Be a treat!

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4: 30-32

Every October, i am reminded of the tale comparing a Christian to a jack-o-lantern.

  
God personally picks and prepares each of us to do His work.  Through continuous love and discipline, He diligently removes the yuck from us.  He rids us of the harmful seeds of hate, jealousy, anger, doubt, revenge, fear. Once in the Arms of Jesus, His Light shines from within us to draw others to Him. 

Isn't that a beautiful picture?  God's Hands on us taking out the junk and putting in His Light! 
Smile, and let His Light shine for all to see!

have a Light-filled day!
veneal

Looking forward to seeing many tomorrow!
Faith, Freedom and Public Schools workshop at Milestones Church in Spartanburg this Saturday!
Seminar schedule and online registration is available at: http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html

a Mighty Word ~ assorted

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

Do you know of any two children who are exactly alike?

No matter who you are... how alike or different you are from others, GOD LOVES YOU. Just the way you are.

Father -
"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You." Psalm 63:3

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

 
Faith, Freedom and Public Schools workshop hosted by Milestones Church in Spartanburg this Saturday!
Seminar schedule and online registration is available at: http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html

See you there!

do you know??

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

If i had 8 eyes like a spider...

 
or keen hearing like a bat...







or the mind of Einstein...

i still could not begin to comprehend the vast wonders God has in store for you or me.

Thank You, Father!  Your love for us is unfathomable!! 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Faith, Freedom and Public Schools workshop in Spartanburg this Saturday!
Seminar schedule and online registration is available at: http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html

See you there!

a Mighty Word ~ Seed (Word)

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5-6

With God, our tears, in time, will once again turn into joy because of His faithfulness to us, His children. Plant His Word firmly in your heart, soul and mind... and you will find rest.

God works all things to the good to those who love Him.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Faith, Freedom and Public School workshop this Saturday

"...be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2

If you are a South Carolina Upstate Educators, please read and share ...

The Faith, Freedom & Public Schools workshop is coming to Spartanburg this Saturday morning, November 1st at Milestones Church (across from Spartanburg Community College).  


What a great opportunity to learn how to be the Hands and Feet of God -- legally, appropriately and academically.

 Gain confidence and peace of mind as you discover simple ways to lawfully, appropriately, and academically:
· Include how America’s Judeo-Christian heritage has influenced your academic subject (no matter what it is)
· Invite students to live their faith in the classroom (and watch behavior improve)
· Teach students what it means to be one nation under God
· Teach about America’s religious heritage
· Promote and defend students’ freedom of religious expression
· Restore traditional recognition of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter

Seminar schedule and online registration is available at: http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html

The first 100 registrants receive a gift pkg. (valued at $20) at the workshop.

 
Teachers will receive a certificate for participation which entitles them to 3 hours toward renewal credit.
  

See you there!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

your blessing

"The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace."  Numbers 6:24-26

 Thank You, Father, for the Peace only You can provide.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

a Mighty Word~ each

"God determine the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:4-5

He who knows and named each star, knows each and every detail of our life. 

No matter how dark life may seem some days, turn to God, and let His light lead you back to peace.   He sees and knows what we can't possibly understand.  Trust Him. His love alone can fill, lift and sustain you during troubled times. 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

who are you?

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God..." John 1:12

Seeing one of our regular substitute teachers, i asked her, "Who are you today?"  
We both laughed as she answered, "I don't even know."
"That's okay, Mrs. Bea, as long as you always remember Whose you are, you will be fine."

On any given day, or hour, we take on various roles... parent, teacher, spouse, coach, referee, mediator, student, child, counselor, etc.  The mix of roles can sometimes overwhelm or bewilder us as they overlap and possibly conflict with each other.   

How can we possibly pull it all together and keep our sanity?

When all our roles fall under the umbrella of "a child of God", we gain greater peace, guidance and protection.  By claiming our identity as belonging to Him first, God will empower us in handling the various circumstances that develop during the day. 

Thank You, Father!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ friend

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

Hugging was the primary greeting with everyone at my high school reunion. This past weekend i experienced how situations, time, space, and other factors in our life cannot separate or erode true friendship. 

When reuniting after 40 years is as natural as breathing, you count it as a blessing and give thanks. 

Be thankful for your friends... they are an extension of God's love.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Have you registered? 

Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html;  first 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20. 

 

And teachers, you can apply for 3 hrs. recertification credit.
See you there!

Open heart

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15

"She is non-responsive."
I stared at the text.  How could it be?

My aunt underwent major surgery, and we were surprised with her quick recovery.  Yet once home, she immediately started declining and returned to the hospital.  The issue addressed, she started improving again.  But the next morning, the text i received signaled something went terrible wrong.  

Non-responsive?  What?? Why, Father? How? Hour-length minutes later, the next text told all.

It was a horrible mistake.

We were given information on another patient, not my aunt.  Immediately, we thanked God and cried out in relief.  But another fact remained. Our joy in the morning turned into sorry for someone else.  In the midst of our joy, we needed to pray for the heartache of another.

Father, thank You for all the joyous moments in our life.  As we celebrate, help us to stay sensitive to the pain and hurt of others around. Joyful, prayerful, helpful, hopeful... keep my heart open to all needs.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

what shape is your class in?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs... Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:

Whatever shape your class is in, may it be filled with God's love through you.

It's not about having a perfect class, but loving them perfectly -- despite the unexpected situations, emotional outbursts or other twists and turns of the day.

When we are weak, He is strong.  Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Have you registered? 

Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html;  first 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20.  

 

And teachers, you can apply for 3 hrs. recertification credit.
See you there!

Who needs rules?

"And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

You only have to be in a classroom for 3 minutes to realize rules are a must. They help bring order and establish peace at school... home and elsewhere.

 
Even the unruly "Davids" in the room, appreciate clear direction.
 
Thankful for all the teachers i know who rule with firm love in their classroom, as they strive to cultivate the best in each student.

And thankful for the Greatest Teacher of all, Jesus, who provides us with the daily guidance, strength, love and discipline needed for a peaceful life.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

what are you wearing?

"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.... and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12,14

 


















First graders were learning to describe items, things and people.  Which made me stop and think.  How did they see me? What words came to mind to describe me?  Would it stay the same despite my mood?  Would it make God smile or break His heart?


 
Father, rid me of stinking, filthy rags -- anger, slander, pride, greed, dishonesty, jealousy and the like. As others see me, so do You.  
How easy it is to do right and be kind when everything is going fine. Is it possible for the same words to describe me in good and bad times?  Help it be so for the sake of those around me.  With You, all things are possible... even this. 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Have you registered? 
Join me at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! 

 Gain confidence and peace of mind as you discover simple ways to lawfully, appropriately, and academically:
· Include how America’s Judeo-Christian heritage has influenced your academic subject (no matter what it is)
· Invite students to live their faith in the classroom (and watch behavior improve)
· Teach students what it means to be one nation under God
· Teach about America’s religious heritage
· Promote and defend students’ freedom of religious expression
· Restore traditional recognition of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter

Seminar schedule and online registration is available at: http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html

Deadline for discounted price of $30 extended to Oct. 15th

Teachers will receive a certificate for participation which entitles them to 3 hours toward renewal credit.
  

See you there!

falling for you...

"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

No one falls for us harder, faster, longer than our God.
Thank You, Father!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Have you registered? 
Join me at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! 

 Gain confidence and peace of mind as you discover simple ways to lawfully, appropriately, and academically:
· Include how America’s Judeo-Christian heritage has influenced your academic subject (no matter what it is)
· Invite students to live their faith in the classroom (and watch behavior improve)
· Teach students what it means to be one nation under God
· Teach about America’s religious heritage
· Promote and defend students’ freedom of religious expression
· Restore traditional recognition of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter

Seminar schedule and online registration is available at: http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html

Deadline for discounted price of $30 extended to Oct. 15th

Teachers will receive a certificate for participation which entitles them to 3 hours toward renewal credit.
  

See you there!

there is still time

"Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD..." Psalm 121:1-2

South Carolina Upstate Educators...
Have you registered yet?

Register now for the Faith, Freedom & Public Schools event coming to Spartanburg on Saturday morning, November 1st at Milestones Church (across from Spartanburg Community College).   

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 today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html.
 

And, teachers, you can apply for 3 hrs. recertification credit.

  
What a great opportunity to learn how to be the Hands and Feet of God -- legally, appropriately and academically.

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. 

The first 100 registrants receive a gift pkg. (valued at $20) at the workshop.  

Share this information with other Christian teachers, and come together to receive clarity about issues of faith in the classroom.

 

The special cost of $30 has been extended until Wednesday, October 15th.  Afterwards, it is $40.

I'll see you there!

veneal

p.s. If you live in another area, check online at www.gtbe.org for other workshops!

what are you taking?

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly thing... Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:2, 15

For weeks i watched, waiting for her sassy behavior to erupt.  But it didn't.  The past few months brought some changes into her life and a sweet calmness covered her soul. Was it a change in her family dynamics, medication, maturity or a combination of factors?  Whatever it was her spirit had settled into a new peace.

Change can be good.

Whether  a new or mature believer, a change allowing for a deepening in our relationship with God is good. A dose of daily medication, known as mediTation, is one of the most powerful and effective ways to accomplish this.  Starting the day with prayer and His Word, helps to keep our focus in the right direction and our heart bent on doing good.

Father, i know i need daily mediTation, to avoid hardening-of-the-heart.   Life is constantly interrupted by people or situations that can test our patience, peace or judgment. I need Your mindset, peace and strength to rid this painful, mean disease from my soul. Thank you for being my Healer.

Less of me, and more of Thee,

 This is how i need my life to be.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

Have you registered? Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html;  first 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20.  

 

A special fee of $30 has been extended until October 15.

And teachers, you can apply for 3 hrs. recertification credit.
See you there!

a Mighty Word ~ STRONG

"Be strong and courageous... be strong and very courageous... be strong and courageous. 
Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:6,7,9

He said it... He meant it.  And we can because of Him.
Thank You, Father!


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,


veneal

Have you registered? Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html;  first 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20. 

And, teachers, you can apply for 3 hrs. recertification credit.
See you there!

minute-by-minute

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Sometimes the big blessings or answers in life just don't come at the time or in the way we want.  Does it mean God doesn't care? Is He busy with more important issues or people? Absolutely not.  His delay is intentional and purposeful, and His Will will be done. He has a purpose in any and everything.  So, how do we survive in the meantime?

How can we avoid becoming a Wemberly Worried?

For me, the answer is celebrating the small moments, the small blessings, the small answers, the small joys.  Try celebrating each and every one that comes in your life... a call, a note, a smile, a hot coffee, a hug, a piece of chocolate.  These little touches of heaven can help ease the uncertainty of bigger issues and restore our confidence that God is working in our life.

Maybe the issue before us has more to do with increasing our patience, obedience or faith.  Maybe our perceived big issue is not really the main issue at all... only God knows for sure. 

We are called to believe and trust Him with it... even if it's minute-by-minute and just small steps.  It's still enough to be thankful.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal 
 

Have you registered? Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html;  first 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20.  

And teachers, you can apply for 3 hrs. recertification credit.
See you there!

a Mighty Word ~ heal

God said...
"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

He doesn't say how or when, but He says He will.  
Lord, help me to trust and believe Your perfect Will.
Thank You...

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

where are you going?

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declared the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:12

A trip to the mountains this weekend brought welcomed refreshment. But not all trips in our life are pleasurable.  On any given day, many face unwanted journeys in life -- due to sickness, surgery, abandonment, heartache, etc. For any journey, but especially these unwanted ones, we need to travel along side the One whom we can place complete trust and confidence in for the days ahead.

God is aware and in complete control of everything.  I pray each day we will be confident in knowing He will accomplish what He desires, and His glory will prevail.  Because of that fact, i am already thanking Him and praising Him for this day.  In Him we can rest; His perfect Will be done.

Join me in praying for all in need of special care and healing today.  Please include my sweet Aunt Mary Leigh; she is facing major surgery today. Thank you...

And God said, "I will be with you." Exodus 3:12

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Have you registered?
Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html;  first 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20.  

See you there!

a smarty cat

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:9

If a person falls prey into thinking too much about her/himself, working in a school will fix that.  Students continually provide unsolicited reality checks.  On super hero day at school, i was having fun in my Cat Woman outfit until a student informed me i was too old to be Cat Woman.
 

"So, how old is Cat Woman?" i asked.
"She's fourteen."

Instantly i realized to her that was old; therefore, in her eyes, i was born before the time of dinosaurs.

Father, thank you for the gift of humility.  It reminds me "i am not all that". I confess i am in constant need of You in my life.  When i am weak, then i am strong because of Your Power.  Thank You for filling me with Your strength, guidance and love.  Thank You for keeping my knees bent and eyes on You.

I might be old, but thankful to be a smarty cat and not a scaredy cat.   

With humility comes wisdom.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ listen

"Then (your name) said, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'"  1 Samuel 3:10

Father, sometimes there is a three-ring circus swirling around in my head. "Do this, do that, run here." Drown out the distractions, sounds and noise of the world, so i can hear You.  I don't want to miss Your call and direction for my life.  If i listen to You first, all other things will fall in the proper place.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Have you registered?
Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html.
First 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20. 

See you there!

taking a stand

"If  you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isaiah 7:9

What does standing firm in your faith mean?
wearing a cross
praying openly
going to  church
being in charge of a committee
wearing black conservatively
singing in the choir

Maybe it's as simply as loving one another... as Jesus did.

Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35


Standing firm in our faith = loving one another
God will be glorified... and His Kingdom will grow

If loving is wrong, i don't want to be right... i want to be like Jesus.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Have you registered?
Look forward to seeing you at the Faith, Freedom and Public Schools conference on Saturday morning, November 1st, at Milestones Church, Spartanburg, SC.   What a great opportunity to learn how to effectively and legally be the Hands and Feet of God! Register today online at http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/3/98.html.
First 100 registrants receive a special gift package worth $20. 
Register by October 1st for $10 off registration.

Come and stand with me!