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 

you better watch out

 "...Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...'"Luke 10:39-42

My Bible did not fall apart due to misuse or neglect, but due to an abundance of good stuff.  Jam-packed with bookmarks, favorite passages, notes, letters, and booklets, it could take no more.  With no warning, the binding blew apart.  Too much good stuff can be as dangerous as too much bad stuff.

How is your holiday season going?  Is it slam packed with good stuff and happenings?  Supporting friends/family in various programs, attending gatherings, preparing special foods, serving others in need, leading a group, joining committees... how much more can you squeeze in before exploding?  Even good people (and apparently reindeer) can only bear so much, especially during the holidays.

Just because it's good, doesn't mean you should say yes and do it... especially if it means not leaving time to sit at our Father's feet.  After all, it is His Son's Birthday, and all He wants is our thankful presence.  

Do you have time to celebrate Him -- with JOY?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

love, JOY and peace to you,

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

Eye see

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

The self-portraits were positively creative.  Students found interesting, playful ways to define themselves.

While all of them were fabulous, my eyes kept gravitating back to one.

Clearly his eyes looked like crosses.  I wondered if he knew that.  Then a few days later, i got my answer.  I finally stopped long enough to read the writings above the portraits. It explained why they chose those particular objects to define themselves.  A big smile crossed my face as i read my little friend's report.

What do your eyes show?

Like this child of God, may we as taller children, be bold enough to show and tell of our love for God too. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you know about today?

"This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad." Psalm 118:24

What in this world is going on??

The world is not the way i want it for me or for the future of our family, so what should i choose to do now?

Should i act as if God neither knows or cares? Has He forgotten our needs or prayers?

Never.

He is more minutely aware of my being than me.  If i were the only one in need of a Savior, He still would have sent His Son.  If that alone is not enough reason to sing and keep believing Him for the best, i don't know what is.

So, today, through the clouds of brokenness, disappointment, pain, despair, fear, restlessness, may we praise God for the moment before us, and trust Him for the next one.

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

do you love bread?

"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

The look on her face said it all... I LOVE BREAD!

May the look on our face and in our heart say it all too... I LOVE THE BREAD OF LIFE... I LOVE JESUS.

Smile, and be filled with Jesus for life. He satisfies all our longings.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you love yourself?

A heart conversation with Jesus might go like this:

“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

It's precise, important, in order and clear. We need to first love God and then love others.

But there is one unspoken directive too... we need to love ourself.
And it makes sense. The greater we can love ourself, the greater we can love others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

show me your hearts

"Friends, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

"Why you wearing that, Mrs. Williams?"

Honestly, this is a common question to me.  My children say it's because of my unique, vintage style.  Yet this time i had on a new sweater... one with hearts.  Heart wear is usually saved for Valentine's Day, but hearts make me feel better.  So why not wear hearts and feel the love on other days too?

What if we chose love every day?

Love in our looks, love in our hearts, love in our ways...

Would it make a difference? It certainly does for me. Matter of fact, i'm planning to expand heart wear for me and heart care for others.

So, let's --

wear it

say it

do it

be it 

May love rule in all our ways, everyday.

we are LOVED and chosen by God,

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

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

What about now?  Do you have room for Him? 

in  your heart

in  your day

in  your thoughts

in  your actions

in  your plans

in  your prayers

Don’t let Him get crowded out due to stress, unexpected events, busyness, commercialism, shopping and other added demands of the season. Keep Him at the top of your list. His Presence in us needs to be one of permanent residence at all times, especially now.  

Wrap Him securely and tightly in your heart and place Him actively in your life for all to witness.  Make room for Him in all you do and say, and the true joy and peace of the season will be yours and radiant out to others.  And what better gift to share than Him?  Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving.

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

veneal

whew!

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Colossians 3:15

Sgt. Pepper looks like he's had an exhausting, chaotic week at school.  I bet you know exactly how he feels.

As the weekend approaches, school HoLy-day break begins and the days before CHIRSTmas dwindle, i pray we keep our focus on the 3 W's of CHRISTmas -  Why and What and Whom we are celebrating.  And then, we can claim and relish in His Peace too.  

Father, let it be so with us.

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

fire alarm

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong." Proverbs 3:5-7

Fire drills are practiced monthly in schools, but i've never heard or seen them in businesses or hospitals. Have you?  So, at 9pm in the hospital when the hall lights start flashing and a commanding loud voice blurts over the intercom, "There is a fire in the building, exit immediately using the stairs and not the elevator."  You just know it's real.

It was in that moment i looked at my husband and told him he best leave, as he had 5 flights of stairs to descend. Strapped to a bed, i could only imagine what was in store for me.  Maybe they had a secret shaft to hoist patients down to safety.  Luckily, i did not discover what the actual protocol was, as we were soon informed the fire was in another building... whew.

In life we sometimes have drills to prepare us for events, and sometimes we don't.  Life lesson today... Listen, follow instructions and be prepared to act on the unknown.  Because at some point in our life, we will all face an unexpected event. Yet, here is One comforting Truth we can always rely on:  

Listen, and Trust the Voice of our Shepherd.  He will not lead us astray nor alone.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

picture this

 "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." Proverbs 15:30

 

Today the halls will be lined with shiny faces, styled hair, and colorful clothes...  Smiles big and plentiful...  and, momentarily, worries and concerns erased.  

It's picture day at school.  I love seeing the happy, giggly faces.  Everyone looking party-ready for a fun time.

Now, picture this.  Besides no frowns, also --
No tears....
No pain...
No worry...
No heartache...
No loneliness...   EVER

Just pure, absolute JOY

One day, it will be for all who believe.
 

Smile for the camera because it's school picture day.  

But smile everyday because of what our Father has in store for us at His heavenly gathering.

Ready?  Smile and say, "Thank You, Jesus!"

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

do i have to?

"Taste and see that the LORD is good." Psalm 34:8

Allie's first taste of carrots was not a happy one, but one of dislike.  Judging by her face, she couldn't have cared less how good they were for her but wondered why she was being punished and expected to eat them.

But after a few more attempts, her attitude and appreciation for carrots changed.  She still doesn't know or understand how good they are for her, but she is liking them for her own reason.

Father, i don't care for changes, but prefer sameness and comfort in life.  Help me to remember when You bring or allow changes in my life, it is for my good.  I might not see or understand what is happening but need to learn and accept the Truth that you work ALL things to the good, to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Acknowledgement of this Truth will provide the needed peace in times of turmoil and wonder.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

I LOVE YOU

Happy Valentine's Day! You, My child, are the cherished love of My life!  I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.

My dear sweet (your name),

Rejoice! For I have made this day for you!  (Psalm 118:24)

You have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  I chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in My sight.  (Ephesians 1:4)

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and I will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Since I am for you, who can be against you?  (Romans 8:31)

Who or what shall separate you for My love?  Shall trouble or hardship? No, never!  (Romans 8:35)

I will tend to you like a shepherd does his flock.  I will gather you in my arms and carry you close to My heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

When you are tired and weary, come to Me, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Whatever yoke you are under, I will free you from it.  I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  You are mine, and I am Your God.  (Exodus 6:6-7)

I will keep you from all harm and watch over your life always.  (Psalm 121:7-8)

It is My prayer that you may grasp how wide and long and high and deep My love is for you.  (Ephesians 3:17-19)

always on your side and for you,

Dad

Need more affirmations regarding His love for you? Just pull out His Book. It's a love letter written just for you. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Happy Valentine's Day, friend! I love you too, 

veneal

is it really over?

 "...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."   Romans 6:23

For the most part, celebrating CHRISTmas was like old times.  The wrapping, the unwrapping, the eating, the cooking, the eating, the visiting, the eating, the decorating, the undecorating, the singing, the traveling, the cleaning, the eating. It was heavenly gathering with family and friends. But now CHRISTmas is over, and most are getting back to cautious living.  

What should we do as we leave the JOY of the CHRISTmas season and return to a lingering watchful normal?  Keep God first in our mind. If we succeed, we will not neglect nor forget to keep the true spirit and reason of CHRISTmas alive in our heart and actions every day. 

 

I hope more than anything your CHRISTmas was full of His wonder, joy and love.  

The days ahead will be brighter if we put our decorations up in the attic, but not Jesus.  His Presence is our daily present -- and one designed for sharing, allowing others to witness His goodness through us.  Let's keep the merry in CHRISTmas going.  We live in a world in great need of Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

have you heard?

As many leave school for CHRISTmas Holy-day, i pray you are filled with the love, joy, and peace our Father intends for you.  If you need a little help, try putting the melody of songs below in your heart. And speaking of heart, know you are in mine…. but more importantly His.

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Jesus Christ is all around.

He's making a list

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice

Jesus Christ is all around.

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Jesus Christ is all around.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14

Do you hear what i hear?  Good News can be found!
Angels we have heard on high exclaim, " Jesus is coming to town!"
Come all ye faithful, be filled with His joy and love,
A silent, holy night will then give you His Peace from above.

Deck the halls, we have reason to shout!
Christ the LORD has risen! let there be no doubt.
Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, your beauty i see,
is about celebrating what Jesus did for you and me.

So, you better not cry, you better not pout,
Hark! the herald angels still sing it out,
"Joy to the world, the Lord has come!"
Have yourself a merry 'lil Christmas... each and every one!

Whether you need a quiet moment or an extended rest, i pray you find it.  And when you do, may your heart overflow with all the love, peace and JOY our Father desires to pour over you. No one never has nor never will love you like Him.

have a joy-filled day and a glorious Merry CHRISTmas!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ, 

veneal

here's the Truth

 "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born... She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:6-14

He didn't like CHRISTmas, and why should he?  He had never had a tree, never had presents, and had no good memories of it.  All he knew about CHRISTmas was what the world told him and what he saw around him... things and ways that excluded him.  So when asked to write about CHRISTmas memories, he couldn't.  Seeing his discouragement, the teacher told him about CHRISTmas, the real CHRISTmas.  He had never heard it, but now he has... and hope is made possible where there  once was darkness. He now knows about the Truth, and it includes him.

If you are stressed out, disheartened, discouraged... then maybe you need to hear the story, the real CHRISTmas story, again too.  Let us escape from the make believe and usher in truth and peace.  Then we can celebrate no matter what the circumstance around us might be.  For God has given His Son for us to have eternal life... can that not be enough?  If we are to give anything to others, may it be the sharing of Him.

Father, in song and praise, we thank You for our Savior.

"Hark" the herald angels sings. Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled;

Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

May your CHRISTmas be filled with love, joy, peace, laughter, and mostly with Him!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

choose life, and know this

"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.  For the LORD is your life..." Deuteronomy 30:19‑20

I am certain of the faithfulness of our Father.

I am certain of His goodness, mercy, grace, and unconditional love.

I am certain His promises to us are true... all of them.

I am certain He is aware and cares about every minute detail in our life.

I am certain His will and purpose will be accomplished.

I am certain Jesus died for all my sins... those in the past, present and future.

I am certain prayer is answer by God... in His perfect way and perfect time.

I am certain i am a child of God... and not of the deceiver.

I am certain He works in our lives through others.... you, are proof of that.

I am certain that the "Son" is still present even on cloudy days... though covered, He is never gone.

And, i am certain my Mother is home with God, and i will see her again.

Thank you, Mother, for sharing your faith, love and guidance not by telling, but by showing in how you lived. Your sweet presence, heart and face have been missed 12 years, but i carry you in my heart every second.  Thank you for choosing life in Him, so i can live too, as well as be the spark to carry on life in Him to my children and my children's children.   

God is so incredibly good ALL the time.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

a Mighty Word ~ love

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

As you take hold and believe how precious you are to our Father, may your roots dig deeper in His extraordinary, unfathomable love. You are blooming and you are beautiful.

You are a breath of fresh air, the Holy Spirit, to another... 
and God smiles.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

be like Him

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with My loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8

In the hands of a caring teacher all prosper, especially those who have received little direction, encouragement or hope elsewhere.  God works through you shaping and transforming all into precious treasures.

When we teach like Jesus, we love like Jesus... and lives are changed for the good.  You are making a difference in the future of others.  

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