Dear Tara Venable

This blog is usually exclusively reserved for New Life Student Ministry, but wanted to honor my wife & share this with you all. It's only fair you catch a glimpse of what I see every single day. - JV


Dear Tara,

On this day, May 28, 2012, I am writing...to tell you just how wonderful you are. You are such an amazing person, and I see this in you daily threefold:

1. You are a Wonderful Mother. In just 3 short weeks, we're going to be parents. And you're going to be a mom. This is a bit premature, but I can already bear witness that you will be the best mom that has ever walked this planet. Even better than my own mom. What?! Yeppers. You're going to outshine them all. Your love, affection, tender heart, grace, compassion and numerous wonderful qualities have already manifested themselves in your pregnancy. So I seriously can't wait for those to come to full fruition with sweet Jude. I'm truly excited to parent alongside you, and to simply witness the mother you are going to be for our first boy. He's a lucky little dude, and I know he's going to be attached to you like no other. Like father, like son.

2. You are a Wonderful Wife. You epitomize the excellent wife. Define her with grace and ease. Define her with beauty and loveliness. I honestly believe you are the standard and model wife for all others to follow. I couldn't brag on you enough, and believe the girls in our student ministry have no better example to follow. None. They need to look no further than what you live out for them right in front of their eyes. You set the bar. And the best part? It's not an act. You are genuine and live the same at home. And that sets you apart. You live out Proverbs 31 on a daily basis, and I thank God for you every single day. You are a gift. A privilege. An honor. And my crown. Thank you for truly being an excellent wife. There is none better, and God had blessed me incredibly with you as my helper.

3. You are a Wonderful Woman of God. The best part of number three here is that without this quality, the first two would be hollow. There would be no life or substance to either one. So because you serve and live you life for the living God, the Lord shines in all areas of your life making you the best mother, wife, and woman I believe has ever existed. God has been especially good to me with you as a spiritual helper. You keep me grounded. Anchored. And so supported. You seriously help in me more ways than you know. I am more confident, more sure of myself, and hold so much more value for myself because of you. You have boosted me tremendously in all areas of my life. I have little doubt about anything because I trust in the Lord with you as my wife. So thank you. Thank you for loving Jesus more than me. Thank you for prioritizing your relationship with the Lord over your relationship with me. And thank you for taking personal accountability to grow. This has been noticed and most certainly made a huge difference in our marriage and especially myself personally.

So on this day, May 28, 2012, I am writing to honor you. To love you. And lift you up. I'm your biggest fan. Your biggest supporter. And I want you to feel better about yourself than you've ever felt. More loved. Supported. Attractive. Beautiful. Appreciated.  Because you are the best. The most excellent. And undoubtedly wonderful. I love you Tara Beth Venable.

in CHRIST > john venable

Living a Better Story: Ethiopian Eunuch

Two weeks ago we kicked off a new series titled Living a Better Story. All of us are living a story. Our lives tell a story of who we are every single day. But have we stuck to the script? Held true to the storyline? Or have we missed our cues, forgotten our lines & stepped out on the author of our lives?

It's time we begin living a better story. God has written it out for us so perfectly. And even for our benefit! Our job is to simply follow the director of our lives & live in obedience to the Word of God. Star living His story for your life today. 

This past week we scoped out the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. And how similar he is to many people today. Filled with worldly goods, knowledge, prestige, position & education. Yet still searching. Looking for something more. Something meaningful. Ultimately, looking for satisfaction & fulfillment in this life this world cannot offer. 

Thankfully, the Lord directed Philip to help him find what he was looking for. To point him to the good news that is only in Jesus Christ. And the eunuch found it. Found love. Forgiveness. Salvation. And significance in life. 

Have you found it? Found what's missing? And if you have, how far have you taken it? Has this good news and life change traveled to the ears and eyes of others?

Living a Better Story: Peter

Last week we kicked off a new series titled Living a Better Story. All of us are living a story. Our lives tell a story of who we are every single day. But have we stuck to the script? Held true to the storyline? Or have we missed our cues, forgotten our lines & stepped out on the author of our lives?

It's time we begin living a better story. God has written it out for us so perfectly. And even for our benefit! Our job is to simply follow the director of our lives & live in obedience to the Word of God. Star living His story for your life today. 

Click the link below to listen to Week 2 of in the series Living a Better Story: Peter

Living a Better Story: Peter (5.9.2012)

Living a Better Story: Jonah

Last week we kicked off a new series titled Living a Better Story. All of us are living a story. Our lives tell a story of who we are every single day. But have we stuck to the script? Held true to the storyline? Or have we missed our cues, forgotten our lines & stepped out on the author of our lives?


It's time we begin living a better story. God has written it out for us so perfectly. And even for our benefit! Our job is to simply follow the director of our lives & live in obedience to the Word of God. Star living His story for your life today. 


Click the link below to listen to Week 1 of in the series Living a Better Story: Jonah


Living a Better Story: Jonah (5.2.2012)