Happy Thanksgiving

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

More plentiful and beautiful than the feathers on a turkey are God's blessings to us.

Here are a just a few reminders -- Jesus, family, friends, health, a warm home, delicious food, clean water, beautiful music, laughter, travel, safety, freedom, peace, helping hands, your next breath...  

Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.  

Happy Thanksgiving, friend.

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

every time

  "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

Praying you have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving season.  And, thankful to be your sister/brother-in-Christ. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

thankful... through it all

 "I remain confident of this: I believe I will see [yet again] the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, even in the face of an unsettling year, may we remember the challenges, heartaches and hardships of the pilgrims. Their first Thanksgiving was memorable despite their difficulties. We too still have reason to safely celebrate as we thank God for His faithfulness to us, and for better days to come.

What God knows; God can handle. And he knows it all. Resting in Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

broken? you’re covered

 "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed... 

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:18, 20-21

Shattered dreams, we've all had them. And no matter how we finagle or struggle to fit the pieces back together like we want, it usually doesn't happen. Broken dreams come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes they occur rarely and sometimes in clusters, sometimes we sense it and sometimes we are blindsided. However it happens, it still hurts and can feel more like a feverish nightmare than just a broken dream. Are you facing any brokenness today?

job uncertainty
financial turbulence
torn relationships
challenging children
aging parents
insensitive spouse
demanding leader
false accusations
physical limitations
sickness
emotional stress
death 
worldly pressure

Whatever is going on... we can still be thankful. In faith, we can trust God will see us through each hardship and trial. We only have to look back and see God's continuous fingerprints on our lives to remember what He has already done for us. Our strength and peace will be restored knowing He will continue to sustain us.  

As God picks up all the pieces of our broken dreams and rearranges them, let's keep believing and knowing He has the power and desire to bring goodness into our lives.

God works all things to the good to those who love Him.

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

just breathe

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Tired? Worried?  Not sleeping well? Feathers ruffled?  Not sure what tomorrow holds, much less the future? You are not alone.

May we find comfort in knowing and trusting God with each minute, hour and day of our life. His Hand is always on us and with us. What seems hopeless, impossible or insurmountable to face is possible with Him.  He has a plan, and it is good.  Just breathe... and let His Spirit fill us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal