He knows

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

Feeling alone and surrounded with mountains of uncertainties?

Stop and look closely...God is as near as our next breath.  He is with us every step of the way.  No mountain is too high with Him.

Yet, sometimes we still need to be reminded of Him and His unshakeable promises to us.

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

SYATP today

 "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

SYATP (See You At The Pole) is today.  

Thank you for joining the millions today praying for our schools. Can you imagine the loud rumbling of prayers for all our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and volunteers pounding on the gates of heaven? Glory hallelujah!!  Rest assured not a whisper, song, plea, praise or smile will escape our Father's ears. May our prayers be unending, because it's never too late to pray -- today, tomorrow and every day. Whenever you think about it, it is the perfect time to pray.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of incredible sisters and brothers in Christ.  I am humbly honored and blessed to be serving with them in a mission field filled with precious gems... our children.

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

are you waiting?

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" Isaiah 30:18

Are you waiting for something?
I am...

waiting for one to return.
waiting to become financially secure.
waiting for a career turn. 
waiting for a change in a relationship.
waiting for an answer.

waiting for a door to open. 

waiting,
waiting,
waiting.

Waiting for what i want... it does not come easily.  And why should we wait?

This world tells us we can and should have what we want... GO! Do! Get it now!  But this world lies, deceives, steals, misleads and instills an insatiable hunger for more --  more of what doesn't truly satisfy. 

Father, there are lessons and blessings in waiting.  Help me turn a deaf ear to the circus chants, and instead trust the stillness in waiting for You.  

Only His grace, love and mercy satisfy our soul completely. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

leaning on Him

 GOD SAYS...

"'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'" Isaiah 41:10

When the work loads or burdens are high, a phrase we lean on, "one day at a time", goes a long way to calming scattered, frazzled nerves.  But sometimes, we find it necessary to breakdown and fervently pray for our mental/emotional processing to just "one hour at a time".

And then, there are those days when we feel pushed to the very brink of our sanity.  It is then my friend, Pepper, and i decided to call it for what it truly is leaning and praying continuously for "one drip at a time". 

Father, no matter the situation nor chunk of time we are trying to digest...  a season, a day, an hour, or a drip... how very thankful i am to know by leaning on You we will get through it.  Thank You.

Oh, how thankful i am to be "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms".  Sing it with me.

1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms;
   What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms.
   • Refrain:
     Leaning, leaning,
     Safe and secure from all alarms;
     Leaning, leaning,
     Leaning on the everlasting arms.
2. Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms;
   Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms.
3. What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms?
   I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms.
4. 
   

 we are loved and chosen by God,

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

signs ahead

As you rise and move through the various demands and activities of your day, take note of the signs you see.  They offer true guidance and direction...for the road and for our life.

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

YIELD       "...stand firm.  Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves

                     fully to the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor. 15:58

CAUTION  "Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls

                     around like a roaring lion..."  1 Peter 5:8

GO           "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." Matt. 28:19

ONE WAY  "Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always."

                 1 Chr. 16:11

The journey in life can be bumpy, long and at times uncertain.  Thankfully, crucial directions are plentiful, if we are willing to see and obey them.  

Father, by my Autopilot.  I'm watching and listening for Your signs to guide me through a safe, peaceful day.  But when i veer off course, i pray You yank the wheel from me and get me back on Your intended pathway. Thank You.

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

a dirty mess

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."  Psalm 139:23-24

Having a weak moment, Bella made a dirty decision.  Left on her own in the backyard, she had some short-lived fun excavating in wet dirt.  Unfortunately, Bella's hair prevented her from hiding the evidence; even her facial expression revealed the fact she knew she had gone astray.  Unable to remove the dried-up dirt, she could only wait for "the talk" and for help to clean up.  

Sometimes our wrong actions, decisions, or weaknesses are obvious and the pending consequence comes quickly.

Sometimes we willingly make the wrong choice, thinking we can conceal it. Sometimes we get sidetracked by our wants and have to just sit in our mess. And sometimes we just plain screw up.  Whatever the case, turning to God in our wrongdoings is the right answer in getting the help needed to clean up.

Thank You, Father, for the washing of Your Word and the pouring of the Holy Spirit into our lives. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

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

keep breathing

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever -- do not abandon the works of Your Hands." Psalm 138:8

Stuck between a rock and a hard place -- gasping for air?

Keep breathing, slowly.  God can and will bring beauty out of this time. Let your eyes rest on Him and watch His Son shine and bloom through your hard, difficult and seemingly impossible places.

What God has planned for us cannot be crushed, smothered or yanked away. He is faithful, and His promises true.  BElieve.

From The Message...Isaiah 43:1-7    

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
    all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
    That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
    trade the creation just for you.

“So don’t be afraid: I’m with you."

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

be still and trust

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

With deer moving to town over the past few years, i've enjoyed watching them roam our neighborhood.  But recently, we encountered a startling surprise.  We found a wobbly fawn, surely no more than  a few hours old, across the street all alone, looking and acting more like a calm pet.

Apparently startled by dogs hours earlier, the mother had leapt away.  Not sure what to do, several of us stood by watching.  The fawn had no interest in leaving.  We tried contacting wildlife authorities, no luck.  Next, we googled "what to do with a stray fawn" and got useful information. 

Did you know when the mother deer senses danger, she "parks" her fawn.  Seriously, she puts them in a spot and communicates to them not to move.  And this is exactly what we witnessed.  The fawn, amazingly calm, soon curled up under a shrub, waiting for her mother to return.  And she did.  Now what kind of faith is that? Little Bambi, less than a day old, exhibited faith i and others are still striving to obtain.

Father, i want Bambi's kind of faith.  During seasons of chaos and confusion, i hear You telling me to "park".  Being still with You is the wisest decision. Help me to stay parked and keep listening for Your guidance.  A deeper faith in You will peacefully put me where i need to be... physically, mentally and emotionally.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

He knows all about you

"But now, this is what the Lord says— He who created you, (your name), He who formed you, (your name); 

'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.'" Isaiah 43:1

Do you ever doubt how special you are? Take a moment to remember how incredible God feels when He thinks of your name...

God knows all about you, and you are a treasure to Him. He knows our names, and each one holds a special, unique place in His heart.  There is no greater love than our Father's.

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

lessons learned...

"For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Being the meanest substitute, Viola Swamp, slap wore me out.

 

Here are some valuable lessons i digested this week:

1. Being mean is EXHAUSTING.  It's much harder being mean than nice...  i'm still recovering from it.

2. Don't wear or put on anything that is uncomfortable...

     *my fake long nails slowed me down from working... mny typinng an shlevng         boolks wre atrcious!

     *my tights were too tight and, well, unbearable.

     *easily removable makeup paint, is NOT always easily removable...                       traces showed up for Picture Day.

3. Even if you try and disguise yourself, the truth will eventually show. No makeup, mask or wig could conceal the fact it was still me... my phone  ID recognition could even see right through the made-up me to the real me.

All this to say, BE HAPPY AND THANKFUL FOR WHO YOU ARE.  Trying to be like someone else is TOUGH.  God had a plan for you and your life.  And it is a good one!

we are loved and chosen and CREATED by God,

may we live love and do like we believe it,

veneal

Teamwork

 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

Teamwork matters.  Whether it's teachers, support staff and/or school officials working together for the good of the students, benefits everyone.

Our Read-A-Thon event reminds me even with our differences teamwork is effective.  For book character day, Ms. LA and i picked Miss Nelson and Viola Swamp. As a teacher and a substitute, they are as different as sugar and hot sauce. But working together in the library, we brought much fun, joy, learning and discipline to our students. 
 

For teamwork to be productive it doesn't take looking, acting, or even believing the same way, it just takes desiring the same goal... to assist students in reaching their potential.  Actually, our differences can aid in broadening our thinking and efforts in serving successfully.  

Father, i am praying for teachers and others to discover enthusiasm, joy and hope in our days together.  Together and with You, i am confident this school year will overflow with wonder and blessings.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live love and do like we believe it,

veneal

user friendly

 "Be kind to one another..." Ephesians 4:32

It's a common term used in this high-tech age when referring to software programs and websites... user friendly.  For vintage people like me, it will determine if i'm going to use it or move away from it.

The same might be said or felt by students...

 

If they don't find us user friendy -- approachable, helpful, understanding and kind -- they might feel a need for distance and disconnection too.

Father, uncomplicate my heart and soul so others find me user friendly.  It's a win-win for all.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need a substitute?

“God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13  

Different year, different class, different assignments, different routines... different opportunities, different decisions, different solutions, different priorities.  Are you ready to scream?

Are you wanting a permanent substitute, or do you believe God will not give you more than you can handle?

In other words... do you believe God will give you all the grace you need in every situation, as well as provide the needed answers and guidance?

Father, i am raising my hands and following You through rocky roads to smoother paths.  My only regret is struggling so long to survive "my way".  Thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness to me.

 
Do i trust You?  May i pass this test by answering yes in my ways and actions.  I don't need a substitute, i just need to believe and follow You.

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

coming soon...

"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

Walking down the hall, the sign above brought a smile to my face.  It stirred many wonderful thoughts 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 cool reflection of what's to come lower your stress.

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

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

parent-free but not alone

 "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

For weeks students (and parents) were prepped for the upcoming independence day at school... the day students would enter the building parent-free.  Positive conversations, encouragement and excitement for the big day all attributed to a smooth parent-less transition. There were few tears and mostly smiles and high 5's as students were greeted by teachers, administrators and staff members.

Yet, the students were not alone as they entered.  Some were accompanied by an older sibling to class.  But the greatest comfort of all was remembering no matter where we are or who we are, we are truly never, never alone.  

Thank You, Father, our Master Teacher, for always being by our side guiding, teaching and correcting our ways with Your precious love. When we have You, we have everything we need for life.

God is with you – wherever you may go,  no matter what life brings.

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

beyond any doubt

 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

WHO....

or what can separate us from the love of God?

No one... No thing... No circumstance.  PERIOD.

Thank You, Father

We are loved and chosen by God,

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

I see you

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord... It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

While eating dinner out last Friday after school, my phone dinged.  And as we all usually do, i picked it up to see who sent it. Then i read the message...

The text was from a co-worker. Was it a delayed message?  Then as i looked up and around, i spotted her.  With her faced lit up and flashing her beautiful smile, she was sitting at a table right across from me and waving.  My heart jumped for JOY as she is always a positive, encouraging and welcome sight in my life. Quickly, i walked over to her. What a special, sweet time we shared laughing and chatting.

Has this ever happened to you?  I can think of Someone who could send this message 24/7. Sadly though, it might not always be met with the happy response i experienced with my friend. 

Now, let's reread the paragraph as if it were from God: 

The text was from God.  Was it a delayed message?  Then as i looked up and around, i spotted Him.  With His faced lit up and flashing His beautiful smile, He was sitting at a table right across from me and waving.  My heart jumped for JOY as He is always a positive, encouraging and welcome sight in my life. Quickly i walked over to Him. What a special, sweet time we shared laughing and chatting.

Father, whatever i am doing, may it bring glory to You. Help my JOY increase and sadness regress as i remember i am always under and in the range of Your loving eyes.  May You see us looking more like You each day. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal