fly, bluebirds, fly!

"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

Gifting me with my first bluebird house, Aunt Mary Leigh shared and instilled her love for bluebirds with me years ago. Over the years my family has watched intently with awe these amazing creatures.  But my husband's interest and growing knowledge surpassed us all, as he keeps a watchful eye on them continuously day and night.  He is the one who alerted me of the recent tragedy in our yard.

When he first told me Mother B was gone, i didn't believe him.  What mother would leave her precious babies?  He went on to explain how he had witnessed a neighborhood hawk sweep in and snatch birds in midair for a meal. He was convinced the hawk had done the same with Mother B.  He noticed she was no longer coming and had observed Daddy B frantically searching and calling for her. Their growing babies were crying and hungry.  

In a perfect bluebird world, mother and daddy share parenting duties... feeding and protecting the babies and cleaning the house.  With no response from Mother B, he picked up her duties and a maddening pace of feeding and cleaning nonstop from daybreak to sunset pursued.  

We were crushed with sorry for the family.  In an effort to help, we research what food we could provide to them.  But, the message we read over and over again was DO NOT INTERFERE.  As long as there is one parent around, let them take care of the babies. So with heavy heart, we have done just that.  Yet, it is so difficult to watch Daddy B every few seconds swoop in and out of the house... entering with food and exiting with poop.  His perseverance and tireless dedication is admirable and amazing.

Sandwiched here between Mother's Day and Father's Day, the blue birds are a beautiful reminder of the importance and need of both parents.  The sharing of caring benefits all.  While Daddy B desperately wanted and needed his partner, time to mourn and stop were not an option.  His still has a critical job to do... feed those babies.  He works through the pain, confusion, anger and sadness to continue what he and Mother B started in raising a family. He must be present and attend to the needs at hand... not an easy task, but a necessary one.

So, fly my sweet Daddy B!   "Feed those babies, tend to their needs! Do what needs to be done!" I'm sure that is what Mother B is chanting to you through the higher branches in the sky.  And from the ground we, your human supporters, are chanting it too.

Thank you, Aunt Mary Leigh, for planting and sharing such a beautiful display of love and loyalty.  Your legacy continues in more ways than you can ever imagine.

Father, provide for us the needed push and reminder to continue our duties on earth, especially in the midst of difficulty.  In the face of change, may we rely on the fact You can and do provide the strength we need, as we continue to  fulfill Your purpose for us on earth.  Thank You for lessons You have established around us through others and in this wonderous world You created.  Thank You for loving us as a Mother and Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

farewell, friend

 since you are 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

Today is the last day of school for many.  Although, i might not know your face,  i feel i know your heart.  Through the year(s), 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 experienced with me the constant presence of God; have witnessed how He can and does get us 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 calling?

Thank you for allowing me to share Him with you.  May you enjoy the glorious “Son”shine this summer as you find rest, refreshment and renewal in Him.

Glory be to God for all things!!

Have a God-filled break!

Happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ,  
veneal

this little hand of mine...

 ...you have helped it grow.

"The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service..." 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

It's the end of the year, and as a teacher you wonder about the impact you've made on your students. What will they take with them next year?  What did they see? What did they hear? What did they understand?

You, my friend, made a difference for a day, a year, a lifetime. You prepared them well for their next chapter. You loved, you gave, you cared, you sacrificed... and they grew.  

Smile -- you prepared them well.

And isn't it comforting to know God is preparing great wonders for our next chapter too.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a gentle pat

"For I the Lord your God, hold your right hand. It is I who say to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:13

It's happening.  The school year is winding down, emotions are revving up.  There's a combustible mixture of uncontrollable excitement with sheer exhaustion in the air.  

Sometimes in the midst of finalizing, with all its turmoil and demands, what is needed most is a gentle pat of compassion to soothe a weary soul.

Could you use one? Can you give one?  Praying the answer is as close as your hand... or a friend's hand. 

And so thankful our Father firmly has hold of our other hand.

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

slip, sliding away

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall... 

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:28-31

Even with the end in sight, there is still much to be done...
wrapping up, fixing up, packing up, putting up, cleaning up.

Yet, there is much JOY and excitement all around with this school year quickly slipping and  sliding away.

There is but one thing i know to do to survive these final cRaZy days --

Praying up to the One who can refill, restore and refresh.

Thank You, Father.

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

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 do you measure the success of your year...  by scores, grades, test results?

No matter what your numbers, i pray you see the success of your year 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.  The love and understanding from you has produced the sweetest results of all.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

with shouts and song

 

"Rejoice in the Lord always... the Lord is near... And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4,5,19 It's the day after experiencing tears from heaven, and God's comforting Arms are still around me.  Running late, i quickly pulled out and slipped into a school shirt. The one on top happened to be my "Home" shirt.  Then jumping into the car for my 3-minute drive to school, i turned on my radio for the first time in days only to hear one of my favorite songs.   Phil Wickham - Hymn Of Heaven (Official Music Video) - Bing video Hymn of Heaven Phil Wickham How I long to breathe the air of Heaven Where pain is gone and mercy fills the streets To look upon the One who bled to save me And walk with Him for all eternity There will be a day when all will bow before Him There will be a day when death will be no more Standing face to face with He who died and rose again Holy, holy is the Lord And every prayer we prayed in desperation The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear In the end, we'll see that it was worth it When He returns to wipe away our tears Oh, there will be a day when all will bow before Him There will be a day when death will be no more Standing face to face with He who died and rose again Holy, holy is the Lord And on that day, we join the resurrection And stand beside the heroes of the faith With one voice, a thousand generations Sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain" And on that day, we join the resurrection And stand beside the heroes of the faith With one voice, a thousand generations Sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain" "Forever He shall reign" So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave Holy, holy is the Lord So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave Holy, holy is the Lord Holy, holy is the Lord Holy, holy is the Lord How thankful i am that when i am too tired to think or keep going, God is still tirelessly and continuously providing for my needs, comforting my heart and strengthening my soul for the day.  How can anyone not believe in Him? Thank You, Father, for not leaving me. Without You, i would be a basket case. I can't and won't do life without you.  Until i am with You, i will keep looking up to You in praise and thanks. we are loved and chosen by God, may we live, love and do like we believe it, veneal

stop, and let Him

 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says...

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

So, there's the answer many are desperately searching for now.

 

Refreshment, it comes from God, not self. 

Father, I'm all Yours.

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

do you know this song?

"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." Psalm 95:1

broken promises

broken relationships

broken commitments

broken dreams

broken hearts

broken bodies

broken souls

When the unexpected happens, routines will likely change... but God won't.  He is our One constant, undeniable Rock.

It's safe to lean on the Rock... always.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

life is not always fine

But, God said...

"I will be with you... I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians (or whatever chokes you)." Exodus 3:12, 6:6

Last week was especially difficult with so many different and dramatic dynamics swirling in my life.  Yet, daily God gently wove His love in my tattered, tired heart.  But by the time Mother's Day was here, the emotional yoke of sadness and exhaustion laid heavily on my shoulders. How do we serve others when we feel empty? The answer surfaced from church, in the widow of Zarephath lesson (1 Kings 17:7-16).  It reminded me in hard times where the ability to continue comes from.

What yoke are you struggling under?  Sickness, loss of a loved one, termination of a career, end of the school year, financial distress, abandonment, abuse, relocation?

Life will not always be fine. Some seasons bring times, events and situations that drain us, causing us to feel incapable of serving or functioning. Whether at home or school... with family, friends, coworkers or students... life can take a harsh toil. So, how can we continue when we feel we can't?

We continue as we always do, with God. When we are spent out, God comes and infuses His blessings in us exponentially.  Because of God we are able to go and continue serving.  

Father, nothing could have prepared me for all the changes from the past few months. Yet, You knew and prepared the way for my upcoming needs. Things will not always be fine, but because You are with us, we will be fine.  As we stop and recall Your blessings, may we be renewed and refueled to commit ourselves to loving others in this hurting world. 

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

sick at the stomach

"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

Sometimes, no matter how cautious we are, we get sick.  And as with the stomach bug, sometimes there is nothing we can do except stop, rest and wait for it to run its course. 

Painfully, sickness raises its ugly, unwanted head in many forms, degrees and lengths -- physically, mentally and/or emotionally... 

loss of job
health issues 
loss of a loved one
ugly disputes
unfair treatment
split relationships
alienation
unstable home life
cruel remarks
rejection 
discrimination

physical, mental or emotional pain

and healing comes in different forms.  Sometimes to our liking, and sometimes not.

Yet, there is ONE common denominator in any and ALL healing... God, our Healer and Physician. He comes to us with perfect purpose and His perfect healing.  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 alone. When we hurt and feel we can't go on, it's ok.  You come and sit with us comforting, tending and counseling until we are healed and can walk again along beside You. Now on my knees, Father, i can thank You because i remember and know Your Almighty Power.  In You, i must 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

Happy Mother's Day

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13

Comfort is a crucial need in our life. As a mother comforts her child, He comforts us. God uses a mother's love to describe His own feeling... caring deeply for another and sacrificing self for their welfare. It is what God considers an essential element to our peace -- with Him and others.

I miss you, Mother. Yet, i feel you "with me" in things i do and say. You're gone, but you're not. The truth is -- time does not heal loss, i miss you everyday. But for sanity sake, we have to learn how to move on. So, i strive to live each day in a way to honor you. To see your smile again, how beautiful that would be. One day... one day i will. And the angels will sing.

 

Father, if only my arms were longer... i'd reach up to the heavens to hug Mother and whisper Words of thanks.  Please hug her for me, tell her i love her and Happy Mother's Day. May i live to bring her honor and You glory.  When that awkward and lonely silence strikes again, help me remember to turn to You first. You offer wonderous Words of life.  

Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; be my help. You turned my wailing into dancing...and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever.

The love of a mother... it is special, everlasting and unconditional. Thank you, to the many mothers who spread, share and provide comfort daily.  Whether a mother-by-blood or a mother-by-heart, you are a blessing. And God is smiling at you, His good and faithful servant... His shining witness to comfort.

Happy Mother's Day!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

do you know about mothers?

"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

celebrating 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 20 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

fingerprints everywhere

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory in the heavens...When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers..." Psalm 8:1,3

When my sweet grand visits, she always leaves a part of herself with me... not just in my heart but her fingerprints on glass and mirrors. And what do i do about them?  Leave them and smile, while i eagerly look forward to more fingerprints to come. They are sweet reminders of our time together.

 

The fingerprints of God, we are surrounded by them...

Whether in nature or in His children, God has created a world of beauty with a tremendous divine purpose. God's love for us is as plain to see as a fingerprint on a clean mirror.  May our love for others be as obvious as His and serve as sweet reminders of His love for each of us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Father knows best

"He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul." Psalm 23:2-3

"Come here, do this, do that, help her, help me, get this, take that, fix this"...

Sometimes we just need to get away and sit.  And many times, He's the only one who hears and recognizes our needs.

Thank You, Father, for leading us to where we truly need to be... out of the current of chaos and into the stillness of You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

come sit with me

"Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

In the midst of wrapping up the school year, i've been hearing a Voice, someone calling my name.  Each time i've stopped and turned around to answer, only to find no one there.  Or, so i thought.

Is it you, Father? Are you calling me to stop and be still?

I think it is. And i am going to do so, today.

In all the wrapping up, it's what i, along with others, need most. 

STOP

SIT

Be STILL.

and Let God do.




Father, i hear You.  I will trust You with my life and the life of my loved ones.  Your Perfect Will will be done.

He knows, He cares. And, His plans will not be thwarted.  Resting in His Love and Truth. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

counting down?

 "...never tire of doing what is good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13

While many are joyfully counting down the remaining days of school, some are counting in a different way.  

Last week, while looking over a report, Ms. Care expressed her frustration in the progress of a student.  My effort to cheer her by reminding her of only 3 Mondays left, did not get the reaction i expected.  She confessed to feeling a sense of urgency, but it was an unwanted urgency of having a limited time left to accomplish what she desired. It was an unexpected inspiration to keep doing what's right.

In spite of the high winds to wrap up the school year, or any other season, may our roots run deep in doing what's right, so we don't fall short in what God desires.  

Father, thank you for loving reminders of counting our days as still half full instead of half empty.  As long as we have Light, this is an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life... and each difference matters.

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

do you know about today?

"This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad." Psalm 118:24

What in this world is going on??

The world is not the way i want it for me or for the future of our family, so what should i choose to do now?

Should i act as if God neither knows or cares? Has He forgotten our needs or prayers?

Never.

He is more minutely aware of my being than me.  If i were the only one in need of a Savior, He still would have sent His Son.  If that alone is not enough reason to sing and keep believing Him for the best, i don't know what is.

So, today, through the clouds of brokenness, disappointment, pain, despair, fear, restlessness, may we praise God for the moment before us, and trust Him for the next one.

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

true or false?

 "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 1 Peter 1:8

The devil would like nothing better than for this Truth to be false for you.

Prove him wrong, and praise God in good times and hard times... even if you feel as if you are the only one doing so.  Because He loves you so....

                        much that He gave His only begotten Son for you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

here's the point

 "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

I had marked Brian "done" for the year.  Missing days, sleeping in school, despondent in class responsibilities.  But then, he had a good reason.  Recent events at home belted some tough blows to his heart, and the wind to survive had been knocked out of him.

Then it happened... with only a handful of school weeks left.

Ms. Thomas reached down deep in Brian's pit of despair and stirred hope back into his soul.  She believed in him more than he believed in himself.

Many who have succeeded in life or overcome difficulties, credit a special teacher who encouraged them. In a world filled with pain, uncertainties and hopelessness, teachers have the power to rescue. They can steer the life of a child to freedom by sharing a caring heart filled with truth, love, persistence and wisdom.

Do you believe in them? Do you tell them?

Your words are a precious gift of hope and life.  Let there never be a doubt, as long as we still have one school day left and breath in our soul, we have an opportunity to make a difference.

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

wings are forming

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."  2 Corinthians 3:18

I wonder, does the little, helpless caterpillar have any idea what is in store for him/her?

Does it realize each bite it takes in life, good or bad, is feeding and helping it to move into the next stage of life? And the exact time and number of bites required might vary from others?

Does the  caterpillar know it will break down entirely on a cellular level, and  reorganize itself into a new form, a chrysalis? I wonder what it thinks?  Is it comfortable in its dark, tight space? Is it happy or frustrated with its condition? Does it realize the best is yet to come and worth the wait?

And does it know at the perfect time, at its full transformation, a beautiful butterfly emerges taking to the air on new wings? New being, new life, new beginning, new JOY? 

Father, as Your child,  like the butterfly, we are under a transformation.  Help us to remember with each stage of growth, You are doing a mighty work in us spreading and infusing Your life into our soul and every part of our being. To become more like You is worth any and all our various stages. May we soar with JOY as we share You to all in our path.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal