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

heart issues

 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Have you ever had a heart problem? I have. It's been turned this way and that way, squeezed, cut, harden, punched, slapped, pulled, stomped, torn, and broken.  Recently, i added to my list an irregular heart beat.  Of all the issues, i consider the last one a good and healthy hiccup.  In fact, i think an irregular heart beat is what i'm after.

Father, i don't want to beat to the same rhythm of this world... where priority is on self worth and desires.  The continuous pounding for more power, more happiness, more prestige, more titles, more money, more stuff is unending and unsatisfying. We live in a broken world in need of a different beat... a beat that considers the needs of others as more important than self.

I want a permanent irregular beating heart in my life, beating first for You, and then for others... in love, understanding, giving, patience, kindness and gentleness.  Strength in obedience to You is the healing i need to truly possess an aMAZing heart.  Thank You.

 ...be wise, and keep your heart on the right path." Proverbs 23:19

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

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

life lines

 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

With tubing and string, the tender, impressionable sapling received strong guidance on how to become a fine shade tree.  In due time, the restraints and guides will all be removed.  And hopefully when it reaches maturity, the bending and shaping from its younger days will result into a strong, magnificent tree.

Our schools are filled with young students stretching and yearning to grow. Many have a wonderful, solid support system at home.  Some are weathering difficult hardships with little to no home support.  As we prepare for today's opportunities, may we remember our instructions and guidance might provide the needed life line for some... connecting and anchoring them to a future with hope and peace.

Father,  Help me to shepherd the hearts around me with Your love and gentleness. 

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live 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

do.not.move.

 "... 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

Feel like you are standing in a mess?

No matter the rocks, the dirt, the heat, the trash, the mud, the bugs there is a reason you are planted where you are.  God will feed, water, weed and nourish your soul for His purpose.  He can work around any obstacle, creating opportunities for His Light and Love to reach others through you.

Do.not.move.

Squeeze your toes down deep where you are in the dirt, and allow Him to work around you and in you. Wait and watch... God's wonders are meant for you too, His beloved child.

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

created in love, by love, for love

 "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I, (your name), am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

God doesn't make junk. You, my friend, are a priceless treasure created by Him for His glory.  

Don't let a rough patch or a little dirt under your fingers get you down. Remember God uses it all for His glory and our good.  Keep going in the confidence God is lovingly working His Hands and Heart in you.

 

By your ways, others will see and know our Father.

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

what do you want to be?

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

Of all the things we can be, may kind be first.

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

you've got this!

  "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheer him up." Proverbs 12:25"

For decades people have searched for a magical, effective weight loss solution, and here it is!  A dose of kindness... it's free, plentiful and easy to dispense.

Let's spread good cheer to others and lighten up the heavy hearts of those around us.

Below are 50 ways to cheer up and encourage a child -- of any age:

You are amazing!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

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

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

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

'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

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

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

you know my name?

 "But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, (your name), He who formed you: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1

 "How do you know my name? Is it because you know my Nanna?"

Although her thinking was correct, it was not completely true.  I knew her name before i realized i also knew her grandmother.  Her face was planted in my heart from our interaction and relationship at school.  So, i truthful responded to her, "No, Madison, I know your name because I know you, and you are my friend too."

And she beamed with JOY.

To be known and loved just for being us, isn't that what we all want?  That is the type of relationship we possess with God.

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.

Thank You, Father...

and we beam with JOY.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

need a buddy?

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

The world is never more frightening and scarier than when you are feeling alone or abandoned in it.  This is especially true on a playground bursting with a field of happy, engaged children. Whether a new student or someone feeling left out due to conflicts or other issues, it is a painful, sad feeling and sight.

I LOVE what i've discovered at a couple of elementary schools.  Their all important, tell-all playground has a Buddy Bench on it.  When someone is having a difficult and lonely time, the Buddy Bench is a welcoming aide.  It quietly signals to all in the area, they are lonely and in need of a buddy.  There isn't a more beautiful and satisfying moment than to see someone answer that need.

I think we need Buddy Benches, not just at schools, but all over the country.... in every park, neighborhood, city and anywhere people gather or visit.

Father, we are thankful we always have a Buddy in You.  May we carry that feeling of buddyhood to the lonely souls we see around us... always.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

it's up to us

"Live in peace with each other... encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind to each other other... be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13,14,15,16-18

Dr. Seuss, i really like you and your zany words, a whole awful lot.

Thank you for opening our eyes and hearts to those like us and those not.

Father, keep my focus on You and others in need of love, protection, encouragement, safety and healthy relationships.  This world You created is so much larger than my personal space and needs. May my words and actions reflect You, even if it's just a caring smile.

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

who hears you

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward ALL He has made." Psalm 145:13

Who matters to God? You do! No matter who you are... small or tall, old or young, rich or poor, sick or well, good or bad... He loves you!

A person's a person, no matter what.  Thank You, Father for your faithfulness and loving us all.  May we be more like You today.

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

veneal