changes...

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5

In case you haven't heard, i've changed jobs.

This week i am a bookstore clerk, not a media assistant.  Our school Book Fair is a huge fund raiser and requires all our effort and time.  The transformation from library to bookstore is magical -- like someone sprinkling Tinkerbell's pixie dust everywhere.  I'll be ringing up more books on the cash register from the Book Fair than i normally checkout from our shelves... and that's a lot of books!

Do you embrace change with an open heart? I must admit, i don't.  I prefer the comfort and familiarity of routines.  I like knowing what is expected, feeling confident in my task, while experiencing little uncertainty or fear.  But there are times when change is necessary or unavoidable. We can't end all the changes in our life, but we can change our attitude regarding them.

Father, strengthen us with all the unsettling changes we face.  Help us start by trusting You with what's ahead and embracing a change in attitude.  May it produce sweet results and bring peace to our soul.

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

let Him

We might not see it or know it, but fragile as thin ice is the soul of many surrounding us. Questions screaming in hurting hearts....

Who will possible fight for me... every time and all the time... who cares for me that much in every situation, no matter the reason for the pain?

"The LORD, your God, will fight for you." Duet. 3:22

The real question is will we let Him or keep attempting it ourselves.

Father, take the reins before i break, i surrender all to you. You are our one true safe place to fall.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

time to sing and dance

 "... no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God beside You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." Isaiah 64:4

work has been missed...
Book Fair is a blink away...
testing is around the corner...
the reporting period is near...
shows are scheduled... 
programs are upon us...
deadlines are within a breath...
special events are planned...

How do you feel about the days ahead?  Should we panic in despair or scream for joy? 

Let's pick JOY because we have true GUIdance (God U & i dance). 

God, who is with us, will see us through each and every twist of our day. He is reason enough to sing and dance with JOY.

Father, satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Thank You

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ song

 "I know every bird in the mountains..." Psalm 50:11

Could you benefit from a cheery, uplifting drawing and thought? Unlike our Father, i am not familiar with every bird and their ways. But i am aware of a saying that identifies cardinals as spiritual messengers sent by our heavenly loved ones to watch over us.  The bulletin boards in the  hallway filled with cardinals stirred this remembrance, bringing comfort and a smile to my heart.

There's a song in the air when a cardinal appears. Love from Above... the sweetest of gifts.  He who knows all birds and other creatures, knows us and our needs too.

Thank You, Father, for this song of love in my heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

together is better

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.."  Ecclesiastes 4:9

Up against a wall?  More opportunity in your lap than ability to handle? Hard decisions to make? Sitting in a pool of disappointments?

No matter our circumstance, good or bad, going through it with someone can help.  Whether it's family, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor or even a stranger, support and encouragement from another can make a difference.

And remember, we continuously have the strength, guidance and comfort of One with us...God. We don't have to ask Him or even look for Him, He is already with us and aware of all our needs.

we are loved and chosen by God, 

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

veneal

new season is evolving

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  

a time to be born and a time to die, 
a time to plant and a time to uproot,  
a time to kill and a time to heal,  
a time to tear down and a time to build,
 a time to weep and a time to laugh, 
a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 2:1-4

Due to warm days and rain, beautiful daffodils are emerging through the dirt and crumpled leaves.  A true and needed breath of fresh air. The cheery colors, sweet aromas and new growth are a welcomed change, signifying hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

Through the wintry days of heartaches and disappointments, our Father is always about His business watching, preparing and tending to our needs.  He lovingly sprinkles signs of hope in our path, reminding us a new season or new beginning is coming.   

How thankful i am for His faithfulness.  He reminds me over and over of the fact He knows how and when to change seasons... those on earth and those in us.

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

here's your sign...

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Yesterday was International Kindness Day.  On the table near the office an assortment of kindness stickers were provided to cheer us on in remembering and celebrating.  Free for the taking... and making.

I took several, as yesterday was challenging. Do you see one, or more, that renew your mind and spirit?

Stick with kindness and God.  We have nothing to lose and MUCH to gain with both.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal