just one thing...

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:14

We got to love, hug and love some more.  God knows we all need it.

we are loved and chosen by God,
let's live like it,
veneal

storm brewing

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

There's a storm crashing outside... and inside. 

Is God really working all things to the good to those who love Him?

He says so... 

Father, help me believe. You and You alone are Truth and Goodness, Mercy and Grace, Hope and Refreshment, Restoration and Life. In all our mistakes, waywardness and independence, You still love us enough not to leave us alone. Sometimes we cause the storm, sometimes You bring it to us, and sometimes it just happens.  But whatever the case, we know when the storm clears and even during the storm, You still reign. Help us hold on to the Truth, to believe and to share Your Light.   
Today, we are lifting special prayers to You for the Townville Elementary School community for healing, strength and comfort.
And we thank You, amen. 

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

it's not too late...

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

If you missed the opportunity to pray with others around a school flagpole this morning, remember it's never too late to pray. Just stop right now and pray for your school, it's entire leadership, faculty and staff, all the students and parents. Your prayer will join the thousands of others and strengthen our request to God for favor, guidance, blessings, and protection for our children. Obedience to our Father has a sweet sound to it... it's called peace.

By the way, you have already been prayed for today. Go about your business with the confidence God is with you and for you.

you are loved and chosen by God,

and prayers for by many,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ peace

"make every effort to do what leads to peace..." Romans 14:19

Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal 

Reminder:  SYATP is tomorrow, Wednesday, September  28 (7am most schools)

For the last 25 years, See You at the Pole has been about one simple act—prayer, students uniting themselves in prayer before God interceding for their generation.  All around the globe, students will be gathering at their flagpoles, praying for their school, friends, families, churches, and communities. I look forward to praying with you there.

healing needed

"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

How are you doing?

If recent events have disturbed you, causing grief and pain, you are not alone.  When the world appears hopeless, i am thankful to discover i am wrong.  I need only to walk the halls at school and find reminders there is hope.

 

From the smallest fisherman in the vast sea of life, i am encouraged.  God's still in control and leading us. He sends us countless messages and urgings daily on how to live and treat each other. We need only follow Him and be obedient for His Peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

who do you work for?

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

I figured she was helping one of her grand kids before school started, but i was wrong.  Instead it was a young student, who had been upset and experiencing separation anxiety.  Removing the student from chaos in the cafeteria and reading to her in a gentle voice, the child settled down, calm and prepared for her day at school.

This task isn't part of Ms. S's written job description at school, but it's one written on her heart by our Father. And it's one i see over and over again, by caring school team members.

This is where the greatest rewards are reaped...
And God smiles from ear to ear.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ lips

"The lips of the righteous nourish many..." Proverbs 10:21

Father, there are many starving children. Lead us to feed and nourish them with Your Love, Comfort and Goodness.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

you owe me...

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

It's the one debt we gladly owe to others, and happily receive.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal  

a Mighty Word ~ identity

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

His personal bookmark said it all...

Christian in America.

Think i'll claim his bookmark too.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

and the winner is...

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

School elections are over and the results are in. 

Do you know the look of a winner...

Can you tell?

I can because they all look and are winners. They just have different tasks to perform; God has a special and unique plan for each one.

And it is good.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

if elected...

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech." 1 Peter 3:10

If you are like most, our national elections cannot end soon enough.  The campaigning has been ugly, vicious and embarrassing.  I am relieved to say our school elections were a breath of fresh, positive air.

The school candidates were polite and kind to each other, addressing their plans and desires for the school year.  There were no attacks on character or agendas, but congratulations offered to each other after the speeches.  

Will there be tears when the results are announced?  Yes.  But the tears will be followed by hugs and words of encouragement, as each and all are recognized and treated at winners.

Shining role models -- they come in all sizes and ages.  I learn something from children every day... i wish everyone else did too.  To be young in heart, soul and mind and strong in our faith may we all be; that is my hope for today and tomorrow.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

 we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ laughter

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'  The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:2-3

Father, with You and because of You, we always have reason to smile, laugh and give thanks.  You are reason enough... may i never forget.

we are GREATLY loved and chosen by God,
veneal

class rules

"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, our heavenly Father.  He has the desire and ability to equip us with wisdom, discernment and power.  May we listen to Him, read His Word, do as He instructs, and pray... in times of need and praise.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ kindness

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

Strong orders of kindness reaping strong results in God's glory.

Toss it everywhere... even outside the lines of comfort. Because where ever it shows up, it's good!

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

remembering....

Praying for all the families affected by 9.11.2001

Jesus said… “Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

A godly peace is everlasting built on one solid foundation... Jesus Christ.

A worldly peace is one built on constantly shifting and sinking sands.

Choose God, and be filled with His Peace through all things.

We are loved and chosen by God,

Veneal

the shadow knows

Jesus said...
"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth." John 14:16-17

Some students need a full-time assistant in managing their duties at school.  With a little help from these valuable shadows by their side, they can accomplish the necessary tasks.  It is a wonderful program providing confidence, correction, direction and clarification to students who require a helping hand.

Do you need a shadow?  I sure do!  I am grateful our Father has supplied us with One. Wherever i go, whatever i do my Shadow, my God, is with me. 

Thank you, Father, for Your daily guidance, discipline and encouragement through Your Spirit, Your Word and prayer.

 "... and 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 1:6

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ secure

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Distraught, nervous or anxious about something?

There is nothing in life that catches our Father off guard or unprepared.  He will carry us through the days and minutes ahead.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

in for the long haul

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

The walk is a little slower, the smiles not quite as wide, the arrival time a bit later.  School is back in full swing and some of the normal patterns and habits of old are beginning to appear. Are you ready for whatever is in store for you this year?

The joy of the journey ahead depends a lot on us... our attitudes, our actions and our reactions.  We can influence for a better or eternal future in another, but it takes work, patience, love and a belief we can conquer the battles ahead.  Or i should say, a belief that God will provide opportunities for victories as we obediently allow Him to work in our lives. 

His calling in our life is for good... through our trust in Him, His glory will shine as a witness to others.

we are loved and chosen by God, 
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ encouragement

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

ENCOURAGEMENT... it builds up, inspires, challenges, motivates, hugs and may even steps on toes.

But regardless of the outcome, it sprinkles out love. Let's throw some out today on all around us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

more gold to come!

Jesus said...
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

The Olympics are over, but there is still gold available.

It's easy doing what's right if the ones around you do too. When people are making good, pleasing decisions, we feel energized.  It's easy to be kinder, work harder and longer, and even go beyond expectations.

But when we stumble on difficult people or harsh decisions, stomping on the golden rule is a natural human reaction. It's hard to do right when others, in our opinion, act selfishly, dishonestly, arrogantly or negatively. Why should we bother, when another is so wrong?  

Because God says so. It's the better choice not so much for the offender, but for you.

When we face unfair people and decisions, we discover greater peace by choosing the higher road and treating them right... no matter what.  Being less of what God has created us to be builds frustration, inner conflict and anger. Dig deeper in trying times.  You deserve to be covered in His Peace.

Go for the gold! And feel like the winner you are. 

we are loved and chosen by God,
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

Words to live by, to live in Peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal