farewell

 since I have you in my heart…

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11 

With this being the last official school day, our school time together is coming to an end.  While i will miss sharing students' artwork and inspiration with you over the summer, i plan to keep my eyes and heart open to God. Thankfully God doesn't take a break. He is always looking for ways to help us grow in our faith and trust in Him. So i feel certain as i move about this summer, He will heap summer feedings of His Word on my plate that i will pass on to other hungry souls.

Although, i might not know your face, i know your heart.  We have shared much with each other… joy, hurts, frustration, disappointments, laughter, pain, anger, confusion, restlessness, sickness and more.  Hopefully, during this time you have also felt the constant presence of God; have witnessed how He guides us tenderly through hardships and trials; and have experienced how He uses absolutely e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g for His good and His glory.

As God has seen us through all times, especially difficult ones, we have grown.  Grown closer to Him, closer to each other and closer to being who and what He designed us to be.  I pray He uses us as a magnet to attract others to Him and His eternal kingdom.  After all, isn’t that our number one mission?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

is the future bright?

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

It's the last day with our students.  What will happen now with them?... and with you?

The theme of graduation was encouraging and completely true.  The smiles and excitement of our graduates mirrored how we, as believers, should feel about our future. Despite any current troubles, despair, uncertainty or heartache, i was reminded, thanks to God, we still have HOPE. 

Hope and belief in the future is not just for school graduates.  It is instilled at even the youngest age.  Working in an elementary school, i find continuous, HOPE and inspirations from all the students.  Just last week i read kindergarteners' descriptions of themselves and their future.  They displayed dreams and HOPE with no barriers or excuses. Just think what we could accomplish if we possessed a similar mindset and belief.  

As i close this year's school chapter, I trust God will continue to feed and inspire me wherever i am.  I do not what what my future holds, but i do know who holds it and me and you... and that is reason enough to celebrate with peace and JOY.

From the hearts of the young, read and be inspired with renewed HOPE and belief in our powerful, magnificent God, and His immense love for us.

 

"For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth." Psalm 71:5

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a helping hand...

"The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service..." 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

It's the end of the year, and as a teacher you wonder what impact you've made on your students. What will they take with them next year?  What did they see? What did they hear? What did they understand?  No matter their age, you have been a positive influence in the life of those around you.

all the little fingers still couldn't count all the ways I LOVE YOU

You, my friend, made a difference for a day, a year, a lifetime.   You have taught, led, assisted, urged and nurtured the growth of many this year.  You prepared them well for their next chapter. You loved, you gave, you cared, you sacrificed... and they grew.  

Smile -- you prepared them well.

And isn't it comforting to know God is preparing great wonders for our next chapter too.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's a white out

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Last week students celebrated the ending of school in many fun ways.  One of my favorites was the towering foam.  They truly got lost in the thick bubbles, and teachers had to call and count students to make sure all were gathered when they left.

For the last week of school, i elected to have my own white out.   I am waving, or wearing, a white flag of surrender this week topped with a school shirt.  This decision is not only a visual reminder of my commitment to God but it reduced my stress in what to wear this final tail-spinning week.

Is anything or anyone knocking the life out of you? If you need rescuing, hear this and join me.   Let's renew our commitment to surrender our ALL to God. May we remember each moment to turn all our fears... anxieties... frustrations... anger...  worries... exhaustions over to Him. 

Just because there are bubbles, we don't also have to endure troubles.  Let's not get lost in the crazy, final moments.  Instead let's listen for the One who calls us out and cares for our every need -- and follow Him to peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

successful year?

 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-2

My past few days have been inked in numerous errors and frustrations.  And this morning is already starting out as no exception.  Preparing today's devotion had me pouring sweat and almost tears, as i can't resolve some never-before-had technical issues...  So, please excuse this mess. 

The end of the school year is close.  How do you measure the success of your year...  by scores, grades, test results? The quality of your work?

No matter what your numbers or results, i pray you see the fullness of your impact through God's eyes.  May the success of your year be counted by the hugs, smiles and thankful hearts of those called yours this year.  The love and understanding from you has produced the sweetest results of all.

The end is not the full, true picture of who we are.  Just ask God.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

have you lost your noodles?

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6

It looked like a new box, but it wasn't. So when i took the box of noodles off the shelf, the open end, facing down, exploded scattering the entire 2 pound content on the floor like a gigantic pick-up-sticks game. It was my only box. My only question then was do i cook it or throw it away.  I won't tell you my answer.

When faced with decisions, some answers are obvious to us and others complexed, some answers surface quickly and some quickly disturb our souls with the possible outcomes.

Whatever is filling and twisting in your mind, may God be your calming blanket, wrapping His guidance in your decision.  We are not lost, He sees where we are and will lead us down the right path.  We just need to pick ourselves off the floor and follow Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

running on empty

"'Because he loves Me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.  He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.'" Psalm 91:14-15

Whether it was from fear in my heart or lack of fuel in my tank, my ride felt choppy and bubbly.  My car's dashboard beeping and flashing "3 miles to empty", played a major role in my sweaty anxiety.  I had never relied on the tank accuracy to that level before. Could i trust it to be right, or was i going to find myself on the side of the road waiting and waving a white flag?  

My car hasn't been the only thing running on fumes lately... so am i.  With only 5 days of school left and so much closure to handle, the accuracy of my work is waffling more than usual. By 846am, i am already worn out and the day has just begun.  So, i try focusing just on the hour at hand and the immediate needs.  Then i move on to the next hour.  Slowly but surely i make it the end with some hiccups and a sigh of relief.

There is one major difference when comparing the type of trust i have with low fuel levels between my car and me.   Unlike my car's fancy technology, i know Who i can trust and rely on for refueling and refreshment without hesitation or worry.  And even if i get caught completely drained and hung out to dry, all i have to do is call out to Him, and He will answer... and that's a guarantee, every time.  

Counting the minutes?  Yes, i am.  Thanking my God?  Absolutely!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

dig deep

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."  Colossians 2:6-7

Keeping our roots in His Living Waters builds and strengthens our faith, especially during turbulent times. His glorious Sonshine streaming through us is meant for others to see, so they may know and believe Him too. And as His grace and mercy flow like air through us, we will continue to grow in the Fruit of the Spirit -  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - allowing others to taste and know His Almighty goodness.  We will not perish, but produce.

Rocks and difficulties along the way are not there to deter our growth, but to push us into a deeper relationship with God. 

Father, how grateful i am that no matter what's going on, You are with me.  I'm digging my toes deep in Your unshakeable, unconditional foundation of Love.

When our roots run deep into the rich love of God, the bounty of blessings will multiply, feeding us and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

where do you belong?

"For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16

"Well, John, we will not be here much longer."

"Why not?"

"It's almost summer, and we will all be going in different directions."

"But you belong here, Mrs. Williams, in the library."

And for the past 23 years that is where i have spent most of my days.  I couldn't help but chuckle as i remembered LA asking me at the end of our first year together if i were coming back the next year.  

Without hesitation i told her, "I don't know. I'm not even sure I am coming back tomorrow.  Only God knows the answer."  She didn't know whether to laugh or start looking for my replacement.

Needless to say, i haven't left... yet, but tomorrow is a new unknown day.  And my response to this question is the same today as it was 23 years ago.  

Is that a reasonable way to live or too carefree?  I'm not sure, but it is my way.  God has clearly led me in and out of places all in my life.  Some made sense and some seemed reckless, some i welcomed and some nearly destroyed me, some planted joy and some uprooted pain.  Yet, in the end, God's leading has shown to be the right way, as it allowed His peace to fill and still my soul. Trusting Him and His movement in me and for me is the unerring answer.  

I belong to Him first then, now and always.

Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

are you ok?

 but, God said...

"I will be with you... I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians (or whatever chokes you)." Exodus 3:12, 6:6

Last week was difficult with many different and dramatic dynamics swirling in my life.  Yet, daily God gently wove His love in my tattered, tired heart.  But by the time Mother's Day was here, an emotional yoke laid heavily on my shoulders. How do we serve others when we feel empty? The answer surfaced from church, in the widow of Zarephath lesson (1 Kings 17:7-16).  It reminded me in hard times where the ability to continue comes from.

What yoke are you struggling under?  Sickness, loss of a loved one, termination of a career, end of the school year, financial distress, abandonment, abuse,  relocation?

Life will not always be fine. Some seasons bring events and situations covered in sadness or despair, causing us to feel incapable of functioning. Whether at home or school... with family, friends, coworkers or students... life can take a harsh toil. So, how can we continue when we feel we can't?

We can, because of God.

Father, changes can knock us in the dirt, face first. Yet, You know and prepare the way for our needs. Things will not always be fine, but because You are with us, we will be fine.  As we stop and recall Your continuous blessings and faithfulness, we have reason to rise from the ground and celebrate.  May we be renewed and refueled to commit ourselves to You and to serving others in this hurting world. 

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

celebrating mothers

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings..." Psalm 17:8

Testing, reports, projects, deadlines and more testing... it's the crazy end-of-school year period.  But despite the frenzy, many teachers carve out time to prepare special keepsakes for Mother's Day. 

 

Laminating the special bookmarks, poems and pictures, i couldn't keep from reading what students wrote.  The love and devotion between mother and child was clearly evident through their words and drawings.  Most children have no idea the impact it will probably have on their mother.   Not only can i imagine how much their moms will treasure the gift, i understand from experience.

Because you see, i still have my bookmark, tattered and faded, from 21 years ago, in my favorite Book.

Whether a mother by blood or by love, never underestimate your power and influence on the children in your path.  You are the apple of their eye, as well as our Father's.  And like our Father, they notice all we do.

For every child's heart you have touched, Happy Mother's Day! Celebrate and know you are special and greatly loved.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

that smile

 "Her children arise and call her blessed... charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:28,30

When asked to draw a picture of their mom, the students' artwork revealed a variety of looks.  But quickly, i noticed a common thread in all the pictures...

all the mothers wore a smile.

Parenting is rewarding, but also very challenging.  We might not do it perfectly, but i've come to an important conclusion. In the eyes of our children, the most important part of our relationship with them is knowing they are loved unconditionally and that they bring a smile to our face.

Celebrating you and  the sweet impression you make on children.  Whether you are a mother by blood or by the heart, you are putting a notable shine on our most valuable gems.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

no other like you

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

The bookmarks were an artistic reminder of our uniqueness.

While students painted the same flower, all were different. Each one was created with a personalized flare and beauty to the paper... just like we are to this world.

God created each of us with a special plan and purpose... filled with talents and gifts to serve Him and bring Him glory.

We are each made by and in the loving eye of God and further shaped by the people in our life...

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

There is no other like you... and you are beautiful.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

which way?

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

The kindergarten maps were impressive!  They were complete with roads, landmarks, stores and neighborhoods. However, following their maps would not easily get you to any of the places shown, and some of the places i like were missing.  Accuracy was not their priority.  Clearly, they, like me, enjoy being surrounded by their favorite places.

While unable to use their road map for precise directions, they do exhibit genuine knowledge we should mimic in caring, loving and forgiving others... be thoughtful and thorough in whatever we are doing.

How are you?  Are you feeling a bit lost right now? May we always be aware of who we are following, where we are heading and why we are going. When in doubt, we need only turn to God and ask for guidance and direction. He clearly knows the path we need to take and the best route to get there.  He has a plan for us, and it is good.

we are loved and chosen by  God,

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

veneal

show me your feet

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7

Are you ready to show off your feet?  Not because of beautiful warm weather, but because of what others can gleam from your life. 

It's not sparkly nail polish, a pedicure, corn removal or plastic surgery that others need to see, but feet marred with knots, scratches, bunions, cuts, and bruises -- our trials in life.  Experiencing God's goodness and faithfulness in our hardships are meant to be shared. God's unending unconditional love in our life is beautiful, dazzling and life changing for us and others.

Take off your socks and shoes and the layers of life that cover up your story... bare your feet and soul.  May others see and know our true beauty as we give thanks to our awesome God.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

hands up

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.  I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands."  Psalm 63:3-4

Had something extra or unexpected landed on your plate? As we tumble into the final month of the school year, you know it will happen... over and over again. And it will be fine.  Here's the point we must keep in the forefront of our mind every minute.

At the end of the day, God and our relationship with Him is what matters most. He will be with us and see us through whatever crosses our path... the good, the bad, the ugly and the unexpected. 

Let's raise our hands and celebrate His faithfulness and unending love for us.  The end is in sight, smile.  We got this.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the best catch

 "A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

There are all kinds of friends... fair weather, seasonal, close, good, etc.  The kind i need and want to be is a rainbow fish friend. 

Father, when it comes to friends, may we be caught being a good friend.  There is enough judging in the world.  What we need more of is loving.

May we choose to thrive as beautiful rainbow fish friends floundering with an abundance of love and understanding toward others, especially those living in a harsh, sticky net of pain.

And everyday i pray we are able to feed on the goodness and strength of other rainbow fish swimming in our "school".  Let us keep the love flowing downstream, upstream and wherever it's needed.  

Keep splashing and loving, you are a great catch in a hurting world!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal 

ain't no mountain high enough...

  Jesus said...

"...  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."  Matthew 17:20-21

Are you standing on the edge of a mountain-size obstacle, hardship, decision or problem, wondering how to overcome it? 

Focus on Jesus

Then, watch your faith rise over and go beyond any mountain before you.
With God, all things are possible.  

Ain't no mountain high enough,
Ain't no valley low enough,
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep God from you...

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal