need a light moment?

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2

Disclaimer for today: My inspiration for writing devotions come from many sources... life experiences, artwork, conversations, events witnessed, etc.  Sometimes the messages are so straight forward, and i have no doubt they are meant to be shared.  And then sometimes, i feel they are a bit questionable or crazy... like today's. But maybe, just maybe someone needs a good laugh and a light moment of relief during these heavy, stressful times.  So, here goes --

Looking at our students' Fall apple artwork i felt my heart giggle.  
Not only were many of the apples splashed in unique colors, but some had "visitors".  A few particular pieces reminded me of a riddle from years ago.  It went like this:  What is worse than finding a worm in your apple?

                 

Answer:  Finding only half a worm!

See, what i'm saying.  Not sure if this is "tasteful" devotional material, but i found the chuckle i got from this silly thought, a refreshing break in life.  Sometimes, especially during difficult seasons, laughter serves as a needed dose of good medicine.  I can surely use a dose or two a day. How about you?

Laughter... it's good for the mind and soul.  Father, thank You, for providing and encouraging a spoonful of laughter.  I do feel better equipped to serve You and others with a glad heart.

"A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed." Proverbs 15:13

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting." Job 8:21

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" Ecclesiastes 3:4 

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

In the mighty cry of the Three Musketeers.... One for all, and all for One!

Let us find strength and healing in unity with God and each other. 

Thank you, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

hey, neighbor!

"...so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:20, 36-37

Walking past Ms. L's class, i waved to them.  I found myself repeating several times, "Hey, neighbor!" as 3 in her class live on my street. But when her other students started responding "Hey, neighbor!" back, i thought, they are right! They are my neighbors too.

Father, may i not neglect to show kindness and help to anyone in my path.  It's not the living next to someone that should make up neighborly, but it's having the heart to care and do for those in need.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

SYATP... did you remember?

"Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses." 2 King 23:25

In the past 30 years, See You At The Pole has grown from 10 students in Texas praying around school flagpoles for their friends, schools, and leaders to an estimated 3 million students from all around the world. I have participated, shared and reminded others of this for twenty years. 

But this year being anything but normal, SYATP slipped my mind and my safety nets (prayer partners). When i finally took time to look up the event yesterday, i was heartbroken to discover the event was the day before, Wednesday, September 23.  After i finished moping about missing The day, i remembered we are called for prayer to be a continuous part of our life.  And due to our current cautious circumstances with Covid-19, i found comfort in the assurance we are already in constant prayer for our students and schools.  

Here is the Good News. It is not too late to pray, and i am praying for you and our schools now as i type this.   Also, a livestream from SYATP.org can be viewed through today, the 25th, at the following link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yApQYp49_3k

May we continue to lift up each other before our Father in the hours, days, weeks, months ahead.  Whether at school around the flagpole or in your heart, join me in unending prayer to support this year's SYATP theme - Return. Restore. Revive.  May the power of the prayers of many cover our schools and all involved in the care of our children with favor, strength, blessings, protection and guidance. Prayer moves mountains and people closer to our Father and each other.

pray continiously...

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

darkness be gone!

"You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." Psalm18:28

What a day!

When despair looms over you, remember to look up higher.  The One who loves you best is over all that touches, affects and interferes with you.  He has you covered from all angles at all times.  He will deal with the dark moments as is best.  Trust Him with every aspect of your life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

who are you?

"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

 I am who God says i am..

                  

Father, thank you for planting me in this world. For such a time as this, You designed and equipped me to serve You. On days when i am dried up and snappy, please let your Holy Spirit reign over me and refuel my roots in You, reminding me who i am in You.  I pray to serve You with obedience and joy.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ first

 "First seek the counsel of the LORD." 2 Chronicles 18:4

What are you facing...

a conflict? 
a dilemma?
sickness? 
heartache?  
a major decision?  
emotional turmoil?  
cruelty?   
injustice?    
lies?  

... First seek the counsel of the LORD.

Whatever is turning up in your life, turn it over first to our Father. He has seen it all and knows how to lead us forward to freedom, rest and peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

you've got this!

 "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheer him up." Proverbs 12:25"

For decades people have searched for a magical, effective weight loss solution, and here it is!  A dose of kindness... it's free, plentiful and easy to dispense.

Let's spread good cheer to others and lighten up the heavy hearts of those around us.

Below are 50 ways to cheer up and encourage a child -- of any age:

You are amazing!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

be well

"Friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." 3 John 1:2

Happy Friday!  Praying a weekend of refreshment and renewal for you.  You deserve it!

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 designed specifically by Him for His glory. Shine so all my see and know Him!

You belong to the King.  Celebrating wonderful you today.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a basket case

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9

Safety protocols have turned our library into a real basket case.  Instead of library helpers bringing and placing library books into our return bin, they now leave the basket for us to unload and quarantine the books.  Next, we sanitize their basket to be picked up when they return for library class later in the day. 

While all this is necessary and sounds logical, it leaves us covered up with baskets. A slight rearranging of our space, allows us to house the baskets without falling all over them. I know you have had to make significant changes for the sake of safety too.  While an inconvenience, time-consuming, and an interruption to normal routine, if it prevents one person from getting ill, it is completely worth it.

Father, keep us strong in doing what we need to do.  May we not falter or slack off in caring properly for ourselves and for others.  May our trust in You and the JOY of crossing over to a more relaxed season be motivation enough to keep us doing what is needed.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

God's hand

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Can't handle it?

Put it in God's Hand.. that where it belongs.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

when tears puddle

"... in humility consider other better than yourselves... Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus; Who being in very nature God... made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..." Philippians 2:3,5,6,7

In working with Christopher for the past 2 years, i had frequently witnessed him crying when upset or mad. So, when i recently noticed tears rolling down his cheeks, i immediately assumed an unpleasant situation had occurred and his feelings were hurt. I was partly right, but partly wrong.

For the first time in  knowing him, Christopher was completely submerged in a series of books he loved reading.  His tears this time were not about himself, but heartbroken tears over the death of a beloved character in a book. Jake suddenly appeared much older to me.  It was a sweet moment of compassion that warmed my heart.

Tears for another, even from a book, evokes humility... a heart reflecting less of me and more of you.

Father, thank You for a tearful reminder we are bigger in Your eyes, when we are smaller in our own.  Empty my hands of self, so i may better answer the needs of others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

praying for 9/11

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." Psalm 71:20

Remembering all people affected by 9.11.2001 and 9/11 2017, 2018, 2020...

True news:  Troubles surround us continually -- What changes is the year, the month, the day, the hour.

Good news:  God surrounds us continually -- He is unchanging; we never face a single storm or second without Him.  

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 9.11.2001, 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 all affected by trauma and hardships absorb our heartfelt prayers through Your Mighty Love.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

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

i see what you're doing

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

Ever wonder if what you are doing makes a difference?

It does!! Every day in many ways, hearts are beating with joy thanks to your encouragement, help, patience, and kindness. YOU matter to me and many others. You make school possible... and cool.  

Are you smiling?  I sure hope so!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

just wait

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Are you ready for what the day holds?

There are times in our life we don't know what to do, where to go, how to act, what to say, how to feel... especially with our current circumstances.   Yet, thanks to God's Word, we can rest assured that being still and waiting for the Lord will lead us in the right direction.

I have questions... many. What i don't know is overcome by what i do know.  God will answer me, calm me, strengthen me and guide me in His perfect time.  So, through the minutes, days and weeks, we wait and trust and move on with Him. Praying peace and strength into your day. 

Thank You, Father.

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

life lines

 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

With tubing and string, the young tree in our friend's yard is getting good growing guidance.  At the right time, it will all be removed, and hopefully strong enough to continue growing into a mature, beautiful tree on its own.

Our schools are filled with students learning and growing from the various winds of influence around them. Many have a wonderful, solid support cast at home.  Some are weathering hard and trying times with little to no home support.  As we prepare for today's opportunities, let's remember we might be a needed life line for some... influencing, guiding and anchoring them to a life with a future and hope.  

Father,  help me to shepherd the hearts around me with Your love, understanding and gentleness. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

who needs a break?

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonions 1:3

Even though we have been in school for less than a month, the need for a break has never been greater.  Teachers, school officials and team members, parents and students have faithfully navigated through strange, uncharted territories. Taking some time to come up for air and a break will be an appreciated dose of medicine this weekend.   

May your long Labor Day weekend deliver refreshment, renewal, and restoration.  You have labored in love for the concerns and needs of your students. Know you are an inspiration and hero to all who understand your dedication and perseverance these past few months and the months to come.  I am honored to work beside you.

Rest well this weekend.  You deserve it. 

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

a Mighty Word ~ smile

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness." Matthew 6:22-23

Have you found wearing a mask reduces talking, interaction with others and even the desire to smile?  While some of the issues of a covered mouth are fine with me, particularly safety issues, i really miss seeing the smiles. 

Yet, even through these tough times, we can still spot safe smiles. How, you might ask? If we take the time and kind interest to search the eyes and heart of those in our presence, smiles through their eyes can evolve.  And for now, that is tremendous comfort for me.  How about you?

May we remember, we are never fully dressed without a smile... even while wearing a mask.  People will notice. 

Smile, my friend! You're showing God's needed Light through difficult times with your beautiful shining eyes and soul!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

how are you?

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

My Child,

Of all the things i want to check on today, you are the most important.  Remember I AM with you during each breath you take, each thought you think, each smile you spread, each step you take, each tear you shed.  I understand how full your plate is with items you desire and a large helping of things you never chose. I see you are doing your best to balance, digest and distribute what's before you.  Just remember, Child, together you are stronger. 

I AM your capable, caring, loving Father 

During this season of changes and uncertainty, i pray God daily provides you with an extra dose of strength, determination, discernment and hope.  May every fiber of  your soul trust His unconditional, unending love, knowing He appreciates and cares for us in each moment... good, bad, happy, sad.  God never forgets us and our need.  As your sister/friend, i am making a special effort to remember and pray for you today too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what's behind that mask?

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Behind every mask....

is a person who is loved and created by God for wondrous things.  And God placed him/her in your path to help lead, teach, prepare, grow and bloom them for His purposes.

Father, help me to uncover the joys, possibilities and delight of Your precious children.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal