how can that be?

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

"Sally, this is a book about Helen Keller.  She was blind and learned to read Braille with her fingers."
Pause...
"But how did she learn to read with her fingers?  There aren't any eyes on your fingers."

Besides raising money for our library, the Book Fair has provided some timely, sweet moments, such as the one above... a tender exchange of truth and wonder between a dad and his daughter.

Father, sometimes the obvious in life gets completely lost and muddled.  The answers we get conflict with our understanding.  What do You mean to love your neighbor as yourself, and even to love your enemy?  Can we love and disrespect at the same time?  Do our differences mean one is better or less than another?  Who can stand blameless before You? Not i; i am in need of You, my Savior, as much as my neighbor and my enemy.

What, wait, i think i hear Your Voice... focus on the board in your own eye, so your compassion may grow... do to others, (no matter who they are), as you would have them do to you. 

When i read Your Word, Father, my understanding is of Your immense grace and mercy You have poured freely and graciously out on undeserving me, as well as, everyone. By sharing Your Perfect Love with others, not our judgment, we fulfill Your desire to help grow Your Kingdom. Instill in me an Open Heart, so i might treat all with dignity and respect. 

 May we take all our confusing moments to our Daddy first.

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

the longest day...

Jesus said...
"'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'" John 14:1-3

12 hours and counting...for some this is considered a normal working day, and i have tremendous respect for them. But it's not for me; working 12+ hours is a test of character.  And as my longest day progressed for Book Fair day and night, it wound up more before it wound down.

As my anxious eyes scoured the sea of shoppers, i felt dizzy.  It was a shopping frenzy.  Could i possibly finish with a smile?  Then i thought of the reward to come... a trip to a local restaurant with my co-worker to celebrate a day well done.  As my mind filled with the busyness of the moment, i also found comfort and peace knowing that an end was coming, and it would be a good one. 

Sometimes our longest days are planned, and sometimes they just happen.  In spite of the headaches, foot-aches, and heartaches, there is good news.  This time will not last forever.  If you are in the midst of the longest day, may God sustain and carry you to the next minute, and then the next minute, and then the next minute until you reach the minute you can rest in His peace.

He cares, He can, He will get us through each day/season, no matter how hard or long.  There is Light at the end.

Thank You, Father.

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

going in circles?

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him." Psalm 62:5

The Book Fair is in full swing with tons of books, just come look!...Watch out, Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss is almost loose!...Singing, dancing and music too...and there's Mary Poppins twirling around with an upcoming debut...Hey! Hey! Hey! Get those tennies on for a 5k race...Evening with the Arts? I want to be a part of that too! 
Whew... Breathe

Did someone just say, they feel like they are going in circles?  I think i understand.  When our routine is anything but routine, may we still rejoice in knowing a place of quiet comfort is always available.

Thank You, Father, for being our constant Peace and Comfort.  May You continuously be in the center of all that circles us.

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

how's your thinking?

"Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

Why does he do that?
What was she thinking?
I don't understand him.

Can you relate to any of these frustrations?  I sure do. No truer words have ever been said or thought of by a teacher of a student, a person of their spouse, a parent of a child, a child of a parent, a friend of a neighbor and of numerous other relationships.










As I have fretted for days, months, years over some relationships, one of recent was emotionally whipping me. However, in God's perfect time, He directed me 3 times with the same message in less than 48 hours... think differently, think differently, think differently.

As i accepted and started working on this directive, i have recovered some peace.  Also, i've found the need to think differently on several levels... 

• Personally - i don't know everything.  Acknowledgement of blinders which limit vision and knowledge in all situations -- a  defense that can stall or impel God's plan
• Relationship with others - i don't know everything.  Need for seeing/feeling all relationships on the flip-side -- being in their shoes changes how the shoes fit
• Relationship with God - i don't know everything...and that's OK.  Admitting my weakness in trusting God with every aspect of my life -- must pry my sticky fingers off the malfunctioning self-control stick for true peace

When faced with the question, "If where you are today is where your best thinking has gotten you, do you need better thinking?"  For me, it was a cold water in-my-face "yes" moment... a wake-up call for better thinking.  How is your thinking?

Father, i pray for a change in my thinking, as i strive to know and follow Your will for my life. Help me think and live with more heart and understanding for others.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

is that rain ...again?

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5

Slipping on a raincoat these days is as necessary as shoes.  The harsh cold rain, dripping off my coat has been an unwelcomed part of my life for many, MANY days. And the lack of recess for students is like a pop quiz on patience for teachers... you just do the best you can and hope you pass the test.  But, oh! what a burst of happiness landed in our school mailbox this morning. In preparation for summer, the office had returned a notebook for updates.  Reading the cover washed away the dreary, wet days of late.

SUMMER reading... What a wonderful, warm reminder that these cold, wet, gray days will not last forever.  It's a season.  It will pass, and another will replace it.  Did i just hear you sing hallelujah too?

Father, we are thankful for all our days, but sometimes we are slap worn out from all that pours over and on us. Thank you today for the reminder of a new season on the horizon. Even though You always reign, we sometimes need a jolt to recall the SONshine from You never forsakes us. Today i'm celebrating the hope of tomorrow we have from You, while looking forward to tossing my shoes and raincoat aside soon.

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

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

a Mighty Word ~ watching

"My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber." Psalm 121:2-3 

He who sees all and knows all... still loves all.
May we be and see like Him.

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

on His shoulders

"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

With boo-boos on both her knees, her daddy snugly wrapped his arms around her legs and carried her high on his shoulders down the hall to her classroom.

How thankful i am, our Heavenly Father does the same for us.

No matter what the pain, why the tears, where the hurt, when the fall... whether it's from our own actions or from the result of another... God carries us safely where we need to go.

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

a Mighty Word ~ give

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  2 Corinthians 9:7 

To those in need, may we give freely and gladly.  Surely, this will put a smile on our Father's face and joy in our heart.

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

Please do

"And as for you, my friends, never tire of doing what is right." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
 
The doing outdoes the telling... Always.

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

"TELL ME"

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

Discontinued... no more conversations.

All my life, i've enjoyed making and having sweet, fun conversations with others. It was disheartening this year to learn about the discontinuation of the candy conversation hearts.  And sadly, it is a growing trend.  Looking beyond the candies, conversations are dwindling between people for many reasons, such as busy lifestyles crowding out meaningful visits and electronic addictions isolating people from people. Maybe we should focus on powering up our face-to-face words before it's a lost art too.

Father, i wonder how many opportunities we are missing to help grow Your Kingdom due to a lack of conversations. How can we "B URS" and not share Your "REAL LOVE" with our "BFF" and others?  When You said, "B MINE", You seriously meant it for all.  Help me today and "FOREVER" to share You with everyone i meet with my words, actions and heart. Because of Your unconditional love and grace, i am  "GRATEFUL" and "CRAZY 4U".  You make my "HEART THROB". Thank You, for never, never giving up on us. "I LUV U".

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

happy Valentine's Day... and always

How does He love you?
...keep counting the ways.

(your name), My dearly loved Child,   (Ephesians 5:1)

You have been fearfully and wonderfully made by Me.   (Psalm 139:14)

Nothing and no one will separate you from My love! ... neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation!   (Romans 8:35 39)

I will meet all your needs.  (Philippians 4:19)

I will fulfill My purpose for you with an unending love.   (Psalm 138:8)

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you... carry you... and rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)

I will never forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.  (Isaiah 49:15-16)

As I watch over you, I will not sleep nor slumber.  (Psalm 121:4)

Live with the confidence of knowing who you are and whose you are... My Child.  (1 Peter 2:9)

Keeping looking up, My Child, I am here for you always.  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

forever your Dad

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Need more affirmations regarding His love for you? Just pull out His Book.   It 's basically a love letter written just for you.  Face it...  He's crazy about you!

you are mine!

You are the cherished love of My life!  I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.

My dear sweet (your name),

Rejoice! For I have made this day for you!  (Psalm 118:24)

You have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  I chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in My sight.  (Ephesians 1:4)

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and I will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Since I am for you, who can be against you?  (Romans 8:31)

Who or what shall separate you for My love?  Shall trouble or hardship? No, never!  (Romans 8:35)

I will tend to you like a shepherd does his flock.  I will gather you in My arms and carry you close to My heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

When you are tired and weary, come to Me, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Whatever yoke you are under, I will free you from it.  I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  You are mine, and I am Your God.  (Exodus 6:6-7)

I will keep you from all harm and watch over your life always.  (Psalm 121:7-8)

It is My prayer that you may grasp how wide and long and high and deep My love is for you.  (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Can there ever be too many kisses to you?  No, never!

always on your side and for you,

Dad

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

i pick you!

Reduce your stress, and bask in the love of the One who loves you best...

Here is the next letter from your forever Valentine.

 

Dear (your name),

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so I rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

I will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

I have chosen you to be my treasured possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

Do not be afraid, for I will fight for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22)

I will rescue you because I delight in you. (Psalm 1819)

You are the apple of my eye. (Psalm 17:8)

Forever your heavenly Dad

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

YOU ARE LOVED

It's Valentine's week and for some it's painfully different this year. Through death, disagreements, hardships or other factors, some loved ones are no longer part of our life. So, is there still reason to celebrate?  With a thankful heart, our answer is yes.  There is One Valentine that will never forsake us. 

Every year, and especially this year, i need to reread, rediscover and reflect on the greatest love of all, poured out freely to all from Above. Could you use some extra comfort and love this week?  Let's pullout out His love letters this week together and remember.   

love letter #1... Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day, (your name), my Child!

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?   (Isaiah 40:21)

I will never take my love away from you.  (1 Chronicles 17:13)

To you, I will be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.    (Psalm 103:8)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

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

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you... do not be afraid, for I am with you.  (Isaiah 43:4 5)

I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.   (Isaiah 42:1)

I will quiet you with My love. I will rejoice over you with singing.   (Zephaniah 3:17)

And remember, dear Child of Mine,

My love endures forever.   (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Dad

No matter who you are, where you are, or what you are doing, YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED!  May we always remember Whose we are and Who first loved us. Read, receive and believe His blessings for you... His beloved Valentine.
What a Love!  What a God!  What a Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

have you caught it yet?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." 1 Corinthians 13:4

Pneumonia, flu and the stomach bug are spreading like spilt milk from home to school and all other public places. While no one wants to catch any of these conditions, there is one i'm wishing on everyone i know.  It's the kindness bug.

Next week is Valentines, and a perfect week for our school's Great Kindness Challenge.  Students can participant in daily fun events by "paying" with an act of kindness to another. A first grade class is even building a kindness chain by inviting others to record on paper chains acts of kindness they witness. 

Some school events can add an extra layer of work or planning to the week. However, the kindness challenge next week is one i hope never,never ends.  The price of kindness is free; the benefit of it is priceless.  

Be Jesus with skin on... be kind.

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

a Mighty Word ~ still

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

Shhhh.  Just sit... and be with Him awhile.

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

does she, or doesn't she?

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

"Whoa! Mrs. Williams, you dyed your hair!!"
"No, Suzy. I'm actually undying my hair."

"Mrs. Williams, I like your hair."
"What do you like about it, Matti?"
"It's ombre!! I like how it changes colors."

It's days like this, i just have to smile.

Letting my natural hair color grow out is a daunting task. Most days when passing a mirror i shudder thinking, just what am i doing??  Then, there are the second hmmm-glances from others. But, there is another group... my cheerleaders. My heart races with laughter from the cute, unexpected remarks from students.  Their observations coupled with taking the process day-by-day, makes the transformation doable... one strand at a time.

Old habits and ways of thinking are intertwined with our soul. And even when it's a change we want or need, it can still be difficult to accomplish.  Sometimes a kind push of encouragement from another is needed for the ability and strength to continue.  

Is there someone around you who needs a cheerleader?  Someone dealing with a change in their life?  Is there a person craving help to move in a different direction?  You might be the cheerleader they need.  SHOUT OUT a kind push of encouragement and watch them smile.

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

a Mighty Word ~ cling

"Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.
I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:7-8

No matter how hard, fast, deep or unexpected the fall, God catches us... time after time after time.

Thank You, Father.

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

who won?

"Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."  Ephesians 6:10-11

Super Bowl --  The Bedazzling King of football games  --  delivered a so-so evening in my house.  From the low-scoring game to the confusing commercials to the rocking entertainment, i could barely stay awake.  The most meaningful battle to me was the one in my kitchen. Trying to decide which tasty snack to attack next kept my mind alert and my feet busy scattering back and forth. What activities from last night do you remember best?  

Last night's Super Bowl battles are over, but the battle for our mind continues.  The enemy will use any and everything possible to corrupt, misled and destroy us.  He is a keen opportunist.  Talk about fouls, bad calls, temptations, dark moments... he is the master of them all.  

We can't control the outcome of a football game nor some of the events in our life, but we can control who we listen to and believe. We can chose our Father of Truth, or the father of lies.  Only One offers victory for eternity.  Praying and  reading His Word will help keep us prepared for the battles of the day.

I'm praying for you. Will you pray for me?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

rare words today

“I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry… He lifted me out of the slimy pit… He put a new song in my mouth…” Psalm 40:1,2,3

Technology has sprinkled new, exciting words in our vocabulary... bytes, google, email, etc.  It also puts some words in an unfavorable, undesired light with us, such as wait and patience.  In this gotta-have-it-now world, no one wants to hear the word - WAIT.  And to WAIT PATIENTLY, that is surely a rarity.  

Is change better?  Is technology actually improving our life by reducing our downtime or the waiting process?

I love how His Word tell us Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. He has not changed His Ways nor His Working. He moves at a perfect pace in our lives -- designed for us to watch, wait and witness.  All this is needed is to know and believe Him and to let His glory shine for others to see.

Do you need a new song to sing?  
Maybe we need to start with the 4-letter word... W-A-I-T, so we can end it with another... A-M-E-N!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal