a Mighty Word ~ secure

"Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10

He's got the whole world in His Hands... 

and that includes you and me.

Even with all we are facing today, peace is possible because of the One who loves us best.  Let the day begin.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

resting and surviving in His Waters

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Keeping our roots in His Living Waters builds and strengthens our faith, especially during turbulent, stressful times.  Because of God's love for us, we will not perish, but produce.

And when we thrive bearing the Fruit of the Spirit, others taste and see how good God is.  You, my friend, are a blooming beauty feeding and witnessing all in your path.

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 rich foundation of Love, Mercy and Grace.  Rocks, droughts and difficulties along the way aren't meant to deter our growth, but to push us into a deeper relationship with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a Mighty Word ~ JOY

"Do not grieve, FOR THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH." Nehemiah 8:10

Show time is here. How are you managing the many fluid parts of your schedule?  

When the curtain rises on your day, what will your face and words show?

I pray we sweep the temporary changes and tension aside to allow the Truth in our soul as a believer take center stage in our heart...

Lasting JOY is not found in our circumstances, it is found in our LORD.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

shine with kind...

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

This is it.  Play week at school... and the week before Spring Break... could the week be set up to be any wilder?  Please, don't even answer.

As the extensive cast for "Willy Wonka Junior" soars on stage before the anxious eyes of friends, family and visitors, there is also a vast backstage of support for the production... expanding from students, teachers, parents, administrators, school staff members and other volunteers.  I'm in awe of the many hands and many hours of dedication for events like this. And now, it's finally show time.

As the play runs for the week, so will other events... good ones, bad ones, happy ones and heartbreaking ones.  I am reminded changes, large or minuscule, can occur in a split second and move us from playing to praying.  That's just the way life is.  

While not everyone is front, center stage, the Good News  this week is everyone has an opportunity to shine in the survival spotlight.  A dose of extra kindness to each other will help us through an explosive week of activity.  Just a simple smile can help drain the stress off someone's shoulders.

May your day be filled with a comfortable balance of play and pray.  But if not, doesn't it give you enormous relief knowing God will orchestrate the necessary changes.  He works all things to the good for those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.  And curtain calls are His specialty.

Now, take a deep breath and let the week begin.  Shine with kind... together with God we can finish strong.

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

a Mighty Word ~ restored

"He leads me besides still waters, He restores my  soul..." Psalm 23:2,3

Before we can be restored, we must first rest...

Happy Friday.  Take time to pull up your blanket this weekend.

REST and then be RESTored.  For many it's the week before Spring Break, and it is going to be a doozy.

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

surrounded by sweetness

"How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"  Psalm 119:103

I love a good piece of dark chocolate... just ask anyone who knows me. It's the treat i request most. 

But even like a good piece of chocolate, the sweetness in our daily life ebbs back and forth depending on choices made, events and other factors.   One instant we are devouring a gourmet, melt-in-your-mouth moment and then the next choking on a crabby, sour patch mess.  It's almost enough to make you want to quit taking a bite out of life.

Yet, walking down the hallways this week as our school prepares for the Willy Wonka play, i am reminded we are always surrounded by the continuous sweetness of God.  Every bite of His Word, and every act on our behalf from Him is good... and for our good.

God is good all the time... all the time God is good.

Father, help us believe and trust You always for genuine, everlasting sweetness.  The sour, bitter moments thrown on us from this world is always covered over by the sweetness of Your Love.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

meltdowns

"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 we 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 ~ shine

"DO  some  most  part  half  your portion  what you want  what's fair EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life..." Philippians 2:14-15

When we live knowing and accepting  

life is...
not about fairness, but righteousness
not about our way, but God's way 
not about conquering, but surrendering to God
not about independence, but dependence on God
not about our glory, but His...

His Peace becomes ours, shining for others to see where to find Hope.  

Father, direct my ways.  I want others to see and know You through my words and actions.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

(almost) the perfect season

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider; God has one as well as the other."  Ecclesiastes 7:14

Spring is finally here.  I am not a fan of dull gray skies, bare trees and frigid temperatures. But spring does not blossom without its shortcomings too.  Pollen wreaks havoc with all ages, and rain boots are a constant companion for the feet.  

But even with its drawbacks, spring provides us with much to celebrate. After all, we can't have the beauty of new life, lush green trees and brilliant flowers without some misery... like a rise of allergies and illnesses due to an increase of pollen, possible destruction caused by high winds or tornados, and disease-ridden insects affecting fruits and veggies.

Happy is the heart that can still rejoice in the midst of tough times... because God is still good. He has the power to bring excellence even out of hard, trying times. 

Love where you are because God is there -- no matter the season.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ peace

In this world of chaos and uncertainty is peace possible anywhere?
I can only think of one place.

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

and mine... 
                   and yours.

Father, help us find and stay with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

luck or love?

"You have put JOY in my heart..." Psalm 4:7

Do you know what makes many students feel lucky??  It's not the luck of the Irish, but the love of a teacher...
       


 Yes, it's you!!


and here's another truth...

"...the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 14:2


Fact is not only are you God's special treasure, but also a special treasure to many others.

Smile, and enJOY your day... you, my friend, bring many smiles to those around you.

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

veneal 

how do you know my name?

"But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, (your name), He who formed you: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1

 "How do you know my name? Is it because you know my Nanna?"

Although her thinking was correct, she had also given me her id card when she checked out. Yet despite those facts, her face was already planted in my heart.  So, i truthful respond to her, "No, Madison, I know your name because I know you."

And she beamed with JOY.

To be known and loved just for being us, isn't that what we all truly want?  Isn't that how God is with us?

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.

Thank You, Father...

and we beamed with JOY.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

lean on - - -

"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

Lean on God...

When we lean on God, He holds us up through all our rumblings and shaky ups and downs.  He is our One Firm Foundation.  We don't have to understand how, just BELIEVE and TRUST Him.

We are a leaning tower of Power with God.

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

a Mighty Word ~ strength

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  Isaiah 40:29

Too much rain, too little recess, too little help. 

Father,  We need more of Your glorious, powerful "Son" shining in our entire world. May it start with us and spread to the darkest corners.

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

no more, please

 "... I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for the day." 2 Timothy 1:12

Students tossed books in the return bin, eager for new material.  They were finished with the books, and i was finished with the constant theme that kept showing up.  Yet, every time i thought the last winter book had been turned in, someone dropped another in the return bin.  I could do nothing, but moan and keep checking them in... one chilly book at the time.

Do you have any reoccurring themes in your life?  Family issues, health concerns, heart ache, anger, loneliness, work conflicts, etc.  How often have you thought an issue was resolved, only to see it resurface again? During these times it's difficult to keep frustration and hopelessness from rising.  It's then i must rely completely on the strength of One who is an expert on reoccurring themes and who is crazy for me.

God is the One. He sees me panic with decisions, pout over selfish wants, throw temper tantrums, turn away from someone in need, as well as other shortcomings.  Yet, He does not give up, throw in the towel, turn up His Hands in disgust or walk away from me.  He knows and understands me better than i do myself. 

Father, thank You for Your unending patience and understanding. You and You alone, i trust with my life.  Hold me up, mold me up, and bold me up as a servant for You.   I want to catch and pass on the reoccurring theme of Your love to all i meet.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ rest

 Jesus said...

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

When we rest at His feet, He restores us.

No one or nothing else can fill His shoes.

Thank You, Father.

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 Fair carts. Like the books, the past 9 days delivered a wide range of emotions.  We witnessed all types of genres -- drama, suspense, celebration, mystery, comedy, crime, heartbreak, magic, horror, and human survival -- in action during the Fair   

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! The big smiles tell all.  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 

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 make one nUtTy....

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 ~ giving

 "... whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

Book Fair week is exhausting, but i am blessed with continuous moments of refreshment from others...

My heart is full for the many students, parents, family members, friends and complete strangers who have generously contributed to our Book Fair, helping to make dreams come true and putting a book in every child's hand. 

 

When you open your heart to a child, you open your heart to God's desires.

Thank you for listening to God and for giving me the ability to serve with JOY as i witness your love poured out on our students.  You are a treasure to many.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do 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.  Terrific volunteers, delicious donated snacks and coffee, helpful administration and custodial staff, flexible teachers and supportive parents are all magnificent reasons to keep smiling.

But i must say, students win 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. They also love buying books for their teachers. Every day, 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 days like this, hope fills your heart for today 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 thank God for our blessings.

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

first, you need to open it

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Arrival of the Book Fair carts last week stirred up doubt.  Judging by the looks, we questioned if there was enough merchandise to cover even half of our space. Hopes for a successful Book Fair started diminishing.

But oh! How quickly our jitters subsided once we flung open the cases and the Fair started. 

Book Fair treasures spread throughout the library brought smiles and squeals from all shoppers. The bounty is plenty and ready for eager students, but we had to open the cases and boxes to see it and remember what all it takes to be successful.  The ringing cash register is a sign all is good.

Same can be said for God's Word... it is packed with Good News.  The Bible is full of encouragement, guidance, love, correction and HOPE for all our seasons. God has given us all we need.  But it's up to us to remember to open, read and recall all His incredible truths and promises.  The Word of God is our reminder all is good with God.

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ encourage

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I took a deep breath before entering the library.  The first day of Book Fair is always flooded with challenges. It takes time and patience to settle and channel the energy of our excited shoppers, as well as work out the kinks of running and maintaining the Fair. 

 

But much to my delight, a boost of encouragement waited at my desk when i arrived.  Armed with needed, sweet support from coworkers and parent volunteers, the first day was a manageable one. Thanks to them, i am ready for the rest of the week... with JOY. 

No matter the size, never underestimate the power of encouragement, it is priceless.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal