Willful Wednesday... just take Him

And Judas said...
"'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins." Matthew 26:15

SOLD OUT

It's Wednesday
Jesus relentlessly pushes onward His final days -- performing miracles, praying, reaching people for God's Kingdom. The sweet perfume oil from Mary's fingers, drips from His head and puddles in the dirt. His disciples grumble over the waste and wonder. Is Jesus making a difference, just what is His real mission, is His time almost over for good?

The words "SOLD OUT" hardly ever produces a favorable or acceptable feeling. Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was of a spiritual nature and not of power or money, he sold Jesus' life for the immediate short-term security of a few coins... coins offering temporary pleasure in place of eternal joy.  How could he? And yet, in some respects, it still continues... 

Are you still holding Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life.

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

veneal 

Turbulent Tuesday... cleaning up

 Jesus said --

"... Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25:34

It's Tuesday
He's rattled the temple, He's called the Chief Priests out, He's comforted the prostitutes. It's fair to say Jesus kicked up dust on the path to the cross. Are you still holding His Hand? It's total turmoil, but with God, peace will fill our soul.

With the number of this year's school days dwindling, we are engulfed with required duties and deadlines. Each day's tasks must be completed in order to wrap up our job on time.

Jesus found Himself with significant life-changing deadlines, His last week on earth. Knowing His days were numbered, He unleashed many lessons --

To His followers He encouraged them to choose rightly and righteously.
To His critics, the religious leaders, He scolded them for misguiding His sheep. 
To the unbelievers, He gave warnings. 
To the believers, He reminded them about being ready and watchful, as He instilled in them the hope of things to come. 

Jesus holds nothing back for He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain... another believer, joining His family for eternity. He did and will do whatever it takes to reach even one more. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

Monday madness... on a mission

 As we leave behind the glorious entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Sunday, the palm branches and cloaks scattered on His path are also gone.  The bare dirt and pebbles along the path now squeeze between His toes.

Monday

Jesus' first stop in Jerusalem, the Temple...

When Jesus entered and saw the temple area, He drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves... He said, "My house will be call a house of prayer, but you are making it a den for robbers." Matt. 21:12-13

Later that day, He tells His disciples...

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,... you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Matt. 21:21-22

Jesus' last week on earth was not a walk in the park; it was filled with difficult and trying work.  The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life.  

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

it's the week of weeks

"They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'" John 12:13

THE countdown is on...

Nothing supersedes the magnitude of the countdown of Jesus' final week on earth.  The countdown that sealed forever your future and mine. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, purchasing for ALL who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

I wonder how Jesus felt His last week on earth?  After His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, life took a dramatic turn.  
Did He understand what would happen? Yes.  
Did His disciples? No. 
On Sunday, the palm branches are swaying with shouts of "Hosanna!", in anticipation of Jewish independence, and by the end of the week shouts of "crucify Him!" by the same lips.

With joy comes tears. With thanks comes humbleness.  Let's walk down the  rocky, dusty path in hand with Jesus this week with grateful hearts, as we remember His sacrifice and unconditional love for us.

Hosanna, to God in the highest! Thanks be to God!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

personal note:  The past few weeks and year have been difficult, confusing and turbulent, and a peaceful end is nowhere in sight. Refocusing on God's incredible love is exactly what we need now for direction, restoration and strength.  As in the past years, all my devotions this week will center on God's Easter gift of eternal life made possible for you and me through His Son, Jesus.  It's what we need... He's what we need.

Thank You, Father. Because of You we always have reason to celebrate.

a Mighty Word ~ healing

"You need only to remain calm; the Lord will fight for you." Exodus 14:14

He's got you and me.

Have a restful weekend.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

how do you feel about this season?

"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 and peace.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

a quiet moment

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zaphaniah 3:17

In the midst of turmoil, He can quiet our soul with His love.

Thank You, Father. Be the still, calming waters over my troubled heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

looking for growth

"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 1 Corinthians 3:7 

"Watch Grass Grow"... what an odd book title. Who in their right mind wants to watch grass grow?  Whether in the dead of winter or in the blooming of  spring, it would be a painstakingly long process.  Of course, the book was not suggesting how to literally watch grass grow but learning about the process via visual tell-me facts.

Come to think about it, there really aren't many things you can actually watch grow.  Most growth occurs gradually, at a rate that the naked eye can't detect.  I believe that is also true in the growth of our relationship with our Father.  Yet there are times, an unexpected or catastrophic event in our life, might produce a noticeable spurt of growth of faith.  

But like the grass, our faith needs the right nourishment and guidance to mature.  With the practice of community worship, Bible study and prayer a watering and feeding of the soul is possible.  Yet, only God has the power to tender our hearts toward Him and bring forth genuine change and growth in Him.  And even with all the right ingredients, we must be on the alert for snakes in the grass. Satan is slivering around desiring to seek, deceive and destroy our hearts and minds. 

Father, may faith seeds be richly and deeply planted as we trust Your "Son"shine and Holy Spirit in growing us safely and closer to You.

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

meltdown in progress?

"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His Word and healed them..." Psalm 107:19,20

This i must remember.  

When stressed...

look to Jesus.  

He will wipe away every tear and see us through the mess.  
Breathe Him in and let Him begin the healing and rebuilding.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ quiet

"You're my place of quiet retreat, I wait for Your word to renew me."
Psalm 119:114

Did you experience stormy weather yesterday?  The intensity of storms varies depending on where we are.  Sometimes the most violent storms we face are the ones within us.

Father, our safe place to retreat for internal storms is with You.

Be still my heart and listen; only He and His Word hold our peace. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do as we believe it,

veneal

He reigns

"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You." Psalm 5:11

The weather today is daunting. Whether torrential downpours, tropical storms, floods, gusty winds or hail, shelter is required from the elements.  As a child of God, no matter what our day holds, we are under the umbrella of God's love and assured of His complete protection. With Him by our side, our fears can be calmed.

Father, through it all, we need to hold tightly to Your "J" (Jesus) handle and remember Your ability to protect us through whatever passes our way.  In Your perfect time, i trust our hearts will bloom with joy and peace. Your smiling face under the umbrella tell me we will be okay.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

surviving?

 Jesus said...

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Pack'em up and move'em out...

 

How sweet those words as we closed the book carts last Friday. Like the Book Fair books, the past 2 weeks delivered a wide range of emotions.  We saw and experienced all types of genres: drama, suspense, celebration, mystery, comedy, crime, heartbreak, magic, horror, and human survival.   

Every day was an action‑packed, page turner from start to finish.  But all things do come to an end. It was a sweet beginning and even a sweeter farewell. So, goodbye Book Fair, you did not disappoint; we survived a mighty thrilling ride with you and look forward to another chapter next year. 

Book Fair came and Book Fair went,
at times we about lost all our sense.

But thanks to great help, here and Above,
we survived a busy week filled with gifts and love.

Believe and know God's Words are faithful and true,
With Him all things are possible, because He loves me and you.

Lord, thank you for hearing my prayers and getting us through this time.

Because You are with me, i have the strength to survive.  Thank You.

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

let me see You

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 

"Johnny, let me see you for a minute." 

It's a familiar teacher's comment when a student gets off track or misses the intent of the assignment or lecture. A refocusing on the teacher's plan is necessary to accomplish the goal outlined by the teacher for the student.

Father, there are things i am experiencing and not understanding right now. What i see as important and what i want, gets in the way of what You desire to accomplish in me.  I often need a Word from You, reminding me where and on whom to focus.  Please keep calling me back to You. As long as i can keep my eyes fixed on You, Your strength and guidance will be my peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

caught

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Situations, circumstances, events can throw an unexpected and unwanted wrench in our day.  And when it does, i pray to not be like a deer caught in the headlights -- frozen in blind fear.

Life would be almost impossible, IF we didn’t keep our focus on God and KNOW He is in control of ALL things.   

TRUST HIM, we must. Period. No matter what.

God uses absolutely everything to His glory… the good, the bad and the ugly.  May we keep praising Him in ALL things.  His Light is not blinding but calming.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

wishes fulfilled

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Book Fair... it's been quite a week, actually 2 weeks, but in a terrific way.  All the work, planning, time and sweat of the event produced buckets of gold. With a drastic reduction in parent volunteers and shoppers, support of the fair was questionable.  However once underway, we were tickled to see enthusiastic student shoppers from day one. But the biggest JOY did not come from the students shopping for themselves, but for others.

One of our most important Book Fair missions is putting a book in every student's hand.  This effort in the past has always been funded primarily by kind, generous parents. But in their physical absence, students stepped up to the need and freely gave.  From pennies to $10+ students gladly donated to help fellow students, covering the needed expense. But their generosity did not stop there.

Another mission of our Book Fair is donating books to all our teachers.  Money for teacher books was sent in by parents, past teachers, as well as students. During the second week, we watched groups of excited students return pooling their funds to buy a book for their teacher. Some of the books were given from the group and sometimes the group credited their entire class for the donation.  Their JOY in buying for their teacher was only exceeded by our JOYFUL witnessing of their generosity.  Every desiring teacher will discover at least one donated book by the end of the Fair. 

When measured by the action of the heart and not the dollar sign, i must say this was the most successful Book Fair i've ever had the honor to work. Cherished memories of the past 2 weeks strengthen my faith for our future. There is a wise and actively caring generation formulating.

Jesus loves the little children, and this week it was easy to see why.  I love them too. 

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 we are showered with blessings too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ restore

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

The only thing normal about most school days is that there is no normal, routine day.  Besides the changes due to Covid, special activities, interruptions, revisions and shifts are a constant part of the week.  And if that doesn't take a little punch out of you, the stomach bug crawling around the neighborhood might.

Feeling a little green around the cheeks? I hope you find the time to stop and rest this upcoming weekend. Even though we will be an hour short Sunday, God has the power to fully restore.

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

sticky fingers

"YET, the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" Isaiah 30:18

It happens, and it breaks my heart.

Covered in the syrup of desire, sticky fingers stuck to and took items they wanted from the Book Fair. Some books contained trinkets, creating an unbearable urge to possess them greater than the desire to be honest. Temptation comes in all sizes, and the pain of falling into it hurts to the core for all affected. 

Is there anything you are moving forward with in life without God's direction?  Anxious to take matters in your own hands?  Tired of waiting for God to answer?  May our desires and wishes not propel us forward without God. 

Father, it happens. I want it, i get it, and it breaks Your heart.  Grow in me the wisdom to seek You in all areas of my life and to patiently wait for Your guidance.  How often have i missed the treasures You have for me because i refused to wait for You?  I want to trade in my pitiful temporary fix for Your sweet divine blessings. Trip me up, slow me down, break my leg; just don't let me miss any blessings You have for me.

What God has in store for us far exceeds our expectations... every time.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

hands up...

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.  I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands."  Psalm 63:3-4

Had something extra or unexpected added to  your plate? As we enter the final month of the school year, you know it will happen... over and over again. And it's ok.  Here's the point i want to make and for us to remember each day.

At the end of the day, God and our relationship with Him is what matters most. He will be with us and see us through whatever crosses over our path... the good, the bad and the ugly. May we raise our hands and celebrate His faithfulness and unending love for us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

surrogate parents

Jesus said... "feed My lambs." John 21:15

"Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not  pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve... being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3

Although we are in school face-to-face, it is not business as usual. This fact is quite evident during special happenings with a half-empty parking lot. Normally during these times, it would be jam packed with parents' cars, visiting and participating in the activities.  This past week Book Fair, Dr. Seuss Day and the Black History Wax Museum all continued, but without the usual cheering and support of parents... at least, home parents, due to visiting restrictions. 

Fortunately, students were blessed and excited to have surrogate school parents jumping in and attending for their absent parents. School team members adjusted their schedules to be the audience and cheerleaders for the various events. Are you making a difference? You betcha!  Just read this teacher's note below... 

YOU all may not realize it, but to these kids you are like famous people! 😊 They have been asking me all week, "Are they coming?, Did you remind them?" . YOU helped make this a very special project. I could use more moments like these to remind me of why I am here. I think the kids felt very "normal," despite covid and all the restrictions. 

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy Friday to come.

Be reminded school is not just about reading, writing, arithmetic and test scores, it's also about loving and caring for students emotionally.  Students have needs beyond the numbers... needs to be celebrated, noticed and encouraged, needs to know someone is present cheering them on in this crazy-confusing season.  And you, my friend, are that important person.  Even in the madness of triple-play event days, i see you striving to cover as many needs as possible. While no one can be available for all events, when we work together for the good of our students and do what we can, the end results bring healing and JOY to their soul. 

Father, some days are so exhausting and trying.  Thank You for encouraging signs and words to keep going.  Help us continue supporting each other and exhibiting to God's "lambs" what truly matters... them, all parts of them -- their mind, body and soul. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

how did he know?

"we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Oh, Dr. Seuss, how did you know?
the many injustices the earth would unfold.

Thanks for your colorful, zany characters a-plenty,
a dose of truth from them have taught many.

Be kind to others, do as i say,
love one another, and forgive each day.

Being right in life shouldn't be our goal,
but a right relationship with others is worthy to hold.

And thank you also for encouraging and letting me know,
being different is okay, God has great plans for all in His show!

Hardships, questions and trials are a part of our life,
but if we follow the right One we will have more peace than strife.    

So, with your whimsical flair and delightful storytelling, we celebrate you today, Dr. Seuss... and oh, the places we'll go...
because reading and believing God allows freedom, grace and love to grow.

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

how do you feel about change?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5

As most of you know, i've changed jobs.  This week and next week, i am a bookstore clerk, not a media assistant. The transformation from library to bookstore is magical -- like someone sprinkling Tinkerbell's pixie dust everywhere.  I'm ringing up more books on the cash register from the Book Fair than i normally checkout from our shelves... and trust me when i say, "that's a lot of books!"  

Unlike most schools, we are still offering a face-to-face Book Fair.  This year, more than ever, the preparation and operation of the Fair is overwhelming... requiring all our effort, energy and time. But with only 3 days into the Fair, we know we made the right decision.   

Do you embrace change with an open heart? I must admit, i normally don't.  I prefer the comfort and familiarity of routines.  I like knowing what is expected, feeling confident in my task, while experiencing little uncertainty or fear.  But there are times when change is necessary or unavoidable. And this year with increased protocol and rules required due to Covid risk, the challenges have been exhausting. Yet, for the sake and safety of our students, all additional hardships we have faced have been worth it. The excitement on their faces is thanks enough to keep going... keep adjusting... and keep smiling.  

Father, strengthen us with all the unsettling changes we face. We can't end all the changes in our life, but we can change our attitude regarding them. Help us start by trusting You with what's ahead and embracing a change in attitude.  May it produce sweet results of success, a spirit of unity for the good and peace to our soul.

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

a Mighty Reminder...

"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?  Breathe. God will see and carry you through.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ remember

"WHO shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... 

NO, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35, 37-39

First graders are preparing to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day this week. Like the cute Hortons in the hallway, i want to possess an unshakeable memory.  Most of all, i never want to forget or question what i consider the most important Truth in life.

God's love for us never falters, ends or disappears.  

Wherever we are, whatever we have done, however we feel, nothing can separate us from His love.

Be a Horton... and always remember this Truth.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

Amazing!

"I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. T

hen Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. 

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 

" Ephesians 3:16-19

Every year when we receive the Book Fair inventory, i look over the cases and boxes and think, "Really?? Is that all they sent?  This is going to be a disappointing event."

But once we start setting up -- opening the cases, unloading the boxes -- we find ourselves needing to spread the treasures out from one end of the Media Center to the other. 

The large selection and end result always leave me feeling simply amazed and excited.  The thrill of seeing it come together is only exceeded by watching the JOY and endless enthusiasm of our students as they visit the Fair from day one to the very end.

Father, i feel similar to this regarding Your love for me.  I look and see all my smallness and brokenness, and think,  "look at me... surely, You are disappointed. You can't possibly love me that much... what have i done to deserve You and Your blessings, mercy and grace?"  

But then i read Your Word and am reminded Your Love for me is not based on what You see, but on the fact i belong to You.  I am Your treasured child, the apple of Your eye.  Your love for me is wider, deeper, higher and longer than i can possibly comprehend. I stand in humble awe of Your amazing, immense love. With a thankful heart, i pray my JOY for Your love overflows in gratitude by the sharing of Your wonderous, amazing Love and Light with others each day. 

What a Book Fair!  But more importantly, what a God!  I'm simply amazed, aren't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we life, love and do like we believe it,

veneal