sticker protection

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." 1 Peter 1:3-4

The front of our new library books sport a pretty "new" sticker for quick recognition.  New books always create much excitement at the checkout counter with students; and it's not long before the new stickers look tattered, faded and slap worn out.

Being new in Christ can cause a similar effect.  The thrill and excitement of accepting Jesus, our Lord and Savior, can wear one out. There is excitement and eagerness to do right and be right.  Soon the realization surfaces -- we just can't be good enough.

But wait!  That's why the Good News is the good news. Jesus did for us what we can not do for ourselves.  He saved us from sin and ourselves. His Peace and Love for us will never perish, spoil or fade. So whether new in Christ or seasoned with His love, we always have reason to thank Him and celebrate His unending grace and mercy.  

God is the ever-lasting Protector for our "new in Christ" sticker.

have a joy-filled day!

veneal

no lie ...

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands  that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Proverbs 16-19


Why do people lie?

fear, desperation, insecurity
hurt, anger, revenge, greed
the desire to impress or project the image of a "better" person
misguided help for others
laziness, habit
... once a person starts lying about little stuff, it grows like a deadly disease.

DECLARE WAR ON LIES

The old sayings are still so true -- honesty is the best policy.
And, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything.

Lies break the ties of trust... honesty builds trust and respect.  I'm in the mood to build, are you?

have an honest-filled day!
veneal

are you smiling?

" When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them." Job 29:24

The week was full of disappointments.  Promises were broken, unfavorable news erupted, rules were broken, plans changed and people acted rude.  There were plenty of reasons to whine and grip -- but it only takes one reason to cancel out any and all bad news in our life.  And that is the Good News of Jesus Christ!

What has your witness been to others this week? Unexplainable joy and peace or downcast defeat?  No matter what has happened, there is reason to smile.  When we Fully Rely On God, we are able to move our minds off self and focus instead on a bigger and brighter Truth... His unconditional love for us.

Here's some more good news; we woke up to another Friday.  Are you smiling?  God is full of wonders just for you.  Keep watching Him and be delighted.

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ first

"First seek the counsel of the LORD." 2 Chronicles 18:4

What are you facing...
a conflict? 
a dilemma?
sickness? 
heartache?  
a major decision?  
emotional turmoil?  
cruelty?   
injustice?    
lies?  

... First seek the counsel of the LORD.

Whatever is turning up in your life, turn it over first to our Father. He has seen it all and knows how to lead us forward to freedom, rest and peace.

Thank You, Father!

have a grate-filled day!
veneal

did you remember?

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

SYATP (See You At The Pole)... today.  
Thank you for joining the millions today praying for our schools. Can you imagine the loud rumbling of prayers for all our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and volunteers pounding on the gates of heaven? Glory hallelujah!!  Rest assure not a whisper, song, plea, praise or smile will escape our Father's ears. May our prayers be unending, because it's never too late to pray.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of incredible sisters and brothers in Christ.  I am humbly honored and blessed to be serving with them in a mission field filled with precious gems... our children. 

have a prayer-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ SYATP

IF WE PRAY, SEEK, TURN;
THEN GOD HEARS, FORGIVES, HEALS.

2 CHRONICLES 7:14

See You at the Pole, the global day of student prayer, started in 1990 with ten students praying at their school. More than twenty years later, millions pray at schools on the fourth Wednesday in September. See You at the Pole is a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole before school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. Will you join us?

Let's meet and pray around our school's flagpole tomorrow, September 25th before school.  Many will gather starting anywhere from 715-730am.  Whenever you arrive, will be the right time for prayer.

SYATP! tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25th!

have a blessed day!
veneal

save our children

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

With tubing and string, the young tree received proper growing guidance.  At the right time, it would all be removed, and hopefully strong enough to grow into a beautiful tree.

 
Our schools are filled with young students stretching and yearning to grow. Many have a wonderful, solid support cast at home.  Some are weathering hard and trying times with little to no home support.  As we prepare for today's opportunities, let's remember we might be a needed life line for some... anchoring them to a life with a future and hope.  

Father,  Help me to shepherd the hearts around me with Your love and gentleness. 

have a kind-filled day!
veneal

A Royal Pane

"... God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Never has this saying been more true to me than last week. While walking down a school hall, i stumbled on a golden nugget of truth.  In public schools, there is a cautious sensitivity to Christianity and the fear of offending non-Christians.  But, i am joyfully at peace knowing God cannot be kept out of school or any establishment as long as a Christian can be found within it's walls.

Look at this picture.  The window panes are crosses!  What a beautiful reminder God is alive and cannot be kept out of school.  Christ who is in me (and you), goes with us wherever we go.... including school.   He is  the very essence of our fiber.

Being a Christian is not about what we wear, but how we act, talk and treat others.  Christ in school is possible because He lives within us... Jesus with skin.  Let's put a smile on His face and let His light shine through our "panes"... and joys.

have a kind-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ truth

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:18


Whether we speak, scream, whisper or cry out to God, we are not alone.  The comfort of our Father is at hand.

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

be the gold

Jesus said...
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

It's easy doing what's right if the ones around you do too. When people are making wonderful, kind decisions, we feel energized.  It's easy to be kinder, work harder and longer, and even go beyond expectations.

But when we stumble on difficult people, tossing the golden rule is a natural reaction. It's hard to do right when others act selfishly, dishonestly, arrogantly or negatively. Why should we bother to do right, when some are so wrong?  Because God says so. It's the better choice not so much for the offender, but for you.

When we face unfair people and decisions, we can find greater peace by choosing the higher road and treating them right... no matter what.  Being less of what God has created us to be builds frustration, inner conflict and anger.

Dig deep in trying time, and be the gold in the golden rule.  You deserve to be covered in His Peace.

have a true-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ wonderful

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I, (your name), am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14


God doesn't make junk... you, my friend, are a priceless jewel created by Him for His glory.  Shine so all my see and know Him!

have a glory-filled day!
veneal

tear down this wall!

"... God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." Acts10:34-35

Over twenty years and President Reagan's words still echo in my ears, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"  And in due time, the massive Berlin Wall came tumbling down. It was feared President Reagan's words were too abrasive, but it was the right thing to say. Millions trapped behind the wall of communist oppression were finally provided freedom and opportunity for new life.

As believers, we have the opportunity to help free others and to cheer as they gain new life in Christ. When we love as Christ loves us, we put down walls of selfish, judging and prejudice attitudes.  Such attitudes erect a wall within and prevent the love of God from flowing out to others in need.

Father, help me not to show favoritism by loving just the easy ones in my path.  Give me Your strength, boldness and heart to genuinely share Your love and goodness to everyone.

have a bold-filled day!
veneal

are you covered?

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4

To curb any temptation to cheat during a test, Mrs. B's had her class make cover sheets for the school year.  It was fun seeing all the creative designs.

                                      Some were very cute.

Some were very interesting.

And one was just right.

To stand strong against temptations, weaknesses or doubts in life, we need to be covered by God. As believers, all our ways are protected by Him. What a comfort to know nothing touches us without passing through His fingers.  His coverage is 100%! 

Rest under His Love, and let others see and know how wonderful our Cover is.

have a sweet-filled day!
veneal

do you HIT?

"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 4:2-3

I am against violence, but i am for people with HIT character.  Whatever the circumstances or consequences, a relationship built and sustained on honesty, integrity and truth is right on target.

Honesty
Integrity 
Truth

In this case, one good HIT deserves another. HIT others with your best, and God's peace will prevail for all.

have a HIT-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ healing

"...This is what the LORD, the God of your father, David, says: I  have heard your prayer and seen your tears, I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5


Remembering 9/11, and thanking God for His faithfulness to us... for sustaining, strengthening, comforting and healing.

God, You are our Peace.   Thank You for what You have done, for what you are doing and for what You will do.

have a prayer-filled day!
veneal

picture this

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." Proverbs 15:30

For a few minutes today, smiles will cover the faces of all students and hearts will be lifted. All cares will momentarily slip away.  It's picture day.  I love seeing the beautiful, smiling faces for picture day, and i look forward to when smiles rule every day.

Can you picture this?
No tears....
No pain...
No worry...
No frowns...
No heartache...
No loneliness...
But just pure, absolutely JOY?!

 
Smile today for the camera because it's school picture day.  Smile everyday for Him because of His tremendous love for us.

Ready?  Smile and say, "Thank You, Jesus!"

have a joy-filled day! 
veneal

medicine we all need

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Before you scold the class clown too much, i want to share something with you.  I have clown tendencies.

Purposely, and sometimes not, i enjoy causing others to laugh. Laughter breaks ice, tension, stress and even burns calories. Recent surveys confirm laughter is one of the best medicines on earth, with little or minimal bad side effects. Who knows?  Maybe some of those class clowns are just future doctors practicing medicine early.

Smile, and give thanks for the day... and needed medicine.

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

A Mighty Word ~ kindness

"... make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7

I will not hit, kick or pout.  I am the teacher and my "Daddy" is strong when i am weak.

Thank You, Father!

have a kind-filled day!
veneal

face-off

"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward to Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12,14

Because of her tremendous fame, she was a role model for many young girls.  She didn't ask for it, but her television personality, Hannah Montana,  spilled out everywhere. Anything with her name or face on it, caused the cash registers to sing.  In recent years and days, she has intentionally ripped the face off of her wholesome image and opted for a more daring adult image.  I am thankful our media center found her new image conflicted drastically and negatively with her younger days; and therefore, her books on the shelf needed to go elsewhere.

Lord, during the course of our life, we participate in different roles.  But at the end of each day, i want to be found still true to my core role... belonging to You.  How we live and for whom we live is evident by our words and actions. Give me the strength, wisdom and guidance needed to live my life as Your child. Let it be no secret, i'm in love with You.

have a truth-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ surrounded

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways..." Psalm 91:11


Angels are all around us.... ministering to us as God sees fit.
Thank You, Father!

have an uplifting-filled day!
veneal

if elected...

"Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well." Proverbs 23:23

Candidates' promises lined the halls during election week.  Unlike the national elections, the school campaigns were refreshing, clean, honest and uplifting.  The students' speeches focused on appreciation for their school and dreams for the future. 

From expected to unexpected candidates, i marveled over the diversity.  What one candidate claimed, where the impossible becomes possible, rang true.  Another candidate shared how school has fostered an environment of encouragement for her to succeed in life and the confidence to try.  

After the campaigning and speeches, i was glad i didn't have to vote.  For in this election with the young and innocent, there were too many great choices.    

Truth... it has power.  We should never sell it, misuse it or out grow it.  How would you vote on that?

have a truth-filled day!
veneal

labor in love

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonions 1:3

Giving thanks today for the opportunity to work and serve Him and others.  Love what you do, and do what you love.  This is God's desire for us.  

Blessings and Happy Labor Day!
veneal