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

listen or ignore

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

A friend didn't have time to get a slice of celebration cake, so i decided to take her a slice the next day.  As i was closing the lid, a little voice said to me, "take 2 slices."  But i ignored it, thinking, no, i don't need another slice.  Well, it wasn't about me.

When i went to deliver the cake to Mary, i saw exactly why i should have listened to that persistent little voice.  A very special friend was in there subbing. MM has treated me so many times, and to share a slice of cake with her would have been perfect.  

Thinking i would bring her a slice later in the week made me feel better.  But when i returned home after school the cake plate, like my hand, was empty. A good and sad reminder to never put off an act of kindness.

The next time i hear a voice, instead of thinking it's about or for me, i hope i realize it could be for the benefit of another.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

keep shining

 "and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame."  Isaiah 58:10-11

Bless someone today who isn't expecting it.

Open hearts open new beginnings. And healing happens.  

Your love and kindness to one has the power to spreads exponentially.  Keep shining, our world desperately needs you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

did you remember?

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

As eager as i've been for a new season, i totally missed the fact yesterday was the first official day of Spring. It was plainly written on my calendar, it occurs every year at this time, but due to the cold days lately, it never connected with my brain. Only when i heard someone say it, did i realize it.

Like the first day of Spring, we may not see or feel what we yearn and pray for in life. However, let us believe and know God hears our every plea and answers perfectly, whether we see or feel it at the moment.

Father, create in me a renewed heart filled with hope, joy, beauty and restoration. As i trust You are leading me out of a cold weariness and into the warmth of Your love and grace, may i respond with the JOY of believing it today.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a moving day

"Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness  and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

It was a coming and going day.  To an observer it was a perfect schedule.  But in actuality the timing of the events just fell into place without our help.  We received new chairs from our vendor during our break, and our school's Operation team arrived just 10 minutes later to pick up the old ones.  We could not have planned it any better. 

When the parts in your life are moving what do you do?  Panic... search immediately for solutions... call a friend for help... sit down and cry... pout... stomp in anger... freeze in fear... kick and scream in disbelief?

Maybe sometimes we need to just to breathe and keep moving.  Maybe it's about trusting God to pull the parts back together in our life without us interfering.... to remove what is old, dirty, smelly and ugly and to replace it with a newness to our soul, restored hope, refreshed spirit and sweet comfort to our days.

When your world is shaking, God is moving. All the pieces of our life are in His capable Hands.  He is not unaware nor lost, forgotten or misplaced anything that touches us.  He has a perfect plan.  Do you trust Him?

And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh..." Ezekiel 11:19

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

free in green

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Wearing the green... eating party food... dancing the jig... is that all there is to St. Patrick's Day?  Not at all.

The roots of St. Patrick's Day stem from a British Christian child, kidnapped and kept in slavery in Ireland. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. After he finally escaped,  he dreamed of an angel telling him to returned to care for the Irish people and teach them about God, so after 15 years of religious training, he returned as a missionary. Due to his dedicated kindness, he later became St. Patrick.  Since his death, around March 17th, there is a Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick to honor him.

• Here's a short history lesson and  2-minute video from the History Channel you can show in class.   https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/who-was-saint-patrick

Did you know the shamrock got its Christian meaning from St. Patrick? He used it to explain the Holy Trinity, one God in three divine beings, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Whatever we feel enslaved to in life, God can grant us the freedom to overcome it in His love and strength.

In the spirit of Saint Patrick, may we continue to live, share and tell others the Good News as he did.  It certainly is worthy of great celebration!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

so, how lucky are we??

 "Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 19:14

When we think, act and  live as a child of God, we relish in everlasting luck.  The absolute best news EVER is our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is a home in the kingdom of heaven.  We aren't just lucky, we are richly blessed by our Father.

Live as a child... of God, because you are.

 

May we be thankful for nourishment, protection and love from God and others.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

How sweet it is to be a child of God. Smile big, you lucky Child, you are treasured and loved beyond our human understanding.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what makes you lucky?

"Even a child makes himself known by his acts..." Proverbs 20:11

When we train children on how to be, may we remember to live it too.

Living as God desires and in His Will, His peace transcends through the bumps we encounter.  We become a witness to others reflecting the power of His sustaining love.  Oh how lucky we are to belong to God.

Act like a child... of God, because you are.

  

The appreciation and JOY of simple pleasures and friendships... that's the gold.  I am so lucky and blessed to call you my kind friend.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

are you lucky?

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."  1 John 3:1

What does it take to feel lucky?  A pot full of gold or a heart of gold?

As always, students have filled my mind with Truth from their simple, pure hearts.  

Think like a child.... of God, because you are.

You are lucky... and immensely loved.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

together is better

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:6-7

Reading a book together, they were totally absorbed in the activity.  When one stumbled with words, the other helped. Together they enjoyed and understood the story better than reading alone.

We weren't created to tackle life alone.  Whether in time of troubles or celebration sharing tears or laughter is sweeter with a friend.

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

disasters... who will help?

" But now, this is what the Lord says... 

'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you...'" Isaiah 43:1-5

It was a violent day at school.  We were blasted by not one, but multiple natural disasters...  a wildfire, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, volcano and flood.  I am thankful to say all teachers and students survived.

While these actual events didn't occur, they were part of an explosive study by our third graders. They had a blast living through these natural disasters.  Our local chief meteorologist, Christy Henderson, kicked off the morning sharing her knowledge and experiences to a very excited audience. 

As the day progressed students, experienced the disasters in classrooms and later learned precautionary measures if ever faced with real disasters from our own RO, Officer Lester.

While it is highly improbable we will ever battle all events at once, we can feel attacked and whipped in rapid succession by more common battles...

beaten by high winds of defeat 

drowning in pools of depression or doubt

life suck out of our soul from accusations

scorched by fires of meanness

burnt by spewing anger in words and actions 

All these internal disasters and more have the ability to unlevel the foundation of our faith by shaking and crumbling it from doubt and despair.

I know of only ONE who can rescue and save us in any and all catastrophes... and you know Him too.  Yet, why are we at times so reluctant to reach out or call to Him?  Are we embarrassed? Are we too proud and self-sufficient?  Do we not TRUST His way is best? Do we fear we have used up all our "free" cards of grace and mercy from Him?  Do we interpret His silence as a disregard to our need instead of His answer to wait?

God did not and never has promised we will not have troubles and even disasters, INSTEAD HE PROMISED WHEN WE DO, WE WILL NOT BE ALONE, HE WILL BE WITH US.

Can you live with that promise?  I certainly can't live without it.  Praying for your belief in our undeniable, faithful, ever-present HERO.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

how did he know?

"We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

First Graders' Dr. Seuss Day last week did not disappoint.  From the parade to their artwork and costumes and JOYous celebration, we were reminded to laugh and be loving towards all.  Thank you. first graders and all your helpers.   I loved every Thing 1 and 2 and zillion reminders you shared.

Oh, Dr. Seuss, how did you know?
the many injustices the earth would unfold.

Thanks for your colorful, zany characters a-plenty,
a dose of truth from them have taught many.

Be kind to others, do as i say,
love one another, and forgive each day.

Being right in life shouldn't be our goal,
but a right relationship with others is worthy to hold.

And thank you also for encouraging and letting me know,
being different is okay, God has great plans for all in His show!

Hardships, questions and trials are a part of our life,
but if we follow the right One we will have more peace than strife.    

So, with your whimsical flair and delightful storytelling, we celebrate you, Dr. Seuss... and oh, the places we'll go...
because reading and believing God allows freedom, grace and love to grow.

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

caught

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Situations, circumstances, events can throw an unexpected and unwanted 
wrench in our day.  And i can assure you of this, i don't want to be like a deer caught in the headlights -- frozen in blind fear.

Life would be almost impossible, IF we didn’t keep our focus on God and KNOW He is in control of ALL things.   

TRUST HIM, we must. No matter what.

God uses absolutely everything to His glory… the good, the bad and the ugly.  May we keep praising Him in ALL things.  His Light is not blinding, but life-saving.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

i will not cry

Jesus said...

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Pack'em up and move'em out!

How sweet those words as we closed the Book Fair carts and pushed them out. Like the books, the past week delivered a wide range of emotions.  We witnessed all types of genres in the carts and in our hearts -- drama, suspense, celebration, mystery, comedy, crime, heartbreak, magic, horror, and human survival.   

Every day was an action‑packed, page turner from start to finish. It was a sweet beginning and a bittersweet farewell. Like our survival cart i am feeling heavily viewed, used and picked over.  We completed our sale (of well over 4,000 items) and have now moved into a massive reorder mode consisting of over 15 notebook pages filled with sold items. So good bye, BF! We are determined to survive your Wildest Ride yet!

Book Fair came and Book Fair went,
at times we about lost all our sense.

But thanks to great help, here and Above,
we survived a busy week filled with gifts and love.

Believe and know God's Words are faithful and true,
With Him all things are possible, because He loves me and you.

Lord, thank you for hearing my prayers and getting us through last week.  I trust You will see us through the entire process of getting every book sold also delivered.

Because You are with me, i have the strength to survive.  Thank You.

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

veneal 

how are you feeling?

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

Even though Book Fair produced a hectic, cRaZy, maddening work week, it was also full of refreshment for the soul.  Terrific volunteers, extra snacks and coffee, helpful administration and custodial staff, flexible teachers and supportive parents were all magnificent reasons to keep smiling.

But i must say, students win the prize for premier inspiration.  Watching them pool their money together to help a classmate buy a book, buying a book for their teacher or donating part of their own money to our "books4all" wins the JOY crown. Every day, we heard excited students chatter about how Book Fair week is their most favorite week at school... and in this highly techy age that is amazing. 

How can i not love what i do?  When kindness sprinkles into your days like this, hope fills your heart for today and for the future.

Kindness wins and covers exhaustion, stress, fear, anxiety, doubt, uncertainties and more.  Be the blanket someone needs today.  Then, snuggle up with a Good Book, and thank God for our blessings.

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