3 R's for summer

"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.  

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 is just about in FULL bloom.  Hang in there!  You got this!

Thank you for allowing me to share our Father with you.  May you enjoy the glorious “Son”shine with Him this summer as you plunge into the 3 R's for summer: Rest, Refreshment and Renewal in Him.

Glory be to God for all things!

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

welcome home

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and your men/women stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength..." Isaiah 40:30-31

With only 16 books not returned, the library bookshelves are filling up...  and wimpy kids are everywhere.  Being one of the most popular series in the library, it's rare to find one on the shelf. But at the school year's end, they all come "home" for repairs and rest.  

Like the books, i am ready to go home.  It's been a good, but long, busy school year; and i'm in need of repair for my weary bones. 

Father, i am counting the hours.  Every inch of me is crying out for the roller coaster to stop.  Left on my own, it's easy to keep finding stuff to do. My soul finds rest in You alone.  This wimpy kid of Yours needs time with just You for refreshment, repair, rest and restoration. Thank You, Father! I love you. 

Just You and me, that's what it's got to be.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

farewell

 since I have you in my heart…

“And 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

   

Our school time together is coming to an end.  Although, i might not know your face, i know your heart.  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 also felt the constant presence of God; have witnessed how He guides us tenderly 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 true mission?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

personal note:  As our 5th grade class prepares for their graduation program today, my heart grieves for the vicious, senseless mass killing at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas yesterday.   I can't shake the immense horror, sadness, disbelief, and anger. I feel a strong connection to Robb Elementary. They were 2 days away from a joyful summer break... but not now.  What is it going to take to make effective changes?  I cry, you cry, God cries... may the tears not be wasted. 

successful year?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

The end of the school year is close.  How are you measuring the success of your year...  by scores, grades, test results?

No matter what your numbers showed, i pray you see your year and worth through God's eyes.  May the success of your year be counted by the hugs, smiles and thankful hearts of those called yours this year. Your love, understanding and relationship with your students produced the most valuable results of all... and it is what matters to our number One Teacher.  

Let there be no doubt, you have been needed, wanted, appreciated, loved... and will be deeply missed by your "children" when the year ends.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

did you do it?

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." Mark 1:35

It's crunch time...

Pounding schedules, pounding feet, pounding hearts. It's the final week of wrapping up for many schools.

I hope you took some time to rest and pound out some prayers during the weekend. If not, take a moment now to pray for God's peace to rule over our days this week. The only crunch i want to taste this week is some mouth-watering, sweet chocolate.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ kindness

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

We'll never see or know everyone God has put on our path to touch -- providing nourishment, direction or hope. Being available and sensitive to others, we could possibly help restore or provide a lifeline. What we don't see or understand, God does.  

May we --Be kind and compassionate to one another -- always.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what do you want?

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

Grrrr...  It was what i meant, and what i wanted,.. but i still wasn't ready for it when it happened.  Collecting library books at the end of the year is like opening a flood gate.  It temporarily increases the workload but delivers the desired result... library books back home on the shelves.

Father, help me keep my eyes on You and keep me from grumbling.  Sometimes we can't get what we want without some discomfort too. Stretch my heart and keep JOY in it even when we are surrounded by chaos.  

In the end peace will be restored, thanks be to God.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

riding the waves

"Who is like You, Lord God Almighty?  You, Lord, are mighty, and Your faithfulness surrounds You.  You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them." Psalm 89:8-9

Watch out!

It's not quite time for the beach, but i already fill like i am riding the waves. The last weeks at school are like a day at the beach.  Some days roll in calmly, some a bit rough and then WHAM! suddenly without warning, you are blindsided by a tsunami.

There's testing, programs, deadlines, concerts, gatherings.  And the students? Well, they are ready for sand between their toes.  What's a teacher to do?

When the wave of events knocks you down and you feel like you can't get back up, don't panic. God, who is faithful, helps us back up... time after time again.  He is undeniably the number One Wave Rider and Lifeguard.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ potter

"Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Mold me and make me as You desire,
Then fill me, Father, with Your Holy Spirit and fire.

Created in love by Your Hands we shall be,
Then children of Light for others to see.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

show me your feet

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7

What causes feet to look beautiful?

It's not sparkly nail polish, a pedicure, corn removal or plastic surgery, but feet marred with knots, scratches, bunions, cuts, and bruises -- our trials and hardships in life.  Experiencing God's goodness and faithfulness in the good, bad and ugly times is meant to be shared. God's unending unconditional love is beautiful, dazzling and life changing.

Take off your socks and shoes and the layers of life that cover... bare your feet and soul.  May others see and know our true beauty as we give thanks to our awesome God.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

break needed?

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

Busy week? Had enough?  Lay your troubles aside, and take a time out with our Daddy.

It will do you and the ones around you good.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ everlasting

"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.” Deut. 31:8

Behind every cloud, the "Son" is still there and will burn the clouds away in His time.  Never, never does He leave us.  Look up and know He is there for you.

Thank You, Father,

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what's bugging you?

"PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL our troubles..." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The only thing normal about most school days is that there is no normal, routine day. This is especially true during the final few weeks of the school year as special activities, interruptions, revisions and shifts are nonstop.  And if that doesn't take a little punch out of you, the stomach bug crawling around the neighborhood will.

Whatever might be bugging you... circumstances. demands, changes, people, sickness... God our Healer and Protector will see us through it. He comes to us with purpose and cleans up the mess puddling around our heart.  He never flinches or wavers in His mission, covering us with the soothing balm of His unconditional, faithful love. 

Father, often we endure more than we want and more than we feel capable of handling.  But you remind us over and over again, we aren't expected to handle it. When we hurt and feel we can't go on, it's ok.  You come to us and sit with us comforting, tending and counseling until we are healed and can walk again along beside You. On my knees, Father, i can thank You now because i remember and know Your Almighty Power.  In You, i trust. 

On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us...
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ protected

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

Not a confident fighter? That's ok. Our Victorious Father is with us, and He will see us through all circumstances.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do i have to?

"Taste and see that the LORD is good." Psalm 34:8

Allie's first taste of carrots was not a happy one, but one of dislike.  Judging by her face, she couldn't have cared less how good they were for her but wondered why she was being punished and expected to eat them.

But after a few more attempts, her attitude and appreciation for carrots changed.  She still doesn't know or understand how good they are for her, but she is liking them for her own reason.

Father, i don't care for changes, but prefer sameness and comfort in life.  Help me to remember when You bring or allow changes in my life, it is for my good.  I might not see or understand what is happening but need to learn and accept the Truth that you work ALL things to the good, to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Acknowledgement of this Truth will provide the needed peace in times of turmoil and wonder.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

remembering all mothers

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings..." Psalm 17:8

Testing, reports, projects, deadlines and more testing... it's the crazy end-of-school year mode.  But despite the frenzy, many teachers carve out time to prepare special keepsakes for Mother's Day.  

Laminating the special bookmarks, poems and pictures, i couldn't keep from reading what students wrote.  The love and devotion between mother and child was clearly evident through their words and drawings.  Most children have no idea the impact it will probably have on their mother.   Not only can i imagine how much their moms will treasure the gift, i understand from experience.

Because you see, i still have my bookmark, tattered and faded, from 19 years ago, in my favorite Book.

Whether a mother by blood or by love, never underestimate your power and influence on the children in your path.  You are the apple of their eye, as well as our Father's.  And like our Father, they notice all we do.

For every child's heart you have touched, Happy Mother's Day! You are special and greatly loved.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

celebrating you

"Her children arise and call her blessed... charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:28,30

When asked to draw a picture of their mom, the students' artwork revealed a variety of looks.  But quickly, i noticed a common thread in all the pictures...

all the mothers wore a smile.

Parenting is rewarding, but also very challenging.  I, for one, question and doubt my actions constantly. We might not do it perfectly, but i've come to an important realization. In the eyes of our children, the most important part of our relationship is knowing they are loved unconditionally and that they bring a smile to our face.

Celebrating you and  the sweet impression you make on children.  Whether you are a mother by blood or by the heart, you are putting a notable shine on our most valuable gems.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ ALL

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

Breathe and take Him into every fiber of your soul. There is nothing sweeter or more satisfying than the love of Jesus.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

waiting, not wasted

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

In my younger years (decades ago), i loved cross-stitching.  My two yellowed, torn bags of supply are still in my closet... yes, i am a keeper (some say a hoarder) of most everything.  Last week i decided to stitch the wedding date for my other daughter on a hand towel. In the bag I found an old unfinished piece.  For some reason, with only part of the border and soap suds left, i quit it.

As you can see, i started this 46 years ago.  But a renewed interest and a desire to finish it for my granddaughter's bathroom is stirred...  an old, forgotten project with a newly inspired goal.  I am excited and encouraged in having it this close to finishing!

Is there anything in your life that has been abandoned or left unfinished? A project, a friendship, a situation?  Like me, maybe the timing of it wasn't right then and could be now or in the future.  Don't give up, look for God to open doors, hearts or opportunities to review, renew or repurpose what was left.  He wastes nothing, and i don't want too either.

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

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