pour it on!

 The LORD says...

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

You would think that after only two weeks of classes, teachers and school staff members would still be going strong.  Yet, the first couple of weeks are grueling and hectic and exhausting.  The train is up and running, but it sure took a lot of steam to get it moving in the right direction. A long weekend is just what is needed for rest, refreshment and refueling.

I am thankful for an opportunity to have a long weekend to count my blessings and to catch my breath.  May we come back stronger in Him, as He equips us for the days ahead.  Never doubt the tremendous impact you are making on others.  You might be the only face of Jesus another sees.

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

are you happy?

We are familiar with the humble blessings from the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven..." 

But have  you ever read it with the realization of how happy you should be for being a child of God?  If not, let me introduce you to another version of Matthew 5:1-12, the Good News Translation.

"Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where He sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and He began to teach them:

“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;
    the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
 “Happy are those who mourn;
    God will comfort them!
 “Happy are those who are humble;
    they will receive what God has promised!
 “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
    God will satisfy them fully!
 “Happy are those who are merciful to others;
    God will be merciful to them!
 “Happy are the pure in heart;
    they will see God!
 “Happy are those who work for peace;
    God will call them his children!
 “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
    the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!

 “Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are My followers.  Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted."

In a time where many wonder if happiness is possible, The Good News Translation tells us the answer is an unequivocally yes.  It has enhanced my understanding of true happiness, with a refreshing perspective of hope and truth. 

There is fleeting happiness like from eating a double cone of your favorite ice cream, and then there is continuous, unending happiness from belonging to God.  I am so thankful for the Good News, thankful for Jesus. May we never doubt/forget we have an Everlasting Reason to be happy.

Praying peace, comfort and happiness into your day .

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

makeup matters

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Makeup can make a difference.... good, better, worse or even gosh awful. What products are used, the amount and the talent of the applier all can affect the outcome. It can be a delicate balance of mindful decisions, patience and an objective eye.  And i'm not just talking about makeup on the face. 

The same guidelines can be applied to the makeup of a class or any group.  It's a fine balance of a lot of moving parts possessing different temperaments, characteristics and abilities blended by a leader/teacher for a successful outcome. Some areas (or people) need more attention than others. It takes a mindful artist and maybe special techniques to blend a face or group making all the features shine their best.

And if we ever need a helping hand, God, our Masterful Artist, is always available.  Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

proper care

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Where you lead, they will follow.
How you lead, they will learn.
Why you lead, they will know, grow and prosper.

As you labor in love, you are right where God wants you and needs you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

you are needed

 "...Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'"  John 21:15

It's what we all have been called to do.

May we feed all the children/students in our path with love, understanding, compassion, patience, kindness and truth.  And with God by our side, we can.  Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

following you

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Where you lead, they will follow.
How you lead, they will learn.
Why you lead, they will know, grow and prosper.

As you labor in love, you are right where God wants you and needs you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a daily goal

 "Encourage one another daily..."  Hebrews 3:13

It's always right...
it's always needed.

Together we can mend hearts, teach minds and heal souls.

Together we can accomplish more.

Together we can move forward.

Father, i pray and thank You for watching over us.  Protect our children and all of us striving to meet their needs.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

all A's!

 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..." Acts 3:19 

There is nothing much better than the first days of school.  Everyone gets to start with a clean slate... no strikes, no demerits, no detention, no zeros.  From grades to behavior, everyone has all A's.  No wonder the halls are full of smiles and good cheer! It's a wonderful opportunity and beginning for all, no matter the past. 

When we ask for forgiveness and approach the throne of grace, we have that same wonderful opportunity.  Our Father wipes away all the failures, shortcomings and sins in our lives and remembers them no more.  We are then able to serve Him in A+ style.  In need of a new start and refreshment in your life?  There is no better day than today... the "A" is yours merely for the asking!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

i got you

 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

The days leading up to and the first week of school were harrowing... what to do, how to do it, where to go, who to seek. But over and over and from everyone in my path, 2 phrases were religiously repeated...

1. we got you

2. give yourself some grace

While doubts rumbled in my head, the truth of the phrases prevailed.  When the students arrived, i was not left alone.  Continuously, i have been checked on and assisted and questions quickly answered, while i allowed grace to flow freely without embarrassment or shame.

If only i had believed and trusted my new peers earlier, I would have saved myself from much anxiety and fear.

Father, may i expand this earthly lesson to the heavens. Truly there is peace in the fact You've got me and i'm not perfect.  I only need to trust and believe it.  Thank You, Father, for having my back.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's the week... end

 "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11

Lord,

I am rejoicing not because it's the end of the school week, but because it is the beginning of the weekend and time for refreshment and renewal in You.  It's been an exciting first week of school... FULL of fun, activity, chaos and movement. There have been some unexpected changes, hiccups, and confusion; yet because i rest in You, i can still experience peace. Help me set aside some needed quiet time this weekend with You, so i may return Monday with renewed strength.  With You, all things are possible.

Thank you, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

classroom rules

  "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

As a teacher, what do you expect from your class?

1.  Pay attention; listen when the teacher is talking.
2.  Be prepared; read your lessons and do your homework daily.
3.  Apply what you learn to your work.
4.  Follow the teacher's directions.
5.  And, if you need help, ask the teacher.

Would you agree that those expectations are building blocks for the success of the student? To help them get the most out of their studies? And, to reap benefits now and in the future?

We, also, are students and are under the watchful, loving eyes of the greatest Teacher of all... our Father.  Since we are in the classroom-of-life for Christ, may we follow the same guidelines.  He has the desire and ability to equip us with wisdom, discernment, power and peace.  Let us listen to Him, read His Word, do as He instructs, and pray... in times of need and praise.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

lead with love

"Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3

As a teacher, how comfortable are you with the standards, the guidelines, grade requirements and expectations of your position?  As a long-term sub in a new place, i'm not at all.  My head and brain are spinning. WHAT HAVE I DONE? Just what do i know??  Then i hear a small Voice.

Teach by example and with a servant's heart, and the flock will be properly led, empowered and prepared.  Remember the passion that ignited your fire to teach/serve so you may inspire others to discover their dreams.

Sometimes the most important aspect of teaching if not what we know, but how we relate and led those trusted to our care.

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

new kid on the block

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2

After working in the same position and school for over 23 year, i had forgotten how daunting it felt to be new.  When separation, like a summer break, ends, it's only natural to gravitate to those you already know.  Afterall, relationships are important and sharing and reconnecting is fun and good for the soul.

                           

But what about the new faces?  Behind the quiet and even smiling face, be mindful there are likely churning buckets of stress, nervousness, doubts or fear lurching.  Feeling invisible and awkward and even stupid in a new environment is natural... at any age.

May you be a warm light of encouragement to those new faces.  If you don't have time for a conversation or word, at least a smile or simple acknowledgement in the hallway is valuable in melting the ice of new beginnings and calming the heart.

"Hi! I'm so glad to see you here this year!"

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

'twas the night before school

"I will give you as a light to the nations, which my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Isaiah 49:6

‘Twas the night before school and all thru the town,

Children were filled with delight and couldn’t settle down.

Their book bags by the door were packed with care,

Knowing a new school year was almost there.

The children were giggling and tossing in bed,

While visions of super teachers danced in their heads.

Now, across the way, teachers were finally at rest,

They had busily prepared for "day one" - to their very best.

Then out came the sun, shining so bright.

The teachers feared they'd overslept the night!

With a deep breath they grabbed their glasses and peered at the clock,

Alas! there was plenty of time before the school doors were unlocked.

Arriving early for a final check of the room before the bell at a quarter to 8, 

The teachers breathed easily for their classrooms looked great.

The books and supplies were stacked neatly on shiny, clean desks,

The chairs were in perfect order… there was absolutely no mess.

Soon the bell rang, and one-by-one the children eagerly came;

What sweet music to their ears as the teacher called them by name.

Hello Ben, Hi there Emma, Louise and Jada,

Welcome to our class Anna, Tommy and MaKayla!

Come on in Craig, Rashaad and you too, Donna Sue! 

Oh, my! Look at my list, what a wonderful crew!

Now find your seats quickly, the teacher said with a grin,

And she explained classroom instructions so everyone could win.

Her knowledge was vast and she made learning a ball,  

What the teacher had to offer was her gift for all.

The children drooled over the information she shared;

Whether they learned quickly or not, they knew she truly cared.

The teacher lovingly taught all because she truly believed,

Each child deserved her best…and she wanted to meet their needs.

At the end of the day, students and teachers skipped away,

Both feeling happy and relieved it had been such a great day.

And I heard the students exclaim as they rode out of sight,

My teacher is great!! this year is going to be just right!

Yes, my friends, you teachers have the power,

To serve the Lord, our Father and Teacher, each and every hour.

So to Him give your best in all that you do,

And you will make a difference in others, perhaps for an eternity too!

SHINE my sisters and brothers, light up your classroom and world!

It's the beginning of a fabulous school year!  And it all starts with wonderful you!

May we trust God to provide the strength, wisdom, courage and protection needed for each day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

feeling sea sick?

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3

Have you seen the forecast? I don't know about you, but my legs are a bit shaky from all the tossing in this turbulent sea(son)-of-change.

Whatever circumstances are causing the color to drain from your knuckles: 

answers not available
problems not resolved
hearts not mended
bodies not healed
feelings not consoled

No matter the demands, conflicts, heartaches, when God is our Anchor... 
HE HOLDS.
The ride might be wild, but He will safely see us through the storm and into the still waters of peace.  

A furious storm came up on the lake... But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke Him saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and waves, and it was completely calm.

If Jesus can sleep on the boat in a storm, shouldn't we? Oh, for a bucket more of faith instead of fear to calm the nerves. Rest, friends; praying for us to be Jesus with skin on.

Thank You, Father for guiding us gingerly through the week.

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

crossroads...

 "The LORD said: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, and ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16

Living in a new place, i soon got lost with all the unfamiliar turns and twists before me.  My anxiety increased with each minute going down strange roads. With much relief, i soon looked up and read street signs i recognized as the way leading back to where i needed to be.

Father, i am so grateful to know that no matter where i am or what i am dealing with, You are by my side.  Uncertainties are not as unraveling when we rely on You. As we seek Your direction, peace and wisdom follow. You are the safe cornerstone in my world.  Thank You.

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

preparing for a new flock

 "...Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'"  John 21:15

Are you ready...

for a new class

different grade level

new school

new tasks

new coworkers

different priorities

Maybe if we think of it as a fresh start, there will be less anxiety and greater excitement.

No matter what we want to name this chapter in our life, as long as we remember we are serving the Perfect Author of our life, there will be blessings aplenty.  Trust Him.

May we feed all our children/students with love, understanding, compassion, patience, kindness and truth.  And with God by our side, we can.  Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal