finger pointing

"But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them,

'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone...'"

Father, we are living in turbulent, fragile, uncertain times. So many lies, garbage stones and anger are filling our streets, lives and souls. It's difficult to decipher the truth from lies. And in a hot, bothered moment, it's easy to get pulled into the wrath. May we remember Your finger writing and reduce our finger pointing, so healing in our land can occur. Our trust and obedience to You needs to override and rule in our thoughts, words and actions. Ultimately, the Truth will rise and prevail, as Your Word never lies nor deceives. Help us stay anchored to you as peacemakers and doers, especially now. The innocent need to see and feel Your Presence through us, Your children, more than the stone receivers who are receiving our finger pointing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's official

 "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;  wisdom and power are His.  He changes times and seasons..." Daniel 2:20-21 

Although it might not feel like it, with temps still in the hot and muggy 80's, Fall is officially here.  The sign below brings a smile to my face, as it reminds me to keep looking ahead, a change is surely coming.

Many welcoming and invigorating Fall thoughts of what's coming soon are stirring in my head --

cool weather

pumpkin spice latte

crisp fall leaves

sweatshirts

hats and scarves

fresh apple cake
Fall festivals

colorful mountains
boots

crackling fireplace

jack-o-lanterns

candy apples

State Fair

What changes are you looking forward to?

If the pressure of the moment has overheated your heart, may a calming, cool reflection of what's to come lower your stress.

Thank You, Father, for ah-ha moments. Thank You for revolving times and seasons of refreshment and relief in our life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

you belong to Him

 "But now, this is what the Lord says— He who created you, (your name), He who formed you, (your name); 

'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.'" Isaiah 43:1

Doubting how special you are? Take a moment to remember how incredible God feels when He thinks of your name...

You are a treasure to God. He knows our name, and each one of us holds a special, unique place in His heart that no one else can fill.

Have a blessed weekend knowing who you belong to forever.

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

pour it on!

 The LORD says...

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

You would think that after only two weeks of classes, teachers and school staff members would still be going strong.  Yet, the first couple of weeks are grueling and hectic and exhausting.  The train is up and running, but it sure took a lot of steam to get it moving in the right direction. A long weekend is just what is needed for rest, refreshment and refueling.

I am thankful for an opportunity to have a long weekend to count my blessings and to catch my breath.  May we come back stronger in Him, as He equips us for the days ahead.  Never doubt the tremendous impact you are making on others.  You might be the only face of Jesus another sees.

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

are you happy?

We are familiar with the humble blessings from the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven..." 

But have  you ever read it with the realization of how happy you should be for being a child of God?  If not, let me introduce you to another version of Matthew 5:1-12, the Good News Translation.

"Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where He sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and He began to teach them:

“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;
    the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
 “Happy are those who mourn;
    God will comfort them!
 “Happy are those who are humble;
    they will receive what God has promised!
 “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
    God will satisfy them fully!
 “Happy are those who are merciful to others;
    God will be merciful to them!
 “Happy are the pure in heart;
    they will see God!
 “Happy are those who work for peace;
    God will call them his children!
 “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
    the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!

 “Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are My followers.  Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted."

In a time where many wonder if happiness is possible, The Good News Translation tells us the answer is an unequivocally yes.  It has enhanced my understanding of true happiness, with a refreshing perspective of hope and truth. 

There is fleeting happiness like from eating a double cone of your favorite ice cream, and then there is continuous, unending happiness from belonging to God.  I am so thankful for the Good News, thankful for Jesus. May we never doubt/forget we have an Everlasting Reason to be happy.

Praying peace, comfort and happiness into your day .

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

i give up

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Unexpected changes and future uncertainties are a rich breeding ground for worry. And i am wobbling knee-high in a pile of worry-weeds.  But the Good News is it actually assisted me in deciding what to give up for Lent.  

This year i committed to give up worry. I choose to consciously pull out the doubts of my heart and turn them over to God.  This has aided me in keeping God in the forefront in my mind and heart every hour, every minute.  

One important purpose of Lent is to give up something that causes us to depend and focus more on God.  I can honestly say by doing so, i feel an increase of His Peace.  I have no answers or solutions to my circumstances, but growing trust in God.  He has this for Lent... and for my entire life.

God hath not promised skies ever blue,

Flower-strewn pathways always for you.

God hath not promised Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain;

But He hath promised strength from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying Love.

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

time to rest

 Jesus said...

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

Many need to read this and then read it again and do it.

When we rest at His feet, He restores us.

No one or nothing else can fill His shoes.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

where you lead

"It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4

Where you lead, i will follow...

Oh, to have the faith and trust of a child, Father, that is exactly what we must have with You.

I love You, Father, with all my heart, mind and soul;

Let me be filled with Your peace, so i can be usable and whole. 

With each step i make, take my hand and my heart,

From Your side, do not ever, ever let me depart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you feel safe?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Once upon a time we didn't worry about being safe at school or church.  It was a given. Now they, like other establishments, must address and implement safety measures.  For schools my favorite safety change is the addition of a resource officer (RO).  Just their mere presence on campus emits a feeling of calmness, safety and peace.  The students at PSS love seeing Officer L in the hallway, giving high fives and big smiles.

One resource officer is great, but would more be better?  When i visited recently, I was surprisingly greeted by SEVERAL Officer Ls.  Everywhere i turned, he seemed to be there.  Only one was real, but the cardboard images also provided a magical comfort throughout the school.

Do you feel safe?  While we don't have the benefit of having an Officer L around us wherever we go, we do have One who never leaves us.  

God, our #1 Protector is always with us.  He never leaves our side and is aware of all our fears, issues and needs.  May we trust He is with us and turn to Him at any time. 

Do you feel you need to see His face for assurance?  Just look around... He is there in the face of a friend, the gentle breeze, the singing bird, the warm sunshine on your back, the Bible verse on your desk.  You are not alone... never.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

looking for peace?

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

As you might remember, i left my CHRISTmas tree up and reworked it for Easter.  Don't think me lazy, but i also reworked my CHRISTmas wreath too. 

In a time of change and confusion along with restlessness and fear, My "peace on earth" wreath appeared pitiful, pale and lifeless. Where is the peace? How do we find it?  Is peace possible?  What is my part in creating peace?

As i stared at my wreath, i thought... for peace to exist we must be covered in love... God IS love... so, if we love, truly love, we will be covered in the peace of God.  Right?  

I'm banking this is correct and am loving God with my heart, mind and soul... as well as my neighbor.  While we can't depend on others to do it, we can do it ourselves, and that is a good beginning.

 

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:8-11

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need a reminder?

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

With some major changes in my life, my soul required an extended boost of comfort, encouragement, JOY and peace this year.  Instead of rushing to take my CHRISTmas tree down, i decided to wait. One of my best holiday experiences was from a couple of years ago, when I left my tree up until Easter. With a few changes, it is the perfect all-CHRIST tree. I switched the lights from colored to white, and only left decorations reflecting Christ and my family.  

I am now enJOYing some of my most peaceful nights, remembering and reflecting on the full story of Jesus  Wouldn't you agree Christmas would mean nothing, if it weren't for Easter?  Just like Easter would mean nothing, if we don't love  the Lord with all our hearts, mind and soul, as well as love our neighbors as ourselves.

Father, thank You for Jesus... the baby, the man, my Savior, Your Son.  You knew we required Him in all forms for all seasons and emotions... from joy to sorrow to humble thanks.  May we remember it all with a heart full of love and service to You and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

come sit

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

I do not know of a more glorious occasion to celebrate than CHRISTmas.  While the birth of Jesus is an event worthy of our daily celebration and praises, most of our celebration culminates during a few days in December.  And with that being said, this time of year we can find ourselves totally exhausted and in desperate need of rest.

As you continue to enJOY time with family and friends, may you also find some quiet moments/hours to reflect and rest in the One who made it all possible.  

I think that is what He really wants.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

i want... more!

"Be filled with the Spirit... 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 5:18-20

It's the question of the season... what do you want for CHRISTmas?  If you are like me, the first response is nothing; i already have all i want.  But do we??  After more careful consideration, i've come up with a list of wants. And i'm taking it to my number One Giver. It's a list i surely can request year-after-year.

Father,  i pray for an increase in my heart, as i love You and others more than last year.  I pray for an increase in boldness in serving You better.  I pray for an increase in faithfulness to You when i face the dark.  I pray for an increase in serving others consistently and not just during special seasons. I pray for an increase in thankful songs to You for Jesus and the multitude of blessings in my life. Thank You.

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

What are you asking for this CHRISTmas?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

ready to celebrate?

 Jesus said...

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Seeing me in my CHRISTmas shirt, Katie asked, "You ready to start celebrating CHRISTmas?"

"Start?? Why i never stopped." And it's true.

The manger scene at my front door and baby Jesus in the den are never removed.  I use to chunk them in the attic after December, but not anymore.  I need their presence and reminder year round of God's unending love for me.  Because of the loss of precious loved ones, some family moving further away, job shake ups and health issues, i find the visual reminders of our hope as believers a needed touch of comfort and peace. 

No matter the circumstances of today or the season, by refocusing on the immense love and promises of God, i am strengthen. CHRISTmas can be and is a daily celebration for the hope we possess as believers. Because of Jesus we have the promise of eternal life.  That alone is reason enough to celebrate.

Are you celebrating yet?

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

thankful... through it all

 "I remain confident of this: I believe I will see [yet again] the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, even in the face of an unsettling year, may we remember the challenges, heartaches and hardships of the pilgrims. Their first Thanksgiving was memorable despite their difficulties. We too still have reason to safely celebrate as we thank God for His faithfulness to us, and for better days to come.

What God knows; God can handle. And he knows it all. Resting in Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

feeling rattled?

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.  Great is our Lord and mighty in power, His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:4-5

He who numbered the stars, has also numbered each bone and created each cell in our body.  We may get rattled and even knocked down, but because of Him, we are not destroyed!

Thank You, Father, for keeping me together through all the bumps and shakes in life.  No one understands or loves us better than You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

after the fall

 "Do you not know?  Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall... 

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you ever wonder what happened after the fall of Humpty Dumpty?  We're told all the king's horses and all the king's men could not put him back together again.   But if i were a betting person, i'd bet my last penny God could and did.

After such a traumatic fall and then landing in the healing, gentle Hands of the Master Maker, don't you imagine, in time, Humpty soared higher and further than before by knowing and trusting God for his future?   

We too are vulnerable to crack and break under stressful conditions or a mishap.  When we set our own goals based on human limitations, we risk missing the blessings God has in store for us.  What if instead of sitting on a wall or broken in the valley, He intended for us fly on His wings?  

Father, praying Your Will for my life and for others.  Help my faith soar to new heights.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

beware, obstacles ahead

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4

How do obstacles affect you? They normally churn panic, irritability and frustration in me.  I prefer smooth, clear paths and no surprises.  But lately, i've had to adjust my attitude and way of thinking while sharpening my coping skills. 

Helene left a wide path of destruction everywhere.  Some of the most notable now is road debris, which demands complete attention when driving.  The roads are bumpy with down lines and heavily littered with not just branches but massive tree trunks. Just one distracted moment could quickly end in a crash.  

I'm realizing not all is negative in obstacles. Sometimes they are essential in our wellbeing.  It's easy to become complacent or lazy when life is running smoothly... our mind and actions can wander down the wrong paths, focus on important issues may wane, cockiness or confidence may soar to unhealthy levels.  Obstacles also possess the positive power to keep us alert, focus on what matters and grow a heart of gratitude and thankfulness.  

When the root of our thinking stems from God, it's easier to count it all JOY and to glorify Him.

we are loved and chosen by God, 

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

veneal

no time to rest?

"He leads me besides still waters, He restores my  soul..." Psalm 23:2,3

How are you? Have current situations and demands left you exhausted and depleted of self?  How and when can we rest when so much needs to be done?

REST and then be RESTored.

  

The order of the words and actions are complete truth.  May we follow God to still waters and be filled with His strength.  He is not only a Life giver but a Lifesaver.

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

a shakin' and a makin'

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers/sisters." Romans 8:28-29

Is there any value in chaos?

In the storm and now in its aftermath, there is a question still pounding in my heart... what strongholds is God shaking out of us in making us more like Him?

success

power

materialism

conceit

comfort

Our Father uses ANY thing and EVERY thing, including chaos, to move us in a closer relationship with Him and others.

Father, thank You for shaking more of Your sense in my life.  I can only be more like You, if there is less of me.  May I praise You, and not complain in any discomfort when faced with opportunities to transform and aid me in better reflecting Your Son.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal