trick or treat?

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you." Luke 6:31

Grazing the Halloween candy aisle was distressing.... what to buy, what to buy.  The conservative (or cheap) side of me said go with the smarties.  The Smart (kind) side of me said pick what I would like.

May we apply the golden rule to all our decisions, especially when giving to others...

Trick or treat others the same way you want them to trick or treat you.

Happy Halloween, friends! Let's give everyone what we would like to receive. Pay today and each day forward with kindness.

Wishing you a spook-tacular day filled with treats, blessings and kindness from others and our Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

let's dance

"Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to Him with tambourine and lyre!" Psalm 149:3

Our timing appeared to be off, but that didn't keep us from dancing. Faced with crazy school schedules and events, we were unable to host our Summer Readers Celebration Dance until last week, a month into Fall.  Yet, the JOY and commotion of the activity was not deterred. Judging by their smiles and laughter, our tardiness was not a problem with the students but right on time.

When you think it's too late, think again.

It's hardly ever too late to say thank you or i'm sorry.... to show someone you care or display an act of kindness... or to dance like there is no tomorrow.

"And David danced before the Lord with all his might." 2 Samuel 6i:14

Be a David, and know God is smiling.

If something is on your heart to do or say, maybe today is the day to make it happen. 

Trust God that the timing is right.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

and keeping dancing,

veneal

i never see you

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time..." Ephesians 5:15

Last week i saw a fellow co-worker at a local restaurant.  We chatted about how the change in her position at school kept us from seeing each other as often.

And then this very week, every day, we kept running into each other.  As comical as it was, she made a keen observation, "Maybe our paths have been crossing all along and we just didn't notice it."

Funny... but sad, and true.  I must confess how on social media i often wish someone "happy birthday", only to forget about it when i see them later in the day.  Does it seem to you we sometimes work and operate in a fog??  Busy attending to our "important" agenda and not SEEING what's right in front of us and what really matters right now... our relationship with others, as well as with God.

Being Mindful is a hot phrase on the lips, but sometimes a cold effort in our follow through.  May we not be so preoccupied with what's to come that we miss the sweet moments and people in front of us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a cracked slipper

"Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds..."  Proverbs 27:23

Have you ever had an event perfectly planned, only to have it crumble apart at the last minute?  It happened recently with our fairy tale Cinderella celebration. Pouring rain cancelled the pumpkin patch activity, the costume was too itchy and after a long princess nap all felt drained.  

Accepting all these unplanned issues, was the key to a successful party.    A wise change of plans and expectations allowed the guest of honor to still have a fun celebration and her guests to relax and enjoy it with her.  She didn't know what she missed, and a wonderful time ensued for everyone.

Father, sometimes we have to let go of what we want and accept the circumstances at hand with grace and understanding.  When the glass slipper cracks, remind us the bedroom slipper can be a good and better fit.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

this is important

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

Listen, this message is short and sweet, but it is imperative you stop and hear it now... 

I really like you, and i think you are making a wonderful difference where God has planted you.
Can you pass this good news on to others, please?
we are loved and chosen by God,may we live, love and do like we believe it,veneal

stay calm

"Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

How do you feel about dark or uncertain times?

 

The "cross" in the windowpanes in the haunted house reminded me of an important fact.  

 

When life feels spooky, scary or uncertain, we are not alone.  No matter where we go or what we do, God never leaves us to face even one second alone.

Thank You, Father. You are our calmness in unbearable moments.  Your Light penetrates through our darkest corners to guide, protect and comfort our weary souls. For whatever we face, You are enough.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

all to pieces

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

No matter how torn up and all to pieces we might be, the One who formed us from the beginning knows exactly how to put us back together, even with a smile on our face.

Thank You, Father.

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

time for some R and R

  "... whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

Aahhh... the joys of Fall. Thanks to the season, i've enjoyed some special gifts of yummy banana bread from a co-worker, a tasty lunch from our PTO and a beautiful picture from a student. Refreshed and revived, i'm falling in love with the  change of season and unexpected, needed kindness. 

How was your week? Whether routine, extra busy or full of unexpected turns and surprises, we have made it to Friday... and to a wonderful gift of cooler days.  May your weekend even be sweeter with rest and refreshment.

Father, thanks for Your gift of faithfully watching over me.  Help me to remember a season of giving to others is always right, needed and welcomed.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

Eye see

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

The self-portraits were positively creative.  Students found interesting, playful ways to define themselves.

While all of them were fabulous, my eyes kept gravitating back to one.

Clearly his eyes looked like crosses.  I wondered if he knew that.  Then a few days later, i got my answer.  I finally stopped long enough to read the writings above the portraits. It explained why they chose those particular objects to define themselves.  A big smile crossed my face as i read my little friend's report.

What do your eyes show?

Like this child of God, may we as taller children, be bold enough to show and tell of our love for God too. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

let the scare GO

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

The scarecrows on the bulletin board were anything but scary. Instead, their kind faces made me happy, not afraid.

It's the same way our Father wants us to feel with Him..  According to 5 different sources, God tells us "FEAR NOT", 365 times. That's a significant number... not just in quantity but quality, as it is also the number of days in a year.  Do you think maybe it's God's desire to remind us each day to FEAR NOT?

  
Thank you, Father, for not letting any opportunity or day slip by without reminding us with You we have nothing to fear.

So, let the Scare GO and be filled with His love and peace. 

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

ready for a change?

"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

Its blazing glory of red, gold and orange leaves shouted, "It's fall y'all!"  The little sapling stood alone in flaming colors. It was surrounded by prominently green companions still patiently waiting for their colorful transformation. It was a sweet reminder seasons don't evolve at the same time for all.  In God's time, it will arrive and the gift of cool relief will be ours.

Are you experiencing a difficult season now?  Do you need a reprieve? Is sweat pouring from your head? Do you long for a new beginning?  Are you in an unbearable situation? Are you anxious for a change?  

Hear this Good News.  God sees and knows every detail concerning us.  We might be ready for a change this instant, but God may be saying, "It's not time, you are not ready. Trust Me." 

Father, increase my patience. May i trust Your perfect timing in everything. Only You know how long i need to be in my current season.  

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

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

i had no idea...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

"I am exhausted."

"I can't do this anymore."

"I need help."

"I am at a complete lost."

Above are a few of the pleas we may feel from others through their words or actions.  And as it tenderly falls in our mind and heart, the depth of their need may not reach our soul.  Unless we have walked in their shoes, we likely have no idea how broken they might be.  We hear, but we cannot truly understand.

After 3 weeks of walking in another's shoes, i achingly am reminded to not judge the path, choices and challenges of others, especially when i truly don't comprehend the details of their life.  Instead, may we trust what God knows and places in our heart.

Father, when we genuinely have no idea or understanding, open our ears and heart to just be what You ask us to be... the essential, encouraging hand to help others. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

old lady in a shoe

"As apostles of Christ... we were gentle among you like a mother caring for her little children." 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7

After being introduced to Sue, she asked me what i did. As we continued talking, she asked how many children i had. My reply of about 600 took her breath away. She thought she had met the little old lady who lived in a shoe.

We both enjoyed a good laugh as i clarified the distinction of "which" children... mine from school where i work or mine from home, as i like to claim them all.

Children, they are precious gifts from God deserving to be surrounded in constant prayer, protection, wisdom and love... by their parents, those by blood and those by heart.

So, here's my prayer for our children, those by blood and those by heart. May you always have the desire, guts and will power to do what is right... to be honest and to help others find their strength in hard times. Be the one who makes a good difference and find the voice to stand up for what's right and true. Don't get dragged in the mud of hiding and doing what's wrong; it can be deadly. Be the one who makes a difference, and possibly a better difference not just for you, but for many others. You were born to live life to the fullest... you were born to be blessed and to bless others. As much as i love you, God loves you even more.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

tears

 This is what the LORD says...

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

Fires of fury are raging in our lands and our hearts.  Can anything stop this torment?

Prayers to God and our obedience to Him has the power to extinguish the flames and restore peace.  

Father, may You turn our tears to hope.  Fill our lands with compassion and unite us in spirit as we work together to promote unity and understanding.  If all our eyes would just turn to You, we would be restored and filled with Your Peace. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

where is He?

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I understand. Sometimes it seems like God doesn't cares at all. And it makes me sick at the stomach, knowing life is so unfair. Why must good, innocent people suffer unjustly? 

Then at some point in my frustrations and anger, i remember we were never promised life would be just or easy. The disciples are my resounding harsh reminder of this, as well as the hell Jesus endured on earth.  This world is full of pain and heartache. Only God can get us from one moment to the next. Due to our freewill and others, He doesn’t fix it, but He can bring comfort in His promises to us. Sometimes that is all we have, and it somehow has to be enough for the moment. 

Whether our pain or heartache is on a national, community, family or personal level, God is fully aware of it. When our heart is crying tears, and we cannot see His hand, we must trust His heart, and know for certain that He has not forsaken us.

"...for we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Hold on... He hasn't left us. And more importantly, He's coming back.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

protected

"Cast all your anxieties on Him for He care about you." 1 Peter 5:7

She was marked with numerous boo-boos with her so called "bandaids", yet she still had a notable limp asking for more.  Clearly, there wasn't enough tape to soothe her aches and pains.

Have you ever felt that way?  I certainly have... and more than once.  During some seasons we are hit with so much pain from multiple directions our legs can barely carry us forward.  We even question where God is in our life.  Yet, i pray we don't allow our questions to smother out our faith and trust in God.  Instead, may we be empowered to lean into Him even deeper.

Father,  may Truth rise and pick us up when we feel whipped.  There are not enough bandaids in this world to heal us, but as Your children we have access to Your healing Arms of love, grace and mercy.  And that is enough.  We don't have to see it, just believe it and You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

He heals

 "The LORD heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

No matter how broken we are, God knows exactly how to put all the pieces back together.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what color am i?

"You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus... there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26,28

Have you ever met a stranger, and then after talking to them realize you have a common bond or interest?

Once when this happened, it led to one of the kindest compliments i have ever received. Lillian and I starting chatting in the long checkout line. It turned out she reads the Salt Shaker devotions i send out.

The most unexpected discovery was the fact she had been trying to figure out my color. Some days she read it and thought i was black, and then some days she read it and thought i was white. I had never thought about how others perceived me, but was tickled to know with some, the boundaries of color were smeared or erased and merit no importance.  Shouldn't that always be the case in how we see others?

Father, may others just see and color us love.  That is the most marvelous color of all.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

safe and secure

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." Isaiah 49:16

No matter how scrambled or ripped up our life might be, rest assured that in the Arms of God we are always safe, secure and loved.

In His Hand no matter how we look there ''IS HOPE"... do you see it??

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

Follow the leader

 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with My loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8

In the hands of a caring teacher, one who's received little direction, encouragement or hope elsewhere is transformed into a precious treasure.

When we teach like Jesus, we love like Jesus... and lives are changed for the good.  You are making a difference in the future of others.

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