a Mighty Word ~ healing

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Yesterday was a good day.

Thankful to all the kind words and encouragements. And thankful for a very good bone density report. 

God's Word gives life and hope.  Thank you, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

the computers are down...

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 24:18

"The computers are down."

This is not a comment we welcome at home, at work or anywhere.  In this techno-savvy, needy world,  such words produce dismay, grunts and heavy sighs. But i must say, for me, the weight of those words were heaviest when echoed in the emergency room.

"The computers are down?! What does that mean?! Can you help me or do i need to go to another hospital?!"

Yesterday's routine at school was disrupted with chest pressure.  With a strong urging to seek medical attention, my uneasiness only intensified with the downing of computers in the hospital at the moment i arrived.  Really??!  Right now? If i didn't have a heart issue before, surely the stress of the moment would induce one.

I am thankful so say the computers were eventually restored and all necessary tests were performed.  Finally, i was allowed to leave with  doctor appointments to follow next week. Yesterday i was reminded each moment is precious.  In all the heartaches, the disappointments, the hurts, the shocks, the anger, the mistakes, the let downs in life we experience -- these seasons will pass. And if we allow and cooperate with God, He will bring healing as He strengthens and grows our faith.

In the pain and in the joy, God is with us and in control.  I am celebrating the moments... each one.  May your next breath be a prayer of thanks to our Father too.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ believe

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

There's a storm outside... and inside. 
Is God really working all things to the good to those who love Him?

He says so... 

Father, help me believe. You and You alone are Truth and Goodness, Mercy and Grace, Hope and Refreshment.  In all the mistakes, errors and wrongs made, You still love us enough not to leave us alone in our messy, selfish ways.  I am believing You despite what the world might have me think.  Thank You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

the stars are out!

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky  as you hold firmly to the word of life." Philippians 4:14-16

It looked like an Easter parade, but it wasn't.  It was picture day at school. Shiny faces, rosy cheeks, spit 'n shine hair, bows and bow ties, and fine Sunday clothes... students and teachers strolled down the halls in their best like movie stars.  Will the stars be out tomorrow as well?  I sure hope so.

Deletions, additions, changes, interruptions can easily disrupt our day and plans.  When we want to scream and explode, it's time to dig deeper into the Arms of our Father. Trusting Him in all things is hard, but oh so necessary if we want His Peace.  

Father, may Your light shine through and sustain me, especially in difficulties. Grow my faith deeper from inside out so i can twinkle for You and draw others to Your wonderous Light.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ cheer

"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheer him up." Proverbs 12:25"

For decades people have searched for a magical, effective weight loss solution, and here it is!  A dose of kindness... it's cheap, plentiful and easy to dispense.

Let's spread good cheer to others and lighten up the heavy hearts of those around us.

Below are 50 ways to cheer up and encourage a child -- of any age:

You are amazing!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

do you see it?

"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 2:16-17

Many days i comb the hallways consciously looking at student artwork for inspiration.  But the most powerful inspirations usually just slap me in the face when i am not even looking. Walking out of the cafeteria, i was preoccupied with some deep concerns. When my eyes finally shifted upward, i was stunned to see several sets of 3 crosses staring at me. 

Surprised and focused on the images, i crossed over for a closer look. I soon realized what i saw was not actual crosses, but the window frames around the stained-glass panes from our library.  I pass by this board at least 10 times a day and had never noticed "the crosses" before.  But on this particular day, a day i needed reassurance God was with me, He provided a clear vision.

How ironic.  Frames and panes reminding me i was not alone and the pain i was feeling is covered by the love, grace and mercy of our Father.  What perfect timing, what a perfect message, from our perfect Father. Whatever disappointments and trials are before me, God has my back... He is behind me, before me, beside me, above me, below me, around me, within me.  

Thank You, Father, for your abiding and unending love and strength.  You are my Rock.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ friend

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

How can you not love the start of school?  With a renewing of old friendships, as well as, cultivating new ones, it's good!

May God grow our love, respect and kindness to all in our path.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal