picture this

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

Yesterday, the hall was lined with shiny faces, styled hair, and colorful clothes.  Smiles were big and plentiful.  Momentarily, worries and concerns slipped away.  

It was picture day at school.  I loved seeing the happy faces.  Everyone looked party-ready for a fun time.

Now, can you picture this?  Besides no frowns, also --
No tears....
No pain...
No worry...
No heartache...
No loneliness...
But just pure, absolute JOY?
One day, it will be for all who believe.
 
Smile for the camera because it's school picture day.  
But smile everyday because of what our Father has in store for us at His heavenly gathering.

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

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ partners

"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors..." 2 Corinthians 5:20

Seeing Him through you.

Now, doesn't that just make you smile with thankfulness?

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

all for One!

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."   Romans 15:5-6

  

Let's echo the valiant chant of the Three Musketeers -- One for all, and all for One!

With Him we will find power in our unity of mind, purpose and soul.  
Thank you, Jesus.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

It's showing!

"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

When you do what you love and love what you do, it shows.  God's love overflows from you.  It boomerangs off you in a world marred with hurt, rejection, loneliness and doubt with the Power-from-Above to make a difference.    

EnJOY your weekend.  You've had a productive week in His eyes.

friend, you are loved and chosen by God, believe,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ rejoice

"Rejoice in the Lord always." Philippians 4:4

Don't be sad it's over... be thrilled it happened.  And thankful for new beginnings.

It's all good!

friend, we are loved and chosen and blessed,
veneal

whatever happens...

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27

Whatever happens...

the meeting went longer than expected

the copy machine broke

forgot a crucial  password

the printer jammed

ran out of creamer... and coffee

lost directions for new procedures

reports had to be redone… again

another schedule change

my planning period was invaded 

Lord, may we remember that whatever happens, wherever we are, whenever “it” occurs…You are already there, and it WILL be okay.  May we rely on You for the control, strength and power we need today.

friend, we are love and cherished everyday,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ shine

Jesus said -

 "(your name), you are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16

Shine on...  many are in need of your guiding light.  And with Him, you will steer them safely through calm and turbulent waters ahead.

 

you 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

what a week!

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


In spite of confusion, misplaced information, lost material, forgotten schedules and other hiccups, it's been a good first week.  Don't you think? 


If you have any doubt, just consult the ones who really matter at school... your students.  Their smiling face mirrors their heart.

All you have to do is look and listen, to know in their eyes you are doing a wonderful job.  And isn't that what really counts? 
 

You are a smile maker.

friend, you are loved and chosen by God, and adored by your students,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ hands

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

We are created by His Hands to be His Hands.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, believe,
veneal

off to work we go!

"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 1:4-6

Hi Ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go! 
Do i hear you singing too?  

I've come to realize over the years that contentment with work is not from being on easy street, but from being assured it's the path God intends for you.
 
What a blessing it is to love where you are and what you are doing.  And how can you not love it when it produces a bubbly sea of joy in others.  May we keep the Spirit alive and shining in all we do and say.  The results will be off the charts, scoring record breaking smiles.

 

You are special!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, Shine!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ attitude

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5

What do you see?

Is it a problem?  An improvement-in-progress? Or, a large hungry caterpillar?

How we choose to see things, determines our attitude. 
Life is not perfect, but perfectly manageable -- with the right attitude.

we are loved and chosen by God, smile!
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

what will they remember?

Jesus said...

"... feed My lambs." John 21:15
 
Sweat is dripping, eyes are glazed, words are few and the clock is ticking.  Teachers are frantically putting their rooms together before Monday.  Burden with the lingering construction at our school, some smiles are hidden under rocks.  But for you, i have Good News!

The students will eagerly arrive Monday morning, and they will not leave disappointed. Instead they will return home filled with excitement and joy.  But it won't be because of your cute name tags or folders, nor your creative bulletin boards,  nor your enticing centers.  It will be because of your smile, your words, your hugs, your dreams for the year, your acceptance of them, your excitement over them belonging to you. This is what they will remember.

So, in your final hours, my friends, before the sun breaks on Monday morning, don't stress over what you haven't finished, but instead feel thrilled about what is about to begin! 

SMILE!  It will all be just fine. YOU are the most important part of your room.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ encouragement

"Encourage one another daily." Hebrew 13:3

After 4 more sunrises, students return to class, and there is still much to do.  With teetering nerves, we are in need of encouraging and not discouraging words.

Our school received a welcomed dose of inspiration and motivation yesterday at our annual district gathering.  Some of the most powerful encouragement was from the performing students.  It was a heartwarming reminder of why and for who we do what we do... the children.  Our best efforts provide them with the opportunity to thrive, conquer and shine.
 
Together we will make a remarkable difference.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

who's your boss?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Colossians 3:23

In a mess?

Here's how to get through the days and hours to come -- keep Him first.

With God all things are possible.

friend, we are love and chosen by God. BELIEVE,
veneal

how many days before the students come??

"We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

By the look of things today, one might surmise students don't return for at least a couple of weeks.   But far be it from the truth.

In 6 days, the halls will be bustling with students.  Needless to say, there is still much to be done.  Besides the usual preparations for a new year, our school has been under numerous, ongoing update attacks since May.  Will we make it?

I have no doubt --   There is not a group of people more dedicated or driven than the ones serving our children. They know the meaning of perseverance and they live it every day.

Counting all my teacher friends and school co-workers as a blessing from above.  The hope for our future is in your capable hands.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Any regrets today?

"But 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." Phil. 3:13-14

Summer break -- we can regret it's over or be thankful we had it. 

Since regrets don't help anything, i'm working on giving thanks.

May the new school year begin!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

beach relief

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10

Like many, the beach is very soothing and healing to my heart and soul.  While standing on an edge of God's creation, it's almost like you can reach out and touch Him in the waters and hear Him breathing in the wind. When we stop and allow ourselves to feel God's closeness, His comfort, strength, hope, restoration and healing is ours.

Whether soaking in the last of your summer vacation days at the beach, in the mountains or at home, i pray you are filled with Him and His Peace.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal