Friday, September 29, 2017

who's the teacher?

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

Sometimes we teach the children...
and sometimes they teach us.
T
Open hearts and open minds are the beginning for better endings.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Thursday, September 28, 2017

taking a stand...

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Standing up and kneeling in prayer to our Father together brings peace and healing.

May our hearts unite under the Word of God delivering love, honor and respect as we listen to each other and God... it's what He wants for His children.

And then, we can move forward as one with One.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

it's never 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.

Go about your day in the confidence of knowing God is with you and for you.

you are loved and chosen by God, 
and prayed for by many,
veneal

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

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,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Reminder:  SYATP is tomorrow, Wednesday, September  27 (730am at Pine, 7am most other 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!

Monday, September 25, 2017

listen... today's bonus

Do you listen intentionally? Listening is important to developing close relationships and meeting the needs of others. It's also essential to hearing what God wants to tell us. But often our hearing is impaired by the distractions all around and even within us.

My friends Dalene Parker and Linda Gilden asked me to invite my Saltshakers for Him readers to join them for a fresh start in activating ordinary words in extraordinary ways. The word for this week is LISTEN. Please see their Facebook page Weekly Words to Live By for more details.

I'm tuning in to hear what God has to say to me this week about listening. What about you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
may be live like we believe it!
veneal

He knows...

"Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10
Feeling alone and surrounded with mountains of uncertainties?
Stop and look closely...God is as near as our next breath.  He is with us every step of the way.  No mountain is too high with Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Friday, September 22, 2017

time for a change...

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His.  He changes times and seasons;  He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise  and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:20-21
Today's the day.  There's a change in the air; Fall is here.  Besides crisp, cool days, God has other changes in store for us too:

A change of heart
Healing of the body
Direction in a relationship
Deeper faith
Increased love
Greater patience
A letting go of "stuff"

Father, it's time for a change, and we are ready.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Thursday, September 21, 2017

follow the leader...

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with My loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8

In the hands of a caring teacher, one who's received little direction, encouragement or hope elsewhere is transformed into a precious treasure.

When we teach like Jesus, we love like Jesus... and lives are changed for the good.  You are making a difference in the future of others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

a Mighty Word ~ timing

"No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground that the water of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before."  Joshua 4:18
Sometimes we think God's timing is off, but think again.  How many times did He respond too quickly or too late in the Bible? 

Father, help us remember You have a divine plan, and it will not be thwarted.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Monday, September 18, 2017

keep turning the pages...

"I thank my God every time I remember you... 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 1:3,6

If your life were a book, how would it read?
God has already recorded every part of our life from the beginning to the end. He knows every disappointment, every loss, every challenge. And the Good News is that with Christ, our story ends in victory! God has written out a plan to bless and prosper us. 

So how does it work? When we go through a disappointment, or through a loss, don’t stop on that page. Make the decision to keep moving forward. There’s another chapter ahead.

Keep turning the pages.  No matter what is going on now, our story gets better with Him.  And it definitely has a happily ever after ending.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ brave

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

I do not know what the day holds, but i know Who holds me.
Because of You, Father, i can face the day.  I am trusting You in any and all circumstances. Here's my hand, it's attached to my heart... thank You for holding it firmly in Yours.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Friday, September 15, 2017

the perfect top

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:13-14

Top off your words, your actions and your ways with love. It makes all things better and bearable. Love is needed most in all circumstances.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Thursday, September 14, 2017

a Mighty Word ~ kindness

"The islanders showed us unusual kindness." Acts 28:2

May the unusual become the usual.  And let is start with us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

do you know the way?

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

After 3 weeks of talking and practicing, we felt the fresh crop of kindergartners had mastered the routine and routes of library time at school. Then we had a pop test. During class, it was apparent Joey was uncomfortable. 
Asking to be excused, he darted to the front of the room like he knew exactly where to go. But suddenly and with wind beneath his heels, he took a quick, sharp turn to the right and circled to the backside of the room.  Before we could process what was happening, he opened the door to the supply closet. And then we knew. Joey had no idea where to find the bathroom. Immediately we redirected and led him to it. Whew.

Father, how often do you see that same panicky glaze in our eyes?  An urgent request erupts, a change occurssomething unexpected pops up and we take off running to "fix it". Before our feet hit the ground in three directions, may our hearts turn first to You as we ask and listen for direction.  There is a calming peace in Your way and path. Aah.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

a Mighty Word ~ still

"Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them." Psalm 89:8-9
Thankful for God, thankful for still days.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Monday, September 11, 2017

9/11... again

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." Psalm 71:20

9/11... 2001 - 2017

True news:  Troubles surround us -- What changes is the year, the month, the day.

Good news:  God surrounds us -- He is unchanging; we never face a single storm without Him.  

As i traveled this weekend, i witnessed many rescue vehicles and people rolling down the road, preparing for the hurricane's landfall.  It was a distinct reminder of God's faithfulness and love for His children.  Before the storm hits, He is already on it.



The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.



Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.




He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.


I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it.
resting in God... no matter what,
veneal

Friday, September 8, 2017

in His eye...

"Keep me safe, my God, for in You I take refuge." Psalm 16:1

Even in the eye of the storm...we are still anchored securely to God.  NOTHING can shake, rattle, pry or yank us from His clutch.
May God continue to watch over, protect, strengthen, guide and comfort all in the path of the raging storms... those over the waters, on the lands and in our hearts.

we are loved and chosen by God, 
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Thursday, September 7, 2017

the sky's the limit

"I will praise You as long as I live and in Your name I will lift up my hands... Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 63:4, 7

When you've reached your limit...
remember with God, the sky's the limit.

Keeping looking up. God's got this and us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

what do you want to be?

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned..." Titus 2:7-8

What will they be?  Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief, teacher or one of a thousand other opportunities. 


No matter what career students choose, they will first be a reflection of those around them. Our decisions, attitudes and actions not only impact our life, but the lives of many.  

Be all God has designed you to be... and change the world for the better. Let's be the change we want to see in others.


we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we BElieve it!
veneal

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

a Mighty Word ~ hear

"Apply your hearto instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12

My prayer for you and your students.  As you teach, may they desire to hear and apply your words to their day.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

Friday, September 1, 2017

but, what about tomorrow?

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart of steadfast, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7

The past week has been excruciating and still is not over. With unexpected sadness and difficult news my joy has dipped.  But, last night i RE-remembered uncertainties in life are a given.  

I absolutely love my job. At the end of my first year in the library, Ms. B asked me if i were coming back the next year.  And with a smile of certainty, i replied, "i'm not even sure i am coming back tomorrow, only God knows for sure." It's 16 years later, and God hasn't moved me... yet.  I count my blessing each day.

The fact is tomorrow is not a given for any of us. 
Lesson learned - enjoy the moment, and trust God with the ones to come.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal