THE VOICE

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

The lamination machine at school has been on a roll  -- literally.  Teachers brought many items they wanted preserved and protected all year, such as name tags, rules and procedures to our workroom.  During this time, i got to see many important points made in creative ways. One thing for sure, it's never too early to implement expected and accepted  rules for the year.

Sometimes the simplest and best rules are the most important... not just for today or the year, but for life.


May THE VOICE of reason and kindness be yours.

have a grace-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ show

"Let your gentleness be evident to all."  Philippians 4:5

not one...
not a few...
not some...
not most...
but all.

have a gentle-filled day!
veneal

here's your sign...

"set an example for the believers in speech, in life in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

Teachers who rule make school cool!

 

I'm thankful for the many teachers, assistants, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, office staff, nurses, counselors and countless others who choose to nurture our country's most valuable resource... our children. It truly takes an army to raise, guide and protect a child on this worldly battlefield.

Stay confident in your post; you are in a needed, active position for God.  Be the leader, you would want to have. Praying for you, God's mighty warriors, today in your mission field at school.

 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ motive

"... acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts." 
 1 Chronicles 28:9


Our actions and motives need to align with each other for godly peace.  Teach with peace, and change a life for eternity.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

happy days are here again

"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

The first week of school is over, but hopefully not your excitement.  Keep the thrill and joy of the new school year in your heart by staying in touch with our Father every morning.  Put God at the top of your lesson plan... in ink.

have a cross-filled day!
veneal

is it okay to be you?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

When defining yourself, which statement is more accurate?
Who you are is determined by what you do.
What you do is determined by who you are.
I believe both statements can be true and consistent.

In the classroom a teacher possesses the ability and knowledge to teach students a multitude of studies from math to history to the arts. Teaching with a heart like Jesus' comes natural when you are a Christian... it's part of your makeup, not an extra-curricular activity.  But is it okay?

Not only do students benefit from guidelines for school, so do teachers.  As a Christian teacher in public schools, understanding how you can be yourself, and a Light in your classroom is important.  Dalene Parker shares valuable information on how to not just survive in your classroom, but to thrive with confidence and peace.  It's the perfect read for any Christian teacher or educator for a successful school year.

If after reading "Christian Teacher in Public Schools", you still have qualms on being yourself, let the Word of God be your guide.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

If we are true to our faith and God's two greatest commands, love God with all your heart and love you neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39), who can we possibly offend?  Be true to yourself and our Father.  This is going to be an awesome year. He has our back... and we have His heart.  Thank You, Father!

have a love-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ timely

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Each day matters, each day counts.  
Let's use today wisely and make a positive impact for life.

have a wise-filled day!
veneal

chew on this

"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Proverbs 13:10

In preparing for the new school year, i uncovered some exciting information.  Besides paper, pencils and tissues, boxes of chewing gum need to be added to the classroom supplies list.

Did you know recent studies show chewing sugarless gum increases blood flow to the brain which can help memory and the ability to focus?!
 
Gum-chewing students had a 3 percent increase in their standardized math test scores compared with those who did not chew gum. Also, the students who chewed gum had better final grades compared with the non-chompers.
AND, students who chewed gum required fewer breaks, paid better attention and stayed quiet longer than those who did not.
AND, it decreased the appetite and desire to snack.
AND, that tale if you swallow gum it stays in your stomach for years? It's just that -- a tale. Actually, it's passed through the body, not digested.


Do you need to know more?  Not me.

I believe handing out chewing gum with tests or school supplies is a smart idea.

But the best advice of all is keep a prayerful, open heart for all entrusted in our care as we seek God's guidance daily. We are never too experienced to keep from learning new facts and Truths.  The proud are stiff jawed, and the humble chew.  Which one are you?

have a think-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ encourage

"Encourage one another daily..."  Hebrews 3:13


It's always right...
it's always needed.

have an encouraging-filled day!
veneal

all A's!

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..." Acts 3:19

There is nothing better than the first day of school.  Everyone (even us) starts with a clean slate... no strikes, no demerits, no detention, no zeros.  From grades to behavior, everyone has all A's.  No wonder the halls are full of smiles and good cheer! It's a wonderful opportunity and start for all, no matter what the past.

When we ask for forgiveness and approach the throne of grace, we have this same wonderful opportunity.  Our Father wipes away all the failures, shortcomings and sins in our lives and remembers them no more.  We are then able to turn to Him and serve Him in A+ style.  In need of complete, true restoration and refreshment in your life?  There is no better day than today... the "A" is yours merely for the asking!

have a thank‑filled day!

veneal

'Twas the Night before School...

"I will give you as a light to the nations, which my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Isaiah 49:6

‘Twas the night before school and all thru the town,

Children were filled with delight and couldn’t settle down.

Their new book bags by the door were packed with much care,

Knowing an exciting new school year was almost there.

The children were giggling and tossing in their beds,

While visions of great teachers danced in their heads.

Now, across the way, teachers were also finally at rest,

Trusting they had prepared for ‘Day One’… to their very best.

Then out burst the sun, shining so bright;

The teachers feared they had overslept the night!

They took a nervous breath and looked at the clock,

Alas, there was plenty of time before the school doors were unlocked.

Arriving for a final check of the room before the bell at 8,

The teachers breathed easily for their classrooms looked great.

The books and supplies were stacked neatly on shiny, clean desks,

And the chairs were in perfect order… there was absolutely no mess.

Soon the bell rang, and one-by-one the children eagerly came;

What sweet music to their ears as the teacher called them by name.

Hello Ben, Hi there Emma Lou and Jada,

Welcome to our class, Anna, Tommy and MaKayla!

Come on in Craig and Lucy and you too, Donna Sue! 

Oh, my! Look at my list, what a wonderful crew!

Now find your seats quickly, the teacher said with a grin,

Then she shared classroom rules so everyone could win.

Her knowledge was vast and she made learning a blast, 

She truly loved all her students, from the first to the last.

The children drooled over the information she poured out.

Some learned quickly, some not, and some even gave a pout.

But the teacher shared freely to all because she believed,

Each child deserved her best…and she would meet each need.

At the end of the day, students and teachers skipped away,

Both feeling happy and relieved it had been such a great day.

And I heard the students exclaim as they rode out of sight...

My teacher is great!! This year is going to be just right!

Yes, my friends, you teachers have the ability and power,

To serve the Lord, our Father -Teacher, each and every hour.

So give Him your best in all that you say and do,

You will make a difference in others, perhaps for an eternity too!

Shine my sisters and brothers, light up your classroom and world!

This is the beginning of a wonderful school year!  Remember, it all starts with what we believe.  Believe the best.

Have a joy-filled day!

veneal

the empty bowl

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your Hand." Isaiah 64:8

In preparation for a new school year, teachers in our district attended a day's worth of workshops. Among the many choices, my eyes were quickly drawn to the Empty Bowls Community Service session. In this class we became hands in action and crafted clay bowls. We were given general guidelines and encouraged to incorporate our own likes and tastes in designing our bowls. No two bowls were alike or perfect. Yet, each and every bowl will serve in helping to fight hunger when sold during an upcoming fund-raising event.
 

Father, we are wonderfully made by You. As clay in Your hands, You created and equipped each of us with special gifts-talents for serving others and You. As we feel the heat of frustration or doubt seep into some of our days ahead, help us remember it is for good. The heat cures and makes us stronger in You and capable of holding/helping others in need.  Thank You, Father for loving us perfectly, even in our imperfect ways.

have a giving-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ shine

Jesus said - "(your name), you are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16

Shine on...

have a sweet-filled day!

veneal

the first whatever

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27

Whatever happens...

the meeting went longer than expected

the copy machine broke

forgot important passwordS

the printer jammed

ran out of cream... and coffee

lost directions for new procedures

reports had to be redone… again

schedules changed from what was expected

my comfort zone was invaded

Lord, may we remember that whatever happens, wherever we are, whenever “it” comes up…You are already there, and it WILL be okay.  May we rely on You for the control, strength and power we need today.

Have a thank-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ thanks

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

First day back on the school front.  Thank You, Father, for the gift of today.

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

skunk hair

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs... Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 4:29, 5:1-2

If you know what it is, you understand what it means.  Skunk hair is a condition experienced by people who use hair color.  A younger generation skunk on purpose, others do not.  For me, it appears like white magic, when too much time  passes between color enhancements.  The shining streak starts as a faint marking and expands with each passing day.  And, it really does stink because others notice it before the wearer does.

Hair isn't the only part of us that can turn skunky.  Sometimes our attitudes, habits or manners can stink up a room. Working on our career agendas, social ladders, or talent performances, we can easily slip into an all-about-me mode.  Our energy and focus revolve on how to make our life easier, better and finer instead of serving others around us... or in other words, serving our Father. 

Sniff.  How is the air quality around you?  If you aren't sure, look at the people in your circle. They are a good indicator.  If their nose is turned up, head lowered or a frown planted on their face, you might want to examine yourself and your current motives.

Father, clear my head and my heart of skunk-like tendencies. Rid me of bitterness, selfish acts and jealous ways. Fill me with compassion and kindness instead.  Let me overflow with Your sweet fragrance, so others will be drawn to You and your unconditional love and saving grace. In Jesus' name, amen.

Now, for the hair issue, that requires a trip to my Angie-girl for color enhancement. Oh, the delights of seeing the right ones for our issues... of heart and hair.

have a sweet-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ touch

"'Who touched me?', Jesus asked...
Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at His feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed.
Then He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'" Luke 8:45, 47-48


In faith, she reached out and touched Him.
  
What will happen if you reach out and touch Him in faith?  There is Power in faith.  Believe.

have a faith-filled day!
veneal

never too small

 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." Romans 12:6

Checking out my okra plants, it reminded me of people. No two are alike. Planted at the same time, in the same area, in the same all the okra grew and produced differently... also, like us.

Searching the garden for goodies, i was in the habit of looking at just the large plants... that was a mistake.  While the largest plants looked good and healthy, they didn't always produce much or any of the fruit i desired.  Some of the runts in the garden surprised me and produced the nicest okra of all.  Plant size was not the main determinant affecting the fruit produced.

What a tasty reminder! God can and does use every one.  He equips all His children, old and young, to serve Him.  With talents and gifts He deems best, God has blessed us.  Our gifts and abilities are not based on age, race or gender, but on His wisdom, graciousness and immense love for us.  We are created by Him, for Him to bring glory to His name and be the light for others to know Him.  No light is too small to shine in the darkness and make an eternal difference.  

Father, give me faith and discipline enough to grow effectively in the gifts you have bestowed in me.  I want to honor You and dedicate my abilities in serving You and others.  Thank You for planting fruit in our life, and allowing us to show and share Your magnificent grace and mercy to others.  I am humbly honored to be picked to serve You, any way i can. Thank You.

have a gift-filled day!
veneal

a MIghty Word ~ humble

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:14-15



When being right is more important than doing right, God is not close at heart.  Insecurity, arrogance and pride is not a part of His Peace equation.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

a witch of an itch!

"We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.... never tire of doing what is right." 2 Thessalonians 3:11,13

The itch was driving me crazy.  And no ointment would bring relief.  Their conversation, colored with excessive hand motions signaled frustration for them and curiosity for me.  What to do? What to do?

Have you ever felt that temptation to move in closer? You know, to help the situation at hand? No doubt, if my opinion was needed, an invitation to join them would have been extended.  

Father, help me to stay focused on my tasks and our business... to grow Your Kingdom in love and respect.  There is much genuine, beneficial work before me.  Sticking my nose in and stirring the hot pot of another, serves up more trouble than peace.  I want to keep my nose clean and in the right places.

have a know-filled day!
veneal

don't ask, please

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Matthew 6:34

The calendar has flipped... and me too.  If you teach or work in the school community, you already know what time it is.  Yet, every day i run into someone wanting to make sure i haven't forgotten.  You know the questions:  Are you ready for school to start?  When do you go back to school? How many more days before you go back to work?

Don't get me wrong, i absolutely love what i do and feel abundantly blessed to work with our children and their teachers.  But during the summer, i drink in every minute of refreshment possible.  I am thankful to have time to recharge, rest, redirect and reflect on serving God and others better.  I need no countdown or whistles concerning my Return Day. I am not one to ponder or worry about what's to come, but instead celebrate the joy of today. My Daddy gave me my great-Aunt Ola's needlepoint this summer.  It  sums up my motto well.  Could you use this on your wall of life?

Father, I am content just being with You today.  I believe You and Your Word. Tomorrow will take care of itself... and You will take care of me.  Thank You.

have a presence-filled day!
veneal

a MIghty Word ~ silence

Silence is golden only when it's not fueled by hurt or anger. 

"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26-27

beware --  anger is from satan.  Let it go, and let God handle.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal