Lent day 4

 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24

Lord, You know we are in need of immense healing. May we bee the words needed. There can never be too much sweetness.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 3

 “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3

Father, no matter how bitter and hateful it is outside, fill me with Your love and strength. Just slam the door of my mouth with my tongue hanging out it, if necessary.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love, do and speak as if we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 2

 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6

Since my focus for Lent is uplifting speech, it only makes sense to focus on a Word from God regarding our tongue each day. It is my true prayer it is not just a 40 day effort, but a lifetime commitment that produces a habit pleasing to God.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent.... what did you give up?

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

I can’t improve or think of a better decision that what Pope Leo XIV suggested to give up for Lent…

“LET US BEGIN BY DISARMING OUR LANGUAGE.” – Pope Leo XIV

As we prepare for Lent, Pope Leo is reminding us that fasting isn’t just about food. It’s about our words.

In a recent Wednesday Audience, he invited us to practice a powerful and often overlooked form of abstinence:

Refraining from harsh words

Avoiding rash judgment

Resisting slander

Not speaking ill of those who aren’t present

Lent 2026 isn’t just about giving up sweets. It’s about giving up sin.

When we tear others down with our words, we wound the Body of Christ. But when we choose restraint, charity, and mercy, we build up the Church.

This year, let’s not only fast from food.

Let’s fast from gossip.

Let’s fast from sarcasm.

Let’s fast from criticism that crushes.

And let our speech reflect Christ.

We are loved and chosen by God,

May we live, love and do like we believe it!

veneal

I apologize for being behind and lazy in posting. I am striving to catch up for Lent. Thank you for your grace. <3

The above is not my writing, but speaks well of my heart.

what's new, what's not

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

Lives, relationships, careers, family, circumstances, beliefs, situations, tastes, priorities, health, wisdom, ignorance... hang on a wobble balance of changes.

But i have Good News.

It's a new year, BUT THE SAME GOD.

May that be enough to bring peace to your day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

God knows

"You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139:1-12

2025 held many surprises. From joy to heartache and many emotions in-between.  My heart felt it all.  And here we are on the cusp of a new year.  My old, anxious heart wonders what does the next 365 days hold?  In midst of questions i saw my answer today. 

Anyone who knows me is aware of the "crosses" in the sky i view.  While they are mere jet streams to most, i see them as reminders from God.  Stepping outside my home this morning, i found the answer i needed.  Directly to my left was a significant cross.  As i continued walking i looked back and witnessed a brillant cross on the other side of my home, and then in front of my home i noticed another.  With great curiosity, i couldn't help but walk to the back of my home for its view.  And there it was, between the pines the making of another cross.

God was talking.  Clearly, you and i are hemmed in by God, on all sides, circumstances, events and moments of our life.  Like the crosses in the sky this morning, while some were very prominent, others more subtle, the fact reminds they were there... just like Him.  Yet, unlike a vapor, He never disappears.

Happy New Year!  May my quirky vapor crosses bring you peace too, knowing and believing we are never alone.  Our God, sees all, knows all and loves us all immensely.  

God, my prayer this year is to just believe and trust You more.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and trust like we believe Him,

veneal

deSANTAtizing

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14

Please don't think me a scrooge, but Christmas wore me out! I am happily deSANTAtizing my house. Santa Christmas is over. Once again, we survived the good, the wild and the ugly moments.  The stress, the frenzy, the expectations,  the over-abundance of food-gifts-decorations-gatherings along with headaches, tension, exhaustion, sleepless nights, frayed nerves, sadness, depression, disappointments and ill moments are enough to push anyone over the edge of sanity.

So, while i am quickly packing up Santa, i am excited to actively keep celebrating CHRISTmas.  Until January 6, (or maybe even Easter :) ) i plan to enJOY my angels and manger scenes, quietly and peacefully reflecting on what God has done for me and you.  

If only we could let CHRISTmas be and mean what it truly is... the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  Can you imagine the immense peace, calmness and JOY that  would flood our souls in any and all circumstances?  What disappoint could possibly overshadow our joy? For no matter what trials or hardships we are facing, focusing on the unconditional love of our the Father, sacrificing His Son for us to have eternal life is the only reason we need to genuinely celebrate with a thankful heart. Is there anything else more important?  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal