pour it on!

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

You would think that after only two weeks of classes, teachers and school staff members would still be going strong, but not so.  The first couple of weeks are grueling and hectic and exhausting.  The train is up and running, but it sure took a lot of steam to get it moving in the right direction. A long weekend is just what is needed for rest, refreshment and refueling.

I am thankful for an opportunity to have a long weekend to count my blessings and to catch my breath.  May we come back stronger in Him, as He equips us for the days ahead.  Never doubt the tremendous impact you are making on others.  You might be the only face of Jesus another sees.

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

jitter bug cure

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

Teachers are known for teaching, correcting and putting out fires; but i think one of their most admirable and effective qualities is hugging with words and arms.

A sure cure for jitter bugs first days and hard days...
big hugs!

When we love like God, we hug like God.

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

a Mighty Word - encourage

"Encourage one another daily..."  Hebrews 3:13

It's always right...
it's always needed... by everyone.

Many thanks to each of you for your encouragement, understanding and support in a rough start with the salt shakers devotions.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
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 have the power to 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... and through our trust in Him, His glory will shine as a witness to others.

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

WTLB... multiply

"And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over."  Matthew 14:19-20

As we think about and activate the word MULTIPLY in our lives this week, take a look at the steps Jesus took when he multiplied the meager loaves and fishes to feed a multitude.

1. He directed those around him to get ready.

2. He took in his hands what was available.

3. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks.

4. He broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples.

5. He watched the multiplication happen as they obeyed.

I'm so glad we serve a Master who knows how to multiply.  Watch for how He takes what you have and makes it more than enough.

Praying you have a week of marvelous multiplication,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By: One Word a Week (pages 289-294)

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

classroom rules for everyone

"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?

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.  Follow the teacher's directions.
5.  And, 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 now and in the future?

We, also, are students and are under the watchful, loving eyes of the greatest Teacher of all... our Father.  Since we are in the classroom-of-life for Christ, may we follow the same guidelines.  He has the desire and ability to equip us with wisdom, discernment and power.  Let us 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,

may we live like we believe it, 

veneal

WTLB... worship

Have you ever had a day (week, month, year) where your emotions refused to cooperate with your intent/desire to be thankful, joyful, valiant, and victorious in all things?

When the load you carry seems much too heavy for your heart, your head, or your shoulders?  If we're breathing, we have all experienced such a time.  Perhaps that time is now. 

The good news is that it does not have to last or linger. We do not have to dwell in despondency or cave in to heaviness, no matter our circumstances.  The way out of "woe" is WORSHIP!

Psalm 100:2-5 (NIV) reminds us to "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Karen Seddon, of Christian Educators Association International, shares "Around the Word in 180 Days," a daily devotion for educators in which she offers the "ABC Prayer of Adoration," praising God for His attributes and blessings by naming one for each letter of the alphabet.  

Try listening to her podcast each morning on the way to work and watch your woe turn to worship!

https://aw180days.weebly.com/

May WORSHIP be your Word to Live By every day of the year!

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By:  One Word a Week (pages 283-288)

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

'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'd 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 information she shared;

Whether they learned quickly or not, they knew she cared.

The teacher lovingly taught 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 skipped away,

Both feeling happy and relieved it had been such a great day.

And I heard the students exclaim as they rode out of sight,

My teacher is great; 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!

It's the beginning of a fabulous school year!  And it all starts with wonderful you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it!

veneal

now serving... casseroles

"Look to the LORD and His strength... remember the wonders He as done." 1 Chronicles 16:11-12

Are you ready for school to start?  While many are stacking new supplies and polishing up bulletin boards, i am preparing casseroles  -- not casseroles for the table, but for the soul.  

I am not ready for a fresh, new year.  Because of a broken finger, i am extremely limited and challenged at the typewriter.  Pecking with one finger is s-l-o-w with LOTS of mistakes, plus maneuvering a mouse left-handed is cRaZy.. It will be about 6 weeks before my situation changes. 

Feeling dismayed with my circumstances, a seed of hope from a sermon Sunday opened my heart and mind to a sweet solution.  Casseroles, with their delicious blend of ingredients, some old and some new, bring comfort in hard times.  I was served the words i needed to change my feelings from defeat to relief.  Instead of fresh, new devotions, i am going to revisit my supply from past years and serve casseroles -- coping, pasting and sharing what i already have in stock. A needed word of encouragement doesn't have to be original to be meaningful.

SO, i ask again, are you ready?  If your room is not completely finished, supplies not all received, equipment not functioning, BUT you are present...THEN, YES, you truly are ready.  Because no matter what you think, the most important part of your class is YOU and your smiling face!

This is going to be my last entirely "new" devotion for awhile; the thoughts are present, but the mechanics are not functioning well.  I pray the casserole devotions fill your soul with what's needed in the weeks ahead.  Thank you for encouraging me and others.... the day will be just fine!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

He will provide for all our needs,

veneal 

WTLB... know

KNOW, this week's Word to Live By, seems especially appropriate for the beginning of a new school year.

And yet there is so much of the unknown bidding for our time and attention:  

• Why did I not accomplish more of my summer goals?
• What will my new students be like?
• Am I going to be ready for them?  
• How will the new evaluations and expectations affect me? 
• When am I going to learn to balance work and home so neither gets shortchanged? 

Although not knowing can be stressful, we have this promise from God's Word to encourage and remind us that it's not what we know, but Who we know that matters:

"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day."  2 Timothy 1:12

Also, you should know you are not alone. Remember to tap into Gateways to Better Education, a wonderful resource for supporting Christian teachers in public schools:

https://gogateways.org/teachers

May this be the start of your best school year yet!

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By: One Word a Week (KNOW, pages 277-282)

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

WTLB... perservere

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

  

Both the words and the structure of Romans 12:12 reinforce this week's Word to Live By:  PERSEVERE.

After all, it's not so hard to start with joyful hope, is it?  And most any challenging situation keeps us faithful in prayer until we reach a resolution.

But that part in the middle--(be) patient in affliction--now that's a tough one.  That's where we have to choose to persevere: patiently, expectantly, joyfully, faithfully--supernaturally possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Anne Graham Lotz's book entitled Why? offers profound reminders from the story of Lazarus and from Anne's personal life of trusting God when we don't understand His timing or His ways. She speaks of suffering -- a synonym for affliction -- and challenges us to trust God's sovereignty, purpose, and plan when we don't yet understand the why. 

This week, may you have a surge of joyful hope and faithful prayer as you persevere patiently through whatever affliction or suffering for which you don't yet have a why.

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By: One Word a Week (pages 271-276)

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

muzzle, please

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

My grand-dog, Kuechly, is a lovable ball of fur who thrives on howling and playing.  But his enthusiastic nature and energetic behavior quickly destroys regular dog toys.  The tuffy ring in the store looked like a perfect toy for him.  So like a good grand, i got it.

When returning from an errand later that day, i was surprised not to hear him howling at the door. Opening the door, i saw why.  Not only was the new toy entertaining him, it muzzled him.

Father, may Kuechly's new toy be a reminder for me... when i feel a need to whine or howl, may i feel a muzzle over my lips instead.

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