let it begin!

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Today is the first day back to school for me and many others... and soon everyone.

Are you rejoicing? Raise your hand, because with God we got this!

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

i want to be ----

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Dueteronomy  31:8

What do you want to be?
a manager
a spouse
an officer
a chairperson
a parent
an entrepreneur 
a team leader

Father, of all things i can be, to BE WITH YOU is my greatest desire and joy.  All else are extra blessings.

 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a war zone

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13

If you want to witness a feisty fight, just put a hummingbird feeder in your yard; and the war is on.  Until this summer, i considered hummingbirds quick, dainty creatures.  Now i realize they're quite selfish too. 

When outside, i've had to constantly dodge this greedy breed like flying water balloons. They are bent on charging any hummingbirds in the vicinity of a feeder. Even while i continuously pour an amply supply of sweet water in the container, they refuse to share, and the chase is on.  Such a waste of energy and time; they always have more than they need. They act more like grumblingbirds than hummingbirds.

Have more than they need... 

When i stop and reflect on this, i feel an uncomfortable connection with the hummingbird.  I too have more than i need.  And instead of graciously sharing, i seem bent on getting more... more than i need of this and that.

Father, when my humming heart turns into a grumbling one, please forgive me. You have blessed me with more than i deserve.  May i stop and remember to thank You better by sharing more of what you have graciously poured out for me. 

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

hello?

The Lord says...

"He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."  Psalm 91:15

Thank You, Father, for always taking my call and picking me up when i am down and distressed.  On You, i can always depend.  I will praise Your name daily for Your unending faithfulness to me.

 

How can we possibly not love our God? Who listens to our every beckoning call or whimper?  We are so blessed to be called His children.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

crossroads...

"The LORD said: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, and ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16

Visiting a new place, i soon got lost with all the unfamiliar turns and twists before me.  My anxiety increased with each minute going down strange roads. With much relief, i soon looked up and read street signs i recognized as the way leading back to where i needed to be.

Father, i am so grateful to know that no matter where i am or what i am dealing with, You are by my side.  Uncertainties are not as unraveling when we rely on You. As we seek Your direction, peace and wisdom follow. You are the safe corner in my world.  Thank You.

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

an unstable foundation

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Colossians  2:6-7

Just before darting out the door and late for church, i quickly slipped into a pair of old sandals belonging to my mom years ago. 

However, walking on the sidewalk at church, i noticed a weird wobble with my legs.  Once seated in the pew, i examined my shoe.  I knew about the missing heel taps, but figured no one would notice them.  But i was shocked to see one shoe had completely snapped in two! Apparently it happened while running to the car. Luckily the shoe is the only thing that broke!

Morale for the day:
Walking in a pair of my mom's old shoes... probably not wise.
Walking with God...  always wise and right.  

Thank You, Father, for continuously mending and saving souls. A foundation in You upholds us through unexpected and unstable circumstances.

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

be still

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Even the busy hummingbird knows the importance of being still.  
Do you?

Rest in Him, and be fed for life.

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