heart issues....

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Have you ever had a heart problem? I certainly have. It's been turned this way and that way, squeezed, cut, harden, punched, slapped, pulled, stomped, torn, and broken.  Recently, i added to my list an irregular heart beat.  Of all the issues, i consider this last one actually good and a healthy hiccup.  In fact, i think an irregular heart beat is what i'm after.

Father, i don't want to continue beating to the same rhythm of this world... where the focus is on self.  The continuous pounding for more power, more happiness, more prestige, more titles, more money, more stuff is unending and unsatisfying. We live in a broken world in need of a different beat... a beat that considers the needs of others as more important than self.

I want an irregular beating heart in my life.  I want it to beat first for You, and then for others... in love, understanding, giving, patience, kindness and gentleness.  Strength and guidance from You is the healing i need to truly possess an aMAZing heart.

 ...be wise, and keep your heart on the right path." Proverbs 23:19

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

treasure or trash?

"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You." Psalm 25:21

Some would say my front yard is trashy, but not me.  I think it is filled with treasures.

In the morning there's the beauty of the blooms, and in the afternoon the harvesting of delicious okra.  It's not your typical front yard arrangement, but one that delights me all day long.

How are things around you?  Is your day filled with treasures or trash? Every day we categorize the situations/things around us. Don't let your life be fueled with negative and disheartening remarks or thoughts. Instead, may God grow the desire and ability to focus on the surrounding beauty, especially when the world is muttering otherwise.

Father, help me to set my heart on pleasing and trusting You. As You plant and cultivate the riches of goodness and faith in my heart, peace blooms. I don't want the prickly thorns of the moment to determine the outcome of my day.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ created

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

God doesn't make mistakes.  YOU are a spectacular work of art! created by the Perfect Master Artist. He has a purpose with you and in you.  

 Celebrating you today -- His design is divine. 

fiend, you are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

shhh.... listen!

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Same route, same time... yet my past two morning walks differed tremendously.  Listen to what i heard yesterday...

In the darkness, dogs ferociously barked from all directions interrupting my quiet time. I felt uneasy and unable to even hear my thoughts.

It was so unlike the morning before in the exact location... 

 so quiet and peaceful with a gentle song in the air.  Can you hear it? 

The recordings truly reflect the days before me.  Some days the barking and screaming in my head and heart drown out any peace God desires to pour into my life.  I'm so focused on the fears and terrifying voices around me, God's calm calling slips away from my consciousness.

And then there are the days, when i turn first and foremost to God in stillness and prayer.  In the quiet of these moments, i am filled with His cooing and tender singing, assuring me of His constant Presence, Peace and Preparation.

Has someone or some circumstance let the dogs out in your life?  Are they distracting you from the Truth that God will never leave or forsake you?  Erase the noise and lies.  God wants to provide us with His Joy in the morning.  I need to hear the comfort of His songs over and over again in my head, not the yelping of unseen beasts.  

Listen... what do you hear?

The LORD is my strength and my song...  The LORD is my strength and my song...

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

let's pretend

"...the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love..." Psalm 33:18

If we had the eyes our Father did, we would be simply amazed at what He has in store for us!

Oh, to see our life through the eyes of our Father... how wondrous it would be.  Father, help me to release my trust in all things to You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

ugly and dying

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah46:4

This past weekend WWO exploded... World War on Okra.

"I'm pulling it up tomorrow."
"What!?"
"The okra plants are ugly and dying. They have to go."
"But, it's still blooming, and i'm still picking okra."
"Sorry, it's making the yard look bad."

Hmmm... old, ugly and dying.  Do i risk being tossed out too ??

Father, i am thankful You value us  each and every day -- just because we belong to You.  As long as we have breath and rooted in You, the Fruit of the Spirit has an opportunity to bloom.  Whether i am producing fruit for You today or have drifted into a dormant season, You love me.  Oh, how i need to rest in that Truth some days... the Truth You will never forsake me, toss me aside or give up on me, especially when i feel shriveled, dried up and empty  Thank You, Father, for Your unending, undying love.  You are a God of Restoration, Mercy and Life.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

where are you?

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?  

My help comes from the LORD
   the Maker of heaven and earth. 

 He will not let your foot slip—    
He who watches over you will not slumber." 
Psalm 121: 1-3

The past weekend in the mountains provided a needed break for some current faith testing.  As i walked and thought, i realized i was literally and figuratively in the mountain... not on top of the mountain, not at the valley of the mountain, but in the mountain.  Like my walk, my life was amid the peaks and valleys.  Life was good and enjoyable, yet had some sharp and unwanted turns on what seemed to be an ordinary path. 
 



As i made the last turn on my walk, i suddenly faced what appeared to be an impossible 45 degree hill. Should i continue or turn around?  Bella and i considered how far we had come. Tired and dragging, we decided to keep going forward.  Taking baby steps and keeping our focus just ahead, provided the strength needed to finish our walk.  The easiest choice would not have been the best choice.  The view from the top was worth the struggle and sweat.




Are you climbing any cumbersome hills? Don't stop, and don't turn around.  Keep your eyes on our Father as you take baby steps. He will not let you slip. You've come too far to miss the spectacular view He has planned for you. 

See you at the top. We will make it, and it will be worth it!  Hew is a God of Wonder and Might.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal