a needed alert

"For I am 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 1:6

Ping, ping, ping...

Do you get alerts on your phone?  You got a message, a call, a text, or other ... it can be helpful as well as annoying.

When at school, i silence my phone to avoid the noise.  But busy and running late one morning, i failed to activate it.  When the ping sang, i quickly grabbed my phone to silence it.  But what i saw was a startling message from my car, "vehicle has been running for 15 minutes unattended."

I activated the auto off mode with my phone app, but i didn't trust it would work. So, i ran out to the car to make sure the message was received.  Kind of ironic, don't you think?  It worked in letting me know what i forgot, but i didn't trust it to finish the task i forgot. 

Besides my phone, God pings me constantly with lessons and reminders.  Through prayer, song, His Word and his angel messengers on earth, He sends me alerts when i am off course.  Instead of jumping in to fix the problem, there are times i just need to stop and acknowledge my error.  Then the hardest part...  I need to lean on Him and trust His ability to work and create in me wiser ways in my future actions.  

Father, break me of weak ways and break the silencer on my connection with You.  I never, never, never want to miss an alert from You.

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

keep your staff close

“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15

As a teacher and a leader, every day matters to those put in your care.  The flock knows their shepherd, and it is you.  While we are not perfect, as long as our staff is the cross, we can trust our pure devotion will help guide our flock in where and how they did to go.  

Just love them, as you lead them...  that is the most important gift you share.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

put your fears here

"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13

She wanted to feed the goats, but their big, knurly teeth frighten her.  So hand-in-hand, with help and guidance from her Papa, the fear slipped away and she discovered the sweet JOY of feeding the goats safely.

 

Are you facing some dark, knurly teeth or circumstances? You are not alone.  God has promised to hold our hand through our uncertainties.  Whatever it is, He is fully aware and capable of restoring our strength. 

Don't just believe in God, believe God.  He feeds our faith, not our fear.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

is it true? are you?

"For You, God, formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, God, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13-14

Have you read this book? 

If not, you should, or if it's been a while, take time to reread it. With the end of a school year, a project, a report or other obligation approaching, it's easy to get ruffled and feel you are not accomplishing what needs to be done.  Whether from your heart or from the mouth of another, doubts can surface on our ability and worth.

We might find ourselves asking, "are we enough?"  Can we finish the task at hand confidently to the satisfaction of others?  I pray we take a deep look in ourselves and who we are, and then change the question to "can i finish the task at hand to the delight of our Father as i exert to the best of my ability, time and effort?"  Can you feel the weight of the stress roll your shoulders as you rephrase this question?

As we shine, grow, push, pull, learn, teach and pray, may we embrace the truth of who God says we are, His treasure and beloved one.  

So, i ask you again... are you enough? Surely, our Father answers emphatically, "Yes," with a smile and heart overflowing with love.

i am, you are, He is

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

in our hands

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." Isaiah 26:3

The key to peace lies in our hands.

When we trust and follow Jesus, we unlock the door to living as God intends. His peace then becomes our blessing.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

checkup woes

"For everything there is a season,

a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For the past 6 months, i've been frustrated with my health checkups.  With weight gain on each visit, i was determined to stop it by changing my diet.  Feeling healthier, i was excited about my doctor's visit.  But it was not what I expected.

With a 3-pound increase, i was NOT pleased.  The nurse tried to assure me it was fine...

"You know, when you wear pants, it adds about 3 pounds."

"Well, I wear pants every time i come here."

"And exercising causes you to firm up and muscle weight is heavier."

"I am not exercising."

"Our scales are about 3-4 pounds more than most."

"I only weigh here... on your scales."

I kinda felt sorry for her; she struggled to find an answer for me, but the scales didn't lie. There was no hiding it, and i had one choice.  Accept the growing change, forget trying to reduce my weight and go grab an ice cream sundae afterwards to embrace my newfound freedom in eating.  Evidently, i was destined to gain weight no matter what i ate.

Many changes in life do not come easily or with smiles.  As the Bible reminds us, there is a season for all things... sometimes the change comes with JOY and sometimes with woe, sometimes with a sweet surprise and sometimes with a heavy heart.  Whatever the case, may we find peace in the fact, we are right where, and how, we should be.

Here's to a triple scoop of ice cream and a shout out to God for loving and guiding us in all seasons.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

.lost and found

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

How do you know it's Spring?

blooming flowers?  lush green lawns?  song birds?  warm, sunny days?  pollen covered porches?

All these are definitely signs of Spring.  But at school we have one more unique, profound reminder.... the heavily, overflowing lost and found area.

The chilly mornings and warm afternoons, make the shedding of sweaters and coats necessary.... and the forgetting to take them home a fact.  After many notices, attempts, and pleading to get them back to the rightful owner, all items will be donated to a children's center soon, to a new forever home.

While time is limited at school to reunite lost items with the rightful owner, i am thankful God does not operate under the same time frame.  Jesus's parable of the shepherd and lost sheep mirrors His seeking of the lost...

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.

We are of tremendous value to God, He will do nothing short of bringing us home to Him one day.  We who belong to Him, will not be lost, forgotten or given away. Thank you, Father, for your relentless pursuit of me, no matter where i roam.  Our forever home is and will always be with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

wanna fight?

"The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight for you..." Deuteronomy 1:30

I was listening to some of my favorite music while checking out books. Julie, a third grader, commented she liked my music and liked singing.  She went on to say how she writes songs.  When i asked her to sing one for me, she didn't hesitate.  But her lyrics surprised me...

 "If you want to fight... come on... I'm not scared of you anymore"

The sweet, clear voice of this songbird told a tale of overcoming a struggle.  What courage and strength to possess as such a tender age.  Clearly something or someone had created a hardship for her, but with godly guidance she found power and a voice to overcome it and sing of victory.

Are you struggling? Have you found yourself up against a rough wall of attack, meanness or untruths?  May the comfort of knowing you are not alone in the fight bring you peace, endurance and the ability to stand tall and strong.  Know who knows all, will not leave you on the battlefield of truth alone.  His strategy is strong and perfect.  Keep your armor on and know victory is yours in Him.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil... and having done all, to stand firm.  

Be a Julie, and start writing your song.  I can't wait to hear you sing.

you are chosen and loved by God,

may you live, love, do and SING like you believe it,

veneal

if you gonna throw rocks...

put your heart in it, and throw some or all of these...

It will be one of the most powerful and positive parts of  your soul showing up in the life of anyone in your path.

Aim high and hit many.

"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." Luke 6:31

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

an unsettling day

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him." Psalm 27:8

Sundays... they are usually my favorite days.   Time to pray, sing and join others in worship at church, and then time to unwind, rest and refresh for the week ahead.  But yesterday the latter segment of my day was jolted with troubling events.

It started with the discovery of a dead squirrel.  Evidently he crashed through the grill of the car and judging by his stiff look and obnoxious smell, he had been there at least a week.  Then we progressed to a swarm of over a thousand honeybees that targeted and took over a tree in our yard. Next a long, dark friend was found slithering in our arbor.  Really?

Yet, even amidst all these unwanted disruptions, we ended up with an extra sweet day.

The beekeeper we contacted came in the evening to take the bees.  Not only did we learned a lot of fascinating facts about honeybees but she gifted us with a jar of honey, as well as grits and cornmeal she and her husband grow, grind and sale.  Wow! Talk about hidden treasures in hardships, our cup is overflowing with a new friendship along with some of our most favorite foods, made right here in Pauline, SC.

So, the next time you say, "Really? what else can happen?"...  may an unexpected golden nugget surface and help make sense of it all.  May we remember though, we don't have to wait to see the nugget, we just need to TRUST HIM.

God 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

a needed nudge

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

"Stop pushing me!"

But Tommy had good reason for his action. The teacher had come to pick up her class from library, and Sally was turned around facing the back of the line chatting with her friend.  After patiently waiting, for about 4 seconds, Tommy nudged her.  Sally was too comfortable doing the wrong thing and needed a push in the right direction.

It's easy to get distracted and turned around in the wrong direction.  Instead of building others up, shredding them to bits can be easier and more satisfying at the moment.  And gossip as opposed to prayer, can be the quickest words to trickle from our eager lips.

Lord, when i am turned around pleasing myself and others before You, let something or someone nudge me back in the right direction.  I want to serve and bring glory to you first.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

an unlikely response

 "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10: 25

Spring break is over, and we are back to our daily duties.  While checking books out to a student yesterday, i was reminded not all feel the same about returning to school.  

When i asked Melia about her Break, she admitted she cried Sunday.  I told her, "I understand; i had a hard time coming back too."

"No, that wasn't why i cried," she replied. "I was crying because i was excited about coming back to school and seeing my friends!"  

Wow, i didn't see that coming. Her greatest joy was getting back together with friends.

Oh, how i love a surprising breath of fresh air! May we enjoy, encourage and strengthen each other as we reunite too. Thank You, Father, for unexpected smiles and nudges.  

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

we got this

 "...REJOICE that your names are written in heaven."  Luke 10:20

Tuesday morning... dreary weather, early waking hours, and a return to lesson plans.  Were you ready for it?  After a week off for Spring break, obnoxious alarms reminded all there is more work to do.  But don't despair, smile!  Because a longer break is coming soon!

Just reflecting back on the week before Spring Break solidifies the fact we can do this.  Five incredible performances of "Matilda" that week, involving close to half the student body, is all the proof we need.  If we can survive that we have the magic to finish the year strong.

Through music, sermons, the Word, and other believers we get glimpses and reminders of heaven here on earth.  Those times are true magical gifts providing hope, encouragement, and an assurance that God has so much more in store for us.  But for now, we still have work to do.  We are called to be Jesus with skin on.  

May the Light of our Father keep shining in us and guiding others to the final curtain call of the glorious, heavenly end.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

comma power

 Jesus said...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

How was your comma?  Or in other words, how was your Spring Break? According to the dictionary, a comma is a break; a punctuation mark that represents a slight pause.  

According to the Word, it is a break in life; a pause in an ever turning and hectic world filled with obligations, schedules and activities; a time of rest.  A moment of rest with Him can provide the fuel needed to keep going, especially during hard times. 

Hopefully, Spring Break provided the restful comma you needed.  Yet for some, the comma was scratched out, and life kept moving full speed ahead with unexpected sadness, loss, hurt and confusion.  And for you, my friends, i am praying God's protection over you to include an extra layer of comfort and peace as we return to finish out the school year.

Do you need a comma now?  Sometimes God interjects a comma in our life to slow us down, to refocus and rest in Him.  I think you will agree a break is better than a breakdown.  When we use commas in sentences, the sentences provide clarity and important detail before we reach the end.  Do you think that can be true regarding life too?  Listen, Jesus calls us to Him to get needed REST.  And that Truth ends with a period, not a comma.

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

the morning after... new life

"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 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.  Do we just believe in Him or do we BELIEVE Him? 

Jesus 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. Jesus knows life on earth is not fair, challenging and violent; He lived it too. Yet, it didn't stop Him from fulfilling His mission.

To be with Jesus in paradise, is that not the ultimate desire of our hearts?

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, as 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 purely 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. 

We read and shake our heads at Judas, his lack of faith, his weakness, his frustrations ... yet there is some Judas in all of us.

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. And despite our shortcomings and disappointments in His ways, Jesus would do it all over again for us.

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. 

What is your plan? Through all the commotion and chaos, will you follow Him? Do you trust Him with all your heart?  No one has ever stood up for me like Him.

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

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

Monday's madness

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. His plan was not for some quick moments of peace and happiness, but for an everlasting peace with a sustaining power that transcends any and all earthly trials and tribulations. The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life. He has a plan. And for you, He will lay down His life.   

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

the beginning of the most troubling week

"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, our 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 harsh shouts of "crucify Him!" pierced out of the same lips.

The Jesus they celebrated on Sunday, then condemned a few days later... they were disappointed in Him... He was not who they thought He was nor doing what they expected... they wanted an earthly revolution, not an eternal one. They jumped to conclusions not understanding all the facts.  When we are tempted to be disappointed in Jesus, may we draw closer into His Arms and trust Him for what is best.  

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.  He knows what He is doing, Satan would love for you to doubt Him.

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

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal