in the middle of a mess

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. " 1 John 4:16

Needing a break from a project and some fresh air, i took a walk.  Before long i found myself next to a neglected dump field.  As i looked over the weeds and trash, i  noticed my favorite flowers smack in the middle of it.  No matter my situation or mood, daisies have always made my heart happy, and it did not fail me then.

More times that i care to count, i find myself in the middle of a mess... one caused by my actions, another's actions or just due to crazy life circumstances. It was helpful to be reminded not all is a loss in hard times.  God's love for us has a way of planting hope and reassurance into all situations we face.

Thank You, Father, for the daisy reminder. When i ponder the phrase of the popular "loves me, loves me not" flower, I know there is no question regarding Your love.  Wherever i am, whatever i am doing, however i am, i am assured by Your Word and Presence the answer from You is always He loves me.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

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

how's your connection?

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? Who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price..." 1 Corinthians 6:19

What a mess!  The power company was upgrading power lines in our neighborhood. As a homeowner, your yard is not completely yours; others have the right-of-way to it as well.  And as luck would have it, our yard served as a primary location for some utility work.

Although we were not happy about the power company taking up residence in our yard, we did look forward to better service.  Not only would we benefit from the work, but our neighbors would too.  It was important to remember the inconvenience and ugliness of the moment would reap better service to all around us.

As a believer, we do not belong just to ourselves.  We belong to God; He permanently resides within us.  When the world and temptations weaken us and our heart wires get crossed, God has the right-of-way to revamp and recharge His Power within us.  While His working in us can make us uncomfortable, upset or ill at the time, the end result is being more like Him.  Clearing the path of shorten fuses, dirt and other debris allows for His Light and Power to shine through, strengthened by less interference and misdirection. In the end, an improved connection to our Source of Eternal Life reaps benefits to us and all in our pathway.

"being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Thank You, Father.

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

It's not the end

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

What looks like a dead end or disaster to you, is not.   

One day at a time, one trial at a time, one mess at a time  -- God is with us. No matter what our "ones" are in life, we always have The One. We are never, never alone. 

Unlike us, God is never caught by surprise. He knows and prepares perfectly for all our moments.  What we see as the end is actually the beginning of something new with God. In time, what we don't see or understand will be revealed to us.  Then our ah-ha moment will show us what our but-why moments did not.

Thank You, Father, for staying, sticking, and surviving with me in each moment.  You are The One for me, always!

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

you believe that??

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26

Change... is it possible? Of course it is.  We change our outlook, change our hairdo, change our taste in food and clothes, change our career path.  But what about a change within the person?  Here some draw the line and say "no way"; people don't change.  

What about you? Do you think a person's heart can change, and be reflected by changed thoughts and actions?

Jesus chose His disciples not based on their perfect ways and heart; because they, like us, had unsettling issues, including heart issues.  But, He knew what they could and would become... with Him, beginning with a transformed, new heart.

I believe people can and do change, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Our environment, the people around us and current situations can influence, reshape and change our minds, actions and hearts. With the right spear of influence and with God... all things are possible, even a change of heart.  I am believing God for the best, and i am believing for the best in others.

Father, i have  some unhealthy spots on my heart that need to go. Remove from me judgmental ways and create a heart more like Yours.

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

check this out

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

While on various errands this summer, parking spaces have been a cinch... that is, until last week.  Needing a book to read, i zipped out for an anticipated quick trip to our local public library. What was going on there??  

Had i missed an announcement regarding a major event?  There was not a single parking spot to be found. After circling around for five sweaty minutes, i finally won rights to a vacancy.  

Entering the library, a feeling similar to the holiday shopping season continued.  People of all ages were coming and going, toting books and other articles or attending special programs. 

Despite the boom of technology and electronics, libraries still serve a purpose loaning books, tapes and movies, as well as, providing other activities. While the life span of many businesses is volatile, i found the library, by adjusting to changes in the market still thriving.  Can anything stay the same and still survive? 

I can only think of One.  Jesus.  Jesus, just the Way He is, has a permanent place in our heart and soul forever and ever!  Nothing will ever duplicate, replace or surpass Our Savior.

Thank You, Father!

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

a surprise in the sky

Jesus said...
"They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." Matthew 24:30-31

Sitting outside, minding my own business, I heard a low humming noise.  As i kept reading, it got louder and louder.  Finally, fully distracted and concerned, i turned around and looked up, halfway expecting to see a plane about to make a crash landing. I was caught totally off guard.

Mid-high in the sky, i was in perfect positioned for a closeup view of an oncoming blimp.  As it got closer, i read the message on its side, "#CHOOSEFUN", as well as, where to do it. I am reminded of an unknown future day, when a Magnificent cloud event will expand and be witnessed over the entire earth.

 

In His Word, God tells us one day to expect the Son of Man's majestic entrance from the sky. His message is clear, #CHOOSELIFE", as well as how... by choosing Jesus as our Savior.  May His return not catch anyone off guard or unprepared.

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

just a song away

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a Mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17 

(if you look closely, you can see her head peering out at me)

Sneaking up to the bluebird house, i found the momma bird at home singing softly to her unborn babies. It was a sound of comfort and joy.  But being a klutz, i stepped on a twig startling her, and she quickly flew away.  Fortunately, she didn't stay away long, but i hated disturbing their special time.

Like the bird, our Parent God, watches over us, protecting and singing of His love over us.  Unlike the bird though, no circumstance, trial, fear, mistake, influence or person can EVER cause Him to fly away from our side even for a split second, no matter our age.  Now, doesn't that put a song of thankfulness in your heart too?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal