HOW MANY??

"That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

So, there are how many more days before school is out??

Father, help me. I am feeling done. done. done... like burnt toast.  Minute-by-minute i am looking to You for strength to endure.  Because of You, i know we can finish strong.

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

WaCky WeDnEsDay

"Be kind and compassionate to one another..." Ephesians 4:32

Is your day going as planned?  If so, you are likely in a class by yourself.  The year end of school, is much like our weather right now --  expect the unexpected...

interruptions
changes
questions
omissions
additions
thrills
spills
redos
outbursts
smiles







I can't think of a better time or need for random acts of kindness.  Stress is best (and most manageable) when accompanied by kindness from another.

I hope your WaCky WeDneSdAy is also WONDERFUL.

In these cRaZy days of sunshine sprinkled with sudden bursts of rainstorms, i'm praying for a multitude of rainbows to reign richly in your day.

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

there will be fragile days... even for the hardy

"The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds... Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:3,5

Cracks in fine china and crystal i expect, but in my hardy ceramic coffee mug? No.  Yet, there is was and with no knowledgeable explanation.  A quiet, still, rainy day and a cracked mug.  It all added up to a wet afternoon... inside, as well as, outside.

Daddy had asked me to take him Christmas shopping.  During the outing, he picked out a mug for me. My precious gift from him is now cracked, and i am broken without him.

I am bluntly reminded, no matter how strong our faith, there are times when the hardy-faithful's heart shatters through pain like a fragile-novice's heart.  While believers are sometimes considered strong enough to handle their struggles, God realizes the truth.  Our frail humanity is never more exposed than when we are grieving.  After a heartache, when family/friends return to their routines and all is now consider well, one can and does find blessing and comfort in God alone.  God scoops us up and continues to bind up our wounds... His understanding has no limit... He questions not our recovery time or process. He understands.

Forgive me, Father, when i expect others to respond with the thorough understanding only You possess.  I am thankful for those who have already traveled the harsh roads of pain, as they have a special ability to provide an extra dose of comfort and understanding.  But most of all, i am thankful how You cover, repair and strengthen all the ugly cracks that show up in our life.  You, Father, can restore beauty even out of the worse of times.

God knows... and that is enough.

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

Words to Live By... translate

"My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding."  Psalm 49:3 (NIV)

From this week's Words to Live By: Translate (pages 211-216), Linda Gilden writes:  "Just as the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost to be the Interpreter among nations, we can rely on the Holy Spirit today to help interpret the words and the needs of others.  Whether our differences are related to culture, age, or language, God's Holy Spirit can bridge the gap and open the way for holy communication."

No doubt each of us has encountered someone with whom we were not sure our communication was clear.  Ask the Lord to help you listen and speak wisely with understanding, then watch as He translates His love in myriad ways.  Let's purpose that all we say and do will be in love--easily translated any place, any time, and in any language.

For His glory,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

at a snail's pace

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall... 

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:28-31

The end of school is near. 


Even though there is much still to be done...


wrapping up, fixing up, packing up, putting up, cleaning up...



the time at hand feels as if it's moving at a snail's pace. 

There is but one thing i know to do to survive these final days --

Praying up to the One who can refill, restore and refresh.

Thank You, Father.

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

He sees all

"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

Changes in life can be alarming and cause discomfort.  Whether it's a change in personnel, policy, plans, priorities or place, disruptions for most of us in our routine or comfort zone are difficult.  Changes can instigate a raging ocean of emotions... hurt, fear, grief, guilt, disappointment, uncertainty, anger, panic, shock, confusion, numbness.

How do we properly channel change?  Through God.

In everything, including changes for the better or worse, God is still in control. We never need to worry about Him blinking and missing anything in our life. He sees all and will take care of matters in His perfect way and time.  How He plans to work through and with the changes in our life calls for our complete trust in Him.  The God that holds this world together, holds each of us individually too.

He's got us.

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

a gentle pat

"For I the Lord your God, hold your right hand. It is I who say to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:13

It's happening.  The school year is winding down, emotions are revving up.  There's a combustible mixture of uncontrollable excitement with sheer exhaustion in the air.  

Sometimes in the midst of finalizing, with all its turmoil and demands, what is needed most is a gentle pat of compassion from another to soothe a weary soul.

Could you use one? Can you give one?  Praying the answer is as close as your hand... or a friend's hand. 

And so thankful our Father always has hold of our other hand.

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

a Mighty Word ~ protected

"You need only remain calm; the Lord will fight for you." Exodus 14:14

Not a confident fighter? That's ok. Our Victorious Father is with us, and He will see us through all circumstances.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Words to Live By... fight

"Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle."  Psalm 144:1

The word "fight" rarely summons up a positive image in our minds: when students fight, it breeds chaos; when family members fight, it brings alienation; when friends fight, it brings sadness.

For those in the educational arena, you may be fighting fatigue or fighting the urge to give up on that last student who never quite reached his or her full potential. 

Yet, as Christians, we are expected to fight--fight the enemy, fight our sin nature, and fight for right. 

Amilliah Kenya, local author, tells us how:  In her book Prayer and Spiritual Warfare, she instructs Christians how to develop and implement the trained soldier's qualities of endurance, efficiency, and effectiveness in order to gain victory over the unseen, but very real enemy...With powerful examples of irresistible Christian love and fervent prayer, Amilliah encourages us to utilize God's Word as our chief weapon of warfare.  Dr. Kenya writes:  "The Word of God is the most powerful weapon ever known to change man...that formidable artillery so efficacious that no giant in the name of Satan can withstand it."

As we finish out the school year, let's make sure to armor up since we know the enemy would love for us to leave feeling defeated and deflated.  Yet God, who called you to this mighty and important work, has promised to be with you and to equip you for everything He asks you to do, including fight!

Take a few minutes to watch this video and be reminded of the armor of God provided for you, so that you may be enabled to fight -- His way!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsRm8rnmdLw

The battle is His!

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Co-author with Linda Gilden of Words to Live By: One Word a Week

#weeklywordstoliveby   #fight

We are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

there's a hole in the soul...

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."  1 Corinthians 12:27

While out recently, several changes were necessary in getting a sub for me.  The problem wasn’t finding one qualified for my position; sub demands were high.  And most anyone can fill my shoes behind the check-out counter in the Media Center – it doesn’t require brain surgery (although i have had it 😊).  The truth is we all are replaceable in our job at work or on committees we serve.

However, in Christ, we each have a job designed uniquely for us.  An individual purpose tailored specifically for each of us to assist in the growing of His Kingdom.  No one else can do what God has intended for us to do; it's our part alone.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  And in serving God together in our special, given roles, God is glorified.

Father, Open my ears to hear You and my heart to serve you.  Fill my soul with Your desire for my life. Help us understand no one else can fill our shoes for the work You have in store for us.

There's a hole in the soul, if we don't do our part.

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ refresh

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says...

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

So, there's the answer to what many are searching for now. 

Refreshment, it comes from God, not self. 

Father, I'm all Yours.

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

just a drip

"'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...'" Isaiah 43:1-3

When the work loads or burdens are high, the phrase, "one day at a time" goes a long way to calming scattered, frazzled nerves.  And then sometimes, we find it necessary to breakdown our mental/emotional processing to just "one hour at a time".

And then, there are those days when we feel pushed to the very edge of our sanity.  It is then my friend, Pepper, and i decided to call it for what it truly is, "one drip at a time". 

Father, no matter the chunk of time we are trying to digest... a day, an hour, or a drip... how very thankful i am to know with You we will get through it.  Thank You.

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

Words to Live By... HOPE

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

This verse is one of my absolute favorites.  It reminds me of the Source of hope and the condition for hope--as I trust in Him.  Even better, the hope He promises is unlimited by circumstances, offered to the brink of overflowing, and undergirded by joy and peace.  

No matter what you're in the middle of or facing in the future, the God of hope can help you handle it.

This week as you meditate on the Weekly Word to Live By: Hope, hold on to His promises.  You may even need to do a little spring cleaning in your closet of despair so you can make room for your new apparel:  joy, peace, and hope!  I just know they'll look good on you.  Best of all, when you look in the mirror, you'll see a reflection of Him!

Blessings abounding,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/

Words to Live By:  One Word a Week (Hope: pages 199-204)

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

things will not always be fine...

but, God said...
"I will be with you... I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians (or whatever chokes you)." Exodus 3:12, 6:6

Last week was especially difficult with so many different and dramatic dynamics swirling in my life.  Yet, daily God gently wove His love in my tattered, tired heart.  But by the time Mother's Day was here, the emotional yoke of sadness and exhaustion laid heavily on my shoulders. How do we serve others when we feel empty? The answer surfaced from church, in the widow of Zarephath lesson (1 Kings 17:7-16).  It reminded me in hard times where the ability to continue comes from.

What yoke are you struggling under?  Sickness, loss of a loved one, termination of a career, end of the school year, financial distress, abandonment, abuse, relocation?

Life will not always be fine. Some seasons bring times, events and situations that drain us, causing us to feel incapable of serving or functioning. Whether at home or school... with family, friends, coworkers or students... life can take a harsh toil. So, how can we continue when we feel we can't?

We continue as we always do, with God. When we are spent out, God comes and infuses His blessings in us exponentially.  Because of God we are able to go and continue serving.  

Father, nothing could have prepared me for all the changes from the past 2 months. Yet, You knew and prepared the way for my upcoming needs. Things will not always be fine, but because You are with us, we will be fine.  As we stop and recall Your blessings, may we be renewed and refueled to commit ourselves to loving others in this hurting world. 

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

day at a time

"...weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

How is this possible... weeping, then rejoicing? 

Was it a night dream or night vision... who can say for sure.  News of a family member waking up after receiving a "visit" from our loved one made the morning a brighter one. During the visit she was assured that even though she couldn't see him, she was not alone. And then later, when i randomly cleaned out a stack of hidden papers from under my desk calendar and uncovered yet another confirmation that we are not alone, my heart overflowed with deeper joy.

No matter the hurt, the pain, the disappointment, the heartache, the burden, God can and will bring joy into your day.  And as i've experience this week, even if the weeping returns night after night, so will the joy return morning after morning.

Thank You, Father. Through the tears and the joy, all is well with my soul, because of You.

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

HOME alone... never!

"Rejoice in the Lord always... the Lord is near... And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4,5,19 It's the day after experiencing tears from heaven, and God's comforting Arms are still around me.  Running late, i quickly pulled out and slipped into a school shirt. The one on top happened to be my "Home" shirt.  Then jumping into the car for my 3-minute drive to school, i turned on my radio for the first time in days only to hear one of my favorite songs from Chris Tomlin. Can you even imagine what it was??  "Home" This world is not what it was meant to be All this pain, all this suffering There’s a better place waiting for me In heaven Every tear will be wiped away Every sorrow and sin erased We’ll dance on seas of amazing grace In heaven I’m goin’ Home Where the streets are golden Every chain is broken Oh I wanna go Oh I wanna go Home Where every fear is gone I’m in Your open arms Where I belong Home Lay down my burdens, I lay down my past I run to Jesus, no turning back Thank God Almighty, I’ll be free at last In heaven Blinded eyes will finally see The dead will rise on shores of eternity The trump will sound, the angels will sing Hallelujah, hallelujah I am goin’ I’m goin’ home I’m on my way home I’m goin’ home How thankful i am that when i am too tired to think or keep going, God is still tirelessly and continuously providing for my needs, comforting my heart and strengthening my soul for the day.  How can anyone not believe in Him? Thank You, Father, for not leaving me. Without You, i would be a basket case. I can't and won't do life without you. we are loved and chosen by God, may we live like we believe it, veneal

where did that come from?

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9

Sitting under a cloudless sky, i felt a soft spray of water falling on me.  Checking my surroundings, i saw no one around me, no sprinklers, and absolutely no reason under the sky for the light rain i felt and saw.  In awe, with no understandable answers, and feeling depleted from the day,  i just sat back and enjoyed the refreshing moment.

While i'm sure there might be a scientific reason for my experience, i have my own ideas.  Just maybe they were tears from heaven.  Tears of rejoicing and comfort.  Just maybe they were the tears God wiped from Daddy's face.  Tears of having no more pain or struggles and tears of joy as he is now completely healed.  Tears Daddy no longer needs and falling down on earth to comfort me and remind me he is home and all is well with his soul.

Thank You, Father, for Your daily grace and mercy on us during and after our hurts.  I will keep looking up to You because You are my Peace.  Thank You.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Rev. 7:17)

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

WTLB... push

During this, the last full month of the school year, the word PUSH often maintains a mostly negative connotation.  Teachers, students, and parents all feel a PUSH to complete curriculum requirements and check off a seemingly endless to-do list in order to meet tight deadlines. In order to finish strong, we have to push through a multitude of things we'd rather not do.  PUSH is a force which sometimes makes us want to apply the brakes instead of the accelerator.  

Yet in other contexts, the word PUSH can have a positive connotation.  Doors open when you PUSH.  Babies emerge into the world with a final PUSH.  Little birds learn to fly when their mothers PUSH them from the nest. Someone believes in us enough to give us just the PUSH we need to try something we might not otherwise.

Hebrews 10:24 sums up the positive PUSH we should all be ready to give and receive:  "Let us consider how we may spur [prompt, encourage, urge, stimulate, push] one another on toward love and good deeds..."

May you feel His presence and His peace as you PUSH through this week in His power,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Co-author with Linda Gilden, Words to Live By:  One Word a Week 

https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/

#wordstoliveby    #push

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

heart of my Daddy

"I have sent forth My Word and healed you; and rescued you from the grave." Psalm 107:20

When the unexpected happens, routines change... but God doesn't.

It started out as a routine Saturday morning, then my brother called.  Daddy's weakening heart triggered breathing complications the night before, and he was in ICU.  I quickly prepared for the 4-hour trip home.  Later that evening, while in the hands of skilled physicians and with signs of improvements, we left the hospital for needed rest, feeling assured he would continue to improve, as he had on numerous hospital stays.  No words can describe the shock and numbness we experienced on Sunday morning when we returned; Daddy had taken a drastic turn for the worst. In a couple of hours, we lost him.  The rest of the week was a blur as we went through the necessary arrangements.  My daily routine of working and writing vanished, as i was caught totally unprepared for his departure.

Do not grieve, for My joy shall be your strength. ( Neh. 8:10)

Now a week later, my selfish heart still mourns the unexpected loss of Daddy, but i am trying to focus more on the glimmers of peace sprinkled in my heart.    During this past week, my soul has been flooded with memories and stories shared on how Daddy lived. Before now, i never stopped to realize how much my earthly daddy reflected the love of my heavenly daddy.  

Unending Service...  Daddy started Shearin's Tire Service over 40 years ago, serving his home community with honesty and integrity.  He had always smiled saying he'd probably have as many customers at his funeral as family, and he was right.  He had a respectful, trusting relationship with all he served. His work on earth was not about his status, but his service/word to others. He lived by the golden rule and applied it to all. 

Father to all... As my brother and i talked to people during visitation and read the many notes sent, it was clear to us we were not Daddy's only children. Many considered him as a trusted daddy or brother.  Admiration for him extended beyond blood connections to heart connections. No matter their makeup, when talking or advising others, to Daddy they were "son" or "shug".    

Love in action... Daddy was not a cross-wearing man nor did he attend church every Sunday and preach to others.  But he loved God and, therefore, others, as exhibited in how he lived. Whether family, friend, employee or customer - regardless of age, color, ranking - he listened and addressed their concerns. Over and over people reminded us of the person he was:  gracious, sweet, kind, caring, wise, generous, gentle.

Thank you... The most common words from Daddy's lips were "thank you".  I don't recall him ever forgetting to thank someone for even the most minute act of kindness.  Whether it was Mary, his wife, handing him his pills or a friend passing food to him or a stranger helping him in the car, Daddy always said thank you.  He took nothing or anyone for granted.

As i strive to return to a revised routine, i am grateful to know God is the same and a strong constant. He has and will continue to provide signs of His comfort and love not just during a difficult trial but afterwards. Returning to work last Friday, one of the first books i checked in was "The Thank You Book".  On a regular basis, i glance up at the sky looking for crosses. While walking the dogs Saturday, i looked up at the dark, cloudy skies to catch a sweet surprise. There in the clouds was a cross.  It was a vivid reminder, like hearing God say, "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." (Gen. 28:15)

Then there was the prelude at church Sunday, "Steal Away to Jesus"... and he did.

The LORD heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds... Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. (Psalm 147:3,5)

Now, in the words of Daddy, "thank you" for understanding the break in my devotions.  "Thank you" for letting me share part of my difficult week. "Thank you, Daddy, for not telling me how to live, but showing me. And "thank You", Father, for Your gift of eternal life.  It is my prayer when heartache falls your way, you too will be strengthen by your faith and knowledge of God's promises.  May your soul  be filled with comforting, precious memories left for you to treasure in your heart.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

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

a Mighty Word ~ sacrifice

"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

For me it's been a silent week with you, but not with God. 

As i've reflected and bathed in Jesus' sacrifice for us, i've been comforted by His Truth, Promises and reassuring peace.
  
Hope refreshed and life renewed... Thank You, Father.

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