a Mighty Word ~ hope

"Be joyful in hope..." Romans 12:12 

Just a kind reminder.

We belong to The King, and with God there is always hope.

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

what is your vision?

"...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

In grade school my best friend and i concocted our own special communication system.  Each night we recorded  secrets, giggles, songs and chatter then exchanged them the next day at school.  Listening to her tape at night was often the highlight of my day. Too bad we weren't more scientifically inclined, we might have been the electrifying forerunners to Bill Gates!

Are there any more cutting edge frontiers ahead?  Probably so, but i doubt i'll be a part of them either.  

Father, instead of being a forerunner to earthly advancements, i just want to be in the field of runners to You and Your blessings. With the challenges and uncertainties we are facing today, what truly matters in life has never been more clear; it's our relationship with You. Belonging to You is what matters most and what propels me forward each day.  No other vision, dream or wish on earth provides greater gain.  

1. "Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
   Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
   Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
   Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
2. Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
   I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
   Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
   Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
3. Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
   Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
   Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:
   Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.
4. Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
   Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
   Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
   High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
5. High King of Heaven, my victory won,
   May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
   Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
   Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all."

  amen

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

this i know...

"I remain confident of this: I believe I will see (yet again) the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13

What God knows, God can handle.  And He knows it all.
I believe God for the good.

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

a change of heart...

"… for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8

With the announcement of school being postponed longer, my heart sank. It meant more Saturday-like days.

But who doesn't like Saturdays?  I even have a shirt wishing everyday was Saturday. I just had no clue what i was pining for because i sure don't feel like that anymore.  

With the drastic changes required in our lives, at home and work, i am looking forward to a routine Monday.  Working with co-workers and children, getting lots of hugs and high fives, visiting with family and friends, going out to eat, ect. -- things i've taken for granted -- and yes, at times, even grumbled about, i want it back.   


Father, today i'm reminded to be careful what i wish for, because it might come packaged differently than i expect. On a positive note, the fact is the past week of "Saturdays" at home has opened my eyes to many blessings.... regarding health, work, relationships, freedom.  

This timeout is providing much quiet reflective time. I am looking and depending more on You on how to go about each day.  Is that part of what i am to learn in this season, Father?  Thank You not only for my Saturdays, but for all my Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. May i be more cognizant in seeking and serving You with a humble, grateful heart each day.

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

I SPY AN EASTER EGG HUNT (special edition)

With Easter approaching and social distancing necessary, I had this idea... an I SPY AN EASTER EGG HUNT for my neighborhood.  Please feel free to bounce off it and do it or something similar in your neighborhood. ( be sure to omit #5 or replace with your information).

 

Stay safe, wash, cover, distance and PRAY

Love in Him,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ peace

"... make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19   

Sometimes it's a matter of keeping our eyes and heart on Him while we encourage each other.  Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person, friend and believer.

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

testing in progress

"And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

School has taken on a new format, but testing continues...

As testing of our patience, comfort and understanding increase during this season of uncertainty, we are blessed to have access to answers. We need only approach our Teacher for help. In the days and hours ahead we can rest assure He has the ability and desire to guide and protect us.  With the unconditional love of our Teacher, His Peace that surpasses all understanding can also be ours.  Praying we all pass and stay healthy with the aid of our Father.

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

we can only imagine

"However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen,  what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love Him—" 1 Corinthians 2:9

We aren't asked to understand God's ways, but to trust Him.  Whether we believe it or not, He knows what's going on.  And He has a plan... it is to grow His eternal Kingdom.

Father, Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Please grow my faith as i dig deeper into Your lap.

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

March Madness 2020

" 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

March Madness... it's still on, and it's more widespread than ever.  It's just not the normal events/activities we experience. March Madness 2020 is about Covid-19, social distancing, and TP.   From sporting events, to Spring Break trips, to school programs/graduations and routine shopping, life has stopped or at best taken a dramatic turn in ways we never expected, prepared or desired.  

Yet, even though it's not what we want, not all is horrible.  Not all activities have stopped.  Coming back from a sparsely stocked grocery store yesterday, my neighborhood had the look and feel of a Andy Griffith Show.  There were people strolling down the street with dogs and strollers and children, others playing ball in the yard or doing yard work... all at respectable distances, mind you.  In the 25+ years i've lived in this neighborhood, i've never seen this many people out of their houses at one time!  And many faces were completely new to me.  I guess, i (and others), have been shut up in our houses and worlds too long to notice each other.  I kinda felt like Aunt Bea coming down the road and waving to my old and newfound neighbors... i got the urge to whip up  some brownies and leave them on their doorsteps, with a note containing my phone number, if help is needed.  

Maybe instead of watching sport stars make unbelievable plays, score record-breaking points and underdogs make exciting comebacks, maybe March Madness 2020 is about something much more.  Maybe it's about sacrifice, saneness, support and survival where we are the participants/STARS in the game of life.  It is my prayer when this season ends, we all are winners as we return to our regular season... refreshed and renewed and with a new appreciation and respect of this life of ours from God and for our neighbors.

Father, we are in strange dark waters. We pray for your guidance, wisdom and peace in navigating safely in the days ahead.  Open our eyes and heart to the needs of those around us.  May we be mindful of safe opportunities to grow our compassion and care for others.  We love You, Father, and we trust You are still in control, especially now. Help us to follow Your whispering leads.

"Jesus loves me this i know"... and that alone makes a world of difference. 

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

by and in His Hands

"The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Your loving kindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." Psalm 138:8

We are individually made and designed by God for a unique purpose in serving Him and tending to the concerns of others.

Father, as you have never deserted me during my turbulent times,  help me to see and rise to the occasion of the needs around me. Obedience and trust in You is the key to my joy and peace for the day.

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

broken? give thanks

"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

He said, "Fear not"

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 
I will strengthen you and help you; 
I will uphold you with my righteous right Hand." Isaiah 41:10  

Did you know God's Word encourages us to "fear not" 365 times?  That's one for each day of the year... including these days before us.  He says it, and He means it... for now and always. 

Father, help me let go of fear. I need to plaster Your Words and promises all over the walls of my home and heart.  To fear anything besides You, is not trusting You are in control.  May my faith grow and my fears subside.

He either has the whole world in His Hand, or He doesn't... i believe He does.  Don't you?

Thank You, Father.  

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

a Mighty Word ~ trust

"And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us."  

Father,
We are praying for wisdom, healing, discernment and obedience as we trust in You each day. We do not even know what the next moment holds, but we know Who holds us. In You alone there is rest and peace... no matter what.  Thank you.


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

do you understand?

Would you like to listen in on my prayer today? It might be yours too.

Lord, how much more? I barely get my head above one massive wave before another one hits.  The waters are white capping all around, and You know how much i don't like water.  I really need a break from the trails -- massive health issues, financial uncertainties, loss of relationships, unexpected detours, increased demands, heartaches, job instability... how much more?

You must trust Me.  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

Father, i do trust You, but haven't i been through enough.

I am working in you and on you, Child.  "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."  Isaiah 46:8
 

But, Father, it's so tiring. 

I've got some rough ends to smooth out in you.  We will gain much through these times.  Trust Me.   "But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." Jeremiah 18:4

Father, i'm not perfect, but i'm okay with me.
 

But I'm not.  I understand how you feel, remember Jesus had had enough in the Garden too.  But you must trust Me to do what is best.  I have more in store for you than you can ever imagine, but there is still work to be done.  "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20

But how much longer will this necessary work last?

Just leave it to me.  "And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."  1 Corinthians 10:13
 

How much more, Father? 

Until you give it all to Me.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.." Proverbs 3:5

I have surrendered all to You.

No, child, there are some parts of your life that you still have your fingers gripped tightly around... areas concerning your life, your family... to name a few.  Don't worry, I promise you that i know what you can bear.  I have a perfect plan for you.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I am afraid of what's to come.

You need not be fearful. I am always with You.  "There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear."  1 John 4:18

Okay, my Sweet Daddy, Your Will be done, not mine.  But can you please do it gently? 

It will be as it needs to be.  "... we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'" Acts 21:14

I love you, Father.

I love you too -- and more than you can humanly understand. Just trust Me.  "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love."1 John 4:16 

In Christ we pray and give thanks,

amen, amen.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it... today and everyday,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ remember

"They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer." Psalm 78:35

Rough day, hard decision, tough love, dark hours, chaotic schedule, endless demands. Just remember...

Who you are and Whose you are. God is our Rock and Savior through it all.
Thank You, Father.

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

surviving the seasons

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven... He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11

There is beauty in every season with God.

In easy seasons, He dances with us.
In hard seasons, He wipes away our tears.
In unbearable seasons, He wraps His Arms around us.
In defiant seasons, He waits by our side.
In peaceful seasons, He harmonizes with our songs of praise.

Whatever the season, He is with us.  God sees each episode coming before it crosses our path and prepares the perfect plan to free us and bring forth His glory.

Thank You, Father.

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

a Mighty Word ~ or 2

"'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?'

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' 

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'” Matthew 22:36-40

As a teacher, Jesus knew the simpler the lesson, the better.  He reduced His teachings to just 2 main things, making it clear what God desires and is most important for believers to know and do.

Father, i pray for us to be good students. These things of God, One and Two, may we not forget nor neglect.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

the sweetest part

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." 1 Timothy 6:18

Book Fair... it's over, and i'm OK with that.  Honestly though, it was a good and hectic week, well worth the extra work in many ways. The change of pace was fun, volunteers were wonderful and students' joy overflowed.  As i reflect over last week, one element soars above all others... #booksforALL.

Our Book Fair policy is for all students to receive a book, meaning some "win" a book on Friday.  This year, for whatever reason, the number of winning students doubled.  Thankfully due to generous hearts, all students got at least one book.  Plus, all teachers with a book wish list got at least one wish fulfilled.

Father, thank You for opportunities to help those in our path. In doing so, we not only honor You and the desires of Your heart, but are showered with blessings too.

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

the longest day

Jesus said...
"'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'" John 14:1-3

12 hours and counting...for some this is considered a normal working day, and i have tremendous respect for them. But for me, working 12+ hours a day is a test of character.  And as my longest day progressed for Book Fair day and night, it wound up more before it wound down.

Sometimes our longest days are planned, and sometimes they just happen.  In spite of the headaches, foot-aches, and heartaches, there is good news.  This time will not last forever.  If you are in the midst of your longest day, may God sustain and carry you to the next minute, and then the next minute, and then the next minute until you reach the minute you can rest in His peace.

He cares, He can, He will get us through each day/season, no matter how hard or long.  There is Light at the end.

Thank You, Father.

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

going in circles

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

Did someone just say, they feel like they are going in circles?  I think i understand.

The Book Fair is in full swing with tons of books, just come look!...But Watch out, Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss is almost on the  loose!

Feel like some world traveling? International Day will be arriving in a few blinks... And how about all that singing, dancing and music in the hallways?

Get ready! There's a sweet treat around the corner with the wonderful, whimsical debut of Willy Wonka, Jr. ...Hey! Hey! Hey! Get those tennies on for a 5k race...

I want to be a part of all that!  Don't you? How is it possible?
Whew... Stop... Breathe... Pray...

Thank You, Father, for being our constant Peace and Comfort.  May You continuously be in the center of all that circles us. When our routine is anything but routine, may we still rejoice in knowing a place of quiet comfort is always available with You.

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

how are you feeling?

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

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

But i must say, actions from students actually take 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 really makes my heart sing.  Everyday, excited students chatter about how Book Fair week is 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, snuggle up with a Good Book, and let's thank God for our blessings.

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

a Mighty Word ~ power

"But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

The frenzy and craziness of Book Fair, or any other special event, has the power to turn one into a nutty monster....

But thankfully God's power is greater.

Anything driving you crazy?  God will see and carry you through it.

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

time for a change

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19

It's important to our library staff not to close at all during school hours.  With teachers and students possessing limited and random free time, we try and meet their media needs at their convenience. But not this week. This week our library is closed for normal business.  We have a new mission.

For one week the library is put on hold as we transform into a Book Store.  Our Book Fair is important in generating needed funds for new books, reading aids, and other beneficial tools in expanding the reading level and interest of our students.  While the Fair may restrict the ease of reading temporarily for some, a greater gain for all will derive from the Fair.

Are you facing a temporary detour or change in your day or life?  Has something new developed in your comfortable, established routine?  It's possible, and very likely, something good will come from it.   Give it time.  May you find gain in the change.

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