a mixed bag... good byes

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18-19

The End of most things come with mixed emotions.

Right now, year-end parties are sprouting up.  As i watch and listen, one thing is very clear.  Good byes stir up many feelings:  joy, sadness -- laughter, tears -- relief, anxiety.  It can be sour or sweet. 

Or, maybe not.

Could it be, in the end, all good byes are eventually sweet?  What appeared wrong, sad or painful actually is making way for a better path.  The door that closed made way for a window to open... providing a breath of fresh air with new, exciting opportunities.  

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...

He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

Father, help me see good byes from Your eyes.  They are not the end but the beginning of something beautiful.  Good byes are really Good.  Thank You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ prepared

"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


It's the end of the year, and as a teacher you wonder about the 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?

It may not show today, but you have made a difference. 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.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

it's not time to go... yet

"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

We are in the last week of school, and many are ready to be done. It's tempting to toss remaining lesson plans out the door and just let the fun, games and movies begin. But, what if...

What if Jesus had stopped praying or teaching or healing a week before His crucifixion? Do you think it would have made a difference? 

Jesus gave His all until the very end.  He never stopped, even on the cross.  He didn't miss an opportunity to teach and share the Truth on salvation and eternal life. If He saved just one more in His final hours, He found it worthy of His effort.

Father, as the final days surround us, lift us up and fill us with Your Spirit so we may continue teaching with a heart filled with compassion and love.  There might be just one more student who would greatly benefit from a lesson.  Keep us alert to teachable moments to the last bell.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ sacrifice

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works... We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..." Ephesians 2:8-10

It's a word we are all familiar with in one way or another... Sacrifice.

Yesterday, we remembered and honored our Armed Service soldiers, many who sacrificed their life for the safety and freedom of our country.

And then there is our Jesus. He made the ultimate sacrifice, paying for our sins with His life, so we may have eternal life.  An unmerited gift, yet freely given and extended to all.  I want to remember this every day.

Father, i need to sacrifice selfish ways and wants. Help me live in a way to create the desire and hunger in others to know You and Your wondrous Love.  

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

losing our focus

Jesus said...
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mathew 11:29-30

It's cRuNcH time. 

The school year is rapidly wrapping up, and it's hard to maintain focus. This is true for teachers, as well as, students.  Students are antsy ready to toss books out and celebrate; teachers are dazed drying up their Sharpies with endless testing and paperwork.  A lens adjustment is needed to clear up these last fuzzy, hectic days.

Father, bring my mind and heart back in line to what matters most... keeping my focus on You. Year end expectations are high, demands are rolling, the energy level is surging and the time is ticking loudly. Only looking to You can peace be clearly and completely restored.  

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ HOPE

"Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths.  Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long." Psalm 25:4-5

The student continuously tested the limits of his teacher. But watching his hand, i was reminded, as a child of God (regardless of age), no matter how much we stray during the day, we can always come home to our Father.

When we allow Christ to guide our ways and days, He will help us find peace.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

listen... He's got us

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

News about changes in life can be alarming and cause discomfort.  Whether it's a change in personnel, policy, plans or place, disruptions for most of us are difficult.  Change can instigate a raging ocean of emotions... hurt, fear, grief, guilt, uncertainty, anger, panic, shock, confusion.

So how do we properly channel change?  Through God.

In everything, including changes, God is still in control.  He is aware and will take care of all things in His perfect way.  How He plans to work through and with the changes in our life calls for our complete trust in Him.  The God that holds this world together, holds each of us individually too.

He's got us.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal