important reminder

 "...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind." 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15

Every day in many ways, hearts are beating with joy thanks to your encouragement, help, patience, and kindness. YOU matter to me and others.  Thank you for by making life better.  God is smiling.

Keep tossing kindness everywhere... even outside the lines of your comfort zone. Because wherever it lands, it's good and needed.

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

who is that?

 "... from the beginning God chose you ... May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 16-17

Looking at the self-portraits on the wall, one fact was clearly evident.  How we see ourselves is not exactly accurate. And it's likely not how others see us.   

God, the Master Artist, sees us for who and what we truly are... His Child. He knows us inside out and could identify us with His eyes closed.  No matter our flaws or shortcomings, He loves us completely and unconditionally. If God had a  refrigerator, your picture would be on it with a frame saying, "My Beloved Child". 

                                                
Father, more than anything, i want my portrait to need constant updating.  As each day passes may i bear a greater resemblance to You.  Less of me and more of You is the reflection i want to see in the mirror.  Erase the worries and doubts and keep me known as Yours... with a big smile and a peaceful heart.

Thank You.

we are love 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

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

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

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 

the best lips

"The lips of the righteous nourish many..." Proverbs 10:21

Big lips are in and some are better than others.

The best big lips aren't full of Botox, but full of love serving all in its path.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

when small is GALACTIC

 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing... always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. " 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 15

Can you think of anything small that in reality is not small?  

What about a word? a gesture? a second? a smile?

"Please"... "thanks"... a smile... a helping hand... a nod of approval... any of these and countless other actions have the power to inject JOY, happiness, peace, acceptance and love into someone's life.

Acts of kindness don't have to be earth-shaking events to be meaningful. The smallest act of kindness can be soul shaking.  A constant tremor of kindness has the power to move mountains of doubt, hurt, fear and loneliness with the potential of turning a life around.

As every second counts, so does every action from us.  Never doubt even the smallest act of kindness from you... it does make a difference. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

we have a choice

"Do all things without grumbling or complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life..." Philippians 2:14-16

To be/do or not to be/do... that is the question.

During the recent winter "storm", i had a surprising outing.  Around 1pm Saturday, i went to return a purchase.  After walking in the store from the frigid weather, i found the service area literally in the dark.  Was it closed? Where were the helpers?  Confused, i turned to a smiling employee and asked her where they were.  She politely told me i'd have to come back another time --  likely tomorrow.  What??!?  So now, i have to take my item back through the Arctic to the car and then come back to shop??  She smiled. I felt chilled to the bone.

As i slowly turned to leave, I heard a man calling, "Wait little lady, wait." 

With simmering confusion, i turned to see who he meant.  Running up to me, he politely said, "I can help you."

So, here came my first choice... greet him with an icy face or a smile.

As he happily processed my refund, i asked him why the department was empty.  He shared he was the only one in the store managing all the front store business of checking out and service from 7 to noon.  53 employees had called out.  Instead of complaining, he was doing all he could.  His do-all-i-can attitude melted my sour disposition.

I next decided to stay and shop in the sparsely-stocked store with a new attitude.  I was grateful for what items i could find, and thanked every employee i passed for their choice of being there.  Not only did they smile, but i felt a smile ignite within me too. 

May we encourage and show appreciation whenever we can instead of grumbling about what's missing or wrong.  Spreading JOY delivers richer rewards for all than spreading misery.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the star you are

  "... for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Do 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 2:13-15

It's said most everyone will experience five minutes of fame or stardom on earth.

As a believer in Christ, though, you have the opportunity to shine like a star every day.  Live as you believe, my sisters and brothers, and His Light within you will reflect an eternal stardom -- possessing the power to draw others to His Mighty Love and salvation.  

You are His star; and you are His hope for others to witness.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal

who am i?

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:12-17

"Who am i?" or "Who are you?"  

These are routine questions asked this time of year.  Yet, they are imperative year round.

Whatever the answer... daughter, sister, mother, cousin, wife, friend, employee, teacher, aunt, grandmother, neighbor...  all are important and meaningful.

However, whatever we are is elevated to incredible JOY,  LOVE and FULLNESS when we remember FIRST we are a Child of God and belong to Him. It makes all other things possible and even better.

With Him, we are more.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

can i help you?

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

This morning the first image i saw on my computer was a spectacular sunset. At first glance it mirrored a beautiful angel with outstretched arms. What a refreshing, inspiring and uplifting reminder of what we are called to reflect in our own lives, especially now, to others.

As some of us prepare to return to school, i pray for God to direct and empower us in leading and caring for our students. Just as we know some of their story, we undoubtably do not know the depth of it all.

While the most repeated question over the past week has been “Do you have power?”, may we swap out that question for a new one... "What can i do for you?"

Father, open my eyes and stir my heart in the need of others. I am thankful for all working in my behalf to restore power and peace to my life. While I wait patiently for more normalcy at home, may I be mindful enough to serve You wholeheartedly with JOY. Guide us in reaching out to those in our presence with wide opened arms as a beacon of Your light, hope, love and peace.

Praying for a gentleness and understanding in all as we access and pour out the many blessings we possess.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

just suppose...

 "...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind..." 1 Thessalonians 5:14,15

Just suppose....

• the first smile of their day came from your face
• patience to teach a new skill came from your heart
• words of encouragement came only from your lips
• guidance to complete a task came from your hands  
• compassion for their hurt came from your soul
• the only tears cried for their pain fell from your eyes

Would it really make a difference?  Absolutely! YOU are making a impact beyond your understanding.

Random acts of kindness are critical building blocks in creating a mighty fortress in our Father... and bringing others to Him.  May we keep laying that firm foundation one block at a time.

we are chosen and loved by God,

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

veneal

need a hug?

"May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

First day of school worries... 

How's my hair?
Is my outfit okay?
Did i get enough supplies?
Where is my snack?
Will my classmates like me?

Am I ready for this grade?

Will my teacher like me?

And do you know what is the biggest stress reliever to your students??  Your big smile and welcoming arms.  Jitter bug hugs are best and what is needed most in these first weeks.  Yet, hugs are not just important in the first days, they are important every day.

Just how important are they?  According to scientists, here are some hugs facts:  they reduce stress, pain and fear ... they support immune and cardiovascular health... they increase happiness.  It's said we need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.

Is it no wonder when we speak and hug others in need, we also pray and think of them being cared for in the loving Arms of God.  Maybe an updated version of the above verse could be this:

May the God of HOPE and HUGS fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him so that you may overflow with HOPE and HUGS by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I don't know about you, but i feel like i need to go hug someone.  Do you need a hug?

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live 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