is He reigning?

"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You." Psalm 5:11

The weather is wet, gray and dreary.  And since i'm not a duck, i also find it daunting.

Whether it's showers, torrential downpours, storms, floods, gusty winds, thunder and lightening, shelter is required from the elements.  As a child of God, no matter what our day holds, we are under the umbrella of God's love and assured of His complete protection. With Him, we have nothing to fear.

Father, through it all, we are just going to hold tightly to You.  In Your perfect time and ways, i know our hearts will bloom with joy and peace. 

Singing in the rain is possible, thanks to God. He reigns, so we can sing.

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

wrong direction??

"Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21

Is this the right way??  

Driving back home, the road signs were confusing.  Isn't it just logical to know North and South are in opposite directions?  At first i thought the placement of the signs was a mistake, but i continually kept passing them for miles. It just didn't make sense to keep seeing such detailed signs of which way was south and which way was north.  Was this really necessary?

Do you ever swerve in the wrong direction? I know at times God finds it necessary to keep redirecting me.  The direction i'm moving in is exactly opposite of what He desires for me.  What should be logical or common sense, just doesn't compute.  

Father, whatever it takes, however many times it's required, when i am traveling in the wrong direction, i pray you keep pursuing me until i get it, and turn around.  Help me to trust and follow You as You navigate me through this curvy road of life.  You are my no-fail, ever-loving GPS... God Protecting Savior.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

know it, and wear it

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and people." Proverbs 3:3-4

In celebrating National Library Week, we had stickers for all students.  Yet, even with the stickers in front of my nose and computer, only one class received them. Determined to do a better job, i devised a new strategy. And it worked.  I wore the roll of stickers on my wrist and was able to remember to give one to all students.  To be effective, the sharing required me not just knowing, but being an active part of the plan.

The same is surely true for being a witness for Christ.  To be an effective witness, we must not just know Him, but be active participants of God and His Mighty Plan.  May we wear our love and faithfulness to Him, so it can be displayed and shared with others wherever we go.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

dig deep

"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.

Rocks and difficulties along the way are not there to deter our growth, but to push us into a deeper relationship with God. 

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

to-do list

“… What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

May we tend to God's to-do list, more than our to-do list.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

be like Him

Jesus, the Good Shepherd...

"He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out." John 10:3

"This is one of my favorite books, Sally."

“How do you know my name?”, Sally asked.  It took all the strength and seriousness i could muster not to chuckle and blurt out… because it's written on the NAME card you just gave me. 

Lord, sometimes I behave like you don’t know or remember me. Yet, you know me better than I know myself…  even to the exact number of hairs on my head. But you don't just know me, you love and care for me unconditionally too. 

Help me to care and treat others with the same love, grace and mercy you so freely pour out on me.  You, Father, know the names and circumstances of the ones suffering around me. Soften my heart to those who have broken hearts and spirits. Help me to be more attentive to Your nudgings, to hear their cries and to love them in their brokenness and darkness. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

batting 100

"Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”  John 20:21

A local event we participated in confirmed a fact.. all our students are readers and winners!

The requirement was easy. They simple had to read, record and submit to us a list of 5 books read in a given time period.  But based on prior experience, we knew not all students would complete the forms, if left on their own.  So, Ms. B regularly dressed in her Greenville Drive garb, we shared the information with teachers and parents, and we constantly encouraged/assisted students to participate.  And in the end it worked.  By getting everyone involved, EVERY student was awarded with a free ticket to a Greenville Drive baseball game.

In the game of life, God desires for ALL to come to Him and receive the gift of eternal life.  As believers and His witnesses, we are an important part of His great commission.   By the way we dress, live, speak, act, think and share we spread the knowledge of our Savior and deepen the desire for them to claim Him too.

Father, we join You in wanting all to come to You. May you count us in on helping to grow your heavenly team.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

keys to nowhere

“But forget the past… it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.” Isaiah 43:18-19

I have a holding-on-to problem, and i don't like talking about it.  When trying to add some new keys to my massive collection, i got in a squabble with my better half. When he suggested i remove 4 mystery keys, i refused.  Reluctantly, i finally did, but i just couldn't bare trashing them.  Suppose i remember what the keys are for? So, i temporally stashed them in my car.  Surely i still need them.  Right??

I'm sure you're shaking your head...  because of my stubbornness or because you have done the same thing.

Father, help me to release old ways, old habits, old thinking.  Free me of the bondage of dead weight so I may breath easier and grab hold of a more fruitful, fulfilling life.  You are all i truly need to cling to in my life. 

We are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need a hand?

"...let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18

Sometimes we need a hand, and sometimes we need to give a hand.

A touching lesson from some of our best teachers... children.

Walking hand-in-hand with each other, through easy and hard times makes for a better day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

strong support networks needed

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

With tubing and string, the tender, impressionable sapling received strong guidance on how to become a fine shade tree.  In due time, the restraints and guides will all be removed.  And hopefully when it reaches maturity, the bending and shaping from its younger days will result into a strong, magnificent tree.

Our schools are filled with young students stretching and yearning to grow. Many have a wonderful, solid support system at home.  Some are weathering difficult hardships with little to no home support.  As we prepare for today's opportunities, may we remember our instructions and guidance might provide the needed lifeline for some... connecting and anchoring them to a future with hope and peace.

Father, help me to shepherd the hearts around me with Your love and gentleness. 

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

seeds of promise

 "... only God makes things grow. The person who plants and the person who water have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:7-9

We each have an important role in God's beautiful garden of children.  He has equipped us with special gifts and talents to be shared.  Created by God for God, our living in faith and obedience to Him allows others to see and know His goodness.  May we help prepare the hearts and minds of others to receive His blessings.

God is our promise of things to come. Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

follow the leader

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for people..." Colossians 3:23

I'm sure blowing leaves off the sidewalk was not on his job description when he accepted the role of principal... But there he was, just a swinging the blower like it belonged to him, clearing the sidewalks.  It's not unusual spotting Mr. P about the school, happily performing all types of untraditional principal activities... he makes posters for teachers, checks library books in and out, moves furniture, directs traffic, along with countless other activities.  

Yet, more important than his performance of a myriad of activities is his attitude... he genuinely enJOYs anything he is dong to benefit the school, a coworker or student. Notoriety or praise is not a motive, as most are unaware of his weavings throughout the school. He does it, just because it needs to be done.

I think that's how God desires us to perform in whatever our earthly job is ...ready and eager to serve.  May we work not from a mere job description, but from a heart description of serving, as if for the Lord with a joyful heart and spirit.

P.S. If you have a difficult time following the leader where you work, may you look up higher to our ultimate Leader above.  He will never, never steer us in the wrong direction.

 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

just another day

"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

Today, like any other day, has been anything but routine.  I rescued and saved a hurt worm for a student,  retrieved a "fallen" tennis shoe from over the fence for another and helped a teammate carry boxes to another room.  

And in between these and other unique  tasks, i checked books in and out, laminated various items, made copies, shelved books etc.

What makes for a good day is not so much WHAT we do, but HOW we do it.  It is then we discover the most fulfilling moments can derive from situations we never expect.  May our hearts and minds stay prepared to answer the needs around us... big or small.  

Father, i pray the JOY of serving show and tell we belong to You.  Thank You for opportunities to share Your love with others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

go tell

''The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. HE IS NOT HERE; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with JOY, and ran to tell His disciples." Matthew 28:5-8

It was a packed altar for the children's moment at church.  Allie, like many went down with her parents.  I was unable to see her, but as the minister told the Easter story of the empty tomb, i heard her.  At the precise moment he tells them the angel said, "He is not here", i (and all) clearly heard from my back pew a familiar voice. She piped out loudly in a crystal clear voice, "UH OH".

Although Allie did not truly understand what he said, we do.  As believers we have all heard the Easter story many times and know it by heart.  But this year i was reminded to hear, respond and react with fresh ears and heart to the Good News... the JOY of our salvation as we share and live it out each day. I pray you do too.

 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the morning after

 "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

SPECTACULAR SUNDAY

  "HE HAS RISEN!"  Mark 16:6

"But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone! the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!" 1 Corinthians 15:57

It's Easter Sunday

The earth shook, the cloth was folded, His work finished.

And the glory of the LORD shone all around.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

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

veneal

Silent Saturday... not.a.sound.

 "'Take a guard,' Pilate answered (the Pharisees). 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.'" Matthew 27:65

It's Saturday

All is quiet.  The rush and excitement of the past week is on hold.  You can call it the silence before the storm.  Come Monday the chains will be broken and our freedom guaranteed.  How eerie and dark is the silence.  But not for long!

All silence is not golden, some is torturous. There is silence at the tomb.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, is dead. His body now guarded in a tomb with a massive stone covering the opening. No one can possibly enter.  But, they forgot to consider the possibility of Someone coming out. Oh, ye, of little faith. There will be an awakening! What a glorious day to come!  Thank You, Father!

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

veneal

Friday's Forgiveness... the choice

  "... there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'.. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked him... Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" Luke 23:33‑43

It's Friday

Jesus, weak and nearly unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His followers nor His disciples. The women followed in tears; the men scattered in fear.
  
Jesus' last walk on earth shook the ground with raw emotions, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom!

Even at the very last minute on the cross, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him.  He humbly gave His all, so we may live. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.  May we remember and honor His love for us by loving Him and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Tearful Thursday... by the light of the moon

  Jesus prayed -

"My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." John 17:20

It's THURSDAY
Sweat rolling down His back and legs and tears spilling from His eyes, the dirt on His knees change to mud. The fury of the week left the disciples too exhausted to stay awake in the Garden. Three times Jesus wakes them... and later, three times Peter denies Him. Under the full moon, Jesus is alone on the path to the Cross.

The brilliance and beauty of a full moon is mesmerizing. So full and bright, it is breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 year ago, Jesus prepared to be betrayed and disowned by His own, and unjustly accused by others. In the Garden after the Last Supper, He committed His final act before captured -- He prayed.

 He prayed for Himself and the ability to be obedient...Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. He prayed for His disciples and their strengthening. And He prayed for you and me. His final prayer -- for us to be one in Him.

May you see the moon in a different light tonight... His eternal Light for all. The sorrow of this night will fade as His path fills with believers. Victory over darkness is guaranteed. Thank You, Father!
   
we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Willful Wednesday... just take Him

  And Judas said...

"'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins." Matthew 26:15

SOLD OUT

It's Wednesday
Jesus relentlessly pushes onward His final days -- performing miracles, praying, reaching people for God's Kingdom. The sweet perfume oil from Mary's fingers, drips from His head and puddles in the dirt. His disciples grumble over the waste. Is Jesus making a difference, just what is His real mission, is His time almost over for good?

The evening performances for our school play this Spring, sold out in just a few days. The money paid for necessities -- costumes, props and other items. Not all sellouts are as honorable.

Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was of a spiritual nature and not of power or money, he sold Jesus' life for the immediate short-term security of a few coins... coins offering temporary pleasure in place of eternal joy.
  

Are you still holding on to Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life.

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

Turbulent Tuesday... cleaning up

  Jesus said --

"... Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25:34

It's Tuesday
He's rattled the temple, He's called the Chief Priests out, He's comforted the prostitutes. It's fair to say Jesus kicked up dust on the path to the cross. Are you still holding on to His Hand? It's total turmoil, but with God, peace will fill our soul.

With the number of this year's school days dwindling, we are engulfed with required duties and deadlines. Each day's tasks must be completed in order to wrap up our job on time.

Jesus found Himself with significant life-changing deadlines, His last week on earth. Knowing His days were numbered, He unleashed many lessons --

To His followers He encouraged them to choose rightly and righteously.
To His critics, the religious leaders, He scolded them for misguiding His sheep. 
To the unbelievers, He gave warnings. 
To the believers, He reminded them about being ready and watchful, as He

    instilled in them the hope of things to come. 

Jesus holds nothing back for He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain... another believer, joining His family for eternity. He did and will do whatever it takes to reach even one more. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Monday's madness - on a mission

As we leave behind the glorious entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Sunday, the palm branches and cloaks scattered on His path are also gone.  The bare dirt and pebbles along the path now squeeze between His toes.

Monday
Jesus' first stop in Jerusalem, the Temple...

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves... He said, "My house will be call a house of prayer, but you are making it a den for robbers." Matt. 21:12-13

Later that day, He tells His disciples...

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,... you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Matt. 21:21-22

Jesus' last week on earth was not a walk in the park; it was filled with difficult and trying work.  The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life.  

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

it starts today

"They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'" John 12:13

THE countdown is on...

Nothing supersedes the magnitude of the countdown of Jesus' final week on earth.  The countdown that sealed forever my future and yours. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, purchasing for ALL who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

I wonder how Jesus felt His last week on earth?  After His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, life took a dramatic turn.  Did He understand what would happen? Yes.  Did His disciples? No. On Sunday, the palm branches are swaying with shouts of "Hosanna", in anticipation of Jewish independence, and by the end of the week shouts of "crucify Him!" by the same lips.

With joy comes tears. With thanks comes humbleness.  Let's walk down the  rocky, dusty path in hand with Jesus this week with grateful hearts, as we remember His sacrifice and unconditional love for us.

Hosanna, to God in the highest! Thanks be to God!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal