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"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Many times i've observed students get upset and frustrated when the picture they are coloring is not turning out like they want. Instead of giving them a new sheet of paper, Ms. B encourages them to continue and rework it.  She shows them some past blunders that turn out to be wonderful masterpieces.  And after some time and effort, theirs does too.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  God doesn't make mistakes. 

YOU are a spectacular work of art! created by the Perfect Master Artist. He has a purpose with you, for you and in you.

Father, even when we can't see it, help us to believe it... and trust You.  

Celebrating you today -- His design is divine, and not a mistake.

I am blessed to call you my friend and sister/brother-in-Christ.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

He knows

 "I know every bird in the mountains..." Psalm 50:11

Could you benefit from a cheery, uplifting drawing and thought? Unlike our Father, i am not familiar with every bird and their ways. But i am aware of a saying that identifies cardinals as spiritual messengers sent by our heavenly loved ones to watch over us. 

The bulletin boards in the  hallway filled with cardinals stirred this remembrance, bringing comfort and a smile to my heart.

There's a song in the air when a cardinal appears. Love from Above... the sweetest of gifts.  He who knows all birds and other creatures, knows us and our needs too.

Thank You, Father, for this song of love in my heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

healing hearts

"The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds... Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:3,5

Are situations or circumstances draining the life out of you?

Keep God at the top of your equation for life, and you will not find yourself running on empty.  Instead you will be filled with His unending healing and love.

Where we are incapable, our God IS capable.

When we are ready to give up, our God IS going strong.

He care, He can, He will... rest in Him and His Truth.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

fix your face

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

It's Friday, my friend, no matter what has happened this week, may you find JOY in your weekend with Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

venealk

He reigns

"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 today is daunting, wet and unpleasant. 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 going to hold tightly onto Your "J", Jesus, handle and remember Your ability to protect us through whatever passes our way.  In Your perfect time, i know our hearts will bloom with joy and peace. I see Your smiling face under the umbrella, and i know we will be okay.

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, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

feeling 100? celebrate

"The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair." Proverbs 20:29

"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" Job 12:12

Oh, how i LOVED yesterday! It's the one day i don't feel like the oldest person at school.  First graders dressed up like 100-year-old folks to celebrate 100 days of school.  All the walkers, canes, bent backs, glasses, white hair and support hose made me feel young again.  I enjoyed every gray hair i saw, because today i'll be back in the top 2% of the elder list with real gray issues. 

If you are having a good week, CELEBRATE IT!  If you are having a good day, CELEBRATE IT!  If you are having a good hour, CELEBRATE IT!   If you are having a good moment, CELEBRATE IT!

Life is short with no promises for tomorrow.  May we inhale our good moments and wring out every ounce of JOY it contains. There is something good at any age... strength, endurance, understanding, wisdom.  Be thankful and know your worth in the eyes of God.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

are you counting it good?

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

As the days flow on, how do you feel?  

Do you feel you are moving forward? 

Are you making the progress you want in life?

 

Or, do you feel stuck? ill? or regretful?

At 100 days in the school year, we are past the halfway mark.  Reading students' views of the past 100 days was a positive and encouraging experience... there were no complaints or whining.

Whether the teacher or the student, it reminded me we should be hopeful, no matter what has or has not happened yet.

May yours be too.  As believers, God is our Instructor and Counselor in life. God has a plan for each of us, and He will see it through in His perfect way and time.  Count each day as good and trust He knows what He is doing in your life.  

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's not what you think

"A patient person has great understanding..." Proverbs 14:29

We have some people eyeing our tree in the Media Center, prompting them to ask, "Why do you still have a Christmas tree up?"

"It's not a Christmas tree."

"Well, it sure looks like one."

While studying Jan Brett in January over 10 years ago, we decided to create our now famous Jan Brett Winter tree.  Once new visitors take time for a look closer at the decorations, it is snow clear they had erred.

Rushing through life can cause us to jump to conclusions which lead to mistakes, problems, hurt or hard feelings, or sometimes just a good laugh. When important issues are at hand, such as in our relationship with God and others, may we take the time needed to gather knowledge and discernment.

Lord, in this fast-paced world, there are definitely times we need to slow down, stop, and step back.  A great understanding starts with patience as we seek and wait for Your guidance.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

got plans?

"Live in peace with each other...

warn those who are idle...
encourage the timid...
help the weak...
be patient with everyone...
always try to be kind to each other...
be joyful always...
pray continually...
give thanks in all circumstances...
test everything...
hold on to the good...
avoid every kind of evil..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13-22

What are your plans for 2024?

Some choose a goal to better their life or the lives of others. Some focus on a word to guide their thoughts, words and actions.

I like having a word and have struggled settling on one this year, but i finally found one that fits me... move.  It is easy to get complacent, stagnant and comfortable with life. For me status quo is a comfort, but it's not necessarily the best decision nor healthy. So, i'm going to focus on moving this year.  I long to move in my faith, service and life to do better and be better. I yearn to move closer to God and others.  I want to move my heart in expressing and living truth at all times. I long to move boldly ahead each day with JOY and trust and not fear.

Whatever you decide to pursue this year, i pray you shine in fulfillment and JOY for yourself and for Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

on the verge of tears

“Be strong and courageous...  It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:6,8

On the way back to the library, i noticed a student just standing outside the activity hallway. When Ellie didn't respond back with her usual happy smile, i stopped.  After a few questions, i discovered she was late for school.  Her teacher was not in the classroom and she thought her class was in drama, but the room was dark.  

Ellie appeared confusion, frozen and on the verge of tears.  As i stood with her outside the dark drama room, i decided to try and open the door.  To both our surprise the room was not dark; the glass on the door was covered with black paper.  Inside the lit room was her class.  They cheered and called to her.  They were as happy to see Ellie as she was to see them.  All was well.

When life seems dark and daunting, and we feel all alone, may we remember God has not left us. I pray we unearth the power to shred the debilitating darkness in our life and to uncover the sustaining Light of our Father. Whether inch by inch, or foot by foot, we need to keep moving and trusting His Word... He has not and will not abandon us.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

when we don't know

"So then, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

As i walked around shelving books, i saw an exposed spine.  The top and pants of a student searching for a book did not meet. A good 3-4 inches gap was exposing her spine and more.  Fortunately, i had an extra shirt in my desk and offered it to her. She thanked me and put it on.

I quickly sought out her teacher to share the incident with her.  She explained both parents of the student work third shift.  It was up to the student to set an alarm, dress and get to the bus stop on time.  Mind you we are talking of a young elementary student.  I had no clue of the challenges this student faced.

In most instances, we hardly ever know another person's whole story. So, when we have the opportunity, may we do good to all. I don't know when it's ever the wrong choice.  

We can't help what someone else wears, but we do choose what we wear... on our body and in our heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal  

what is your dream?

"But the  wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18

Dream can come true.

Thankful for Martin Luther King, Jr. and all the others willing to do as Jesus would.

May the harvest of righteousness and goodness in Dr. King overflow through us as we stride each day to follow in Jesus' steps.

Father, let us be encouraged to dream big and to expect even more, having a heart to serve and care for others.

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

veneal

how to change a life

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." Ephesians 5:1

Someone's behavior driving you crazy?

HOW we live our life is the best way to stir a change in  the life of someone else.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

my lips are sealed

"One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind." Ecclesiastes 4:6

Typing, reading, checking-in books and thinking.... multi-tasking is a common way of life.  But yesterday i exceeded the number of tasks i could manage effectively by also applying chapstick to my lips.  The width of the cylinder or the extra effort to remove the top should have been my clue, but it wasn't.  Not until "Elmer" made a lasting impression to my lips, did i realize i made a mistake.

This episode did not just provide one lesson but 2:

1. Know your limits. Do not overextend the number of tasks you can manage successfully. 

2. Know when to keep your lips sealed.  Sometimes silence is the best answer.

I have nothing else to say, and this task is done for today.  Be blessed.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

JOY still possible

 "...weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

How is this possible... weeping, then rejoicing? 

Was it a night dream or night vision... who can say for sure.  News of a family member waking up after receiving a "visit" from our loved one made the morning a brighter one. During the visit she was assured she was and IS always loved and not alone. Later that day, when randomly cleaning out a stack of papers from under my desk calendar, i uncovered yet another confirmation that we are not alone, my heart overflowed with deeper JOY.

No matter the hurt, the pain, the disappointment, the heartache, the burden, God can and will bring JOY into your day.  And as i've experience this week, even if the weeping returns night after night, so will the JOY return morning after morning.

Thank You, Father. Through the tears and the JOY, all is well with my soul, because of You. We are not left alone. Death is not the end.

footnote: today's devotion was originally written for Friday, May 11, 2018... for some reason i had put it in my draft folder for a possible repeat. Running late, I reread it this morning and instantly KNEW it was for today.... it was perfect TRUTH for many reasons... and then look at the date on the picture.... it shows TODAY's date 10... only God. He never stops amazing me. I share this with you to REMIND you GOD IS ALIVE AND SPEAKING TO US EVERYDAY. HE SEES AND KNOWS WHAT WE NEED... WE ONLY NEED TO LISTEN, FOLLOW AND BELIEVE HIM.

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

high winds

"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:24-26

With dangerous, stormy weather expected, many schools opted for an e-learning day. I don't think anyone would disagree safety is and should always be top priority. No matter what actually happens, i am thankful to be home. 

Perhaps being at home won't be any safer than at school today, but that's not where my greatest peace is derived.  Like the disciples, fear and panic can surface no matter where we are and even who we are with.  Mistakenly when we are living with Jesus in our heart we don't expect a nasty, gusty storm to rip through our lives, shredding our confidence and faith.  In truth, as we read over and over in the Bible and witness in lives of believers today, God doesn't stop the storm from coming but He does see us through the disruption and restores peace... in His perfect time and Way.

You of little faith, why are you so afraid?

Whatever the day holds, may our faith in God and knowledge of His immense love for us, carry us boldly through any and all storms. He has not forgotten or forsaken us. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

still celebrating

"I am the LORD, and 

I will bring you out from under (your circumstances). 
I will free you from (bondage), and 
I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with might acts of judgment.  
I will take you as My own, and 
I will be your God."  Exodus 6:6-7

I am so thankful for God's Great "I Will's".  They are true each and every day.

No matter what happens or doesn't happen, we are still cherished, pursued and loved by God.  And that is reason enough to celebrate.  Believe and know He will see us through each day as He sees fit.

Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

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

do you make mistakes?

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 

The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold."  Psalm 119:71-72

"Do you have any white out?"  But before I could respond, she continued, "Oh, that's right, you don't need it because you don't make mistakes."  

It's one of our long-standing, favorite jokes, and we both had a good laugh remembering the first time i told her that. My classic response to her question is partially right. The truth is i make PLENTY of mistakes, i could write several novels on them.  I just don't cover up or erase them. What's done is done, and in many instances, there is no going back. A better solution is to look, learn and live by moving forward from them.

Father, may we see a mistake as a possible opportunity to learn and grow in being more Christlike.  The pain may then be replaced with the peace we gain.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

did you run into a comma?

 Jesus said...

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

According to the dictionary, a comma is a break; a punctuation mark that represents a slight pause.  According to the Word, i believe, a comma might be considered a break in life; a pause in an ever turning and hectic world filled with obligations, schedules, conflicts and activities; as well as a time of rest.  A period of rest with Him can provide the strength needed to keep going, especially during difficult times.

 

In His perfect timing, God interjects a comma in our life to slow us down and to refocus and rest in Him. During this holiday season, many of us faced unwanted commas.  Plans were interrupted, postponed or even cancelled due to sickness and other circumstances.  But why did so many commas pop up for us during such a beautiful season? All i know for certain is Jesus was born for our salvation. Whether we experience a festive gathering or a quiet visit to the manger, the true meaning of CHRISTmas did not change.   

Jesus, our Teacher, believes in commas and calls us to Him to get needed Rest.  And that Truth, my friends, ends with a period, not a comma. May trusting His Ways be enough for us.

Thank You, Father.  I am resting in You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

2024 handbook review

"I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32

How can we wisely prepare for 2024?

Many situations in 2023 caught me by surprise, and i can't help but wonder what 2024 holds.   Now is a good time to reflect, redirect and refresh. Preparation for my mind, body and soul on how to BE, calls for a review from a creditable handbook that can sustain me in various circumstances.  Maybe you can benefit from it too.

HANDBOOK 2024

Health:

1.       Drink plenty of water.

2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is

          manufactured in plants.

4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5.       Make time to pray.

6.       Play more games.

7.       Read more books than you did in 2023.

8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9.       Sleep for 7 hours.

10.    Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all

         about.

12.    Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest

        your energy in the positive present moment.

13.    Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16.    Dream more while you are awake.

17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes

         of the past.  That will ruin your present happiness.

19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply

         part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but

         the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23.    Smile and laugh more.

24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:

25.    Call your family often.

26.    Each day give something good to others.

27.    Forgive everyone for everything.

28.    Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6.

29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.

31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in

         touch.

Life:

32.    Do the right thing!

33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34.    GOD heals everything.

35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37.    The best is yet to come.

38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

And when anxieties, fears, doubts or questions arise, consult the original Handbook on living life to the fullest… the Bible.  It is a proven and true Source for everything under the “Son”... for any hour, day or year.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal