a farewell to some

since I have you in my heart…
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11   

Our school time together is coming to an end.  Although, i might not know your face, i know your heart.  We have shared much with each other… joy, hurts, frustration, disappointments, laughter, pain, anger, confusion, restlessness, sickness and more.  Hopefully, during this time you have also felt the constant presence of God; have witnessed how He guides us tenderly through hardships and trials; and have experienced how He uses absolutely e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g for His good and His glory.

As God has seen us through all times, especially difficult ones, we have grown.   Grown closer to Him, closer to each other and closer to being who and what He designed us to be.  I pray He uses us as a magnet to attract others to Him and His eternal kingdom.  After all, isn’t that our true mission?

Thank you for allowing me to share Him with you.  May you enjoy the glorious “Son”shine with Him this summer as you find rest, refreshment and renewal in Him.

Glory be to God for all things!!

Happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ,  
veneal

wimps welcomed

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and your men/women stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength..." Isaiah 40:30-31

The bookshelves are filling up, and wimpy kids are everywhere.  Being one of the most popular series in the library, it's rare to find one on the shelf. But at the school year's end, they all come "home" for repairs and rest.  

Like the books, i am ready to go home.  It's been a good, but long, busy school year; and i'm in need of repair for my weary bones. 

Father, i am counting the hours.  Every inch of me is crying out for the carousel to stop.  Left on my own, it's easy to keep finding stuff to do. The Truth is my soul finds rest in You alone.  This wimpy kid needs time with just You. Refreshment, repair, rest and restoration -- here i come!  Thank You, Father! I love you! 

Just You and me, that's what it's got to be.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

on the home stretch

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

The clock is ticking, the students are smiling... and so are the teachers.  I'd say the survival rate for finishing the school year is looking really good.

It's been a wonderful year for many, as well as, long and challenging.  But you persevered, tackled the needs and completed your lesson plans. You've successfully juggled demands from all directions and your students are ready to move on.  It's almost time to put your feet up for the summer.

That well-deserved smile creeping back up on your face...  anticipating the rest,refreshment and renewal to come... is just about in FULL bloom.  Hang in there!  The best is yet to come.

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

fingerprints everywhere!

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory in the heavens...When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers..." Psalm 8:1,3 

The fingerprints of God, we are surrounded by them...

Whether in nature or in His children, God has created a world of beauty with a tremendous divine purpose. God's love for us is as plain to see as a fingerprint on a clean window.  May our love for others be as obvious as His.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like believe it,

veneal

remembering

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."  Galatians 5:1

Freedom... it has a price.

Thank You, Jesus, for paying the price of my sins, so i can spend eternity with You.

And thank you, soldiers - past and present who have protected us with honor, loyalty and integrity - for my freedom at home.

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

seeing stars or arrows?

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." Philippians 2:14-16  

Bouncing off the walls, tying shoes to the desk, crawling over bathroom stalls… clearly, it's the end of school. To create a manageable class, a 5-star program was devised to recognize practically perfect behavior. To set our "clients" up for success,a reward with clout was necessary... like candy.  Did it work?  Yes! Until the sweetness of the deal wore off this week.  Our 5-star classes dwindled to zero this week.  Alas, we can't afford a reward enticing enough to contain their excitement for summer. 

There is another Teacher desiring obedient students worthy of stars ...He's my Teacher and yours.  Father, Forgive me when distractions of the moment get to me, and off of You.  You constantly bless me with goodness in life... rainbows after the rain, the smile of a child... and i miss it while strumming my fingers thinking of what tomorrow holds.  How often do You try to get my attention with the beauty of a sunset or with the wind of Your Hand passing my face and i turn the other way?  The blessings of being Your child is sweetness enough to serve You daily.  I want to be a shining star for You and not a flaming arrow.

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

a Mighty Word ~ Created

"Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Mold me and make me as You desire,
Then fill me, Father, with Your Holy Spirit and fire.

Created in love by Your Hands we shall be,
And children of Light for others to see.

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

surrounded

"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore." Psalm 125:2

Uncertain about your future?  Scared about some pending changes? Doubtful a situation will improve?

Whether sailing on a mountain top or crawling in the valley, God has us and our circumstances covered.

Thank You, Father.

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

ready to hide

"You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

Deadlines... Stress... Countdowns... CRaZiNesS... LOUD... Exhaustion...
Hide me!

If ever i wanted to be a turtle, it is now.  I am ready to pull into my dark, quiet shell to hide and rest.

Even though i'm not a turtle, i still have a Hiding Place i can retreat to and rest.  Thank You, Father!

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

He's got us

"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

News about changes in life can be alarming and cause discomfort.  Whether it's a change in personnel, policy, plans or place, disruptions for most of us are difficult.  Change can instigate a raging ocean of emotions... hurt, fear, grief, guilt, uncertainty, anger, panic, shock, confusion.

So how do we properly channel change?  Through God.

In everything, including changes, God is still in control.  He is aware and will take care of all things in His perfect way.  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

it's no secret...

"Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart."  Psalm 44:21

What God knows, God can handle... and He knows ALL. Not a single thought, action, wish or motive is hidden from Him.

Resting in His Power, Love and Truth.

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

who's driving?

"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long." Psalm 25:4-5

Our hand may be on the wheel, but God is the fuel and engine.  

Through the bumps, wrong turns, fast starts, stalls and more, God gets us where we need to go in life at His pace. 

Father, so often i think i am in control, when actually i am not.  Help me to trust and rest in Your Perfect ways and timing.

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

#prayerrallyforAllie

He protects..... PERIOD.

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
    He drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
    from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
    but the Lord was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
    He rescued me because He delighted in me." Psalm 18:16-19 

TRUSTING the strength and support for those in need, as well as, the peace of those who love them, are in the Mighty Hands of our Father, the Great Physician.

Where we are incapable, our God IS capable.

When we re ready to give up, our God IS going strong.

He cares, He can, He will... I am resting in Him. 

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

a Mighty Word ~ seek

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with ALL your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back from captivity.'" Jeremiah 29:13-14  

A promise you can take to the bank... with a heavenly return!

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

give me a sign

"So they asked Jesus, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe You? What will You do?" John 6:30

Do you ever ask Jesus this? I certainly have. 

Where oh, God, are You; where are the answers?
It's then i feel most like a child, wanting what i want NOW. Not caring to listen to the wise words of a parent.  How can waiting ever be a good choice.. yet, many times it is.

It's then i must pour over His Word, read and remember, pray...trust... and wait.
And in His time, in His perfect way, He answers.

Help me, Father, to be patient.  Increase my faith, decrease my doubt, strengthen my trust and direct my feet to Your opened Arms.

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

Happy Mother's Day

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 

The love of a mother... it is special, everlasting and unconditional. Happy Mother's Day to all, whether a mother through blood or love, you make a difference.

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

why we love moms

The LORD says...
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13
 I love my Mom because...

The students' lists were different, but alike --  I love my Mom because she:

reads to me, helps me talk, make me laugh, tells me jokes, plays with me, taught me how to write, worries about my safety, sings about how much she loves me, takes me to the park, cooks cookies, takes care of me when i'm sick.

As different as their moms were, their lists were too.  The lists varied in specific reasons of why they loved their mom. But they were alike in the fact they loved their moms from her doing and giving... and not from materialist stuff.

Comfort is a crucial need in our life. As a mother comforts her child, He comforts us. God uses a mother's love to describe His own feeling.  Caring deeply for another, we sacrifice self for their welfare.

Comfort... it is what mother's do best.  It is what God considers an essential element to our peace -- with Him and others.

Thank you, to the many mothers who spread, share and give comfort to others daily.  Whether a mother-by-blood or a mother-by-heart, you are a blessing. And God is smiling at you, His good and faithful servant... His shining witness to comfort.

For all the comfort you provide to others, Happy Mother's Day!

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

Thank you for joining us in support and prayer for a special school teacher and mom, Claire Boyd, in the healing of her daughter Allie... #prayerrallyforAllie

under the Rock

"For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock...Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:5,14

The walk on the mountainous path took its toil on her.  It wasn't until we finished that i noticed her level of exhaustion. With tail drooping, tongue hanging Bella searched and found rest from the winding hills, burning sun and thin air.  Coolness under a nearby ledge provided much needed relief.

God knows when and where we need a ledge to provide protection from the troubles and harsh elements in our life.  Broken relationships, sickness and death, specials events, unexpected circumstances can all take a heavy toil on our heart, body and soul.  It's hard to keep going and breathing when the air becomes so thin, or the uphill battles are unending, or the raging, hot storms linger over our head.

How easy it is to cry out, "Where are You, God?? Do You see what I'm going through?? Do You care??"

Then slowly it comes back to me.  Being a believer is not about making life easy and fair.  It is about knowing and trusting our God in all matters. A look at any one of the people of faith in the Bible confirm hardships do not dissipate due to their faith, but they persevere through then because of their faith.

That ledge in your life is not there for you to jump off, but for you to climb under... for rest, as you look to and wait for our Father to restore peace in your life.  He is our Everlasting Rock for the good.  

God is good all the time... all the time God is good.  BE-lieve.  He cares for you.

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

a Mighty Word ~ PRAY

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1

Father, the prayers of many are at Your feet. We pray for healing, complete recovery and peace. We know with you all things are possible, and we thank You.





What can He do? 

"I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2


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

#prayerralleyforAllieBoyd  

First Responder

"At the time it happens, I am there." Isaiah 48:16  

No matter what is happening... sickness, accident, failure, separation, death, mistakes or other life interruptions...  God is the First Responder.  God is always present, in all places, at all times, in all situations experienced by His children.  

He knows, He cares and He will cover us. Find comfort in knowing we are never, never, NEVER alone or forsaken or forgotten.

Thank You, Father.

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

comfort, please

Recent events remind me of the constant need of comfort in our world.  In the blink of an eye life can take dramatic turns.  The realization that so much in our life is also out of our control can be crippling.  It is then we lean heavily on the One who can truly provide the comfort, peace, guidance and strength needed.  If you are hurting today, may His Truths and love cover and comfort you. 

My Dearest Child,

Breathe, and let me remind you of some of my many promises and Truths to you along with my everlasting love…

At the time it happens, I am there. (Isaiah 48:16)

Remain calm; I will fight for you. (Exodus 14:14)

When you pass through the waters, I am with you. (Isaiah 46:4)

I will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

I gather you and your loved ones like lambs in My arms and carry you close to my heart, and gently lead the mothers of the lambs.
(Isaiah 40:11)

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:10, 13)

I am your refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

I have captured every tear from your eye. Not a single sorrow in your heart has escaped Me. (Psalm 56:8)

My Presence will go with you wherever you go, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

I give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29)

I am your hiding place and I will protect you and surround you with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

I heal the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds... I am mighty in power; My understanding has no limit." (Psalm 147:3,5)

And remember, My Son, Jesus, told you, "... but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

Pray and believe Me,
I AM
Your Loving, Heavenly Father

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

sweet as honey

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

With the end of school rapidly approaching, teachers and all other personnel at school are busy as bees.  End-of-year reports, testing, programs, celebrations, conferences and other activities create a maddening buzz until the last day.  Are you ready for it?  Judging by students increased excitement and energy, i know they are ready.

Father, as resting minutes decrease and demands increase, please help keep the sting of exhaustion and frustration out of my words and actions.  Fill me with an extra dose of sweetness to calm the elevated souls around me.

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

a Mighty Word ~ kept

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

As a child of God, our tears don't fall on the harsh, unresponsive, cold ground, but into the loving, caring, faithful Hands of our Father.

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

where is your faith?

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."   Hebrews 11:1

By faith Noah built an ark...
By faith Abraham went to a place he did not know...
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob, the younger...
By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born...
By faith Rahab welcomed the spies...
By faith the walls of Jericho fell... 

God has something better planned for you and me.
Because life is not fair, we need to stay faithful. 

Who and what are you faithful to? What matters to you?
How will your faith statement read?

By faith (your name)......

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