it's not what you think

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

It was a busy morning in the library.  Books were dropping through the return bin as fast as popcorn popping.  As i turned around in get out a new load, i lost my breath.  Inside the book bin appeared to be a spider about the size of my hand.  Can you see it??

Thankfully, it wasn't what i thought it was.  It was a new book with a slick, glossy cover and with a too realistic spider on the front.  Call me a wimp, but i do not like spiders... at all... any size... dead or alive.

Father, while many things in life are not what they appear to be, i am so grateful that is not true with You.  You are Who You say You are, You can do what You say You can do -- and on that we can depend on and believe every second of our day.  Thank You for being the constant, unshakable certainty in our life which is otherwise sprinkled with too many uncertainties from day to day.

He cares, He can, He will... i am resting in Him.  You too?

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

dash on in faith

 "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1-2

The days are shorter, the weather is colder and the to-do list is longer.  Yet, as runners in a race, our course/day is already marked, and we need to keep moving forward in the direction set before us.  With the Word as our barrier, the Holy Spirit our monitor, and Jesus our focal point, we can run the race with confidence to the glorious end.
   
Lord, as the "Holy-day" season approaches, i pray for an extra measure of guidance and protection.  There are many external factors and worldly distractions yearning to trip me up, throw me in the wrong direction or even stop me in my tracks. The road is sprinkled with land mines such as hardships, disappointments, losses, painful memories, hurt and false priorities.  Cover me in Your love, grace and mercy. Monitor my days, nights and ways and keep me moving safely towards You in thanks and gratitude.

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

continuous blessings

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Ephesians 1:3

More plentiful and beautiful than the feathers on a turkey are God's blessings to us.

Just to name a few -- Jesus, family, friends, health, school, a warm home, abundant food, clean water, beautiful music, laughter, travel, safety, freedom, peace, helping hands, you...  

Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.

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

broken? Give thanks. You’re covered

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed... 

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:18, 20-21

Shattered dreams, we've all had them. And no matter how we finagle or struggle to fit the pieces back together like we want, it usually doesn't happen. Broken dreams come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes they occur rarely and sometimes in clusters, sometimes we sense it and sometimes we are blindsided. However it happens, it still hurts and can feel more like a feverish nightmare than just a broken dream. Are you facing any brokenness today?

job uncertainty
financial turbulence
torn relationships
challenging children
aging parents
insensitive spouse
demanding leader
false accusations
physical limitations
sickness
emotional stress
death 
worldly pressure

Whatever is going on... we can still be thankful. In faith, we can trust God will see us through each hardship and trial. We only have to look back and see God's continuous fingerprints on our lives to remember what He has already done for us. Our strength and peace will be restored knowing He will continue to sustain us.  

As God picks up all the pieces of our broken dreams and rearranges them, let's keep believing and knowing He has the power and desire to bring goodness into our lives.

God works all things to the good to those who love Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

turkey truths

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

It's a hot job, but someone has to do it... and i'm so thankful it's me.

So far, this year i've cooked over 100 turkeys for Thanksgiving...not nice, plump turkeys, mind you, but the one-dimensional kind.  It's a kindergarten tradition, painting thankful turkeys and then cooking them in the laminator for holiday placemats.  

The best part of cooking these school-yard turkeys is having the opportunity to read the sweet messages and thoughts from the students.  I'm reminded we always have something to be thankful for in our life.  There's nothing like a colorful, cute turkey to warm a heart with thankfulness. They are rich in love and low in calories. 

Thank You, Father, for our blessings, especially Your Son... may we never forget.

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

it’s never too early for this

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you..." 3 John 1:2

Thanksgiving is a week away, but it's never too early to give thanks.  Today i'm thanking God for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.  You encourage, inspire, strengthen and delight me.  I love doing life with you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

what will happen?

"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.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Tired? Worried?  Not sleeping well? Feathers ruffled?  Not sure what tomorrow holds, much less the future? You are not alone.

May we find comfort in knowing and trusting God with each minute, hour and day of our life. What seems hopeless, impossible or insurmountable to face is possible with Him.  He has a plan, and it is good.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what's in your book?

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4

Crisis or cross... whichever one occupies our mind most, makes a significant difference.

Like these students, may our book overflow with thanks to God for His goodness.  If we focus on our blessings instead of our disappointments, more of His Peace will fill our hearts and souls.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Who’s the teacher?

"Know this, my beloved friends: let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger..." James 1:19

Sometimes we teach the children...
and sometimes they teach us.

Listen,

Open hearts and open minds are the beginning for better endings.

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

make me a line

"And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and 

to love mercy and 

to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Students are smarter (and some more daring) these days.  If you tell them to make a line, you better be specific, or you might not get what you intended.  In their defense, all lines are not necessarily straight.  Some  are wavy, curved or zigzag.  The clearer the directions, the greater the possibility of getting the behavior desired.

Father, thank You for providing clear, precise directions in your Word on how to live.  May we indulge, digest and follow Your good and perfect Truth.  In doing so, we share Your light and love with others... and Your eternal Kingdom grows, as You desire.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

salute to our Veterans

Jesus said...

"Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13

Every saying we hear isn't true, but i am certain of two. 
1. Many hands make light the work.
2. It takes an army to keep our country safe.  

Today, Veterans Day, we stop to remember and to give thanks to the many fine soldiers who have sacrificed their time, and some even their life to protect us and our country.

What a joy to be involved in one of many schools recognizing the importance of our Veterans. Honor, respect and courage are alive and well in the United States.  What wonderful mentors for each and every one of us.

We humbly give thanks for having these special warriors in our schools today, whether in spirit or body... as positive role models to our students. They represent true citizenship, commitment unity and love for one another at its best.

Father, Thank You for our soldiers.  May Your grace and goodness always be with them.  Bless them and their families... as they have and continue to bless and sustain our freedom.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
with a thankful heart,
veneal

you're being called

 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."

So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing his clock aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.  Mark 10:49-52

Could you benefit from a slight revision of the above verses?  Something like this?

Jesus stopped and said, "Call, (your name)."
So they called to me, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing my (troubles, worries, doubts, fears) aside, I jumped to my feet and went to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
Trembling, i answered, "Jesus, I want (my need)."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately my need was met, and I will follow Jesus for the rest of my days.

He calls, He cares, He can.
Go to Him, and see what He will do for you today.

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

He knows

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." Psalm 86:5

Regardless of...

the outcome of a situation
what is said
how you feel
what you do
mindless decisions made

what has happened
how you act
repeated failures or disappointments...

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL AND LOVES US.  period. 

May this absolute Truth restore peace to your aching heart today.  It's the perfect place to start our healing.

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

FALL back with JOY

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

No bones about it, WE ALL NEED A BREAK...

Along with my own, i've felt your overwhelming frustration, tears, tension and exhaustion.  Thankfully, a needed rest blessing is at our doorsteps at the end of today. Whether it's a weekend containing a bonus Fall-back hour or one with an extended Fall break weekend, i pray it's filled with renewal, refreshment and restoration. You deserve it!

Thank You, Father, for getting us through the week.  You are good all the time... all the time You are good.

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

fighting for love

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

With elbows flying and voices rising, a fight almost proceeded in the hallway.  Spotting my friend Mrs. H, i had an envelope for her.  Yet, as i approached her saying, "I have something for you."  She immediately starting with "Oh no, you don't".  It was just a note thanking her for her friendship.  But she was returning from a recent fall and thought i was gifting her with something else.  I had to tell her it was just a note to stopped her from fighting me off.

How many times have you rejected a blessing, mistaking it for something else?  Acts of love come in all kinds of different packages... some wrapped beautifully, and some slapped together with tape and a prayer.

Father, give us patience enough to see and understand what others are doing.  Together life is better with you and the angels you have purposely placed in our path.  Thank you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

who needs rules?

"And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

You only have to be in a classroom for 3 minutes to realize rules are a must. They help bring order and establish peace at school... home and elsewhere.

 
Even the unruly "Davids" in the room appreciate clear direction.
 
Father, i am thankful for all the teachers who rule with firm love in their classroom, as they strive to cultivate the best for and in each student.  And i am so thankful for the Greatest Teacher of all, Jesus, who provides us with the daily guidance, strength, love and discipline needed for a peaceful life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

slippery slopes

 The LORD said...

"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5 

Rain, loose shoelaces, dogs and wet leaves aren't the only factors causing slips and falls. 

Hurt, doubt, jealousy, business, heartache, fear, sickness, loneliness and regret also have the power to tie our feet up, break our walk and bring us down.  

Father, my knees are covered with scars from numerous falls, but i count each one as a blessing.  While the fall is painful, messy and sometimes even due to my own carelessness, it is not the end of my story.  I only have to look at the scars to remember that healing does come, and it always comes from You.  Thank You for mending my heart, my hurt and my ways.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal