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. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

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

HOLY WEEK... 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

HOLY WEEK... silent Saturday

   "'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

HOLY WEEK... Friday's forgiveness

    "... 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?

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

shine on

 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4: 30-32

Every October, i am reminded of the tale comparing a Christian to a jack-o-lantern.  God personally picks and prepares each of us to do His work.  Through continuous love and discipline, He diligently removes the yuck from us.  He rids us of the harmful seeds of hate, jealousy, anger, doubt, revenge, fear. Once in the loving Arms of Jesus, His Light shines from within us to draw others to Him.

Don't you agree, that's a beautiful tale of Truth?  God's Hands tenderly and continuously on us removing the junk and making more room for His Light to shine brighter!

 
Smile, give thanks and let His Light shine for all to see! With so many dark and painful corners, our world desperately needs more of Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

thanks for your prayers

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

SYATP (See You At The Pole) is today.  

Thank you for joining the millions today praying for our schools. Can you imagine the loud rumbling of prayers for all our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and volunteers pounding on the gates of heaven? Glory hallelujah!!  Rest assure not a whisper, song, plea, praise or smile will escape our Father's ears. May our prayers be unending, because it's never too late to pray.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of incredible sisters and brothers in Christ.  I am humbly honored and blessed to be serving with them in a mission field filled with precious gems... our children.

May we remember, it's never too late to pray.  Now is always the right time.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love, do and pray 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

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

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

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

i see You

 "DO  some  most  part  half  your portion  what you want  what's fair EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life..." Philippians 2:14-15

When we live knowing and accepting  

life is...
not about fairness, but righteousness
not about our way, but God's way 
not about conquering, but surrendering to God
not about independence, but dependence on God
not about our glory, but His...

His Peace becomes ours, shining for others to see where to find Hope.  

Father, direct my ways.  I want others to see and know You through my words and actions.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

beware: high, dangerous winds

"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and 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 the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:24-26

With dangerous, high winds expected, many schools opted for school closure today. I don't think anyone would disagree safety is and should always be a top priority. No matter what actually happens, i am thankful to be safe at home. 

Perhaps being at home won't be any safer than elsewhere, but that's not where my greatest peace is derived.  Like the disciples, fear and panic can surface no matter where we are, what we are doing and even who we are with.  

Mistakenly when we live with Jesus in our heart, we don't expect a nasty, gusty storm or situations to rip through our lives, shredding our foundation, confidence, livelihood, health and faith.  In truth, as we read over and over in the Bible and witness in lives of believers, God doesn't stop the storm and chaos from coming but He does see us through the disruption and restores His peace... in His perfect time and Way.

You of little faith, why are you so afraid?

Whatever the day holds, may our faith in God and knowledge of His immense love for us, carry us boldly through any and all storms for all sources. He has not forgotten or forsaken us. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

dark corners

"and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your  needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame."  Isaiah 58:10-11

How we spend our days, determines how dark our nights are.  We all need to make time to bless another.

Open hearts open new beginnings. And healing happens. God knows ripped hearts require mending from the inside out. While pain might be invisible to the naked eye (or us), God can meticulously use us as a mending needle to touch the hurting. 

Father, guide our words, actions and thoughts so we may assist and provide healing and effective life-saving changes to others. May we aid in breaking through the dark days and hours with Your Light.  Your Word says to us, if we take care of others, You will strengthen, guide and satisfy us in what appears to be hopeless times.  I choose to believe You. Thank You. 

Bless someone today who isn't expecting it and be His light in a dark corner.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

where you lead

"It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4

Where you lead, i will follow...

Oh, to have the faith and trust of a child, Father, that is exactly what we must have with You.

I love You, Father, with all my heart, mind and soul;

Let me be filled with Your peace, so i can be usable and whole. 

With each step i make, take my hand and my heart,

From Your side, do not ever, ever let me depart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you feel safe?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Once upon a time we didn't worry about being safe at school or church.  It was a given. Now they, like other establishments, must address and implement safety measures.  For schools my favorite safety change is the addition of a resource officer (RO).  Just their mere presence on campus emits a feeling of calmness, safety and peace.  The students at PSS love seeing Officer L in the hallway, giving high fives and big smiles.

One resource officer is great, but would more be better?  When i visited recently, I was surprisingly greeted by SEVERAL Officer Ls.  Everywhere i turned, he seemed to be there.  Only one was real, but the cardboard images also provided a magical comfort throughout the school.

Do you feel safe?  While we don't have the benefit of having an Officer L around us wherever we go, we do have One who never leaves us.  

God, our #1 Protector is always with us.  He never leaves our side and is aware of all our fears, issues and needs.  May we trust He is with us and turn to Him at any time. 

Do you feel you need to see His face for assurance?  Just look around... He is there in the face of a friend, the gentle breeze, the singing bird, the warm sunshine on your back, the Bible verse on your desk.  You are not alone... never.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

how are you?

but, God said...

"I will be with you... I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians (or whatever chokes you)." Exodus 3:12, 6:6

If your heart is broken, i pray God gently weaves His love in your tattered, tired heart.  It's normal to wonder how is it possible to serve others when we feel empty? The answer surfaces from the widow of Zarephath lesson (1 Kings 17:7-16).  It reminds us in hard times where the ability to continue comes.

What yoke are you struggling under?  Sickness, loss of a loved one, termination of a career, a new beginning, an unplanned circumstance, financial distress, abandonment, abuse, relocation?

Life will not always be fine. Some seasons uncover events and situations that drain us, causing us to feel incapable of serving or functioning. Whether at home, work, school or even church... with family, friends, coworkers or students... life can take a harsh toil. So, how can we continue when we feel we can't?

I know of only one way... with God. When we are spent out, God comes and infuses His blessings in us exponentially through His Spirit, His Word and earthly angels.  Because of God we are able to go and continue serving.  

Father, alone we are unable to adequately prepare for all our ongoing changes. However, You know and prepare the way for our upcoming needs. Things will not always be fine, but because You are with us, we will be fine.  As we stop and recall Your continuous blessings, may we be renewed and refueled to commit ourselves to loving You and others in this hurting world. 

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

surrounded by Him always

 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—  where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth...
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:1-2,8

My heart was broken.  In a matter of 24 hours, i learned two friends had lost their precious daughters.  Tired and troubled i took my dog for a walk. I went outside to a beautiful, clear blue sky.  As i returned from my walk and "talk", i looked up to the heavens to see a magnificent sight. What i saw wrapped my heart in peace and assurance.  It was a sky full of crosses.  And in the center of one of the crosses was the glorious, glowing sun/Son.

Was this a sign all is well?  My heart says yes... my friends and their daughters are not alone.

I am tenderly reminded, God goes before us, with us and after us.  The days ahead can be difficult, but we will not go it alone.  God will hold, prepare and guide us through all circumstances.

If you are hurting, may you also lift your eyes to Him and feel His presence. God cares, He can, and He will be our tower of Strength through it all. There is no battle we face that He is not prepared to handle. Matter of fact, He  is already working on it in His Perfect Ways. And i believe that with every fiber of my heart and soul.  Thank You, Father.

Hymn of Heaven

Phil Wickham

How I long to breathe the air of Heaven

Where pain is gone and mercy fills the streets
To look upon the One who bled to save me
And walk with Him for all eternity

There will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord

And every prayer we prayed in desperation
The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear
In the end, we'll see that it was worth it
When He returns to wipe away our tears

Oh, there will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord

And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain"

And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain"
"Forever He shall reign"

So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord

So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord

Holy, holy is the Lord
Holy, holy is the Lord

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

a drip at a time

 "... He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

A leaky faucet is normally an unwanted, and maybe expensive problem. But recently due to the below-freezing temperatures, a slow drip was purposely allowed for an outside faucet. While it kept the pipe from freezing, a 3 foot icicle formed from the drips.  Each tiny drip was a contribution to the majestic sight and reminder of the power of nature.

What's dripping in your life? Increased demands, difficult circumstances, undue stress, unanswered questions, unfair decisions, health concerns?  At times issues, large or small, can build up causing frustration, fear and hopelessness, as we face one difficulty after the other.  When the drips are continuous, remembering the immense Power and undeniable Strength of the One collecting them is our true hope.

Through prayer, His Word and encouragement from other believers, i am reminded what is overwhelming for me, is not for God.  Each drip, each tear is lovingly caught and handled by God.  As He tends to the continuous drips in my life, He is also growing my faith and dependency on Him.  When i am weak, He is Strong, He is Mighty and He is still in Control of all things.

Father, thank You for collecting the drips in my life.  May i remember than even with various, ongoing issues, when in Your Hands something good and beautiful can be created. When we are ready to give up, You are still going strong.  I am resting in Your Truths and Love.

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

where are you going?

"Be still and know I am God." Psalm 46:10

Sometimes when life is confusing or overwhelming, i just want to fly far, far away.

But no, don't let that be.  Father, clip my wings and let me stay underneath Yours, because i KNOW the only place for true peace is with You.

For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy." 

amen, amen.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

a day of mourning...

"Jesus replied:

 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself..." Matthew 22:37-39

I don't typically post 2 devotions a day, but today is not a typical day.  It all started this morning when we allowed our sweet Bella to go "home".  With heavy hearts, we let her go.  But not without a flood of emotions and gratitude of all she unselfishly gave us... unconditional love, pure loyalty, laughter, encouragement, faithfulness, protection and peace to name some.  She was not just a dog, she was our beloved fur girl. There are times we didn't always agree or like her ways, but i would take all her good and bad habits a million times over to experience the greatness of a friend she was to all our family. The saying is so true, the greater the love from a fur friend, the greater the loss and pain.

After releasing Bella to the heavenlies, we returned home to find President Carter's funeral in progress. We walked in during his grandson, Jake's, eulogy which caused me to stop, listen, laugh and cry, as well as Rev. Andrew Young and the other eulogies that followed.  I miss leaders like Carter.  President  Carter was not just a President, he was more importantly a great man and humanitarian.  A man of respect, integrity, truthfulness, humbleness and faithfulness just to site a few of his honorable traits.  As President (as with all Presidents),  there were times people didn't agree or support his decisions.  Some might say he was not a great President because of decisions or issues that personally affected their wallets.  I'm not sure if I agree with this thinking anymore, especially when it deters efforts to improve the well being and care of others.  Even so, i would take all his good and bad decisions one million times over to experience the greatness of a person he was to ALL mankind.  

I'll say it again... the greater the love from a person, the greater the loss and pain.

I'm feeling a tremendous, painful loss today for my family and my country.  

God bless you, President Carter, and rest in peace.  And if you see Bella, give her a pat for us.

"He has shown you, friend, what is good. 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

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal