who is that?

 "... from the beginning God chose you ... May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 16-17

Looking at the self-portraits on the wall, one fact was clearly evident.  How we see ourselves is not exactly accurate. And it's likely not how others see us.   

God, the Master Artist, sees us for who and what we truly are... His Child. He knows us inside out and could identify us with His eyes closed.  No matter our flaws or shortcomings, He loves us completely and unconditionally. If God had a  refrigerator, your picture would be on it with a frame saying, "My Beloved Child". 

                                                
Father, more than anything, i want my portrait to need constant updating.  As each day passes may i bear a greater resemblance to You.  Less of me and more of You is the reflection i want to see in the mirror.  Erase the worries and doubts and keep me known as Yours... with a big smile and a peaceful heart.

Thank You.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

bless you

 "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider; God has one as well as the other."  Ecclesiastes 7:14

Spring is finally here.  I am not a fan of dull gray skies, bare trees and frigid temperatures. But spring does not blossom without its shortcomings too.  Pollen wreaks havoc with all ages, and rain boots are a constant companion for the feet.  

But even with its drawbacks, spring provides us with much to celebrate. After all, we can't have the beauty of new life, lush green trees and brilliant flowers without some misery... like a rise of allergies and illnesses due to an increase of pollen, possible destruction caused by high winds or tornados, and disease-ridden insects affecting fruits and veggies.

Happy is the heart that can still rejoice in the midst of tough times... because God is still good. He has the power to bring excellence even out of hard, trying times. 

Love where you are because God is there -- no matter the season.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

open wide

 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt/(out of your bondage).  Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10

Trusting the One who has the power and desire to free us from everything that attempts to choke the life out of us.  There is nothing more satisfying or sweeter to our lips than Him and His Word.

Thank You, Father.

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

do tell

"His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

This news is too good to keep under your hat.

God loves you!

When life is stressful, disappointing, painful, confusing or just completely unfair, remember His love for us endures forever and through all things.

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

veneal 

a breath of fresh air

"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14

The sunshine, warmth and blooming daffodils are a beautiful reminder that nothing stays the same...
 

frigid days melt away to sunny ones

sadness is replaced with hugs

loneliness is erased by laughter

bad news is followed by hope

fear is deleted with available options

pain is eased by caring hands
 
hurt is healed by kindness

silence is broken with sweet singing
 
darkness is overcome by Light
 

Thank You, Father for bringing nights to an end and joy in the morning.  We need Your Light more than ever in an everchanging, volatile world.  On You, my faith lies.

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

do you feel loved?

It's Valentine's week and for some it's produces more pain than love. Through death, disagreements, hardships or other factors, some loved ones are no longer part of our life. So, is there still reason to celebrate?  With a thankful heart, our answer is yes.  There is One Valentine that will never forsake us. 

Let's reread, rediscover and reflect on the greatest love of all, poured out freely to each of us from Above. Here's one of many love letters written especially to you...

   

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day, (your name), my Child!

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?   (Isaiah 40:21)

I will never take my love away from you.  (1 Chronicles 17:13)

To you, I will be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.    (Psalm 103:8)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

"I will meet all your needs."  (Philippians 4:19)

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you... do not be afraid, for I am with you.  (Isaiah 43:4 5)

I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.   (Isaiah 42:1)

I will quiet you with My love. I will rejoice over you with singing.   (Zephaniah 3:17)

And remember, dear Child of Mine,

My love endures forever.   (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Dad

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

and never doubt or forget it,

veneal

and another thing...

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

When my grands came to visit, Allie insisted on visiting the library.  She wanted to see the students, and she wanted Stetson to see them.  It was a fun visit, but she wouldn't leave until she saw a specific person... Officer L.  She had met him once, but he made a lasting impression on her. Was it his smile, his uniform, his calm voice, or the fact she knew he was there to keep students safe??  Whatever her reason, we couldn't leave until she introduced Stetson to him.

Just a quick, happy fact to leave with you this weekend.  We are never too young to feel, need or understand feeling safe and secure. 

Be safe and rest in the Arms who loved you best.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you like bread?

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.... I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever."  John 6:35,51 

It's that time of year when people want to shed some winter pounds.  From the old tried 'n true diets to new ones, people are dieting. Many are eagerly sharing tips and recipes on how to do it better.  

While details vary, many of the diets share a common thread of reduced carbs.  For us bread lovers, getting our fill of delicious, mouth‑watering bread is a thing of the past.  Or, is it??

Here's the Good News.  I know one Perfect Bread available with zero carbs. PLUS, it's 100% filling and totally satisfying.  Eat all you desire, stay healthy, and even be guaranteed to live forever!  Now, that's a Bread worth devouring without any guilt... just total pleasure.  His Bread of Life is the best tip we can share with anyone.  Do tell, and be filled with Jesus!

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

the secret battle

"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come... All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 2:17-19    

 Over or under?

I imagine i am not the only one dealing with this battle.  Whether it's the paper towels or the toilet paper, many of us have a preference of over or under.  And if your household is like mine, it's not an unanimous choice.  It's obvious who put the roll on based on the direction it rolls... at the time.  Because those with a strong preference will change it to our liking when we can. So, whether it's a new roll or an "ongoing roll", it's easy to tell who used it last. The roll will tell, and the battle rolls on without a word.

Do you have any secret battles with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers?  How about our Father? If not, i applaud you for your adaptability and flexible understanding.  If you do, i hope it's over silly, insignificant issues of no importance.  

But if the issues are life altering/threatening, destructive, hurtful or mean spirited, i pray your secrets come to light for reconciliation.  May these battles resolve peacefully and to the benefit of all.  With secret battles there is no winner, only harm, pain and separation for both sides.  The constant struggle to prevail will strip one of strength, shift the focus from God to self and possible damage or destroy relationships with others and God.  Lean into God, our Perfect Counselor, and find true peace with your next decision.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

this year, i will..

"Live in peace with each other...

warn those who are idle...
encourage the timid...
help the weak...
be patient with everyone...
always try to be kind to each other...
be joyful always...
pray continually...
give thanks in all circumstances...
test everything...
hold on to the good...
avoid every kind of evil..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13-22 

My goal for 2025... not just believing in God, but believing God.  That's the goal of my heart, greater faith, living my life to please Him... one day at a time, one circumstance at a time, one step at a time.

 

Cheers, my Friend! Here's to a new year with you.  With God we got this. We just need to believe it and Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

What’s new?

  The Lord says...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!"  Isaiah 43:18-19

A New Year, a new day, a new way, a new routine, a new beginning, a new thing... God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.

Praying a year of smiles and blessings to you.  God has a plan, and it is good. Trust Him.

Are you smiling yet?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

all i want for CHRISTmas is...

 "...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4

Like many with family scattered across the lands, we are already busy gathering for CHRISTmas celebrations. Traveling this past weekend to have precious time with our family, we left our dogs at home.  As we departed, the message on their long faces was clear, "All we want for CHRISTmas is you".

What makes for the best relationships?  I think my dogs nailed it. We just need to be with each other... talking, laughing, and soaking up love in their presence.  Isn't "being present" the most valuable gift we possess or can give to each other and with God?  

In many areas of life, i believe my dogs really do know best.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
and He desires for us to spend eternity with Him,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
what a love!
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

shattered

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God... For Jesus Himself is our Peace." Ephesians 2:8,14

Last year's decorations had been quickly packed, stored and stuffed in the attic.  It was good enough for most items, but not the fragile glass CHRISTmas bell.  It was totally shattered.  Better wrapping could have saved it. 

How is your CHRISTmas season going?

Shattered bells, shattered lives ~ and CHRISTmas still comes. It's near impossible to live 365 days without changes.  Marriages, deaths, change of income, sickness, births and other things 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 on Him.

Father, there are times i am crushed by the world around me.  Life can be hard, unpredictable and mean.  And when i tackle it, without You, i shatter like glass.  Instead, i want to stay 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 drawn back to what really matters... You and Your unconditional Love.  Thank You for my most precious and unbreakable gift, Your Son, my Savior.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

taking the heat

 "And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

I've taken a lot of heat this week, but i wouldn't change it for anything.  The sweat on my back has been worth every steamy minute of my job. Kindergarteners eagerly splashed, cut and feathered colorful turkey placemats to use for their Thanksgiving feast. The laminator in the work/sweat room rolled and cooked turkeys by the tens for a total of over 100 plump birds.

This is a sweet tradition i eagerly anticipate each year.  It's all in the spirit of celebrating their family, friends, teachers, neighbors, pets, Jesus and more.  Lucky me for having the honor of putting the shiny, finishing touch to their heARTfelt turkey work.

There's nothing like a colorful, kind turkey to warm and fill a heart with gratitude.  They are rich in love and low in calories.

Thank You, Father, for our blessings... may we never forget the first one came from You.

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

you're in my book

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you..." 3 John 1:2

Thanksgiving is a week away, but it's never too early to give thanks.  Today i'm thanking God for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.  You constantly encourage, inspire, strengthen and delight me.  I love doing life with you!

Like these students, may we overflow with thanks to God for His goodness.  Focusing on our blessings instead of our disappointments allows more of His Peace to fill our hearts and souls.

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

who am i?

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:12-17

"Who am i?" or "Who are you?"  

These are routine questions asked this time of year.  Yet, they are imperative year round.

Whatever the answer... daughter, sister, mother, cousin, wife, friend, employee, teacher, aunt, grandmother, neighbor...  all are important and meaningful.

However, whatever we are is elevated to incredible JOY,  LOVE and FULLNESS when we remember FIRST we are a Child of God and belong to Him. It makes all other things possible and even better.

With Him, we are more.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

holding hands

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23-24

What a beautiful picture of love and comfort.

It always makes me smile... seeing siblings walk in school holding hands. I can just imagine how safe and happy the younger child feels being led by their big sister or brother, as well as the confidence the older child possesses in completing the task.

Do you need someone holding your hand today?

We are reminded in God's Word we continuously have such unfathomable comfort and love extended to us.  Thank You, Father for holding my heart and my hand in all circumstances.  Where You lead, i will follow.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal