treat or not?

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

Whether a student or even a teacher, when sent or called to the principal's office it's a scary, daunting command.  Being non-compliant, disruptive, disobedient or simply off-task, a firm redirection or discipline from a higher authority is sometimes required for a needed change.  

As scary and unwanted as this encounter might seem at the moment, it can lead to successful and desired results.  Sometimes a little discipline goes a long ways to accomplish sweeter, better days ahead... truth treats are best.

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

back were He belongs

"We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete." Hebrews 12:2

"Ms. Alright, nice mug! Is it yours?"
"No.  I got in from the cafeteria rack."
"Really? I believe i left it there for washing and forgot about it."
"You want it back?"
"No, enJOY your coffee with Jesus.  I'll try and remember to get it tomorrow after you are finished with it."

Wow. Jesus went missing, and I was too busy to even realize it. Not a good sign. But, there is still Good News.  He was shared with others, and now i have Him back... although i never really lost Him.  I hope to slow down and keep my eyes on Him better in the days ahead.

Thank You, Father, for always showing up when i need You... especially at times when i am not even aware of my careless, wayward ways.

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

a Mighty Word ~ cheer

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart..."  Proverbs 15:30 

Of all the things you wear, your expression makes the biggest impact.

Father, when i am lacking, fill and my heart and help me to fix my face to reflect Your love and goodness.

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

feeling challenged?

And Jesus said...
"I have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches, I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."  Revelation 22:16

We've barely completed our first nine weeks of school, but in many ways it feels more like the last nine weeks of school. Challenging schedules, bustling workloads and growing needs at school mixed with increased demands and changes at home are rapidly zapping mental, emotional and physical energy.  It's way too early in the school year to feel like this, don't you agree?  How can we possibly finish the year with strength and confidence?  I can only think of One Way... 

Father Above, You are my Eternal Shining Star…

When life is hard, you guide me through the jungle of fear.
When life is dark, you hold me close and Your Light fills me with warmth.
When life is overwhelming, you sustain my spirit with Your Peace.
When life feels hopeless, You are my Hope.
Thank you, Father, for always giving me what i need.
You are truly the Light of salvation for all!

Father, please shine on and through us for all to see Your glory.

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

it's a snowstorm!

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18

For Red Ribbon week, the sea of red on Wednesday turned into a blanket of white on Thursday. Everyone was encouraged to wear red in remembering and being educated in "just say No" to drugs. Then the next day a whiteout on drugs was declared.  It was an awesome snowstorm of support for being drug-free.  It has been a full week of meaningful and important ways to teach and enforce healthy living decisions.

But i have to tell you, i couldn't help but smile as i noted a colorful correlation of what we have been taught as believers.  Thanks to Jesus, our Savior, our sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus, and we have been washed white as snow. Our snowstorm at school looked like a big baptism was about to happen. 

Thank You, Father, for Your unconditional love and sacrifice in bringing us to You.  Feeling like Mr. and Ms. Clean was a wonderful reminder of our many blessings as Your children.

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

s.l.o.w. down

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

How do you know when it's time to slow down? I recently witnessed such a time. It went like this...

"Wow! I like your shirt!!"

... and then the person walked away, only to look down and realize they (and practically everyone else at school) have on the identical shirt.

Smile. Breathe. Rest. Pray. Laugh. 

Make a break for yourself and God.  You deserve it... and need it.

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

friends matter

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9 

The classrooms at school were filled with all kinds of animals... dogs, cats, sloths, bears, frogs, llamas, tigers, giraffes and more. In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, students brought in their favorite stuff animal to hug and snuggle up with for the day.  It was a comforting reminder of how important supportive friends are to us. Life is hard. And when difficulties and temptations arise, the benefits of a good friend are priceless, and can even be life changing or saving. 

My prayer for you is to always be surrounded by a friend or friends who carry, support and nurture you through sunshine and storms.  Maybe this should be called a golden boomerang blessing, because the value of your understanding friendship back to them is needed too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

are you certain?

"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.  For the LORD is your life..." Deuteronomy 30:19‑20

I am certain of the faithfulness of our Father.

I am certain of His goodness, mercy, grace, and unconditional love.

I am certain His promises to us are true... all of them.

I am certain He is aware and cares about every minute detail in our life.

I am certain His will and purpose will be accomplished.

I am certain Jesus died for all my sins... those in the past, now, and the ones to come.

I am certain prayer is answer by God... in His perfect way and perfect time.

I am certain i am a child of God... and not of the deceiver.

I am certain He works in our lives through others.... you, are proof of that.

I am certain that the "Son" is still present even on cloudy days... though covered, He is never gone.

And, i am certain my Mother is home with God, and i will see her again.  

Thank you, Mother, for sharing your faith, love and beliefs with me... not by telling, but by showing. For ten years today, i have missed your sweet presence and face, but i carry you in my heart every second.  Thank you for choosing life in Him, so i may live too. 

The earthly loss of my mother was excruciating. But as God's children we can move forward with a grateful heart. God, our Anchor and Rock and Savior, leads us from the darkness of distress into His glorious Light, while instilling in us the ability and willpower to continue life in joy and in hope.  For the rest of my days i choose to live a life in honor of my mother's gentle, giving spirit and in thanks for God's faithfulness and promises of eternal life to all who claim Him.

Is it easy? No, but with God it is possible...
Thank You, Father.

They will have no fear of bad news; their heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

renew me, please

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Can you renew my book, please?  It's a request i hear daily behind the check-out counter and one i gladly honor.  Sometimes the request is due to the daunting task of reading a lengthy book.  And sometimes the request is due to a lack of reading due to distractions by other activities. Either way, renewing it is a positive sign.  It signals the student has not given up and wants additional time to finish the story.  There is no penalty or fine for this action, only a reward in completing the story. 

Lord, sometimes i get off track with You and take a ride on my personal-agenda train.  And when that ride gets rough or wild due to uncertainties and fears, i realize how much i need You. Thank You, for always allowing and welcoming a way back to You.  Thank You, for seeing a renewing of my heart and spirit not as a weakness, but as a strength to persevere in our story.  Because of You, i know the ending will be glorious!

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

the race is on!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1-2

Our school's fund raiser event ended with students dashing around the track, determined to reach the goal of 35 laps. Their lap pledges created donations for multiple programs/needs for our school. The best part of the race was when all the cheering stopped and the colored dust cleared, all were winners. Now, that's my kind of race.

How thankful i am, our Father has designed such a race for us too.  Thank  You, Father, for Your Word, for Jesus and for the encouragement of others to keep our focus on what really matters.  May all we do and say bring glory to You and draw others into Your loving Arms.  How glad i am there is enough room for all of us at Your finish line.

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

a Mighty Word ~ unity

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

When we  work together by focusing on what's best for the student, the  positive impact made in their life is significant.

#workingtogetherisalwaysbetter
#Wonbymore

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

all wrapped up

"His huge outstretched Arms protect you - under them you're perfectly safe; His Arms fend off all harm. " Psalm 91:4

Recent rains renewed a nasty leak in the Media Center's roof.  In order to examine the situation, a lift was required to reach and remove decomposing ceiling tiles to view the damaged interior roof. For safety's sake, yellow caution tape was thoroughly and purposely wrapped around the leak scene... keeping all visitors, tall and short, out of the area and safe from harm until repairs could be made.

Sometimes life rains unwanted, unexpected hardships/disappointments in our lives.  And just like that yellow caution tape, God wraps around what's wrong and protects what really matters... you.

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

just give it up

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

If life is not going like you want, maybe it's time to just give up.

That is give it up to God in prayer, and see what He will do.

Father, there is freedom in opening our hearts and hands and releasing all our cares to You. Help us to let go, and let You.

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

Room 207... is it yours?

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

He has made everything beautiful in its time..."  Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,7,8,11

Recently, students enjoyed the entertaining production of a beloved book, "Miss Nelson is Missing".  Sweet Miss Nelson's rowdy class get a real shakedown when Viola Swamp comes to substitute. Like you, i've witnessed a few Room 207 moments. And i must admit, when they leave the library i squeak with a little sigh of relief.

On these visits, i am reminded how very much i admire and appreciate teachers.  I've never met a teacher who preferred to be Viola Swamp over Miss Nelson, but there are times/seasons when they have no choice.

So for all the Viola Swamp days, i want to remind you, you bless many daily. Thank you for faithfully persevering to bring peace, order and knowledge  to your class with a spirit of understanding, compassion and love. From the rowdy students needing firm discipline and guidance to the behaving ones eager to move on with their work, everyone in your class benefits from your continuous, creative, caring efforts to teach. How, might you ask?

The timid build courage to speak up
The self sufficient develop compassion
The independent learn team work
The intelligent discover patience
The givers master a balance of fairness

Never doubt God uses everything to grow fruit in His children. And He equips you with what's needed to serve Him. Whatever season you're in today, it will not last.  Celebrate the good, pray through the hard and thank God daily for the blessings.  The ones He gives you, and the ones you are giving others. 

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

help found

"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." Psalm 121:1-6

Have you ever found yourself short handed at work, in need of an extra pair of hands or two?  It can be frustrating and tiring, leaving you with the overwhelming feeling of never catching up.  If so, i want to share this Good News with you. It's helps me survive the wild and FULL days of school.

We always have a Helper at our side.  One that is capable to lead us through all our jammed-packed days and nights.  When we are ready to give up, He is still going strong.  He who made the heaven and earth, can surely handle our hectic times.

Father, thank You for finding us wherever we are, and staying by our side. Nothing and no one can stop You. We are the protected treasures of Your heart. 

Friends, let that Truth fill your heart and calm your breathing today. 

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

need a break??

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 

Before you answer the question about needing a break too quickly with a "YES!", consider some of the many different types of breaks:

a break down
a break up
a break out
a break in
a break even
a break away
a break through

Surely, He knows what kind of break we mean... and need... Right??

Sometimes what we ask for and how God answers us is not what we have in mind. Yet, He knows what we need in our relationship with Him and with others.  It is then we must dig deep into our faith well and trust God.  

God cares, God knows, and God answers us perfectly. May we lean into Him and rest in this Truth and His Will for us.

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

stepping up

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

Putting displays up on top of the bookshelves had been an issue. Our arms and legs were too short. But not any more.  We were recently gifted with a stepladder. With our increased height and reach, we can now setup and remove displays without any problems. 

For those hard to reach areas in the library, a stepladder was the perfect solution.  But what about other hard to reach areas in our life? Like those hard to reach -- people, solutions or decisions. Is there a sure-fire solution for these?

Father, when i step up to You in pray, You hear me. You can reach me from wherever i am; Your Arms are never too short for my needs..  Thank you for daily help and guidance in all areas of my life.

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

a Mighty Word ~ strong

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him." Psalm 28:7 

In His Arms i am strong, i am safe, i am loved.

Thank You, Father.

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

dancing with the stars

"Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrel and harp." Psalm 149:3

There's one big problem with Summer Break... it's the dreaded Summer Reading Slump.  When students break from their reading routine, the brain wanes. Three years ago, to fight the slump and encourage Summer reading, a Fall dance party was planned to celebrate our Summer reading stars.  It quickly became a fun, successful foot-stomping tradition at school.

Father, life can be hard and difficult, and at times down right ugly.  But it doesn't stay that way.  I am thankful for times we can break from routines or stressful times and celebrate.  To laugh and move with a joy-filled heart is pure medicine for the soul.  May we continuously look for occasions to celebrate ...and may we remember daily our greatest reason for celebration is You and Your gift of eternal life.

Shake a leg, swing your head, 

sing a song and thank God!

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it! 

veneal

taking a stand

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isaiah 7:9

What does standing firm in your faith mean?
wearing a cross
praying openly
going to  church
being in charge of a worship committee
wearing conservative clothes
singing in the choir
joining a Bible study

Maybe it's as simply as loving one another... as Jesus did.

Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

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

keep walking

"...As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love." 2 John 1:6  

Walk to School day was a big success for schools all over the country.  The joy and excitement of the walk showed on the faces of students and parents alike as they approached the school together.

And in reaching their destination, refreshment, smiles and chatter followed in the culmination of sweet fellowship. 

Walking together, learning together, working together... whatever we do, when we do it love, God is honored and we are tremendously blessed.

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

feel broken?

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Broken crayons still color... 
I heard this truth a couple of weeks, and it's been etched on my heart ever since.  Just look at the richly colored letters above or any colored picture.  The beauty of the crayon colors is not based on the size of the instrument, but on the power of what's inside. 

In this world we all are surrounded by people; many have faced varying degrees of brokenness.  We have watched friends, family, co-workers, neighbors travel down some painful and troubled paths. Through their journey we have witnessed how they have pulled through by holding on to our Father's Hand. Their strength and hope in God shine through the dark season, instilling encouragement to others.  The beauty of their testimony is not from what they do, but from Who they follow and lean on ~ whether broken, empty or whole.  

Give thanks, for we are the handiwork of God. Together with our different stories and experiences, we create an incredibly beautiful testimony of God's love, mercy and grace. As we share, we draw others to God for His greater glory and for their peace.

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

hear this

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."  1 Thessalonians 5:11
Listen, i only have a couple of things to say right now... 

I really like you, and i think you are making a wonderful difference where God has planted you.
Can you pass this good news on to others, please?
we are loved and chosen by God,may we live like we believe it,veneal