a Mighty Word ~ sacrifice

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works... We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..." Ephesians 2:8-10

It's a word we are all familiar with in one way or another... Sacrifice.

Today we remember and honor our Armed Service soldiers.  Those who sacrificed their life for the safety and freedom of our country.  My heart is full of humble thanks for their dedication to us.

And then there is our Jesus, paying the price for all our sins with His life so we can have eternal life.  An unmerited gift, yet freely given and extended to all.  May we remember and give thanks to Him today and every day too.

Father, i need to sacrifice selfish ways and wants. Help me live in a way to create the desire and hunger in others to know You and Your wondrous Love.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

farewell, friend

since you are in my heart…

"...this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11

Although, i might not know your face,  i feel i know your heart.  Through the year(s), we have shared much with each other… joy, hurts, frustration, disappointments, laughter, pain, anger, confusion, restlessness, sickness and more.  Hopefully, during this time you have experienced with me the constant presence of God; have witnessed how He can and does get us through hardships and trials; and have experienced how He uses absolutely e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g for His good and His glory. 

As God has seen us through all times, especially difficult ones, we have grown.   Grown closer to Him, closer to each other and closer to being who and what He designed us to be.  I pray He uses us as a magnet to attract others to Him and His eternal kingdom.  After all, isn’t that our calling?

Thank you for allowing me to share Him with you.  May you enjoy the glorious “Son”shine this summer as you find rest, refreshment and renewal in Him.

Glory be to God for all things!!

Have a God-filled break!

Happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ,

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

on the home stretch

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

The clock is ticking, the students are smiling... and so are the teachers.  I'd say the survival rate for finishing the school year is looking really good.

It's been a wonderful year for many, as well as, long and challenging.  But you persevered, tackled the needs and completed your lesson plans. You've successfully juggled demands from all directions and your students are ready to move on.  It's almost time to put your feet up for the summer.

That well-deserved smile creeping back up on your face...  anticipating the rest, refreshment and renewal to come... is just about in FULL bloom.  Hang in there!  The best is yet to come.

we are loved and chosen by God, 

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ prepared

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1  Corinthians 2: 9

It's the end of the year, and as a teacher you wonder about the impact you've made on your students. What will they take with them next year?  What did they see? What did they hear? What did they understand?

It may not show today, but you have made a difference. You prepared them well for their next chapter. You loved, you gave, you cared, you sacrificed... and they grew.  

Smile -- you prepared them well.

And isn't it comforting to know God is preparing great wonders for our next chapter too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

fill in the blanks

 "... Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made...

'_____, ______,' the LORD answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. ______ has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10: 39-41

Crunch time is here, and i am running on "exhaust" fumes.  I bet you are too.  Looking at the blanks above, where would your name go?  Currently i'm leaning towards the first ones, but i'm striving to jump down to the latter blank.

Let us take the time needed to rest in Him.  It's His greatest desire and our greatest need, especially now.

we are loved and chosen by  God,

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

veneal

it's not time to go... yet

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

We are in the last week of school, and many are ready to be done. It's tempting to toss remaining lesson plans out the door and just let the fun, games and movies begin. But, what if...

What if Jesus had stopped praying or teaching or healing a week before His crucifixion? Do you think it would have made a difference? 

Jesus gave His all until the very end.  He never stopped, even on the cross.  He didn't miss an opportunity to teach and share the Truth on salvation and eternal life. If He saved just one more in His final hours, He found it worthy of His effort.

Father, as the final days surround us, lift us up and fill us with Your Spirit so we may continue teaching with a heart filled with compassion and love.  There might be just one more student who would greatly benefit from a lesson.  Keep us alert to teachable moments to the last bell.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

i promise...

"Not one of all the LORD's good promises to Israel (your name) failed; every one was (is) fulfilled." Joshua 21:45

Her note promised it was the last thing she needed printed... but i knew better.  School is ending soon, and the only thing for certain is changes occur.  I couldn't help but smile at her note because in her heart i felt she knew it was a promise that would likely not stick.  After all, she wrote the note in pencil, not ink, and she sent more paper to me than was required for her print job.  She unconsciously seemed to be preparing for the unexpected. 

Promises... who can keep them? I sure have issues with them.  Time after time, i find myself in the ditch of regret and failure, breaking promises to others.  Yet, my greatest regret comes from promises i make to God. Promises of change, improvement, patience, giving, understanding and more.  How He must shake His ever-loving, wise head with my promises, knowing all my weaknesses and frailties.  Yet, He loves me still.

So, who can keep promises every time and always?  I know of only One. God.  Promises to His children are etched in ink. They cannot be erased, deleted or forgotten. His promises of love, forgiveness, purpose, guidance, strength, eternity, freedom, peace, comfort, hope are unending and rock solid. The Bible actually contains over 7,000 promises from God to His children.  God is consistent, and faithful; He is not changing His plan. 

The promise made to me yesterday was broken within 10 minutes -- not once, but twice. But that's far less than the number of broken promises God has endured from me, and more than the number of promises God has broken to me -- NONE.

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the hawks are flying

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

The hawks are flying high... summer is on the horizon.  From a buzz to Mohawks, many are sporting cool haircuts.  Teachers are shaking tomahawks in an effort to restore peace on school territory. With only days left, the students are restless.  The smoke signals from Above are clear... FOCUS, PERSEVERE, PRAY, PEACE...  With God, all things are possible.

Father, even when my hair is standing on end, help me remember all is fine. You, Who know every hair on my head, are still in control.  Life is not always to my liking, but liking, believing and trusting You puts things in perspective. Thank You. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

rooted in love

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

As you take hold and believe how precious you are to our Father, may your roots dig deeper in His extraordinary, unfathomable love. You are blooming and you are beautiful.

Father, some days i'm unsure what direction i'm moving... and sometimes even why i'm moving.  But, as long as my roots rest in You, i am confident of Your love for me and trust You will provide the strength and direction needed for the day.  Thank You.

You are a breath of fresh air, the Holy Spirit, to another... 
and God smiles.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ patience

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Who can survive this last days of school?  Teacher, i need you... now.

When trouble ensues and the testing of our patience increase, we are blessed to have access to answers. We need only approach our Teacher for help. 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. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what do you think?

"Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." 

Philippians 2:1-4

Masks... are they necessary?

Tommy's parents signed off for him to opt out in wearing a mask at school. Yet going to an activity, Tommy turned around and ran back to his desk for his mask. When the teacher questioned him for retrieving his mask he kindly responded, " Ms. M is strict about wearing masks, and i don't want to make her uncomfortable."

Putting the care for others before our own desires, isn't that what it's like to love like God?

Father, thank You for the glimpse and reminder of being Jesus with skin on. In our daily chaos, may we be mindful and attentive of the needs of others.  Thank You for hope restored through the heart of a child.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

dig deep roots

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."  Colossians 2:6-7

Keeping our roots in His Living Waters builds and strengthens our faith, especially during turbulent times. His glorious Sonshine streaming through us is meant for others to see, so they may know and believe Him too. And as His grace and mercy flow like air through us, we will continue to grow in the Fruit of the Spirit -  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - allowing others to taste and know His Almighty goodness.  We will not perish, but produce.

Father, how grateful i am that no matter what's going on, You are with me.  I'm digging my toes deep in Your unshakeable, unconditional foundation of Love.

When our roots run deep into the rich love of God, the bounty of blessings will multiply, feeding us and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

shhh.... still testing

"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

Testing... will it ever end?

The last few weeks of school are mind-bending and tense. Troubles flow, patience slow and you just feel the need to SCREAM and GO... 

May we be confident as we GO to the One who knows all about our today and is already in our tomorrow.  When we keep our eyes on Him, His Peace fills our soul.  

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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

a Mighty Word ~ peace

 "And He will be their Peace."  Micah 5:5

and mine... 
                   and yours.

Jesus said...

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what are you doing?

 The LORD says...

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are My ways higher than your ways
    and My thoughts than your thoughts. 
 As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower 
and bread for the eater, 
 so is My word that goes out from My mouth:
    It will not return to Me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire    
 and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:9-11

Reflecting today  on the Truths and Promises of our Father.

He speaks; and He will accomplish what He desires... His good and perfect Will.

  
May we Trust and believe His Word, and discover His Peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

He knows... and He cares

"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:5

The tranquil beauty of contained waters remind me of God, the Maker of all things and our constant, abiding Comforter.

Can't you just imagine the shoreline as the outline of God's Mighty Hands... carefully holding each and every tear we've cried?  Whether tears of joy, sorry, excitement, anger, pain, delight, fright -- He has collected and knows the reason for each one. As a child of God, our tears don't fall on the harsh, unresponsive, cold ground, but into the loving, caring, faithful Hands of our Father.  Not a single tear is lost, missed or unaccounted for by our Father. And more importantly, each one matters. 

Thank You, Father, for knowing and caring for me so completely.  From You, i have no hidden joy or sorry.  You who knows all, can be trusted with all.  Help me release any and all fears, doubts and troubles to You.   I want to rest in Your still waters of peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

why we love moms

 The LORD says...

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13

 I love my Mom because...

This week i got to perform one of my favorite tasks... laminating beautiful student artwork for their moms.   As different as the moms were, their reasons for loving their moms were too. Yet, they were similar in one very important factor.  They loved their mom due to her doing and giving... and not from materialist gifts.

Comfort is a crucial need in our life. As a mother comforts her child, He comforts us. God uses a mother's love to describe His own feeling.  Caring deeply for another, and sacrificing self for the welfare of loved ones.

Comfort... it is what mothers do best.  It is what God considers an essential element to our peace -- with Him and others.

Thank you, to the many mothers who spread, share and provide comfort daily.  Whether a mother-by-blood or a mother-by-heart, you are a blessing. And God is smiling at you, His good and faithful servant... His shining witness to comfort.

Happy Mother's Day, friends.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

bottled up tears

"You have taken note of my journey through life, caught each of my tears in Your bottle..." Psalm 56:8 (The Voice) 

 When we can’t find the words for prayers, God hears our tears.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ chosen

"... from the beginning God chose you, (your name), to be SAVED through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Read this verse again slowly, and Believe God...

If for no other reason, this is reason enough to be joyous today.
Thank You, Father.

we are love and CHOSEN by God,

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

veneal

you are a masterpiece

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

Beautiful masterpieces hung in the kindergarten hallway. I stood in awe soaking up the warm, rich colors of the paintings.  After a few minutes i realized children did not create all the paintings.  On the far left, genuine Georgia O'Keeffe prints lined the wall.

On the right side of the original artwork, hung students' imitations of the same work. Despite their amateurism, each of the student's work reflected the same beauty of the original.  The paintings weren't perfect duplicates, but the likeness was evident, and it was good.

This is teacher appreciate week, and it's a good week to remind you we are all God's masterpieces.  He alone created each and every one of us.  Similar at a glance, but uniquely different and destined for a specific purpose. Designed in His likeness, by Him, for Him, you are a picture of beauty.  We aren't an exact copy of Him, but the likeness is evident, and it is good.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Lord, i keep praying You show up in living, glorious color in all i do and say -- more and more and more. 

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

testing in progress

 "See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." Isaiah 48:10

TESTING -- in all respects.  It's The word of the final month before school is out. And aren't you thankful for it?

Don't despair, teachers, you will survive and shine. Through testing, in and out of school, our faith grows as God provides us with the needed strength, guidance and peace.  When we slip down to the end of our rope, we find Him there.  May we be thankful for the testing, it's our chance to experience the All Mighty Power of our Father.  

Believing and Trusting Him to be the Answer to all our tests... thank You, Father.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal