wherever you are

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever..." Psalm 100: 4-5

Wherever the road takes you today, i pray it's filled with peace, love, joy and a heart of thanks.  God alone is worthy of all our praise and thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

thankful for you

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

I am so grateful for you in stirring the pot and serving up important life lessons seasoned with an abundance of love and compassion. Through a variety of venues, including art, music, dance, drama, essays, and even just through your presence, you share our Father's heart and goodness with students in our path. They see Him through your words, action and teaching. You inspire them to see, know and remember what matters.

I am very thankful to be on this pilgrimage with you, and blessed beyond words to call you my friend.  You encourage and inspire me to seek God's will for my life.  

Happy Thanksgiving. May God's blessings cover you and your family.

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

it takes all kinds

"Sing and make music in your heart to the LORD, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Turkeys come is all shapes and sizes... so do our blessings from God.
Thank You, Father, for them all.

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

turkey truths

"Ans be thankful." Colossians 3:15

It's a hot job, but someone has to do it... and i'm glad it's me!

This year i cooked at least 105 turkeys for Thanksgiving...not nice, plump turkeys, mind you, but the one-dimensional kind.  It's a kindergarten tradition, painting thankful turkeys and then cooking them in the laminator for holiday place-mats.  

The best part of cooking these school-yard turkeys is having the opportunity to read the sweet messages and thoughts from the students.  I'm reminded we always have something to be thankful for in our life.  There's nothing like a colorful, kind turkey to warm and fill a heart with thankfulness. They are rich in love and low in calories. 

Thank You, Father, for our blessings... may we never forget.

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

field of broken dreams

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed... 
 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." Romans 4:18, 20-21

Shattered dreams, we've all had them.  And no matter how we finagle or struggle to fit the pieces back together like we want, it usually doesn't happen. Broken dreams come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes they occur rarely and sometimes in clusters, sometimes we sense it and sometimes we are blindsided.  However it happens, it still hurts and can feel more like a feverish nightmare than just a broken dream.  Are you facing any brokenness today?

job uncertainty
financial turbulence
torn relationships
challenging children
aging parents
insensitive spouse
demanding leader
false accusations
physical limitations
sickness
emotional stress
death
worldly pressure

Whatever is going on... we can still be thankful.  In faith, we can trust God will see us through each hardship and trial.  We only have to look back and see God's continuous fingerprints on our lives to remember what He has already done for us.  Our strength and peace will be restored knowing He will continue to sustain us.  

As God picks up all the pieces of our broken dreams and rearranges them, let's keep believing and knowing He has the power and desire to bring goodness into our lives.

God works all things to the good to those who love Him.

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

YOU made the list!

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life..." Proverbs 13:14

They may squirm in their seats, talk out of turn, forget their homework, push your last button, or spill the beans... but there is one fact which still remains true.

Students honestly appreciate and love their teachers.  On silly days, pouty days, moody days and all days in between, they desire to please and bring a smile to your face.  Whatever the day holds for you in your classroom, remember it is still filled with love for you.

Along with many very special people and things, you made their thankful list.  Never doubt how much your teaching, sharing and caring provides life, light and hope to others.

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

a Mighty Word ~ fearless

"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

No scarecrows needed...

God is with us through every step in our life.  Nothing catches Him off guard or by surprise.  He knows and is perfectly capable to move us through and beyond all circumstances.

Thank You, Father.

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

a sweet change

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Have you ever had a morning when everything seemed to be going south, and then have someone turn your day completely around? Such was my morning last week when i found a special treat at my desk.  The sweetness of her kindness lingered for the entire day... and that was a benefit for me and everyone else in my path. 

Father, kindness comes in so many ways.  Thank You for angels that surround us, tending to unspoken needs.  May we be someone's angel today, whether through a special treat, a smile or an understanding heart.  As we help restore hope to others, i'm giving thanks today for more fluttering of wings and less splattering of spirits.

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

send me! send me!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" Isaiah 6:8

It's a sight teachers absolutely love: hands eagerly flying in the air responding to their questions. It's like watching a flock of seagulls soaring over the ocean... beauty in motion. Beyond a doubt, there is one sure-fire way of accomplishing this type of response.  Ask for a volunteer to deliver a message, run an errand, or any other reason to depart from the classroom and there won't be a hand left in the lap.

As students of the Word, our eagerness in responding to our Teacher's requests to leave the classroom should be the same.  God is constantly searching for volunteers to deliver His message, to do His work and to leave the routine of classroom learning for some hands-on action.

Listen.  He's asking right now for a volunteer. 
"Who will share My love with the unlovable? Who will provide help to the needy?  Who will stand up for the abused? Can anyone deliver the message of forgiveness to a neighbor?"

I feel a breeze in the air with hands going up.  God is surely smiling with joy.

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

a Mighty Word ~ nourish

"The lips of the righteous nourish many..." Proverbs 10:21  

You are awesome!  Thank you for feeding the children with love, patience and goodness. There's nothing more satisfying  than a good meal.

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

slippery slopes

The LORD said...
"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

Wet leaves, loose gravel, untied shoelaces and slick floors aren't the only sources of slips and falls.

  Hurt, doubt, jealousy, greed, heartache, fear, sickness, loneliness and regret also have the power to tie our feet up, break our walk and bring us down.  

Father, my knees are covered with scars from numerous falls, but i count each one as a blessing.  While the fall is painful, messy and sometimes even due to my own carelessness, it is not the end of my story.  I only have to glance down at the scars to remember that healing does come, and it always comes from You.  Thank You for mending my heart, my hurt and my ways.

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

it's not what you think

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

It was a busy morning in the library.  Books were dropping through the return bin as fast as popcorn popping.  As i turned around in get out a new load, i lost my breath.  Inside the book bin appeared to be a spider about the size of my hand.  Can you see it?

Thankfully, it wasn't what i thought it was.  It was a new book with a slick, glossy cover and with a too realistic spider on front.  Call me a wimp, but i do not like spiders... at all... any size... dead or alive.

Father, while many things in life are not what they appear to be, i am so grateful that is not true with You.  You are Who You say You are, You can do what You say You can do -- and on that we can depend and believe every second of our day.  Thank You for being the constant, unshakable certainty in our life which is otherwise sprinkled with too many uncertainties from day to day.

He cares, He can, He will... i am resting in Him.  You too?

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

thank you, Veterans

Jesus said...
"Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13

Every saying we hear isn't true, but i know two that are. 
1. Many hands make light the work.
2. It takes an army to keep our country safe.  

Today, Veterans Day, we stop to remember and to give thanks to the many fine soldiers who have sacrificed their time, and some even their life to protect us and our country.

What a joy to be involved in one of many schools recognizing the importance of our Veterans. Honor, respect and courage are alive and well in the United States.  What wonderful mentors for each and every one of us.

We humbly give thanks for having these special warriors in our schools today, whether in spirit or body... as positive role models to our students. They represent true citizenship, commitment unity and love for one another at its best.

Father, Thank You for our soldiers.  May Your grace and goodness always be with them.  Bless them and their families... as they have and continue to bless and sustain our freedom.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
with a thankful heart,
veneal

name calling

“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

"Did he just call you a monster!?!"

The teacher was horrified. Ms. Hardy reached my checkout counter just as i was checking books out to her students. It is our practice to tell kindergartners (usually with some expression) the title of their book when we check them out. Ms. Hardy approached my desk at an untimely moment, only to hear me plead, "Quit Calling Me a Monster".  

We both had a good laugh afterwards... when i explained to her i was only reading the title of the book to the student.

Father, thank You for light moments. Laughter is always good; but during tense or difficult seasons, it is a very welcomed dose of medicine. Thank You too for the reminder of speaking kindly to others. Unfortunately, there are times my actions and words might justify others calling me a monster. Yet, additional negativity is rarely the remedy called for with a bothered heart... understanding love is.  Father, help me to remember we often are or become what others say.  Let what we say be good, uplifting and kind. May our actions/reactions help grow princesses and princes in Your heavenly kingdom.

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

He knows

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." Psalm 86:5

Regardless of...

the outcome
what is said
how you feel
what you do
decisions made
how you act
repeated failures...

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL AND LOVES US!

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

you're being called

Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing his clock aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.  Mark 10:49-52  

Could you benefit from a slight revision of the above verses?  Something like this --

Jesus stopped and said, "Call, (your name)."
So they called to me, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing my (troubles, worries, doubts, fears) aside, I jumped to my feet and went to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
Trembling, i answered, "Jesus, I want (my need)."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately my need was met, and I will follow Jesus for the rest of my days.

He calls, He cares, He can.
Go to Him, and see what He will do for you today.

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

ready to vote?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 515:5-7

Father, as we prepare to cast our votes, may we seek Your guidance first.  Help us overcome any feelings of greed, prejudice, selfishness or other that might prohibit us for making godly decisions.   We pray that nothing separates us in first being servants for You.  Because when all is said and done on earth, You are still on the throne and the One who reigns.  And that is a victory we can all celebrate everyday!

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

Fall back with JOY!

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  Jeremiah 31:25

No bones about it, WE ALL NEED A BREAK...

Along with my own, i've felt your overwhelming frustration, tears, tension and exhaustion.  Thankfully, a needed rest blessing is at our doorsteps at the end of today. Whether it's a weekend containing a bonus Fall-back hour or one with an extended Fall break weekend, i pray it's filled with renewal and restoration. You deserve it!

Thank You, Father, for getting us through the week.  You are good all the time... all the time You are good.

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