the morning after

 "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

                                         

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

HOLY WEEK... spectacular Sunday

    "HE HAS RISEN!"  Mark 16:6

"But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone! the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!" 1 Corinthians 15:57

It's Easter Sunday

The earth shook, the cloth was folded, His work finished.

And the glory of the LORD shone all around.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

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

veneal

HOLY WEEK... silent Saturday

   "'Take a guard,' Pilate answered (the Pharisees). 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.'" Matthew 27:65

It's Saturday

All is quiet.  The rush and excitement of the past week is on hold.  You can call it the silence before the storm.  Come Monday the chains will be broken and our freedom guaranteed.  How eerie and dark is the silence.  But not for long!

All silence is not golden, some is torturous. There is silence at the tomb.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, is dead. His body now guarded in a tomb with a massive stone covering the opening. No one can possibly enter.  But, they forgot to consider the possibility of Someone coming out. Oh, ye, of little faith. There will be an awakening! What a glorious day to come!  Thank You, Father!

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

veneal

HOLY WEEK... Friday's forgiveness

    "... there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'.. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked Him... Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.'" Luke 23:33‑43

It's Friday

Jesus, weak and unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His followers nor His disciples. The women followed in tears; the men scattered in fear.
  
Jesus' last walk on earth shook the ground with raw emotions, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom!

Even at the very last minute on the cross, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him.  Do we just believe in Him or do we BELIEVE Him? 

Jesus humbly gave His all, so we may live. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.  May we remember and honor His love for us by loving Him and others. Jesus knows life on earth is not fair, challenging and violent; He lived it too. Yet, it didn't stop Him from fulfilling His mission.

To be with Jesus in paradise, is that not the ultimate desire of our hearts?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

HOLY WEEK... tearful Thursday

Jesus prayed -
"My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." John 17:20

It's THURSDAY

Early in the day, Jesus washed the disciple's feet. He continues to model to His disciples genuine leadership starts in humbleness and in serving others.

Later they head to the Garden of Gethsemane. In pray with sweat rolling down His back and legs and tears spilling from His eyes, the dirt on His knees change to mud. The fury of the week left the disciples too exhausted to stay awake in the Garden. Three times Jesus wakes them... and later, three times Peter denies Him. Under the full moon, Jesus is alone on the path to the Cross.

The brilliance and beauty of a full moon is mesmerizing. So full and bright, it is breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 year ago, Jesus prepared to be betrayed and disowned by His own, and unjustly accused by others. In the Garden after the Last Supper, He committed His final act before captured -- He prayed.

He prayed for Himself and the ability to be obedient...Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. He prayed for His disciples and their strengthening. And He prayed for you and me. His final prayer -- for us to be one in Him.

Look to the heavens tonight. May you see the moon in a different light, as His eternal Light for all. The sorrow of this night will fade as His path fills with believers. Victory over darkness is guaranteed. Thank You, Father!

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

HOLY WEEK... willful Wednesday

And Judas said...

"'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins." Matthew 26:15

SOLD OUT

It's Wednesday

Jesus relentlessly pushes onward His final days -- performing miracles, praying, reaching people for God's Kingdom. The sweet perfume oil from Mary's fingers, drips from His head and puddles in the dirt. His disciples grumble over the waste.

Is Jesus making a difference, just what is His real mission, is His time almost over for good?

Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was purely a spiritual nature and not of earthly power or money, he sold Jesus' life for the immediate short-term security of a few coins... coins offering temporary pleasure in place of eternal joy.

We read and shake our heads at Judas, his lack of faith, his weakness, his frustrations, his personal desires/gains ... yet, truth be told, there is some Judas in all of us.

Are you still holding Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life. Despite our shortcomings and disappointments in following Him and His ways, Jesus would do it all over again for us. What did we do to deserve such an immense, unconditional love? Nothing......

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

HOLY WEEK... turbulent Tuesday

    Jesus said --

"... Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25:34

It's Tuesday
He's rattled the temple, He's called the Chief Priests out, He's comforted the prostitutes. It's fair to say Jesus kicked up dust on the path to the cross. Are you still holding on to His Hand? It's total turmoil, but with God, peace will fill our soul.

With so many economic and worldly uncertainties and the number of school days dwindling, we are engulfed with required duties and deadlines and the need for unshakable faith. Each day's tasks must be completed in order to wrap up our job on time.

Jesus found Himself with significant life-changing deadlines, His last week on earth. Knowing His days were numbered, He unleashed many lessons --

To His followers He encouraged them to choose rightly and righteously.

To His critics, the religious leaders, He scolded them for misguiding His sheep.

 
To the unbelievers, He gave warnings. 

To the believers, He reminded them about being ready and watchful, as He

    instilled in them the hope of things to come. 

What is your plan? Through all the commotion and chaos, will you follow Him? Do you trust Him with all your heart?  No one has ever stood up for me like Him.

Jesus holds nothing back for He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain... another believer, joining His family. He did it for you, for me, and will do whatever it takes to reach just one more. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

HOLY WEEK... Monday's madness

 As we leave behind the glorious entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Sunday, the palm branches and cloaks scattered on His path are also gone.  The bare dirt and pebbles along the path now squeeze between His toes.

Monday
Jesus' first stop in Jerusalem, the Temple...

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves... He said, "My house will be call a house of prayer, but you are making it a den for robbers." Matt. 21:12-13

Later that day, He tells His disciples...

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,... you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Matt. 21:21-22

Jesus' last week on earth was not a walk in the park; it was filled with difficult and trying work. His plan was not for some quick moments of peace and happiness, but for an everlasting peace with a sustaining power that transcends any and all earthly trials and tribulations. The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life. He has a plan. And for you, He will lay down His life.   

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

the beginning of the most troubling week on earth EVER!

 "They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'" John 12:13

THE countdown is on...

Nothing supersedes the magnitude of the countdown of Jesus' final week on earth.  The countdown that sealed forever my future and yours. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, our sin,  purchasing for ALL who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

I wonder how Jesus felt His last week on earth?  After His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, life took a dramatic turn.  Did He understand what would happen? Yes.  Did His disciples? No. On Sunday, the palm branches are swaying with shouts of "Hosanna", in anticipation of Jewish independence, and by the end of the week harsh shouts of "crucify Him!" pierced out of the same lips.

The Jesus they celebrated on Sunday, then condemned a few days later... they were disappointed in Him... He was not who they thought He was nor doing what they expected... they wanted an earthly revolution, not an eternal one. They jumped to conclusions not understanding all the facts.  When we are tempted to be disappointed in Jesus, may we draw closer into His Arms and trust Him for what is best.  

With joy comes tears. With thanks comes humbleness.  Let's walk down the  rocky, dusty path in hand with Jesus this week with grateful hearts, as we remember His sacrifice and unconditional love for us.  He knows what He is doing, Satan would love for you to doubt Him.

Hosanna, to God in the highest! Thanks be to God!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 9

 "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." James 3:2

I confess, i lied to you in the face of God.  I failed to do what i said.

Today is not the ninth day of Lent, that was yesterday.  I stumbled and fell short of my plans to post for Lent everyday.  Thanks be to God for His unending grace and mercy and understanding.  Today i get to strive to do, be and speak better. Thank You, Jesus.  Confession is good for the soul,  and truth is too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 8

"Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." Proverbs 17:27

Father, May i remember unless i have walked in the same shoes, gone down the exact path or sat in the identical seat of another, my understanding of their heart or pain is incomplete.  

On such occasions, keep me from judging or exerting more pain or harm in their life with my actions and words.  Understanding and a kind tongue are powerful tools in healing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 7

"Know this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let every person be 

quick to hear,

slow to speak, 

slow to anger." James 1:19

Have you ever heard one out of three isn't bad?  It might be true for some things, like hitting  a baseball or eating meals, but i don't think it applies to the verse above.  Consider if we only do one of the three....

BE QUICK TO HEAR and then quick to speak and quick to anger.

Be slow to hear, and then SLOW TO SPEAK and quick to anger.

Be slow to hear, and then quick to speak and SLOW TO ANGER.

All the above scenarios are flawed with shortcomings. Some would even say God's Word in James 1:19 is flawed as well.  I've committed all four examples and been criticized for all four.  But if i'm going to err, i pray i aligned myself with the Word of God.  He never lies nor does His Word. He desires the best for us as we stride to glorify Him in all we say and do.

Father, when i am perplexed on how to speak and act in fear of disappointing or hurting others, i pray for the obedience and strength to look to You first. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as if we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 6

 "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

When we water the tree of life with Living Water, feed it on the Word of God and speak to it with gentle, loving kindness, ALL benefit.  And God is glorified.

Father, guide us in not breaking the soul and spirit of those You have created.  To do so is grim disobedience to You.

we are loved and chosen by God

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 5

"The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse." Proverbs 10:31-32

Father, it's been a testy past 24 hours, i feel lucky to still have my tongue intact.  Today is Sunday, and i'm less than a week into Lent.  I'm confessing my shortcomings with my speech and reaching out to You. Please bring calmness to mind and soul, restore trust in my heart and slap a heaping of salve on my sharp tongue.  I really do believe You are in control of all things... help me to act accordingly.

amen.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 4

 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24

Lord, You know we are in need of immense healing. May we bee the words needed. There can never be too much sweetness.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 3

 “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3

Father, no matter how bitter and hateful it is outside, fill me with Your love and strength. Just slam the door of my mouth with my tongue hanging out it, if necessary.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love, do and speak as if we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 2

 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6

Since my focus for Lent is uplifting speech, it only makes sense to focus on a Word from God regarding our tongue each day. It is my true prayer it is not just a 40 day effort, but a lifetime commitment that produces a habit pleasing to God.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent.... what did you give up?

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

I can’t improve or think of a better decision that what Pope Leo XIV suggested to give up for Lent…

“LET US BEGIN BY DISARMING OUR LANGUAGE.” – Pope Leo XIV

As we prepare for Lent, Pope Leo is reminding us that fasting isn’t just about food. It’s about our words.

In a recent Wednesday Audience, he invited us to practice a powerful and often overlooked form of abstinence:

Refraining from harsh words

Avoiding rash judgment

Resisting slander

Not speaking ill of those who aren’t present

Lent 2026 isn’t just about giving up sweets. It’s about giving up sin.

When we tear others down with our words, we wound the Body of Christ. But when we choose restraint, charity, and mercy, we build up the Church.

This year, let’s not only fast from food.

Let’s fast from gossip.

Let’s fast from sarcasm.

Let’s fast from criticism that crushes.

And let our speech reflect Christ.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love and do like we believe it!

veneal

I apologize for being behind and lazy in posting. I am striving to catch up for Lent. Thank you for your grace. <3

The above is not my writing, but speaks well of my heart.

what's new, what's not

 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Lives, relationships, careers, family, circumstances, beliefs, situations, tastes, priorities, health, wisdom, ignorance... hang on a wobble balance of changes.

But i have Good News.

It's a new year, BUT THE SAME GOD.

May that be enough to bring peace to your day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

God knows

"You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139:1-12

2025 held many surprises. From joy to heartache and many emotions in-between.  My heart felt it all.  And here we are on the cusp of a new year.  My old, anxious heart wonders what does the next 365 days hold?  In midst of questions i saw my answer today. 

Anyone who knows me is aware of the "crosses" in the sky i view.  While they are mere jet streams to most, i see them as reminders from God.  Stepping outside my home this morning, i found the answer i needed.  Directly to my left was a significant cross.  As i continued walking i looked back and witnessed a brillant cross on the other side of my home, and then in front of my home i noticed another.  With great curiosity, i couldn't help but walk to the back of my home for its view.  And there it was, between the pines the making of another cross.

God was talking.  Clearly, you and i are hemmed in by God, on all sides, circumstances, events and moments of our life.  Like the crosses in the sky this morning, while some were very prominent, others more subtle, the fact reminds they were there... just like Him.  Yet, unlike a vapor, He never disappears.

Happy New Year!  May my quirky vapor crosses bring you peace too, knowing and believing we are never alone.  Our God, sees all, knows all and loves us all immensely.  

God, my prayer this year is to just believe and trust You more.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and trust like we believe Him,

veneal