducing pain and increasing understanding while restoring a relationship.

Many times, the bottom line in how we handle the brokenness is driven by who or what is most important to us.  Who is helped? Who is hurt?  What really matters?

Father, our selfish human nature can cause unkind words and actions to flood from our hearts and mouths.  Sometimes what we want is for the good of others and sometimes primarily for self.  With Your Spirit may we discern and conclude what is best.  Thank You for Your faithful, fair and righteous friendship to us, one that is unwavering, clear and true. EVERYTHING from you is good and for the good. To be a friend more like You is my daily prayer.

Can we be friends... always?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

you are being called

  Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."

So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing his clock aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.  Mark 10:49-52

Could you benefit from a revision of the above verses?  Something like this?

Jesus stopped and said, "Call, (your name)."
So they called to me, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing my (troubles, worries, doubts, fears) aside, I jumped to my feet and went to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
Trembling, i answered, "Jesus, I want (my need)."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately my need was met, and I will follow Jesus for the rest of my days.

He calls, He cares, He can.
Go to Him, and see what He will do for you today.

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

let me tell you my story...

"He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." Psalm 91:4

Thirteen years ago, i was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As i reflect on this event, i recount the faithfulness of a God, we sometimes dismiss as distant, uncaring or even slack in answering our needs.  Yet, He has saved me not just once (on the cross) but numerous times.  

For those who don't know my story, it's summarized below.

As God would have it, while walking my dogs, i took a nasty, hard fall that literally knocked me out.  A trip to the emergency room confirmed i had a concussion, but also revealed i had a rare brain tumor.  As God would have it, the physicians at both local hospitals admitted they were not the best choice for treatment. As God would have it, the local neurosurgeon spoke of a neurosurgeon in our state, Dr. William Vandergrift, as best qualified for cases like mine. As God would have it, i was whisked to MUSC in Charleston for emergency surgery, where God placed me in the hands of the doctor-on call, who just so happened was Dr. Vandergrift, a truly godly, humble man. Dr. V. led a talented team through 3 critical surgeries on me during the next two weeks. As God would have it, one of my nurses happened to be a former member of my home church, providing additional peace of mind and comfort. As God would have it, i returned home just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving and in time healed enough to return to work. As God would have it, i have not suffered from any long-term side effects, and i am truly a living miracle. My story could have ended differently and that would have been okay.  But as God would have it, He is not finished with me yet... i have a story of wonder and thankfulness, a story to share, a story to remind others His faithfulness is up-close and personal to all!   

I don't remember all the details from 13 years ago, but i do remember many other significant factors.  Things like, the unending comfort and support of loved ones by my side.  The unexpected visit of a cousin and friend's son, which triggered an acute awareness i might actually die. A surgeon discussing in length the seriousness and risk of my condition and surgery. But what i recall MOST vividly is the complete inner peace. "Peace at a time like that?" you might ask.  Yes -- very strange because i love and cherish my family and friends tremendously.  During those days of questionable health, i couldn't grasp how i felt so peaceful. Having no panic or fear of my outcome, i was prepared to accept whatever fate God deemed right.  There can only be one answer for such indescribable peace... i was witnessing and living God's love, mercy and grace, FOR ME.  It's a personal, godly peace that can only be contributed to a relationship, dependency and faith in God.  It is a peace i will fully rely on and trust for the rest of my life.
   

It's a busy week of remembering for me; but what a perfect prelude for the Thanksgiving season. As God would have it, we all have an abundance to be thankful for daily. Thank You, God, for miracles everyday... large and small.

What's your story?  Share it; someone needs to hear it.  Spread the Good News! And celebrate the moments, because actually that is all we have... and that is okay.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

beast and the beauty

"And we know that in ALL things God works for the GOOD of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Hurricane Helene was a true beast, wreaking havoc, ugliness and destruction to many.... from life to personal properties.  Yet, important life lessons evolved from this hardship.  Ms. Eagle asked students to collect and bring leaves from their yard to school.  They were then given guidance on creating something beautiful out of a messy situation.

This is a lesson all can benefit from whether the beast is a hurricane, illness, abandonment, death, heartbreaking news or other tragedy.  Our Teacher Above will guide, direct and bring new meaning and life to our circumstances too.  We need just sit and listen and follow His instructions.  He has a plan for us, and it's a good one.

Father, i pray we have patience with and obedience to You.  I know if we follow Your plan we will experience the full beauty in our life You desire. You possess the power to strengthen and lead us in transforming and overcoming the beasts we face.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal