weather or not

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." Ephesians 6:10

With the impending Hurricane/tropical storm Ian bearing down, questions of school and related activities have been swirling.

Weather or not...

God is with us 

God has a plan for our life

We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who does.  

Weather or not, trust God is watching over us, His children.

We are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ friend

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

Sometimes i am good, sometimes i am not.  
Will you be my pal, no matter what?

Thank You, Father, for pals in my path.
P.A.L. = People (who) Always Love... no matter what.

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

picture this

 "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." Proverbs 15:30

 

Today the halls will be lined with shiny faces, styled hair, and colorful clothes...  Smiles big and plentiful...  and, momentarily, worries and concerns erased.  

It's picture day at school.  I love seeing the happy, giggly faces.  Everyone looking party-ready for a fun time.

Now, picture this.  Besides no frowns, also --
No tears....
No pain...
No worry...
No heartache...
No loneliness...   EVER

Just pure, absolute JOY

One day, it will be for all who believe.
 

Smile for the camera because it's school picture day.  

But smile everyday because of what our Father has in store for us at His heavenly gathering.

Ready?  Smile and say, "Thank You, Jesus!"

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

can we count on anything?

 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8

Price of gasoline... unpredictable

amount of milk you should drink... unpredictable

interest rate... unpredictable

number of eggs you should eat... unpredictable

fashion styles... unpredictable

times of war... unpredictable

lottery ticket... unpredictable

job security... unpredictable

relationship with friends, family, co‑workers... unpredictable

expected date/time of our death... unpredictable

In this ever-changing world and time, just what can we count on?

Jesus Christ... predictable.  

Always the same, always there, always involved in our life, always madly in love with us.  Can you live with just that?  I certainly can't live without it.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

can you tell?

"Give thanks to the Lord because He is good because His faithful love endures forever." 1 Chronicle 16:34

It's a day late, but thanks to the crisp, cool weather today, i actually feel like i can start enJOYing some things on my Fall list from yesterday... like a sweatshirt and some pumpkin spice coffee. Sometimes it's obvious what season we are in, and sometimes surrounding circumstances cause us to wonder and doubt.

Aren't you thankful that NO MATTER what is going on in your life or what the surrounding circumstances are, you can KNOW and BELIEVE God's love for you is ALIVE and ACTIVE in every aspect and second of your life.  It's not just a feeling, it's the absolute Truth.

Happy Friday!  EnJOY Fall this weekend and believe God's unfathomable, unending love for you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's official

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;  wisdom and power are His.  He changes times and seasons..." Daniel 2:20-21 

Fall is officially here.  After so many life-sucking hot and muggy days, the sign below brought a smile to my face, as it reminded me to keep looking ahead.

Many invigorating Fall thoughts of what's coming soon are stirring in my head --

cool weather

pumpkin spice latte

crisp fall leaves

sweatshirts

hats and scarves

fresh apple cake
Fall festivals

colorful mountains
boots

crackling fireplace

jack-o-lanterns

candy apples

State Fair

If the pressure of the moment has overheated your heart, may a calming, cool reflection of what's to come lower your stress.

Thank You, Father, for ah-ha moments. Thank You for revolving seasons of refreshment and relief in our life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

in for the long haul

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

The walk is a little slower, the smiles not quite as wide, the arrival time a bit later.  School is back in full swing and some of the normal patterns and old habits are beginning to appear. Are you ready for whatever is in store for you this year?

The joy of the journey ahead depends a lot on us... our attitudes, our actions and our reactions.  We can influence for a better or eternal future in another, but it takes work, patience, love and a belief we can conquer the battles ahead.  Or i should say, a belief that God will provide opportunities for victories as we obediently allow Him to work in our lives. His calling in our life is for good... through our trust in Him, His glory will shine as a witness to others.

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

a Mighty Word ~ kindness

 "...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Strong orders of kindness reap strong results in God's glory.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

read all about it

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21

Our read-a-thon fundraiser is successful from 2 standpoints... it raises money to support many activities at school, and it gets students excited about reading.  

Featured on one of our promotional posters, i got to see myself in a new body.  Although i am not an active water-loving person, seeing me as the shark lady was uplifting and inspiring.  I can't even begin to imagine the new body God has in store for me, but i trust it will exceed my expectations.

Father, since i belong first to You, may i live each day in serving You with excitement and JOY, knowing and believing what's to come will be glorious. Whatever the day holds, You will care and provide the support, guidance and strength i need.  Your plans and ways are perfect.

we are chosen and loved by God,

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

veneal

ouch!

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."  Isaiah 46:4

I was enjoying the visit from the first-grade class, until little Mindy shared her unsugar-coated wisdom with me.
"Mrs. Williams, you probably wouldn't be alive when I'm a grownup."

What was it that gave it away?  My hair color, the smile lines, my vintage fashions?  I don't know about you, but there are some things i rather not hear or think about... even when it's true.

Father, it would be nice if all truth was easy to swallow, but sometimes it is unsettling.  How very thankful i am to know you will carry us, sustain us and rescue us all the days of our life.  This truth from You makes all things bearable. As long as i am in this day, may my JOY and thanks for You rule my ways.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

that's it!

"An anxious heart weighs a person (or child) down, but a kind word cheer them 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 affordable, plentiful and easy for anyone to dispense.

Let's spread good cheer and lessen the heavy hearts of those around us.

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

By the way, You are amazing!

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

sweet lips

"The lips of the righteous nourish many..." Proverbs 10:21

Wonder what makes for the most beautiful lips?

It's not what you put on them or in them... it's the words coming out through them.

Father, we are surrounded by starving children. Lead us to feed and nourish them with Your Love, Comfort and Goodness.  The lips of the righteous nourish many.

At this time, may we be mindful too of donating to our local food banks, as they are experiencing a severe shortage of food supplies for families in need. From our lips to our hands, we need to help feed others.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

just suppose

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

Just suppose....

• the first smile of their day came from your face
• patience to teach a new skill came solely from your heart
• words of encouragement came exclusively from your lips
• guidance to complete a task came just from your hands  
• compassion for their hurt came merely from your soul
• the only tears cried for their pain fell from your eyes

Would it really make a difference?  Absolutely!

YOU are making a bigger impact than you can ever imagine.

Random acts of kindness build a mighty fortress for our Father... and, bring others to Him.

we are chosen and loved by God,

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

veneal

remembering and praying

 "...This is what the LORD, the God of your father, David, says: I  have heard your prayer and seen your tears, I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5 

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.

As we remember 9/11, may we thank God for His faithfulness to us... for sustaining, strengthening, comforting and healing us through storms.

God, You are our Peace in all times. Thank You for what You have done, for what you are doing and for what You will do.

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

molded in love

"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 created by Him for His glory.  

Don't let a rough patch or a little dirt under your fingers get you down. Remember God uses it all for His glory and our good.  Keep going in the confidence God is lovingly working His Hands and Heart in you.  

By your ways others will see and know our Father.

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

He is here

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

It was a common theme in the students' work displayed in the hallway... JOY,  happy students with big smiles.  School is off to a wonderful start thanks to positive, loving encouragement from teachers and other school support members.

The "cross" windowpanes in the drawing remind me we are not alone in our endeavors to care for our students.  Through our actions and words, the love of God shines, prevails and touches all in our path.  God is present through you.  He sees what you are doing through the JOY in others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

now what

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."  Psalm 51:12

There's nothing like a wedding and the sweet honeymoon that follows.  The excitement, joy and happiness are incredible. Everyone and everything is magical. Then, BAM! reality strikes, and the true work begins.  The start of a new school year is similar. It was a beautiful "wedding and honeymoon", but now it's time to roll up the sleeves and for the real work and growth to begin. 

 

As we plod forward through the highs and the lows this school year, let us always remember to keep our face turned towards our Father.  There our joy and peace can be constant because of His unending love for us.  Through Him and by Him, we can have the right spirit and heart to serve others in His Holy Name.  

Yes, the honeymoon is over, but the joy and rewards of building wonderful, everlasting relationships in the classroom are just beginning.  Give thanks and celebrate with gladness!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ loved

"The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose your because you were more numerous than other peoples (or prettier or smarter or stronger or braver or more successful or sweeter)...

But it was because the LORD loved you!"  Deuteronomy 7:6-6

You are His treasured possession... today and every day... 

just like the children who are placed in our care.

Father, through easy and trying times, help us to love those who are with us like You do... to love just because.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do 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 is real.  Teachers, school officials and team members, parents and students have faithfully navigated through the start of a new year with much juggling, reassessments and adjustments. 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 weeks and the weeks 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, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

think like this child

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

When people ask me where i get my inspirations i quickly tell them in the hallways of school and life.  Many times, the artwork from students remind me of God and our many blessings from Him.  The question i constantly ask myself during the day is "how would God see this?"

Sometimes we teach our students, and sometimes they teach us. Watch for the Morgans around you.  They can inspire and help us refocus on Truth and JOY.

So, be YOU! A wonderful, loved child of God.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal