it's not what you think

 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

It was a busy morning in the library.  Books were dropping through the return bin as fast as popcorn popping in a hot pot.  As i turned around for a new load, i lost my breath.  Inside the book bin appeared to be a spider about the size of my hand.  Can you see it?

Thankfully, it wasn't what i thought.  It was a new book  covered in a slick, glossy protector with a too realistic spider on front.  Call me a wimp, but i do not like spiders... at all... any size... dead or alive.

Father, while many things in life are not what they appear to be, i am so grateful that is not true with You. 

 

You are Who You say You are, You can do what You say You can do -- 

and on that we can depend and believe every second of our day.  Thank You for being the constant, unshakable certainty in our life which is otherwise sprinkled with too many uncertainties from day to day.

He cares, He can, He will... i am resting in Him.  You too?

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

you are perfect

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

May we never doubt, neglect, devalue or dismiss the gifts God has equipped us with in life.

We are different for a reason -- He doesn't make mistakes.

God has a need, and a plan and a purpose for each of us... you're perfectly designed by Him, for Him.

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

ready to vote?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 515:5-7

Father, as we prepare to cast our votes, may we seek Your guidance first.  Help us overcome any feelings of greed, prejudice, selfishness or other that might prohibit us for making godly decisions.   We pray that nothing separates us in first being servants for You.  Because when all is said and done on earth, You are still on the throne and the One who reigns.  And that is a victory we can all celebrate everyday!

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

He knows

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." Psalm 86:5

Regardless of...

the outcome
what is said
how you feel
what you do
decisions made
how you act
repeated failures...

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL AND LOVES US!

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

veneal 

Fall back with JOY

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

No bones about it, WE ALL NEED A BREAK...

Along with my own, i've seen, heard and felt your overwhelming frustration, tears, tension and exhaustion.  Thankfully, a needed blessing of rest is at our doorsteps at the end of today. Whether it's a weekend containing a bonus Fall-back hour or one with a couple of extra days for Fall break, i pray it's filled with renewal and restoration. 

Shake and rattle those achy bones.  You deserve it!

Thank You, Father, for getting us through the week.  You are good all the time... all the time You are good.

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

what is a friend?

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

Being a friend is easy in good times, but most important and essential in tough times.  A true friend is as essential as the air we breathe.

My prayer for you is to always be surrounded by a friend or friends who carry, support and nurture you through sunshine and storms... and for you to be that person for your friends.  Maybe this should be called a golden boomerang blessing, because the value of your understanding friendship back to them is godly medicine for their soul.

Thank You, Father, for the touch of comfort through a word, a hug or a smile. Our friends... Your angels on earth. May we not neglect being one of Your earthly angels as we love, hug and love some more in the good times and bad times.

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

what time is it??

“Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act... Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm...” Psalm 37:7-8

With a sense of panic and confusion, the substitute teacher frantically asked, “What time is it?!”   Seeing where her eyes were fixed, i understood.  The clock in the Media Center was incorrect.  When time sprang forward last spring, our clock did not make the jump.  She laughed with relief when i explained to her our clock was wrong, but in a few days, it would be right "on time".

Are you flustered over a situation, circumstance or person?  If all seems to be out of kilter or off track, trust God is fully aware. Unlike our clock, He's not broken, late or unconcerned. He's plan is perfect and will happen right on time.  

Believe and wait on Him. His Will will be done.

we are loved and chosen by God, 

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

veneal