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

You are my Sonshine

  Jesus said...

"Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

"Son"shine -- God gave Jesus to us unconditionally to make us free,

No one, no thing, no circumstance can rip Him away from you or me.

Forever yours, forever mine....

Our God is with us all the time.

Let's sing a song of thanks and praise,

Because God's Love is Mighty all night and day.

You are my Sonshine...  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

essential life notes

"... a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself?" Romans 2:20-21

Needing more flexibility in my personal life, yet loving my job in the library, i made a change.  After CHRISTmas (and 23.5 years), i retired from my position as a school media assistant and embarked on a new journey.  Serving as a substitute teacher felt like the perfect solution.  And it has been, although i have faced a learning curve in this new adventure. 

In my initial plan, i limited my availability to where and what levels i would work.  It was then i discovered my 2025 word from church was spot-on... expand. 

For I quickly realized, i needed to open my mind and heart to other opportunities if i truly wanted to serve. While i wasn't interested in working outside my comfort zone, expanding my territory has shone to be a blessing.  Not only has it increased my world of friends, it has demonstrated an old dog can truly learn new tricks. I might not learn as fast as others, but i can learn to adapt to new situations. And the most important part?  I have a feeling of peace, JOY and belonging where i am.  

Are you facing an unplanned, unwanted, uncertain change?  Take it from me, have an open mind and heart and give it a try.  God plants rainbows and Sonshine in some of the most unlikely or unexpected places.  Where He leads you, it is good and serves a purpose.  I pray you find yourself willing to go and grow, as you trust Him in all things. When we limited the gifts God gives us, we limit our ability to serve Him wholeheartedly.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

just keep swimming

 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Keeping our roots in His Living Waters builds and strengthens our faith, especially during turbulent, stressful times.  Because of God's love for us, we will not perish, but produce.

And when we thrive bearing the Fruit of the Spirit, others taste and see how good God is.  You, my friend, are a blooming beauty feeding and witnessing all in your path.

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 rich foundation of Love, Mercy and Grace.  Rocks, droughts and difficulties along the way aren't meant to deter our growth, but to push us into a deeper relationship with You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

remember this

"They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer." Psalm 78:35

Rough day, hard decision, tough love, dark hours, unfair treatment, chaotic schedule, endless demands. Just remember...

Who you are and Whose you are. God is our Rock and Savior through it all.  He has not forgotten nor abandoned us... NEVER.

Thank You, Father.

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

the morning after

 "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that by our actions and words. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  

Thank You for saving me.  May i live each day in gratitude to You.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

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? 

Father, may my actions and words always reflect my choice in life is You and fulfilling Your will for my life.

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 the full moon is mesmerizing. So full and bright, it is almost touchable and so breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 years 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? 

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, his personal desires/gains ... yet there is some Judas in all of us.

Are you still holding 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

the countdown is already on....

The significance of each day in Holy Week, needs to be remembered. Due to shortcomings, i want to backtrack two days. Please allow me to start with Palm Sunday and move forward, with you and Him.

The Palms Swayed

"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!

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!

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

a spoonful of sugar

 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Her words were like sugar and brought healing to my soul. It was just the dose of kindness i needed... an unexpected compliment, from an unexpected person at the perfect time.  It soothed the hurt felt by the neglect of another.

All around us, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family are in need of sweet encouragement and healing. Sometimes we need to give it, and sometimes we need to receive it.

Father, help us stay sensitive to You and Your nudging. We are grateful for the opportunity to dish it out, as well as, for the opportunity to accept a spoonful of kindness too. Thank you for sweet angels.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

bless you

 "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider; God has one as well as the other."  Ecclesiastes 7:14

Spring is finally here.  I am not a fan of dull gray skies, bare trees and frigid temperatures. But spring does not blossom without its shortcomings too.  Pollen wreaks havoc with all ages, and rain boots are a constant companion for the feet.  

But even with its drawbacks, spring provides us with much to celebrate. After all, we can't have the beauty of new life, lush green trees and brilliant flowers without some misery... like a rise of allergies and illnesses due to an increase of pollen, possible destruction caused by high winds or tornados, and disease-ridden insects affecting fruits and veggies.

Happy is the heart that can still rejoice in the midst of tough times... because God is still good. He has the power to bring excellence even out of hard, trying times. 

Love where you are because God is there -- no matter the season.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

open wide

 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt/(out of your bondage).  Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10

Trusting the One who has the power and desire to free us from everything that attempts to choke the life out of us.  There is nothing more satisfying or sweeter to our lips than Him and His Word.

Thank You, Father.

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

i give up

"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

Unexpected changes and future uncertainties are a rich breeding ground for worry. And i am wobbling knee-high in a pile of worry-weeds.  But the Good News is it actually assisted me in deciding what to give up for Lent.  

This year i committed to give up worry. I choose to consciously pull out the doubts of my heart and turn them over to God.  This has aided me in keeping God in the forefront in my mind and heart every hour, every minute.  

One important purpose of Lent is to give up something that causes us to depend and focus more on God.  I can honestly say by doing so, i feel an increase of His Peace.  I have no answers or solutions to my circumstances, but growing trust in God.  He has this for Lent... and for my entire life.

God hath not promised skies ever blue,

Flower-strewn pathways always for you.

God hath not promised Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain;

But He hath promised strength from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying Love.

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