going in circles?

"Bless is the person who trusts in the LORD, who confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Life a bit crazy? Feel like you're spinning around in circles?

May you find some comfort in knowing you are not alone.  But may you find the greatest comfort in knowing while spinning around, God still has us securely in His grasp.

Father, some days i'm unsure what direction i'm moving in... and sometimes even why i'm moving.  But, as long as my roots rest in You, the strength and direction needed for the day, i am confident You will provide.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ Mine

"But now, this is what the Lord says— He who created you, (your name), He who formed you, (your name); 
'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.'" Isaiah 43:1

Doubting how special you are? Take a moment to remember how incredible God feels when He thinks of your name...

You are a treasure to God. He knows our name, and each one holds a special, unique place in His heart.

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

coming soon...

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;  wisdom and power are His.  He changes times and seasons..." Daniel 2:20-21

Walking down the hall, the sign above brought a smile to my face.  It stirred many wonderful thoughts in my head --

cool weather

pumpkin spice latte

crisp fall leaves

sweatshirts

hats and scarves

fresh apple cake
Fall festivals

colorful mountains
boots

crackling fireplace

jack-o-lanterns

candy apples

State Fair

If the pressure of the moment has overheated your heart, may a cool reflection of what's to come lower your stress.

Thank You, Father, for ah-ha moments. Thank You for revolving seasons of refreshment.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

SYATP... never too late

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

SYATP (See You At The Pole)... today.  

Thank you for joining the millions today praying for our schools. Can you imagine the loud rumbling of prayers for all our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and volunteers pounding on the gates of heaven? Glory hallelujah!!  Rest assure not a whisper, song, plea, praise or smile will escape our Father's ears. May our prayers be unending, because it's never too late to pray.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of incredible sisters and brothers in Christ.  I am humbly honored and blessed to be serving with them in a mission field filled with precious gems... our children.

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

mark your calendar for tomorrow...SYATP

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Strong incentive to pray today, tomorrow, and EVERY day. 

In early 1990 a small group of Texas teenagers felt strongly compelled by God to pray for their friends.  They drove to three different schools and prayed for the friends, schools and leaders around the flagpoles.  What started out as a small prayer gathering soon spread like a wildfire.  Later on that year in September, the praying number grew to over 45,000 students in 4 states stepping up to the challenge they made to others to pray.  Now more than 3 million students/people in over 20 countries participate and pray at schools on what has become known at "See You at the Pole" day.

Isn't it amazing what obedience to our Father does!  One can witness the results of prayers for our schools every day.  God is so faithful, even when we are not.

  

So, mark your calendar. 

Tomorrow is the day for SYATP, See You At the Pole. 

I can't wait to meet with you in the morning and pray around the school flagpole.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

independence day in September

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

For weeks students (and parents) were prepped for the upcoming independence day at school... the day students would enter the building parent-free.  Positive conversations, encouragement and excitement for the big day all attributed to a smooth parent-less transition. There were few tears and mostly smiles and high 5's as students were greeted by teachers, administrators, staff members and even football players.




Yet, students were not alone as they entered.  Some were accompanied by an older sibling to class.  All were met by cheering school personnel standing in the hallways.  But for me and many others, the greatest comfort of all was remembering no matter where we are, we are truly never, never alone.  





Thank You, Father, our Master Teacher, for always being by our side guiding, teaching and correcting our ways with Your precious love. When we have You, we have everything we need for life.

God is with you – wherever you may go,  no matter what life brings.

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

what's at the top of your list?

"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

Looking over students' reading lists for the summer, i noticed some impressive readers. Success for the summer reading program was measured by reading 25 books or for 25 hours. Many students surpassed the numbers by doubling these numbers or more. They were rewarded by prizes and by keeping their reading skills sharp when school started again.

Yet, the list making the biggest impact on me was not the one with the highest numbers, but the one with God at the top of the list.  

I think this child has the right idea.  Let's put God at the top of our lesson plan each day... in ink.  I am sure there'll be many rewards for us doing so too.

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

do.not.move.

"... stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Feel like you are standing in a mess?

No matter the rocks, the dirt, the heat, the trash, the mud, the bugs there is a reason you are planted where you are.  God will feed, water, weed and nourish your soul for His purpose.  He can work around any obstacle, creating opportunities for His Light and Love to reach others through you.

Do.not.move.
Squeeze your toes down deep in the dirt, and allow Him to work around you and in you. Wait and watch... God's wonders are meant for you too, His beloved child.

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

BEING TESTED?

“God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13  

Different year, different class, different assignments, different routines... different opportunities, different decisions, different solutions, different priorities.  Different, and yet more too.

Do you believe God will not give you more than you can handle?

In other words... do you believe God will give you all the grace you need in every situation you face -- and He will also provide the needed answers and guidance?

Father, trusting Your way when i finally realize there really is no other way.  My only regret is taking so long to believe it and You.  Thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness to me. 
Do i trust You?  May i pass this test and answer yes.

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

you are special!

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

When you read the title today, i hope  you realized it was meant for you!  

Today is a good day!  Whether it's your birthday, anniversary, a new beginning, a renewal, a repeat or a do-over, it's a day to be celebrated. God woke you today for a purpose and with a purpose. Maybe we should call it and everyday "Oh, Happy Day!"  His mercies are new each morning and specifically designed to meet our needs for the day.  That is an incredible daily gift... don't you think?

Thank You, Father, for another day of mercy, love and grace.

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

a Mighty Word ~ go

Jesus said...
"Go and make disciples of all nations..."  Matthew 28:18

  Does that mean of...

countries
states
cities
neighborhoods
work places, and even
class rooms?

I believe so.

Surely if we are the hands, feet and heart of Jesus, others will see Him and want Him too... wherever we are.   
  
Father, help us to be more like You to all who surround us, especially on trying days. It's easier to make disciples, when we are one.  






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

being proper

"Show proper respect to everyone. Love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king."1 Peter 2:17

The week was filled with posters, smiles, stickers and cheerful chatter for school elections.  With proper guidance, direction and leadership, i found the school elections and national elections similar but also very different.  Both boost of a wide field of candidates providing moments of chaos, and at times calmness.  Yet the best and most encouraging difference with our school elections was the respect candidates showed to each other. Competing with politeness was the rule... promoting their own strengths and dreams, not picking each other apart.  

Shouldn't that be true regardless of the age or experience of the candidate?  Sometimes the better example comes from the most unexpected places.

Thank you, students, i see signs of hope for the future through you.  You've been taught and led well. May you keep following wisdom and Truth. Thank you, teachers and parents for a job well done.

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

step in and smile!

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:12

Where can "I" make a difference that matters?

Right here. 

Then we all win, when in for kindness.

Smile!  

Let's all step up to do our part to complete the picture of kindness around us.

#justbekind

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

9/11 - remembering and praying

"...This is what the LORD, the God of your father, David, says: I  have heard your prayer and seen your tears, I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5 

When the world around you crumbles, nationally or personally, what do you do?  At first, we are usually overcome with shock, unable to move. Next, fear and/or anger fill our shattered hearts. Then what? Next, many of us turn to God and others for comfort, compassion and strength.  

As we pick up the pieces, we realize life is not and never will be the same.  But as believers, we rely on the fact God is still in control.  He can restore trust, love, forgiveness, laughter, caring joy and peace.  With Him, we learn how to live AGAIN.  We don't forget, but we can move on with Him.

Today as we remember 9/11, may we thank God for His faithfulness to us... for sustaining, strengthening, comforting and healing us through storms.

God, You are our Peace. Thank You for what You have done, for what you are doing and for what You will do. May those affected by 9.11.2001 feel our heartfelt prayers through Your Mighty Love.

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

a Mighty Word ~ loved

"The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose your because you were more numerous than other peoples (or prettier or smarter or stronger or braver or more successful or sweeter) ...But it was because the LORD loved you!"  Deuteronomy 7:6-6

You are His treasured possession... today and every day... just like the children before us are too.  
Father, help us to love those who belong to us like You do, to love just because.

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

growing wings and dreams

"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

A significant part of a teacher's role is to guide, encourage and inspire students in reaching their hopes and dreams.  

Today as you help gather and grow the feathers of knowledge, confidence, kindness and other strengths in your students, know you are contributing to where and how they soar through life. Each feather makes a difference and is important.  The wider the wing span the greater the possibilities.

No one said it would be easy; yet, with your patience and persistence you sure are adding some beautiful feathers to the wings surrounding you. Keep up the Good Work.

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

where are you?

"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. 

 He will not let your foot slip—    
He who watches over you will not slumber." 
Psalm 121: 1-3

Last weekend the mountains provided a needed break for some current faith testing.  During a walk, i realized i was literally and figuratively in the mountain... not on top of the mountain, not at the valley of the mountain, but in the mountain.  Like the walk, my life is constantly shifting.    


As i made the last turn on my walk, i suddenly faced what looked like an insurmountable hill. Should i continue or turn around?  Bella and i considered how far we had come. Tired and dragging, we decided to keep going forward.  Taking baby steps and keeping our focus just ahead, provided the strength needed to finish our walk.  The easiest choice would not have been the best choice.  The view from the top was worth the struggle and sweat.



Are you climbing any cumbersome hills at work or at home? Don't stop, and don't turn around.  Keep your eyes on our Father as you take baby steps. He will not let you slip. You've come too far to miss the spectacular view He has planned for you.  

See you at the top. We will make it, and it will be worth it!  He is a God of Wonder and Might.

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

a Mighty Word ~ wonderful

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I, (your name), am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

 God doesn't make junk... you, my friend, are a priceless treasure created by Him for His glory.  

Don't let a little dirt under your fingers get you down. Remember God uses it all for His glory and our good.  So, shine on, and let others see and know our Father through you.

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

just suppose...

"...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind..." 1 Thessalonians 5:14,15

Just suppose....

• the first smile of their day came from your face
• patience to teach a new skill came from your heart
• words of encouragement came only from your lips
• guidance to complete a task came from your hands  
• compassion for their hurt came from your soul
• the only tears cried for their pain fell from your eyes

Would it really make a difference?  YOU are making a bigger impact than you could ever imagine.

Random acts of kindness build a mighty fortress for our Father!! And, brings others to Him.

we are chosen and loved by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

after the honeymoon...

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."  Psalm 51:12

There's nothing like a wedding and the sweet honeymoon that follows.  The excitement, joy and happiness are incredible. Everyone and everything is magical. Then, BAM! reality strikes, and the true work begins.  The start of a new school year is similar. It was a beautiful "wedding and honeymoon", but now it's time to roll up the sleeves and for the real work and growth to begin.  

As we plod forward through the highs and the lows this school year, let us always remember to keep our face turned towards our Father.  There our joy and peace can be constant because of His unending love for us.  Through Him and by Him, we are able to have the right spirit and heart to serve others in His Holy Name.  

Yes, the honeymoon is over, but the joy and rewards of building wonderful, everlasting relationships in the classroom is just beginning.  Give thanks, and celebrate with gladness!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal