finger pointing

"But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them,

'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone...'"

Father, we are living in turbulent, fragile, uncertain times. So many lies, garbage stones and anger are filling our streets, lives and souls. It's difficult to decipher the truth from lies. And in a hot, bothered moment, it's easy to get pulled into the wrath. May we remember Your finger writing and reduce our finger pointing, so healing in our land can occur. Our trust and obedience to You needs to override and rule in our thoughts, words and actions. Ultimately, the Truth will rise and prevail, as Your Word never lies nor deceives. Help us stay anchored to you as peacemakers and doers, especially now. The innocent need to see and feel Your Presence through us, Your children, more than the stone receivers who are receiving our finger pointing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

roots matters

 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

How are you doing?

If we are anything alike, current issues have unexpectedly thrown you around creating some painful bruises... each producing a greater awareness/need of love, patience, compassion, possibly correction or other lesson. 

Keeping our roots in His Living Waters builds and strengthens our faith, especially during turbulent times. Rocks and difficulties in life are not there to deter our growth, but to lead us into a deeper relationship with God.  And because of His mighty love we will not perish but produce. His glorious Sonshine streaming through us is meant for others to see, so they may witness and believe Him too.  

Father, many days i'm unsure what direction i'm moving and even why i'm moving.  But as long as my roots rest in You, i am confident of Your love for me and trust You will provide the strength and direction needed for each moment.  How grateful i am that no matter what's going on in my life i am not alone, You are with me.  I'm digging my toes deep in Your unshakeable, unconditional foundation of Love as You grow my faith and strengthen my heart and mind in 

serving You where i am planted.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

why am i here?

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

Wondering if you are in the right place?

God has a perfect plan, and we are a part of it.  He created each of us individually for this precise time and task. 

Trust Him. You are right where He needs you.

Smile, and happy Friday.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

be in AWE... SYATP tomorrow!

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in AWE of your deeds, Lord.  Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk 3:2

“AWE” is the theme for See You at the Pole™ 2025, which is all about students praying at their schools. All around the world in every time zone, students will be praying for their school, friends, families, churches, and communities. This is the 35th year for See You at the Pole™, a student-initiated and student-led event.

STATP has grown to God-sized proportions, spreading around the world. God used the obedience of a small group of teens to start an international movement of prayer among young people. Today, more than two million students from all 50 states and more than 20 other countries participate in SYATP. God has used students at SYATP to impact lives and affirm His power to answer those who cry out to Him in humble dependence.  

Isn't it amazing what obedience to our Father does!  One can witness the results of prayers for our schools every day.  God is so faithful, even when we are not. What an honor to join millions of others in prayer for our schools. 

So, mark your calendar. Tomorrow is the day for See You At the Pole. 

I can't wait to meet with you in the morning and pray around the school flagpole.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's official

 "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;  wisdom and power are His.  He changes times and seasons..." Daniel 2:20-21 

Although it might not feel like it, with temps still in the hot and muggy 80's, Fall is officially here.  The sign below brings a smile to my face, as it reminds me to keep looking ahead, a change is surely coming.

Many welcoming and invigorating Fall thoughts of what's coming soon are stirring in my head --

cool weather

pumpkin spice latte

crisp fall leaves

sweatshirts

hats and scarves

fresh apple cake
Fall festivals

colorful mountains
boots

crackling fireplace

jack-o-lanterns

candy apples

State Fair

What changes are you looking forward to?

If the pressure of the moment has overheated your heart, may a calming, cool reflection of what's to come lower your stress.

Thank You, Father, for ah-ha moments. Thank You for revolving times and seasons of refreshment and relief in our life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need a hug?

 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart..." Isaiah 40:11

Teachers are known for teaching, correcting and putting out fires; but i think one of their most admirable and effective qualities is hugging with words and arms.

Fill their need for a hug with you.

A sure cure for jitter bug days and hard days.

When we love like God, we hug like God.

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

feel forgotten?

 "...I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." Isaiah 49:15-16

Ever felt invisible?  Ever felt like the lack of your presence wouldn't be noticed, much less missed?  As a child (and even an adult), it hurts to go unnoticed by others, especially by those we know. Whether an oversight or intentionally, nothing knocks the air out of our gut much more than the feeling of being forgotten.  

While friends, coworkers or family may forget us, we can rest assured, our "Daddy" never, never will... nor will He forget our needs, wants and desires.  He holds our heart next to His, and we are merely a beat away from Him always.  May our value in His eyes be our sustaining power of Truth in trying time.

Thank You, God.

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

you belong to Him

 "But now, this is what the Lord says— He who created you, (your name), He who formed you, (your name); 

'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.'" Isaiah 43:1

Doubting how special you are? Take a moment to remember how incredible God feels when He thinks of your name...

You are a treasure to God. He knows our name, and each one of us holds a special, unique place in His heart that no one else can fill.

Have a blessed weekend knowing who you belong to forever.

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

remembering 9/11

  "...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?  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.

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

God, You are our Peace in all times. Thank You for what You have done, for what you are doing and for what You will do.

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

what to do, what to do

 Jesus said...

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

It's easy doing what's right if the ones around you do too. When people are making good, pleasing decisions, we feel energized.  It's easy to be kinder, work harder and longer, and even go beyond expectations.

But when we stumble on people making unfavorable or careless decisions or ignoring the golden rule, the temptation to mimic their behavior can be a natural human reaction . It's hard to do right when others don't. Why should we bother?  

Because God says so. It's the better and right choice, no matter what.

When we face irresponsible or selfish people, we discover greater peace by choosing the higher road and treating everyone right and respectful... no matter what.  Being less of what God has created us to be builds frustration, inner conflict and a hardness in the soul. 

Father, give us the strength to dig deeper in challenging times.  Our greatest desire is being covered in Your Peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

lean on...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and  he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Lean on God...

When we lean on God, He holds us up through all our rumblings and shaky ups and downs.  He is our One Firm Foundation.  We don't have to understand how, just BELIEVE and TRUST Him.

As believers, we possess a leaning tower of Power with God.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

just hand it to Him

"Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10

Got worries, troubles, concerns, problems?  Hand it over to God.

He's got the whole world, including us and all our issues in His Hands.

Even with all we are facing today, peace is possible because of the One who loves us best.  Let the day begin.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal