it's a wrap...

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

It has been a week of weeks. And as usual, the routine at school has been anything but routine.  While all are looking forward to a weekend, i along with others in my area are also preparing for a MUCH needed Spring Break.

Wherever your Friday and break takes you, i pray it provides rest, refreshment, restoration and refuels the hope we have in our Father.

Happy Friday!

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

where there is smoke...

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire'." Hebrews 12:28-29

Students' artwork is a tremendous source of inspiration for me.  And the pieces for "Mary Poppins" did not disappoint, stirring up a godly pot of thoughts.  From umbrellas to kites to chimneys, it's been a poppin colorful, thought-provoking week.  

As the week closes and we prepare for a MUCH needed break, i want to leave you with a final thought.  Where there is smoke, there is fire. And where there is trouble of any sorts, there is also our God. We are never, never alone or forgotten.  May we always be willing to share with others what our Mighty God has done for us.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe, 
no matter where we are,
veneal

kite flying

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Philippians 2:1-2

Kite flying ... sometimes we suggest it in fun, and sometimes in frustration.  It's all in how we say it.

"Let's go fly a kite"  -- is about sustaining a relationship

"Go fly a kite" --  is about departing from a relationship

Father, when the winds of turmoil blow through, as they will do, i'm praying extra hard for You to keep the strings of my life from tangling up and breaking.  Whether a gentle breeze, a constant wind or tropical-force gusts, keep my mind, my mouth and my heart focused on You.  When my heart is ripped, mend it and guide me to You, so Your strength and power may overcome my weaknesses, doubts and fears.  For when i am weak, You are the powerful wind at my back, lifting my spirits and faith.

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

play week... pray week

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

This is it.  Play week at school... and the week before Spring Break... could it be any wilder?  Please, don't even answer. 

As the extensive cast for "Mary Poppins" soars on stage before the anxious eyes of friends, family and visitors, there is also a vast backstage of support for the production... expanding from students, teachers, parents, administrators, other staff members and various volunteers.  I am thankful for the many hands and many hours of dedication.

And as the show continues for the week, so will other events... good ones, bad ones, happy ones and heartbreaking ones.  I am reminded changes, large or minuscule, can occur in a split second and move us from playing to praying.  That's just the way life is.

May your day be filled with a comfortable balance of play and pray.  But if not, doesn't it give you tremendous relief and hope knowing God will orchestrate the necessary changes.  He works all things to the good for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.  And, curtain calls are His specialty.

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

continuously surrounded...

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—  where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth...
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:1-2,8

Tired and faced with troubling circumstances, i forced myself to take the dogs out for our routine morning walk.  And as usual, i walked out the door and immediately looked up to the sky.  And what i saw wrapped peace and assurance around my heart.  It was a full sky cross.  

And when we returned home from our walk, we found another cross resting over our house.  

As i walked across the yard and came back up the porch, i turned around to see a shimmering, brilliant cross in front of our house.

Later in the day, i went to the store, only to glance up and see a faint cross... a soft reminder, God is there even when i think He is not.

Back home, this magnificent cross waited for my return.

I am tenderly reminded, God goes before us, with us and after us.  The days ahead will be difficult and trying, but we will not go it alone.  God will hold, prepare and guide us through upcoming decisions and results.

If in need or hurting, may you also lift your eyes to Him and feel His presence. God cares, He can, and He will be our tower of Strength through it all. There is no battle we face that He is not prepared to handle. Matter of fact, He  is already working on it in His Perfect Ways. And i believe that with every fiber of my heart and soul.  Thank You, Father.

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

anything but...

"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 desperate sub ran in for a copy of "My Lucky Day" for the upcoming lesson plan. We didn't have the book in the library, nor due to my circumstances, did it correctly identify how i was feeling. I felt anything but lucky.  But an hour later, when we unexpectedly found the exact book she wanted when putting up  donated books from a week ago, i felt maybe i had judged my day too swiftly and wrongly... maybe it was my lucky day.

When a sudden flood of failures sweep you off your feet and and terror chokes off your oxygen, anything but lucky fills your thoughts and heart.  Yet, God in His all-knowing power and strength can and will accomplish His Will for the situation and His children.  It might not be our way or in our timing, but His way is always perfect and right.  Our worst day might also become our lucky day too.

Father, many times we just have to believe You and Your promises while putting aside our frail human understanding. It's our lucky day, simply because of Your immense love for us.  Help me rest and breathe in Your Truth.  You are Life.

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

catch me

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

Father, on the days i can't hold my head up, i am humbly thankful for the comfort of Your lap to fall in.

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

He knows my name... and yours

Jesus, the Good Shepherd...

"He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out." John 10:3

“How come you know my name?”,  Joey asked.  It took all the strength i could muster not to blurt out… because i have to say it every time you are here. You require a lot of personal attention. 

I wonder how many times a day my name rolls off our Father’s lips.  And more importantly, is it with loving frustration or with pleasing joy?

Lord, help me to care and treat others with the same love, grace and mercy you so freely pour out on me daily.  Do i deserve it?  No.  But does that stop you? No.  Soften my heart to those who have broken hearts.  You, Father, know the names of the ones suffering around me. Help me to be more attentive, to hear their cry and to help them out of their brokenness and darkness too.

Like the first day of Spring, create in me a renewed heart filled with hope, joy, beauty and restoration.  Lead me out of a cold weariness and into the warmth of Your love and grace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ friend

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

Thank You, Father, for the touch of comfort through a word, a hug or a smile. My friends... Your angels on earth. Thank You.

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

give me a break...

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 

Overdue... and i'm not talking about library books.  It has been a lonnng, busy winter, and we are well overdue for a break. From the students to the teachers to administrators to staff member, i feel like we are treading on thin ice with patience and self-control.  But there is Good News!  Spring Break is a day closer than yesterday.  We can do this.

Remember where our true strength comes from... thank You, Father!
 

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

a Mighty Word ~ you

"...the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 14:2

Do you know what makes many students feel lucky??  It's not the luck of the Irish, but the lucky love of a teacher...
       


 Yes, it's you!!

Not only are you God's special treasure, but also a special treasure to many others.

Smile, and enJOY your day... you, my friend, bring many smiles to those around you.

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

go green, and be free

 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Wearing the green... eating party food... dancing the jig... is that all there is to St. Patrick's Day?

Actually the roots of St. Patrick's Day stem from a British Christian child, kidnapped and kept in slavery in Ireland.  After  he finally escaped, he later returned so to care for the Irish people and teach them about God.  Due to his dedicated kindness, he later became St. Patrick.

Below are resources on truths regarding St. Patrick. 

• Here's a 2-minute video from the History Channel you can show in class.
•  St. Patrick - Catholic Online 
• How the Irish Saved Civilization, by Thomas Cahill

And why the shamrock? St. Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity, one God in three divine beings, tghe Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Whatever we feel enslaved to in life, God can grant us the freedom to overcome it in His love and strength.

Now, that is something to celebrate!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal 

feeling seasick?

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3

Feeling tossed about by rough, turbulent seas? 

Whatever circumstances are causing the color to drain from your knuckles: 

Answers not coming
problems not solved
hearts not mended
bodies not healed
feelings not consoled

No matter the demands, conflicts, heartaches, when God is our Anchor... 
HE HOLDS.
The ride might be wild, but He will safely see us through the storm and into the still waters of peace.  

A furious storm came up on the lake... But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke Him saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and waves, and it was completely calm.

If Jesus can sleep on the boat in a storm, shouldn't we? Oh, for a dash more of faith. Rest, be Jesus with skin on...

Thank You,Father.

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

a Mighty Word ~ weight

"The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

Lined down the school's main hallway were coats left by students.  Fooled by a taste of warm weather, the coats were shed, left and forgotten prematurely. Spread out on a cold day, many were claimed for a continued need.  

Like wanting to shed the weight of a winter coat, i want to shed the burdensome weight of fear and anxiety.  But unlike the winter coats, the coat of fear can be tossed aside for good with complete confidence by trusting God.

Father, it's time. I am ready to lay my coat down. In remembering and believing Your immense love for us, the heavy weight of fear in our hearts can roll away, and we need not fear it's return. 
Thank You.

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

voice from the past

"Today, if you hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts..." Psalm 95:7-8

Yesterday a post popped up on my news feed.  However, it wasn't just a memory from 6 years ago. It also spoke wisdom, truth and direction into my current day.

As i read it, i was gratefully reminded the same is even truer of God's Word.  Written  over 2,000 years ago, it's message, especially for me, is needed every day.  It's called the Living Word, because that is what it is and does... provides hope, direction, encouragement and LIFE for any and all circumstances.  

Father, whether You speak to me through Your Word, prayer or another means, i pray to hear and act accordingly.  Give my Your strength and wisdom, and may i do my part with obedience in what i know.  Thank You, in advance for answering my prayers.

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

a change is coming...

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider:  God has made the one as well as the other." Ecclesiastes 7:14

When the path before us is gray and desolate....

remember, it will not stay that way.

God desires to fill our lives with His blessings.  He takes our bleakest seasons and still creates breathtaking moments.  No season lasts for a lifetime, even the good ones. When we are faced with harsh times, God in His goodness provides a glimpse of what's to come.  A sweet reminder to encourage our hearts -- we are not forgotten.


Tough day? Tough week?  Look around. God surrounds us with His promise this season will past.  What  appears unbearable, it not.  God has the power to bring good out of all times, including bad ones.

Believe... take life one day at a time, and be filled with the warmth of His Light and Love.  We will survive the moment, and it will be good.


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

a Mighty Word ~ overflow

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person brings good things out of the good stored up in them." 
Matthew 12:34-35

Our actions and words portray what fills and spills from our heart. 

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

how much longer?

When will winter be over?

coldness of a angry heart
bitter winds of misunderstanding
harsh, cutting  words
dark, blustery meanness
silent, icy looks
repeated, dismal disappointments
chilly, drafty doubts
intensifying, howling hurts

Have you had enough of the bitter, frosty winter?

Clearly, the season is not over. But there are bright, hopeful signs around too, like beautiful, red cardinals.  May we find  comfort in knowing not everything about the current season is cold.  God and His angels are watching over us.  He can and does  provide blessings through all seasons... we just need to keep our eyes and heart open to His goodness.  He doesn't change, but the season will.  

Thank You, Father.

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

a Mighty Word ~ respect

"Show proper respect to everyone..." 1 Peter 2:17

Seriously, whether we say it, sing it, think it or do it, showing respect is important to everyone... everyone.

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

how are you surviving?

Jesus said...

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Pack'em up and move'em out!  

 

How sweet those words were as the bookcarts closed. Like the Book Fair books, this past week delivered a wide range of emotions.  We witnessed times of drama, suspense, shock, mystery, comedy, heartbreak, magic, horror, and human survival.   

Every day was an action‑packed, page turner from start to end.  But all things do come to an end.  So, good bye Book Fair; we survived the thrilling ride!

Lord, thank you for hearing my prayers and getting us through the week.  Do you like the song, "My Redeemer Lives", because i will be singing it to You all day long.

Whatever you are going through today, acknowledge God because He is with you and will provide the strength needed.

Book Fair came and Book Fair went,
at times we about lost all our sense.

But thanks to great help, here and Above,
we survived a busy week filled with gifts and love.

Believe and know God's Words are faithful and true,
With Him all things are possible, because He loves me and you.

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

a Mighty Word ~ ahhhRefreshing!

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



Even though Book Fair produces a hectic, cRaZy work week, it's also one full of refreshment for the soul too.  Terrific, dedicated volunteers; delicious donated lunches; special, robust coffee; helpful, excited administration and custodial staff; understanding, flexible teachers and supportive, giving parents were all wonderful reasons to keep smiling.  












But actions from students actually took the prize for best inspiration. Watching them pool their money together to help a classmate buy a book or donating part of their own money to our "books4all" box made my heart sing.  And then, there was the unexpected thank you note from a student. Everyday bubbly students told me how Book Fair week was their most favorite week at school!

How can i not love what i do?  When kindness sprinkles into your life, hope fills your heart for the day and for the future.

Kindness wins and covers exhaustion, stress, fear, anxiety, doubt, uncertainties and more.  Be the blanket someone needs today.  Then, may we all have a chance to  snuggle up with the Good Book this weekend, and thank God for our blessings.

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