after all i've done for you...

"Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

The workday was over, and i was ready to go home.  Running to the office to fax an order, i realized i'd forgotten my machine key. I spotted Mrs. Sunshine with hers and asked to borrow it.  She teasingly hesitated, and i quipped, "After all i've done for you? Can't you do this for me?"  We both laughed as i used her key. As she left, i heard her whispering with a smile, " after all i've done for you..."

I said it in jest; but to be honest with you, it's not always the case. I have ugly moments that pop up and my heart burns like hot lava.  It's then i hear the same phrase whispered in my ears but with sadness, "after all i've done for you..."

Father, i want to show i belong to You.  Help me love ALL others, as You do me... complete with no reservation or hesitation.  Help me live in the freedom of believing there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Help me distinguish between what i feel from what i know.

If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

out of this world!

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

God's love for us is OUT OF THIS WORLD... and extends into His heavenly Kingdom forever!

Thank You, Father!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

the teacher said...

"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord." Proverbs 16:20

My teacher said....
My doctor said...
My boss said...

My "Father" said....

If only i had listen and followed through.


Success, progress or failure is usually determined by how well we follow or ignore instructions -- whether from a teacher, doctor, boss, parent.

Father, there is a lot of testing going on now, in and out of the classroom. Open our ears and spirit as You instill within us an obedient heart and mind.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ patience

"... God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built." 1 Peter 3:20

Whatever God has in store for us, isn't it comforting to know His patience is great enough to see it through?
Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

mistakes accepted here

“And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

Gone but not forgotten.  Her note was short -- “scrap paper <3 ”. Mrs. G transferred from our school a year ago, but still knew and remembered what we needed and liked.

In the Media Center we use recycled paper in our copier.  It helps to streeeettch the tight budget.  What amounted to trash, a surplus or a mistake for Mrs. G was a gold nugget for us.

God, sometimes i feel like such a failure… making bad decisions, wasting time, acting selfishly.  Oh, how i wonder how You put up with me!  What good am i riddled with such sin? Don't You just want to toss me out? Yet, i do believe Your Holy Word and trust i am still a work in progress.  I rest in the fact You will never leave me nor quit working in me.  Thank You for not letting anything go to waste.  Thank You for encouraging  me to share what we go through together to give strength, wisdom and hope to others.  You truly use everything for the good and for Your glory. Thank You for reusing, redoing and restoring!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

some days...

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life... The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever -" Psalm 138:7,8

Some days i don't feel like, act like, talk like or look like i belong to Him.

But thankfully i still do!

Father, i am grateful you don't allow my quirky and moody ways to settle comfortably in me, and that You don't give up on me with all my shortcomings. Mold me, shape me and prepare me to shine for You. Thank You for Your amazing mercy and grace poured freely in my life.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

don't forget....

YOU are greatly loved and cherished, just because you belong to Him.

"'Because he loves me,' say the LORD, ' I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.'" Psalm 91:14-15

When we remember and believe His unfailing love for us, other matters dim in comparison.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal