9/11 - remembering and praying

"...This is what the LORD, the God of your father, David, says: I  have heard your prayer and seen your tears, I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5 

When the world around you crumbles, nationally or personally, what do you do?  At first, we are usually overcome with shock, unable to move. Next, fear and/or anger fill our shattered hearts. Then what? Next, many of us turn to God and others for comfort, compassion and strength.  

As we pick up the pieces, we realize life is not and never will be the same.  But as believers, we rely on the fact God is still in control.  He can restore trust, love, forgiveness, laughter, caring joy and peace.  With Him, we learn how to live AGAIN.  We don't forget, but we can move on with Him.

Today as we remember 9/11, may we thank God for His faithfulness to us... for sustaining, strengthening, comforting and healing us through storms.

God, You are our Peace. Thank You for what You have done, for what you are doing and for what You will do. May those affected by 9.11.2001 feel our heartfelt prayers through Your Mighty Love.

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

a Mighty Word ~ loved

"The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose your because you were more numerous than other peoples (or prettier or smarter or stronger or braver or more successful or sweeter) ...But it was because the LORD loved you!"  Deuteronomy 7:6-6

You are His treasured possession... today and every day... just like the children before us are too.  
Father, help us to love those who belong to us like You do, to love just because.

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

growing wings and dreams

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

A significant part of a teacher's role is to guide, encourage and inspire students in reaching their hopes and dreams.  

Today as you help gather and grow the feathers of knowledge, confidence, kindness and other strengths in your students, know you are contributing to where and how they soar through life. Each feather makes a difference and is important.  The wider the wing span the greater the possibilities.

No one said it would be easy; yet, with your patience and persistence you sure are adding some beautiful feathers to the wings surrounding you. Keep up the Good Work.

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

where are you?

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?  

My help comes from the LORD
   the Maker of heaven and earth. 

 He will not let your foot slip—    
He who watches over you will not slumber." 
Psalm 121: 1-3

Last weekend the mountains provided a needed break for some current faith testing.  During a walk, i realized i was literally and figuratively in the mountain... not on top of the mountain, not at the valley of the mountain, but in the mountain.  Like the walk, my life is constantly shifting.    


As i made the last turn on my walk, i suddenly faced what looked like an insurmountable hill. Should i continue or turn around?  Bella and i considered how far we had come. Tired and dragging, we decided to keep going forward.  Taking baby steps and keeping our focus just ahead, provided the strength needed to finish our walk.  The easiest choice would not have been the best choice.  The view from the top was worth the struggle and sweat.



Are you climbing any cumbersome hills at work or at home? Don't stop, and don't turn around.  Keep your eyes on our Father as you take baby steps. He will not let you slip. You've come too far to miss the spectacular view He has planned for you.  

See you at the top. We will make it, and it will be worth it!  He is a God of Wonder and Might.

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

a Mighty Word ~ wonderful

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I, (your name), am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

 God doesn't make junk... you, my friend, are a priceless treasure created by Him for His glory.  

Don't let a little dirt under your fingers get you down. Remember God uses it all for His glory and our good.  So, shine on, and let others see and know our Father through you.

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

just suppose...

"...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind..." 1 Thessalonians 5:14,15

Just suppose....

• the first smile of their day came from your face
• patience to teach a new skill came from your heart
• words of encouragement came only from your lips
• guidance to complete a task came from your hands  
• compassion for their hurt came from your soul
• the only tears cried for their pain fell from your eyes

Would it really make a difference?  YOU are making a bigger impact than you could ever imagine.

Random acts of kindness build a mighty fortress for our Father!! And, brings others to Him.

we are chosen and loved by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

after the honeymoon...

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."  Psalm 51:12

There's nothing like a wedding and the sweet honeymoon that follows.  The excitement, joy and happiness are incredible. Everyone and everything is magical. Then, BAM! reality strikes, and the true work begins.  The start of a new school year is similar. It was a beautiful "wedding and honeymoon", but now it's time to roll up the sleeves and for the real work and growth to begin.  

As we plod forward through the highs and the lows this school year, let us always remember to keep our face turned towards our Father.  There our joy and peace can be constant because of His unending love for us.  Through Him and by Him, we are able to have the right spirit and heart to serve others in His Holy Name.  

Yes, the honeymoon is over, but the joy and rewards of building wonderful, everlasting relationships in the classroom is just beginning.  Give thanks, and celebrate with gladness!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal