need a shield?

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone; and for the most part, it was good. But as i prepare for CHRISTmas 2020, i find my spirit spilling over with mixed emotions of wonder and uncertainty over what's to come. I need a Shield of protection.

Even with all the questions and concerns i possess, there is one Truth i rely on for life... God is in control, and His way is perfect.  As we trust and hold on to our Shield, God will see us through any darkness and valleys along our path. He sees it all, and He knows it all.

Praying His peace into your week as you trust Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

thankful for you

 "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 like we believe it,

veneal

do you have a book?

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4

Like these students, may you also have a book filled with thanks to God for His goodness.  If we count our blessings instead of our disappointments, more of His Peace will flow through us.

Praying you have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Turkey truths

 "And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

It's a hot job, but someone has to do it; and i'm so grateful it's me!

So far i have cooked over 100 turkeys for Thanksgiving...not nice, plump juicy turkeys, mind you, but the one-dimensional kind.  It's a kindergarten tradition, painting thankful turkeys and then cooking them in the laminator for holiday place-mats.  

The best part of cooking these school-yard turkeys is the opportunity to read the sweet messages and thoughts from students.  They remind me we always have something to be thankful for in our life. And that reminder has never been more needed than this year with changes on how we celebrate necessary.  There's nothing like a colorful, kind turkey to warm and fill a heart with thankfulness. They are rich in love and low in calories. 

Thank You, Father, for our blessings... may we never forget.

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

a Mighty Word ~ thankful

"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, (for whatever that means this 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 like we believe it,

veneal

caught in a web?

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

How can anything be beautiful when you feel caught in a web? Whether it's a web of --

pain

confusion

loss

despair

lies

hurt

sadness

sickness

mistrust

Whatever web you're tangled in, remember God's love will cover you, lift you up and restore hope into your life. He is our shining Star of Salvation, Who can turn our darkest moments into a time of beauty.
                  
Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

field of broken dreams

"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
health issues
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 like we believe it,

veneal