pour it on!

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

You would think that after only two weeks of classes, teachers and school staff members would still be going strong, but not so.  The first couple of weeks are grueling and hectic and exhausting.  The train is up and running, but it sure took a lot of steam to get it moving in the right direction. A long weekend is just what is needed for rest, refreshment and renewal.

I am thankful for an opportunity to have a long weekend to count my blessings and to catch my breath.  May we come back stronger in Him, as He equips us for the days ahead.  Never doubt the tremendous impact you are making on others.  You might be the only face of Jesus another sees.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ fulfill

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever -- do not abandon the works of Your hands."  Psalm 138:8


Thank You, Father!  You will lead and accomplish what You desire in me.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal


Upstate Educators....
Plan to join me on November 1st for the Faith, Freedom & Public Schools event coming to Spartanburg, SC on November 1st at Milestones Church (across from Sptbg. Community College).  Endorsed by Focus on the Family, American Family Association, Christian Educators Association International, Chuck Colson Center and others, this conference is led by Gateways to Better Education President Eric Buehrer of Lake Forest, California. 

Here's your chance to be absolutely certain about what you can and cannot teach in the public school classroom related to God, the Bible, and Christian values.

Watch the 2 and 3-minute teacher testimony videos (scroll down on the website for each video): http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/5/27.html and then register online at www.gtbe.org  / Upcoming Events / November 1st.

The first 100 registrants receive a gift pkg. (valued at $20) reserved for them at the event table. 

Hope to see you there!
veneal

do you need cover?

"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

Before any testing for the new school year, Mrs. B had her class decorate personalized cover sheets.  The colorful drawings and designs were as unique as each student.  What a good idea to cover up your test with things you like.

 When we battle different tests in life, we need to follow their example and take cover with what we know to be Good.  As a believer, our greatest comfort in difficult times comes from our Savior.  When the questions we have possess no reasonable answers, the test material is incomplete, and the blanks just stay blank, God provides us with the needed source of guidance, peace and strength. 

Rest assured, with Him we will not fail any test before us. Because it's not about getting all the answers right, but being right with Him.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal



SOUTH CAROLINA UPSTATE EDUCATORS!!

Register TODAY for the Faith, Freedom & Public Schools event coming to Spartanburg on November 1st at Milestones Church (across from Sptbg. Community College).  Endorsed by Focus on the Family, American Family Association, Christian Educators Association International, Chuck Colson Center and others, this conference is led by Gateways to Better Education President Eric Buehrer of Lake Forest, California. 

Here's your chance to be absolutely certain about what you can and cannot teach in the public school classroom related to God, the Bible, and Christian values.

Watch the 2 and 3-minute teacher testimony videos (scroll down on the website for each video): http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/5/27.html and then register online at www.gtbe.org  / Upcoming Events / November 1st.

The first 100 registrants receive a gift pkg. (valued at $20) reserved for them at the event table.  

I'll see you there!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ feed

"... Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'" John 21:15

Father, help us to feed all our students with love, understanding, compassion, patience, kindness and truth.  With You by our side, i know we can. Thank You!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal



I want to share some very exciting news to educators in Upstate South Carolina!!

Here's your chance to be absolutely certain about what you can and cannot teach in the public school classroom related to God, the Bible, and Christian values.  There is so much more freedom than we realize or act upon.  

 Register TODAY for the Faith, Freedom & Public Schools event coming to Spartanburg on November 1st at Milestones Church (across from Sptbg. Community College).  Endorsed by Focus on the Family, American Family Association, Christian Educators Association International, Chuck Colson Center and others, this conference is led by Gateways to Better Education President Eric Buehrer of Lake Forest, California. 

Watch the 2 and 3-minute teacher testimony videos (scroll down on the website for each video): http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/5/27.html and then register online at www.gtbe.org  / Upcoming Events / November 1st.

The first 100 registrants receive a gift pkg. (valued at $20) reserved for them at the event table.  

Gather your teacher friends and bring a delegation from your school so you can stand strong together this school year. 

Finally, true clarity about issues of faith in the classroom.  

Don't delay.  Register TODAY!

I'll be there to greet you!

veneal

classroom rules -- for all

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

As a teacher, what do you expect from your class?  Some basic expectations might be as follows:

1.  Pay attention; listen when the teacher is talking.

2.  Be prepared; read your lessons and do your homework daily.

3.  Apply what you learn to your work.

4.  Respect and obey the teacher.

5.  If you need help, ask the teacher.

Would you agree that those expectations are building blocks for the success of the student? To help them get the most out of their studies? And, to reap benefits from it now and in the future?

We, also, are students and are under the watchful, loving eyes of the greatest Teacher of all... our Father.  Since we are in the classroom-of-life for Christ, may we follow the same guidelines.  He has the desire and ability to equip us with wisdom, discernment and power.  Let us listen to Him, read His Word, do as He instructs, and pray... in times of need and praise.  

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

watch your weight...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  Hebrews 12:1

The summer was a great time to rest and even lose some weight.  I was able to shed some worries, headaches and pressures.  There was less stress in my life, as well as, less anxiety.  But here it is the first week of school and i am already beginning to feel the pounds trying to sneak back on me.  A snack on computer procedures, schedule conflicts, constant roll changes and forgotten guidelines is enough to weigh anyone down.

Want to stay in shape?   We can keep our weight in control by giving it all to the Father.  He can handle whatever comes our way.  His fitness plan is a simple 3 step process: 

give it to Him, 

leave it with Him, and 

go on with Him.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ forward

"... one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Thank You, Father for reminding us to look forward and not behind.  Help keep our sights on a new and better direction so to bring honor and glory to You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
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 much better than the first days of school.  Everyone gets to start 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 was for them.

When we ask for forgiveness and approach the throne of grace, we have that 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 serve Him in A+ style.  In need of a new start and refreshment in your life?  There is no better day than today... the "A" is yours merely for the asking!

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,

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 care,

Knowing a 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,

They had prepared for ‘day one - to their very best.

 

Then out came the sun, shining so bright.

The teachers feared they had overslept the night!

With a deep breath they grabbed their glasses and peered at the clock,

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

Arriving early 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, Louise 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,

And she gave out classroom instructions so everyone could win.

 

Her knowledge was vast and she made learning a ball, 

What the teacher had to offer was her gift for all.

The children drooled over the facts she poured out;

Some learned quickly, and others simply started to pout.

But the teacher freely gave to all because she truly believed,

Each child deserved her best…and she wanted to meet their needs.

 

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

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

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

My teacher is great; I know this year is going to be just right!

Yes, my friends, you teachers have the power,

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

So to Him give your best in all that you do,

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

 

 

 

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

Today is the beginning of a wonderful school year!  It all starts with what we believe.

 

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ ready

"You have filled my heart with greater joy." Psalm 4:7

WHO is ready for school?

Who is going to bring hope for better days ahead? You!
Who provides joy in learning to students? You!
Who makes a difference in the life of others? You!
Who has an opportunity to make an impact for eternity? You!

The love and devotion to "your" children  is evident.  You have planned, prepared and prayed.  It will be a wonder-filled year! I am honored to be a part of your team.

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ planting

"I plant the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow... 
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:6

You plant; God grows.  It's His perfect plan. It's going to be a God-tacular year!

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

A Mighty Word - direction

Wondering what to do next?


Ask Him...

Friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ beginnings

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11

All that ends well, begins well.

Summer has come to an end, and school begins today for some.  Because of a wonderful ending, i'm confident the beginning is going to be wonderful too!

Good bye, Summer!
Hello, School!
Let's do it!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

there goes the sun

"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." Lamentations 3:22-23

Sunsets are beautiful... and fleeting. As we enjoy the beauty of the moment, we know it will not last long.  This is true for many things.

One sunset coming to a quick end is summer.  A new school year is on the horizon.  It's time to put the beach towels up and pull out notebooks.  Are you ready?

Lord, i've loved my summer with You.  The peace and joy of the season put a smile on my face.  As the season quickly approaches an end, pleased help me remember that even with the sunset of summer, the morning to come will bring it's own beauty.  As long as Your Son is set in my heart, i will continue to be filled with Your love and peace.  Tomorrow will be a gorgeous day.  Thank You.

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,
veneal