Monday, March 18, 2024

free in green

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Wearing the green... eating party food... dancing the jig... is that all there is to St. Patrick's Day?  Not at all.


The roots of St. Patrick's Day stem from a British Christian child, kidnapped and kept in slavery in Ireland. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. After he finally escaped,  he dreamed of an angel telling him to returned to care for the Irish people and teach them about God, so after 15 years of religious training, he returned as a missionary. Due to his dedicated kindness, he later became St. Patrick.  Since his death, around March 17th, there is a Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick to honor him.


    Did you know the shamrock got its Christian meaning from St. Patrick?
     He used it to explain the Holy Trinity, one God in three divine beings, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.


    Whatever we feel enslaved to in life, God can grant us the freedom to overcome it in His love and strength.


    In the spirit of Saint Patrick, may we continue to live, share and tell others the Good News as he did.  It certainly is worthy of great celebration!

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

    Friday, March 15, 2024

    so, how lucky are we??

     "Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 19:14

    When we think, act and  live as a child of God, we relish in everlasting luck.  The absolute best news EVER is our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is a home in the kingdom of heaven.  We aren't just lucky, we are richly blessed by our Father.


    Live as a child... of God, because you are.
     
    May we be thankful for nourishment, protection and love from God and others.

    Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

    How sweet it is to be a child of God. Smile big, you lucky Child, you are treasured and loved beyond our human understanding.

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

    Thursday, March 14, 2024

    what makes you lucky?

    "Even a child makes himself known by his acts..." Proverbs 20:11

    When we train children on how to be, may we remember to live it too.

    Living as God desires and in His Will, His peace transcends through the bumps we encounter.  We become a witness to others reflecting the power of His sustaining love.  Oh how lucky we are to belong to God.



    Act like a child... of God, because you are.
      
    The appreciation and JOY of simple pleasures and friendships... that's the gold.  I am so lucky and blessed to call you my kind friend.

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

    Wednesday, March 13, 2024

    are you lucky?

    "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."  1 John 3:1

    What does it take to feel lucky?  A pot full of gold or a heart of gold?

    As always, students have filled my mind with Truth from their simple, pure hearts.  


    Think like a child.... of God, because you are.

    You are lucky... and immensely loved.

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

    Tuesday, March 12, 2024

    together is better

    "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:6-7

    Reading a book together, they were totally absorbed in the activity.  When one stumbled with words, the other helped. Together they enjoyed and understood the story better than reading alone.

    We weren't created to tackle life alone.  Whether in time of troubles or celebration sharing tears or laughter is sweeter with a friend.

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

    Monday, March 11, 2024

    disasters... who will help?

    But now, this is what the Lord says... 
    'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
        I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
    When you pass through the waters,
        I will be with you;
    and when you pass through the rivers,
        they will not sweep over you.
    When you walk through the fire,
        you will not be burned;
        the flames will not set you ablaze.
    For I am the Lord your God,
        the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
    Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
        and because I love you,
    I will give people in exchange for you,
        nations in exchange for your life.
    Do not be afraid, for I am with you...'" Isaiah 43:1-5


    It was a violent day at school.  We were blasted by not one, but multiple natural disasters...  a wildfire, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, volcano and flood.  I am thankful to say all teachers and students survived.


    While these actual events didn't occur, they were part of an explosive study by our third graders. They had a blast living through these natural disasters.  Our local chief meteorologist, Christy Henderson, kicked off the morning sharing her knowledge and experiences to a very excited audience. 


    As the day progressed students, experienced the disasters in classrooms and later learned precautionary measures if ever faced with real disasters from our own RO, Officer Lester.

    While it is highly improbable we will ever battle all events at once, we can feel attacked and whipped in rapid succession by more common battles...


    beaten by high winds of defeat 
    drowning in pools of depression or doubt
    life suck out of our soul from accusations
    scorched by fires of meanness
    burnt by spewing anger in words and actions 

    All these internal disasters and more have the ability to unlevel the foundation of our faith by shaking and crumbling it from doubt and despair.


    I know of only ONE who can rescue and save us in any and all catastrophes... and you know Him too.  Yet, why are we at times so reluctant to reach out or call to Him?  Are we embarrassed? Are we too proud and self-sufficient?  Do we not TRUST His way is best? Do we fear we have used up all our "free" cards of grace and mercy from Him?  Do we interpret His silence as a disregard to our need instead of His answer to wait?

    God did not and never has promised we will not have troubles and even disasters, INSTEAD HE PROMISED WHEN WE DO, WE WILL NOT BE ALONE, HE WILL BE WITH US.


    Can you live with that promise?  I certainly can't live without it.  Praying for your belief in our undeniable, faithful, ever-present HERO.


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

    Friday, March 8, 2024

    how did he know?


    "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
      perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5



    First Graders' Dr. Seuss Day last week did not disappoint.  From the parade to their artwork and costumes and JOYous celebration, we were reminded to laugh and be loving towards all.  Thank you. first graders and all your helpers.   I loved every Thing 1 and 2 and zillion reminders you shared.



    Oh, Dr. Seuss, how did you know?
    the many injustices the earth would unfold.

    Thanks for your colorful, zany characters a-plenty,
    a dose of truth from them have taught many.

    Be kind to others, do as i say,
    love one another, and forgive each day.

    Being right in life shouldn't be our goal,
    but a right relationship with others is worthy to hold.

    And thank you also for encouraging and letting me know,
    being different is okay, God has great plans for all in His show!

    Hardships, questions and trials are a part of our life,
    but if we follow the right One we will have more peace than strife.    

    So, with your whimsical flair and delightful storytelling, we celebrate you, Dr. Seuss... and oh, the places we'll go...
    because reading and believing God allows freedom, grace and love to grow.

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