this little hand of mine...

 ...you have helped it grow.

"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 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?

You, my friend, made a difference for a day, a year, a lifetime. 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 

He know and He cares

 "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:5

The tranquil beauty of contained waters remind me of God, the Maker of all things and our constant, abiding Comforter.

Can't you just imagine the shoreline as the outline of God's Mighty Hands... carefully holding each and every tear we've cried?  Whether tears of joy, sorry, excitement, anger, pain, delight, fright -- He has collected and knows the reason for each one. As a child of God, our tears don't fall on the harsh, unresponsive, cold ground, but into the loving, caring, faithful Hands of our Father.  Not a single tear is lost, missed or unaccounted for by our Father. And more importantly, each one matters. 

Thank You, Father, for knowing and caring for me so completely.  From You, i have no hidden joy or sorry.  You who knows all, can be trusted with all.  Help me release any and all fears, doubts and troubles to You.   I want to rest in Your still waters of peace.

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

What causes feet to look beautiful?

It's not sparkly nail polish, a pedicure, corn removal or plastic surgery, but feet marred with knots, scratches, bunions, cuts, and bruises -- our trials and hardships in life.  Experiencing God's goodness and faithfulness in the good, bad and ugly times is meant to be shared. God's unending unconditional love is beautiful, dazzling and life changing.

Take off your socks and shoes and the layers of life that cover... 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

you are needed

 "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

As believers, we all have different gifts and talents God has equipped us with in serving Him. We may look different and bloom/act differently, but rooted in Him, we are all beautiful and needed... just as we are.  Uniqueness is necessary to help grow His kingdom.

Father, as Your grace and mercy flow freely through You to me, may i grow in the Fruit of the Spirit -  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - so others may taste and know Your Almighty goodness.  Feeding on your Word and turning my prayerful concerns over to You, ensures a healthy harvest of faith nourishing our hungry souls and overflowing to others in need.   

As your roots run deep into the rich love of God, the bounty of blessings will multiply... and God smiles.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

i spy

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32

"I spy something red", "I spy a dress with flowers", "I spy a bluebird". Whether in a book, with a group of friends or on a family outing, I Spy is a fun game.  It can be as easy or hard as you like and adaptable to any age. Even as an adult, it can be a challenging game. 

Have you ever quietly played "I spy a witness to Christ"? It can be tricky or easy depending on what clues you are seeking.  If it's the dress or ornaments or talk, you might be tricked.  The best assessment is from their actions.  It hardly ever leads you astray.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only..." James 1:22

Father, our actions always speak louder than our words.  May Your Light in us make it easy for others to find us... and You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

fragile days

 "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

It's been 7 years since Daddy went "home".  At times it feels like it happened yesterday and then at other times, it feels like it's been forever.  If you have loss a loved one, you know exactly what i mean.  Oh how precious are the memories... they help soothe the hurting heart.

One of my favorite memories is taking Daddy Christmas shopping. He did his shopping and secretly bought a special mug for me. He had a talent for making me and others feel special. Unexpectedly, my precious gift cracked, but my memory of the event will never change and will forever be a smile moment in my heart.

Thank You, Father, for holding me together when all i want to do is fall apart.  
I am reminded, no matter how strong our faith, there are times when the hardy-faithful's heart shatters due to pain like a fragile-novice's heart.  Our frail humanity is never more exposed than when we are grieving.  You scoop us up and continue to bind up our wounds... Your understanding has no limit... You question not our recovery time or process. You understand.  You cover, repair and strengthen all the ugly cracks that show up in our life.  You, Father, can restore beauty even out of the worst of times.  I am thankful for memories, but i am most thankful for You.

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

job requirements

 "And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

My first mistake as a substitute teacher was thinking all i had to do was to show up.  While showing up is important, i quickly realized a good substitute needs more preparation, planning and action. I now carry a SOS bag, keep a mindful attitude regarding the teacher's plan for the day and for the students in my care.

Here's my top essential sub requirements:

1. SOS bag - band aids, pencils, erasers, extra snacks, paper, grade-appropriate read aloud books.

2. Once in the room, locate or prepare nurse passes, locate the "black box" for emergencies and keep the teacher's and/or front office phone number on the desk. Meet the teacher closest to the room.

3. Regarding students, they LOVE to help you.  BUT, the first eager students who offer to help usually are not the best choice.  While getting information or notes on students, behavior information is helpful... their family tree is not.  Weed out the unnecessary information and use what matters to have a successful day.

**** Pray throughout the day.

Father, whatever our role in life -- a believer, teacher, parent -- it's not just enough to say we are one, but to act as one. Thank You for guidelines to keep us on track, no matter what we are doing or where we are.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal