the final bell

As the final bell rings this school year, i join Paul in this prayer for you... my sisters and brothers in Christ.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ... you all are partakers with me of grace.  For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
 
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,  that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."  Philipians 1:3-11
amen.

Thank You, Father, for Your unconditional love.  What a thrill to see such a distinct reminder of Your faithfulness yesterday as i left school. We can always depend on You to cover us -- whether at school or beyond.

 

have a "Son"shine filled day!
love in Him,
veneal

wimpy, wimpy, wimpy

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and your men/women stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength..." Isaiah 40:30-31

The bookshelves are filling up, and wimpy kids are everywhere.  Being one of the most popular series in the library, it's rare to find one in. But at school year end, they all come "home" for repairs and rest. 

Like the books, i am ready to go home.  It's been a good, but long, busy school year; and i'm in need of repair for my weary bones. 

Father, i am counting the hours.  Every inch of me is crying out for the carousel to stop.  Left on my own, it's easy to keep finding stuff to do. The Truth is my soul finds rest in You alone.  This wimpy kid needs time with just You. Refreshment, repair, rest and restoration -- here i come!  Thank You, Father! I love you! 

Just You and me, that's what it's got to be.

have a rest-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ hope

"May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Let

H ope
O vercome
P essimism, prejudices, poutiness, pride, power, pickiness
E very time

and LIVE the abundant life in Him!

Thank You, Jesus!

have a hope-filled day!
veneal

mohawks and tomahawks

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

The hawks are flying high... summer is on the horizon.  From a buzz to Mohawks, many are sporting cool cuts; teachers are shaking tomahawks in an effort to restore peace on school territory. With only days left, the students are restless.  The smoke signals from Above are clear... FOCUS, PERSEVERE, PRAY, PEACE...  With God, all things are possible.

 

Father, Even when my hair is standing on its end, help me remember all is fine. You, Who knows every hair on my head, are still in control.  Life is not always to my liking, but liking and believing You puts things in perspective. Thank You, Father.

have a peace-filled day!

veneal

smack'em back... with love

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs... Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander... be kind..." Ephesians 4:29, 31,32

It was the slap heard around the room.  Sitting on the library steps the first graders were restless. Putting his hands on the step, Chris accidently stepped on Jimmy's fingers. Jimmy's spontaneous response, a stinging slap across Chris' face, shocked everyone in the room. 

Shocking behavior... have you ever witnessed it?   I've seen it... and done it.  Sometimes we unexpectedly lose control of our body and/or mouth -- especially when deadlines lurk and exhaustion rises.  Pushing, eye rolling, grunting, yelling, cursing, snarling, backtalking, etc. 

Lord, when my nasty button gets pushed, i pray You smack some discomfort to my heart.  I need and want forgiveness and to be filled with Your love instead of my despair.

have a hands up-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ be

"... live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."  Ephesians 4:1-3
 

 

 

Be with Him, and the world gains Truth and Light and Love through you.

 

have a Be-filled day!

veneal

what's your name!?

"Be filled with the Spirit... Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 4:6

It was the end of a hectic day and no time to look up.  Ankle-deep in students, we needed names quickly to check out books.
"Name, please," i demanded.
"Kneisley," she answered.
BAM!
That figures, i thought... she is, and i am not.  

Unintentionally, the student reminded me of the importance of my tone.  Kneisley (nicely) -- it's how we should always speak to one another... no matter the time or day.

Do you find the clock ticking down on your kindness some days?  Father, fill me with You instead of hot air.  You deliver calmness in the midst of stress. Give me the wisdom and strength to pace myself, so i can do Your Will.

have a calm-filled day!
veneal

a special prayer for Moore, OK... with Him

I know of no teacher, parent or other whose heart is not crushed due to the horrific tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Another tragic loss of lives in an elementary school, as well as, others in the area.    When understanding and rational fail us, He saves us and holds us.  Thank You, Father, for Your Love, Truth and Promises.  On You, we lean.

prayerfully yours,
veneal

My Dearest Child, 

I just wanted to remind you of some of my promises. 

At the time it happens, I am there.  (Isaiah 48:16) 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.  (Isaiah 43:2)

 I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  (Isaiah 46:4) 

Do not grieve, for My joy shall be your strength.  (Nehemiah 8:10) 

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10) 

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.  (Genesis 28:15) 

I have sent forth My Word and healed you; and rescued you from the grave.  (Psalm 107:20) 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  (Psalm  91:1) 

I am the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth¼those who hope in Me will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28, 31) 

I am your hiding place, I will protect you from trouble and surround you with songs of deliverance.  (Psalm 32:7) 

I Am

your Loving, Heavenly Father

a Mighty Word ~ love

The Lord says...
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness..." Jeremiah 31:3


What we need... and what we get.  Thank You, Father.

have a love-filled day!
veneal

need a hug?

The Lord says...
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13

Riddle:  What brings comfort, no matter what?
Answer:  The DOG... 
The Depending On God rule -- it's always true.

God, thank You for always being there for me.  When my world is crumbling and the darkness covers my soul, thank You for not leaving me alone or giving up on me. It's when i'm most unlovable, i'm in the greatest need of love.  Thank You, Father, for hugging me closely... always.

have a hug-filled day!
veneal

zoo ready... are you?

"I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people..." Psalm 85:8

Lunch packed, shoes tied --second grade skedaddled out the door, ready for their zoo trip. I didn't get on the bus with them, but the spirit of the zoo was with me. 

Remnants of the Jungle Book play still lingered on the school walls.  And students giggling and acting out only added to the zoo-like environment.  I remind myself to hold on for calmness... night is coming and all is well.

Father, Thank You for the blessing of waking this morning.  Yesterday was a bit wild, but control was restored.  Today holds no guarantee of order, but i know i won't face it alone. And tomorrow is coming... days filled with "Son"shine and songs.  I feel a smile coming.  Thank You, Father, for Your promises of peace.

have a smile-filled day!
veneal 

a Mighty Word ~ refresh

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says...

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

So, there's the answer.  Refreshment comes from God, not me. Seek Him and be renewed.

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

shhhh... testing

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"  2 Corinthians 13:5

http://god-bless-you.org

The last few weeks of school are mind-bending and tense. Troubles flow, patience slow and you just feel the need to SCREAM and GO... 
Let's go to the One who knows all about our today and is already in our tomorrow.

When we keep our eyes on Him, His Peace fills our soul.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

have a faith-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word - still

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD,who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

I know, what i know, what i know.
Thank You, Father, for always catching me.

have a calm-filled day!
veneal

the morning after...

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion...'" Lamentations 3:22-24

Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday, anniversary.  The morning after a special day can be a letdown. But there is one sure way to keep from feeling blue...  remembering how God feels about us every day.

Day in, day out, every minute and every second we matter to Him.  Thank You, Father!

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

Happy Mother's Day...

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

The love of a mother... it is special, everlasting and unconditional. Happy Mother's Day to all, whether a mother through blood or love, you make a difference.


 

I miss you, Mother. Yet, i feel you "with me" in things i do and say. You're gone, but you're not. The truth is -- time does not heal loss, i miss you everyday. But for sanity sake, we have to learn how to move on. So, i strive to live each day in a way to honor you. To see your smile again, how beautiful that would be. One day... one day i will. And the angels will sing. Thank You, Father!

have a bless-filled day!
veneal

hats off to you!

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings..." Psalm 17:8

Testing, reports, projects and more testing... it's the crazy end-of-school year mode.  But despite the frenzy, many teachers carve out time to prepare special keepsakes for Mother's Day.  

                                                                          Laminating the special bookmarks, poems and hats, i couldn't keep from reading what students wrote.  The love and devotion between mother and child, clearly showed through their words and drawings.  Most children have no idea the impact it will probably have on their mother.   Not only can i imagine how much their moms will treasure the gift, i understand from experience.

Because you see, i still have my bookmark, tattered and faded, from ten years ago, in my favorite Book.

Whether a mother by blood or by love, never underestimate your power and influence on the children in your path.  You are the apple of their eye, as well as our Father's.  They notice what we do, as our Father notices all we do too.  

For every child's heart you have touched, Happy Mother's Day! You are special and greatly loved.

have a bless-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ hate-not

Jesus said...
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?...  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:44,46,48


Be careful what you hate, in case you change your mind... and become more like our Father.

have a love-filled day!
veneal

that smells

"My soul finds rest in God alone..."  Psalm 62:1

When i am tired, i stink.  I'm not referring to body odor stink, but heart and mouth stink.  On these days, the struggle isn't with job performance -- the struggle is with kindness.  Because i fear the shortness of patience and sprouts of irritability showing its ugly face, i just want to go home. 

Why did i keep pushing yesterday?  Was it really worth it?

Father, i know it doesn't matter how good of a job i do, if my attitude stinks. As the school year quickly closes in and deadlines tower, help me.  Help me stop, rest and just be with You. My heart can't reflect You, when i've left it at home under the covers. May the sweetness of Your Love overpower all my weaknesses and mistakes.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

have a sweet-filled day!
veneal  

a Mighty Word ~ hope

"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You." Psalm 25:21

BELIEVE in yourself when others don't and act accordingly. You will sleep better knowing you gave your best -- and make God smile for your strength despite the opposition.

Rewards from Him are the best. Thank You, Jesus!!

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

when left is right, and right is not

"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding." Proverbs 23:23
 
"Jack, there isn't any need to check out books, you'll never reach your reading goal."

Reverse psychology --- it doesn't work for everyone, and can be an unhealthy, negative mind-game. If used on the wrong people, it causes more damage, loss of respect and misunderstandings.  It can back-fire completely, because most realize what you're doing... a real motivation killer.

  

We need to understand the people in our life, and what motivates them.  The power of positive encouragement still ranks highest for most. Just ask Jesus. So thankful He doesn't play games. He just tells it like it is...

And Jesus said, "I tell you the truth..." over and over again.

Thank You, Jesus!

have an honest-filled day!
veneal

Saturday powerful truths...

Romans

God’s Faithfulness

³ What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! ....

No One Is Righteous

⁹ What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all!...
  As it is written:

“There is no one righteous, not even one;
¹¹     there is no one who understands;
    there is no one who seeks God.
¹² All have turned away,
    they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
    not even one.”
¹³ “Their throats are open graves;
    their tongues practice deceit.”
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
¹⁴     “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
¹⁵ “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
¹⁶     ruin and misery mark their ways,
¹⁷ and the way of peace they do not know.”
¹⁸     “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

¹⁹ Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. ²⁰ Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Righteousness Through Faith

²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²² This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.


So, through His Word i am made conscious of my shortcomings and sins... and through His blood, and His blood ALONE, i am made righteous and forgiven.  Because i BELIEVE in Him and what He did, i am set free.

Thank You, Jesus.

busted besties

Jesus said...
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are My friends..." John 15:13-14

Tears twice in two days... from two different students, but for the same reason.  Lilly and Ella ditched by a "best" friend for another were hurt.  No explanation, no reason -- just because.  Watching their ex with another was too much for their broken hearts. Tender reminders that what we value is not always valued by another. 

Father, thank You for never ditching me for the likes of another. No matter how much i mess up, fuss up or give up, You are my tower of strength.  When all else in the world fails me, I know i will find You still by my side.  Thank You, thank You, thank You.  What a Friend we have in Jesus!  Don't you agree?

have a Friend-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ believe

Jesus said...
"Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27

STOP 
DOUBTING DOUBTING DOUBTING DOUBTING DOUBTING

 and
BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE  ! 
 

Thank You, Father!

have a love-filled day!
veneal

when do you use a magnifying glass?

"Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:3-4

Science is magical, and at times confusing with tricky terminology.  Do you know the difference between concave and convex?  Word-play helps me remember.  Like, concave is a cave far away; while convex magnifies.  Knowing the difference in these lens can be critical for conclusions in some experiments... and in life.

So, let's try a couple of experiments:

1.  How do you view problems or trials, with a
     concave or convex lens?  
     I vote for concave -- to minimize my focus on
     problems, not magnify them.

2.  How do you view God, with a concave or convex
     lens?
     I vote for convex -- i want to focus on God and
     magnify Him in all things.

With all the variables we face daily, we must know where are dependency belongs.  A constant is a must for true, reliable results. Drawing the right conclusions, will provide strength, comfort and peace.

Thank You, Father, for being my Constant.  On You, i can depend always.

have a still-filled day!
veneal