for the children

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly/sisterly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

Stranded on buses until 1am, sleeping at school -- these were not planned field trips or activities, but they happened. And the first responders? School officials, bus drivers, teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria workers. 

Although these events are not the norm, the decision of school personnel putting student needs first is.  The public heard and saw their actions on an extraordinary day; i see and heard their dedication to our students on ordinary days.  

Extraordinary people on ordinary days. How blessed i am to witness and work with such selfless, devoted people... every day.  Heroes in my eyes, as well as, parents and God. Thank you, sweet caretakers, of our children.  You make God smile.

have a blessed-filled day!
veneal

the fire is on

"... be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Ephesians 5:18-20

When the weather outside is frightful, the fire is so delightful.
But even more delightful is the enormous love our Father has for us!

Father, fill me with the warmth and love of Your Holy Spirit daily.

 have a spark-filled day!
veneal

happy feet

"a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 3:4

Are you dancing??  I am.  

Celebrating the priceless moments of sleeping late, sipping hot chocolate and counting wondrous snow flakes.  Work will wait... and all will be good.

have a rest-filled day!
veneal

can it!

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  Romans 12:13

Clang those cans, and sing a song of joy!  We hit the 100 days of school mark! Don't you think one celebration deserves another? 

In honor of this event, students collected can goods for people and pets.  Each classroom made it their goal to collect 100 cans. As the cans stacked up, so did their excitement. Yet, i imagine the thrill in reaching 100 school days and 100 cans by the students will be exceeded by the ones receiving the cans of food. 

Good News, whether in words or deeds, is more fun and fulfilling when shared with others. It makes people feel better, inspires hope, creates goodwill.  

When we care, we share... and others are helped. Father, thank You, for opening our eyes and hearts to the needs of those around us.

have a share-filled day!
veneal

i have a dream

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God'”  Mark 10:27

What is your dream?  Take it to the dream-Maker.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

from zit to ziti

"... do good, be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to  share." 1 Timothy 6:18

I love playing Words with Friends.  It's intriguing to see how adding one letter can make a huge difference in possibly several ways.  For example, add an "i" to zit, and it's an entirely different word -- ziti.  If the letter is placed on a bonus square, the point value of the word can double or triple.  Yes, one little letter can make a whopping difference.

The same can be said about our actions.  One little act of kindness for another might be life altering.  From a simple smile, a listening ear or a helping hand, we can make a difference.  Unlike the bonus squares in the Word game, we have no idea of the exact impact our actions might have on another, but God does.  Yet, the rewards of kindness will rest in the hearts of the receiver and giver.  

Want to play?  Take a look at the talents, gifts and blessings God has provided you.  It's your turn to move.

have a doing-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ FaiTh

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

The depth of our faith is not measured by the number of trails we encounter, but in how we face them.

have a glory-filled day!
veneal

Handbook for 2014

“I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32

In looking over some past devotions, i came across this helpful Handbook.  I was in need of reviewing it and thought you might like it too.

HANDBOOK 2014

Health:

1.       Drink plenty of water.

2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in  

           plants..

4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy

5.       Make time to pray.

6.       Play more games

7.       Read more books than you did in 2013.

8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9.       Sleep for 7 hours.

10.    Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12.    Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in

          the positive present moment.

13.    Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16.    Dream more while you are awake.

17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past.

         That will ruin your present happiness.

19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the 

         curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will las

          a lifetime.

23.    Smile and laugh more.

24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:

25.    Call your family often.

26.    Each day give something good to others.

27.    Forgive everyone for everything..

28.    Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6.

29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.

31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32.    Do the right thing!

33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34.    GOD heals everything.

35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change..

36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37.    The best is yet to come..

38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

And when all else fails or questions arise, consult the original Handbook on Living… the Bible.  It is a proven and true Source for everything under the “Son”!

Have a joy-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ finish

"... finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." 
2 Corinthians 8:11

 Finishing the work is for the good of the student, not the Teacher.  But, oh, how it makes the Teacher smile. 

have a complete-filled day!
veneal

will you accept this assignment?

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2

My eagerness to start a new Bible study class hit a stag. In light of a new year, we were encouraged to pick a personal year verse. Given a few minutes to respond, a verse didn't pop in my head, but a cold sweat did.

How could i choose one so quickly? There are so many i constantly lean on... encourage each other daily, be still and know i am God, let your gentleness be evident to all, consider others better than yourself, do everything without complaining or arguing.  As i heard others claiming their verse, i thought -- oh, i like that verse!  i should pick that one! why didn't i think of that!

Time ticking, pages flipping, heart fluttering.... then, finally -- STOP.  My eyes firmly latched on a verse... my verse.  The more i read it, the more i realized it was the verse for me. 

Life is not easy or perfect for any one, including  believers.  I've dealt with some struggles recently, and have felt a little short on the faith marker... disappointed in my response to trails and situations.  In an imperfect world with imperfect people there are always problems and issues.  Sometimes i think it's even more difficult as a believer because we feel others expect more from us.  More patience, more understanding, more grace, more acceptance... more, more, more. And in not delivering the more, we might feel less of a believer.

But my verse reminds me to find joy in the trials... be positive.... because through these times we will grow -- grow in our relationship with God, who will never forsake us; and therefore, in our faith.  Each trial we face has the opportunity  to show, to strengthen, to affirm God's Mighty Hand and Presence in our life.  And this continuous, faithfulness of our God... trial, after trial, after trial... merits a song of praise to our Awesome God.

So, there you go. That's my verse for the year.  I am expecting a wonderful year filled with joy and trials, and i am ready for each one.  No matter what happens this year, i am confident my faith will grow and persevere because i am believing and claiming His Word, James 1:2, for me. I am going to place the verse in my kitchen, at my desk, in my car, and around my mind.

Are you up for an assignment?  What verse will you claim for yourself this year?  I'd love to hear your choice.  With over 31,100 verses to choose one, i'm sure you'll find the perfect one.

have a doing-filled day! 
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ treasure

"The LORD your God has chosen you, (your name), out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6


You are greater than a national treasure... you are a Holy treasure.

Thank You, Father!

have a special-filled day!
veneal

going for the goal

"Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD... He will not let your foot slip -- He who watches over you will not slumber... The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121: 1,2,3,8

Going for the goal in life.  It's as simple as skating.  Forward you go... down you go.  For many it definitely looks easier than it is... skating, and life. A few simple guidelines can ease the inevitable bumps and bruises to come for both.

1. stay within the boundaries... there is safety, comfort and peace when staying in the rink and in God's Word.

2. know the rules, have a plan and keep moving... JOY comes in knowing the expectations, doing it and ultimately living life to the fullest.

3.  always get up... whether on skates or in life, we will fall. Don't stay there, our pain will grow and we will cause others to stumble.

4. never do it alone... being next to One who is stronger and loves us unconditionally, assures us we will not stay down. In His perfect timing and way, He will scooped us up and gently led us in the right direction.

Tighten up your laces, and let's get ready to move on with 2014... with God.

have a grace-filled day!
veneal

a MIghty Word ~ daily

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 61:8


Old year, new year, year to come ... let's choose to trust our God in every minute in all things.
He cares, He can, He will provide for all our needs.
Thank You, Father!

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

memories from 2013

^"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave..." 1 King 19:11-13

Drawings taped on the walls, told of students' memories from 2013... drinking jitter juice, playing outside, stuffing a scarecrow, making applesauce,  blowing bubbles, putting their hand inside a pumpkin, celebrating Grinch Day.   Memories of good times, covered up and dispelled bad ones.


What are your memories from 2013? 


For some, major hardships, disappointments and pain plagued the past year.  Hopefully, these tribulations will not erase all the good memories.  Being consumed by earthquakes or fires, can cause us to forget or miss the numerous, sweet daily blessings God showers in our life.

Father, help me stay aware of Your constant Presence, Provisions and Care in my life.  No matter what has transpired in the past, i want my life to be about celebrating the good moments -- because You are most gracious, giving and ever-present in my life. Thank You, Jesus, for whispering my name in love. Help me be still enough to always hear You.


have a wonder-filled day!
veneal

fresh as snow

"Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:7,10

There's nothing like a fresh, clean start... in school, in relationships, in life.  It bring a feeling of hope where hopelessness, despair or defeat once reigned as the ruler of one's soul.  A teacher put it in great perspective yesterday, when she told her students they presently had all A's. All of them!  What a positive, fresh start for the new year.

It's a new year -- with new beginnings, new starts and new ways.  May you be renewed in all areas of your life and rediscover the hope of fulfillment and peace our Father promises to all His children.
  

Father, may Your love cover me like new fallen snow.  Pure, complete and beautiful -- as only You can do.


have a joy-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ generosity

"...whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously... God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6,7

A grinch we needn't be,
on CHRISTmas or any day.
Wouldn't you agree instead,
daily generosity should pave our way?

Let the Spirit of CHIRSTmas continue.

have a giving-filled day!
veneal

the Recycle King

"When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, 'Gather the pieces that are  left over.  Let nothing be wasted.'"  John 6:12

I knew i was a trashy person, but this truth raised it's ugly head a lot the past few weeks.  During the holidays, waste around my home was the norm, not the exception.  There was excessive food, packaging, and even gifts.  Overflowing trash cans verified this situation existed not just at my home, but  others.  Better decisions could have been made.  Less food prepared or at least shared.  Less boxes used or recycled.  Less presents bought or given away to those in need.  It was embarrassing to see all the waste.  Items which may have brought great value or joy to another -- trashed.

 

Lord, i want to be a wiser user of the resources before me.  May my attitude and actions this year reflect more of Your Son.  For Jesus is the perfect role model for all areas of our life. Not only did He save us, but He taught us the importance of saving, as well.

have a wise‑filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ dreams

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You.  Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8
 

Due to frigid temperatures, schools officials opted for a special two-hour school delay.  Serious concern for the safety and the welfare of bus students was a crucial factor in their decision... but all will benefit and enJOY a later, safer start.

Singing a song of thanks.  Dreams do come true.

have a wonder-filled day!
veneal

finally over... or, is it?

"...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."   Romans 6:23

We made it through another CHRISTmas.  The wrapping, the unwrapping, the eating, the cooking, the eating, the visiting, the guests, the eating, the decorating, the undecorating, the eating, the cleaning, the eating.  But, finally CHRISTmas is over, and it's time to get back to business as usual.  Or, should we?

As we leave the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, let's do just that.  Leave the hustle and bustle.  But let's not neglect nor forget the true spirit of CHRISTmas...  God's gift of eternal life to us. 

I hope your CHRISTmas was full of His wonder, joy and love.  If not, don't fret.  We have reason to celebrate CHRISTmas everyday in our heart and lives.

Put your decorations up in the attic, but not Jesus.  Leave Him out and up front in your life for all to witness His goodness.  His Presence is our daily present -- and one designed for sharing.  Let's keep the merry in CHRISTmas going.

have a merry‑filled day!

veneal