what students need most

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart..."  Isaiah 40:11

Start of school is not without a few bumps and yield signs. Not all textbooks and electronic devices are in and ready for student use.  But fortunately the most important item is in place and producing results.  It's you!  Ask any student and their big smiles will quickly tell you what they wanted to see most when returning to school was their teacher.

It what you do... and what's needed most. To genuinely love and care for each student.  Not everything comes from books or technology; what's needed most comes from your heart. 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

what time is it?

"pray continually..." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

There is a --

time to dance... time to be still.
time to sing... time to be silent.
time to doodle... time to observe.
time to talk... time to listen.
time to play... time to work.
time to watch... time to participate.
time to read... time to write.
time to run... time to sit.
time to think... time to rest.

As we move from one activity to another throughout the day, there is one in which it's always the right time for -- prayer.

Because without Him, i am not who i need to be.

Say it and pray it... with Him.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ picked

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10


He has a perfect plan, and we are a part of it. 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

how will you be?

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."Galatians 5:22

Back in school for just a week and a half and i am already dragging.   A dose of B-12 would definitely provide me with a needed boost of energy, helping me serve others better.  But i think the Be-9s below would reap even greater results and long-term benefits.

Whatever your day holds, Be filled with the Spirit; He will supply for all your needs.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ competent

"I am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another."  Romans 15:14

Teach with boldness and confidence.  God has equipped you perfectly for this time. You were "mint" to teach!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

i know what you did this summer

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

Thanks to social media, it was easy keeping up with friends, family and coworkers.  I saw many pictures at the beach, by the pool, at the lake and in the mountains.  There were birthday and anniversary celebrations, visits with family and reunions with friends, trips to the zoo and much more.  Truly summer provided fun, joy, laughter and memorable times for many.

Not as obvious was all the time spent by teachers on school preparations. I don't recall these on-goings mentioned, shared and tweeted.  Teachers loved their down time this summer, but they still spent a tremendous amount of time thinking, researching, studying and preparing for their students arrival. 

And by the smiles and twinkling eyes i spotted in the hallways, there's no question all the preparations paid off.  Well done, teachers, you hit the floor running... but actually you never really stopped.  Thank you for your faithfulness and perseverance in all seasons.  You are changing the world. You are the best.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

you are needed

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be, not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3

With God all things are possible...

and with you, your students will fulfill opportunities and conquer conflicts.  Hands down, with your godly heart, you are exactly what they need.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, for this time,
veneal

here's your sign....

"...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 
1 Thessalonians 5:14

The signs are all around; school has started.  

With your encouragement, help and kindness, it will be good!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances...with God, you'll bring truth out of all the signs.

 friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Listen...

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

The same message echoed throughout every teacher's room and hallway at school---

"Let me tell you..."
"This is what i expect..."
"Listen carefully..."

Students got clear, precise instructions on day one, clarifying rules and expectations for the year.  Such as,

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

2.  Be prepared; read your lessons.

3.  Do your work daily.

4.  If you need help, ask the teacher.

By consistently following these expectations, students will reap the benefits of success and satisfaction during the school year.

We, also, are students, under the watchful, loving eyes of the greatest Teacher of all -- our Father. May we listen to Him, read His Word, do as He instructs, and pray... in times of need and praise.  Let us rest in the fact He has the desire and ability to equip us for success, satisfaction and peace for our year ahead too.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ lambs

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

Time to teach!

May our lesson plates be filled with love, understanding, compassion, patience, kindness and truth.  These seasonings, along with the main course, are guaranteed to satisfy the souls around us and keep them coming back for more.

Fill'em up, and pass the plates. We got this!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

It's here!!

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

First day with students. Relax... 
with God, you've got this!  Smile and enJOY!!

friend, we 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 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!

Monday is the beginning of a fabulous school year!  And it all starts with wonderful you!

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ smile

"God has made everything beautiful in its time."  Ecclesiastes 3:11


... even back to school.

smile -- it's time. 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

puttin' on the shine

"Indeed, He who watches over (you) will neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:4

During summer break, i made 2 quick drop ins at school. Arriving back to work Monday, it was obvious this was not true for all. The school was filled with a fresh clean scent and our floors glowed with a spit 'n shine finish. It was all i could do not to kick my shoes off, run and slide down the hallway.

Breaks are nice, but sometimes i overlook the fact not everyone at school has the same break schedule. Let me take a moment and say how very thankful i am for the many who continue working, providing a better working environment for me when i returned.  Thank you! You are an awesome group! 

Father, i also want to thank You.  No matter where i am in life, how i feel, what i am doing, You are always working on my behalf.  Thank you for working all things to the good for me and all Your children, even when i have slipped away from Your Presence.  And this i know, when i return, the marvelous things You show and tell me will wow me.  Thank You! You are an Awesome God!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ can

"I can do everything through Him who give me strength." Philippians 4:13

When the children come, you will be ready.
Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

What happened??

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

"Enjoy your summer!"
"You too! I can't wait to put my feet up and rest!"

Wasn't this conversation just last week??  Or, so it seems.  Two blinks later, and it's time for "Welcome Back to School!"

Summer, again, has slipped through my toes.  It was not the relaxing, feet up, ice tea sipping summer i planned, but rather a whirlwind of doings, comings and goings... some expected and some not.  Honestly though, i am ready for summer to end.  I need a break from this so-called vacation.  I'm ready for a relaxing, regular routine. Do you know what i mean?

There is something good to be said about sameness.  Knowing what to expect each day cultivates a sense of security, comfort and peace.  No where is this Truth better demonstrated than with our Father.  On Him we can expect the same unconditional love, grace and mercy every day.  He never waivers or reneges or forgets His promises to us. In an every changing world and day, we can depend on God to be the steady constant in our life.

So, Welcome Back, Friends! With God as our Anchor, we have a wonderful year ahead of us!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

how dare you!

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18

The evidence spoke for itself; she was furious with me.

Returning from a weekend trip, i was shocked to discover a perfect tomato picked, smashed and gutted. And whoever did it knew the difference and value of a red ripe tomato over a green one.  And then there was a shredded okra plant.  It was definitely an act of revenge. The worse part of all for me -- the suspect was not a stranger.

Besides eating, our wonderful Bella's greatest love is going on a walk.  After routine morning walks, she accompanies me to the garden and watches me carefully select and pick the veggies.  She doesn't eat veggies, so her message was crystal clear, "you left me, did not walk me, and you will pay."  Bella needed a Word... or a newspaper.

There are times my name could be changed to Bella.  When life don't go our way, we sometimes take it personally. What we might wrongly interpret as an intentional hurtful act or word from another still stings.  And if we know them, the sting is greater. We hurt, and we want them to hurt too. It's only human nature to want to inflict pain back.  It's only godly nature to turn it over to our Father. 

Father, whether the hurt from another is intentional or not, i need less of me and more of You. Thank You.

friend, we are loved and chosen  by God,
veneal

School preparation

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!"  Romans 10:15

Good News can be shared!  Read the article below on how chidren-students are free to be themselves as believers.
 
Back to School tips from Gateways to Better Education


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal