all i want for CHRISTmas is...

 "...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4

Like many with family scattered across the lands, we are already busy gathering for CHRISTmas celebrations. Traveling this past weekend to have precious time with our family, we left our dogs at home.  As we departed, the message on their long faces was clear, "All we want for CHRISTmas is you".

What makes for the best relationships?  I think my dogs nailed it. We just need to be with each other... talking, laughing, and soaking up love in their presence.  Isn't "being present" the most valuable gift we possess or can give to each other and with God?  

In many areas of life, i believe my dogs really do know best.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
and He desires for us to spend eternity with Him,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
what a love!
veneal

don't miss the honeymoon

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

First week with students, and the teacher's beautiful smile from last week was MIA. She was excited about her students, but frantically still trying to setup her room in perfect order.  As we talked she realized the most important detail was enJOYing her students while building a rich relationship of love with them.  She walked away 20 pounds lighter.

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

Don't miss the honeymoon. It's one of the sweetest building blocks of your time ahead. Your students are excited about YOU; relish these beginning days with them. 

 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

where do you belong?

"For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16

"Well, John, we will not be here much longer."

"Why not?"

"It's almost summer, and we will all be going in different directions."

"But you belong here, Mrs. Williams, in the library."

And for the past 23 years that is where i have spent most of my days.  I couldn't help but chuckle as i remembered LA asking me at the end of our first year together if i were coming back the next year.  

Without hesitation i told her, "I don't know. I'm not even sure I am coming back tomorrow.  Only God knows the answer."  She didn't know whether to laugh or start looking for my replacement.

Needless to say, i haven't left... yet, but tomorrow is a new unknown day.  And my response to this question is the same today as it was 23 years ago.  

Is that a reasonable way to live or too carefree?  I'm not sure, but it is my way.  God has clearly led me in and out of places all in my life.  Some made sense and some seemed reckless, some i welcomed and some nearly destroyed me, some planted joy and some uprooted pain.  Yet, in the end, God's leading has shown to be the right way, as it allowed His peace to fill and still my soul. Trusting Him and His movement in me and for me is the unerring answer.  

I belong to Him first then, now and always.

Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

breaking the tension

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

It was proving to be a stressful week.  While our Book Fair was experiencing high traffic and sales, we were faced with a nightmare in dealing with insufficient inventory and other kinks.  It required hours of extra work from all involved.

Throughout the school, teachers were juggling with the scheduling of not only Book Fair but several other events and projects for the week.  It demanded a mountain load of patience and a detailed time schedule suited for a skilled technical engineer.  So, when Mrs. H class visited the Book Fair, i found myself unable to contain my urge to prank her.

Meeting her at the door i excitedly told her someone wanted to gift her class with a present for all her students. I led her to the "prize" of invisible pens.  We both burst into whopping laughter reminiscing about her student last year who bought one.  He then did his classwork with his invisible pen, so no one could copy his work... nor could she check it.

Laughter, absolutely some of the best medicine on earth created and given to us for JOY and for healing.  Could you use a dose of it today?  May this sharing with you be a good start.   If you are in a difficult season, remember it will not last forever.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

you better watch out

 "...Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...'"Luke 10:39-42

My Bible did not fall apart due to misuse or neglect, but due to an abundance of good stuff.  Jam-packed with bookmarks, favorite passages, notes, letters, and booklets, it could take no more.  With no warning, the binding blew apart.  Too much good stuff can be as dangerous as too much bad stuff.

How is your holiday season going?  Is it slam packed with good stuff and happenings?  Supporting friends/family in various programs, attending gatherings, preparing special foods, serving others in need, leading a group, joining committees... how much more can you squeeze in before exploding?  Even good people (and apparently reindeer) can only bear so much, especially during the holidays.

Just because it's good, doesn't mean you should say yes and do it... especially if it means not leaving time to sit at our Father's feet.  After all, it is His Son's Birthday, and all He wants is our thankful presence.  

Do you have time to celebrate Him -- with JOY?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

love, JOY and peace to you,

veneal

all i want for CHRISTmas

"...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2-4

Like many, with family scattered across the lands, we are busy gathering for  CHRISTmas celebrations far and wide. Traveling for some visits, we left our dogs at home.  As we departed, the message on their long faces was abundantly clear, "All we want for CHRISTmas is you".

What creates for the most fulfilling relationships?  I think my dogs nailed it... spending time with each other.  Isn't that the most valuable element we possess or can give to each other and with God?  

In many areas of life... love, faithfulness, forgiveness... i believe my kind, wise dogs really do know what matters.  Don't you?

we are loved and chosen by God,
and He desires for us to spend eternity with Him,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

take time to tell...

"Sing and make music in your heart to the LORD, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Activities and demands in our lives are increasing at an ever-rapid pace.  Sadly this was evident when i had a difficult time finding my favorite pictures for Thanksgiving. While pictures of turkeys were plentiful, i missed reading what students were most thankful for this year.

But, hark, on a bulletin board far, far away... and one i had missed, in beautiful colors and writings, was the artwork my heart longed to see.  Seeing me in the hallway and preparing to change out her board, the teacher knowing my passions, brought it to my attention.  OH, HOW MY HEART SANG WITH JOY!

So, i share it with you now, because we need to be reminded of what our children know is important and we, older children of God, sometimes need to be reminded.  And if you don't have time to zoom in and read these, i'm showing one up close that represents the heart and thanks of many.

Thank you, Ms. B, for keeping the fire and hope burning in my heart.  I am thankful for you and the many who continue to inspire me to share the love, goodness and faithfulness of our Father with others.  

There is no better way to enter the CHRISTmas season than with a heart overflowing with thankfulness.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what are you counting?

"He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth." Luke 1:14 

27.... 

What does this number mean to you?

The number of days left to shop before CHRISTmas??

Or, the number of days before you celebrate the birth of Jesus?

Your answer is as plain as the nose on your face.

Relax.  Count it for good and celebrate each day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

sweet surprise

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere." 2 Corinthians 2:14

Focused on starting my morning at school, my eyes failed to see what my nose found... a heavenly fragrance at my desk.  It caused me to stop and savor my surroundings.  My eyes landed on a gathering of beautiful flowers with an even sweeter note from a student.  Her mere presence always brightens my day, but her desire to gift me with flowers caused me to pause and remember how continually blessed i am thanks to her... others and God.

Sometimes we get so busy with our preparations we miss the beauty and kindness God brings into our life, and He has to remind us about our blessings in a different way.  I was thankful i had not lost all my senses and could  enJOY a refreshing, sweet moment from Lilly.

Father, help us to stop and smell the roses You place around us.  May our acts of kindness and love to others remind them of our many blessings from You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it

veneal

Feeling sick?

"PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL our troubles..." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Sometimes, no matter how cautious we are, we get sick.  And as with the stomach bug, sometimes there is nothing you can do except stop, rest and wait for it to run its course. 

 Sickness raises its ugly head in many forms, degrees and lengths... 

loss of job
health issues 
loss of a loved one
ugly disputes
unfair treatment
split relationships
alienation
unstable home life
cruel remarks
rejection 
discrimination

physical, mental or emotional pain

and healing from it comes in different forms...

Yet, there is ONE common denominator in any and ALL healing... God, our Healer and Physician. He comes to us with perfect purpose and healing.  He never flinches or wavers in His mission, covering us with the soothing balm of His unconditional, faithful love.  

Father, often we endure more than we want and more than we feel capable of handling.  But you remind us over and over again, we aren't expected to handle it. When we hurt and feel we can't go on, it's ok.  You come to us and sit with us comforting, tending and counseling until we are healed and can walk again along beside You. On my knees, Father, i can thank You now because i remember and know Your Almighty Power.  In You, i trust. 

On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us...
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

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

veneal
veneal

what did you say?

"Friends, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Do you sometimes have brain overload?  Thinking, planning, doing in many directions? An embarrassing moment recently reminded me speed is dangerous not just on the road, but also in the brain.

A coworker had on a really cute sweater. I KNEW is was a hedgehog on her sweater; we had seen her earlier in the library and talked about how much we love hedgehogs and even read a book about "Hedgie".  

But my MIND said, "hey, that also looks like a porcupine."  So, as we were leaving school, i saw her again in the hallway and said, "See you later, Porky!" 

"What! Oh, no! " My brain said, "Surely you didn't say that!!"

Shocked and quite embarrassed, i apologized, explaining my brain issues to her.  She kindly laughed and i quickly left.

Father, life can be a crazy whirlwind. Please help me slow down.  My brain and mouth need time to connect before my lips open.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

FALL back with JOY

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

No bones about it, WE ALL NEED A BREAK...

Along with my own, i've felt your overwhelming frustration, tears, tension and exhaustion.  Thankfully, a needed rest blessing is at our doorsteps at the end of today. Whether it's a weekend containing a bonus Fall-back hour or one with an extended Fall break weekend, i pray it's filled with renewal, refreshment and restoration. You deserve it!

Thank You, Father, for getting us through the week.  You are good all the time... all the time You are good.

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

a Mighty Word ~ restored

"He leads me besides still waters, He restores my  soul..." Psalm 23:2,3

Before we can be restored, we must first rest...

Happy Friday.  Take time to pull up your blanket this weekend.

REST and then be RESTored.  For many it's the week before Spring Break, and it is going to be a doozy.

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

take a break

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

Make time and space for quiet breaks.

Whether alone or in the presence of others, we benefit richly from peaceful, quiet times.  And nothing is better for quiet time than a good book, especially The Good Book.   

Stop.  Breathe. Say a prayer. Turn a page.  Let God's strength be yours.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

in His Arms

"The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms."   Deuteronomy 33:27

Thrashing about due to exhaustion, overstimulation, unknowns...

Some days it's nothing better than falling in the loving Arms of the One who loves us best.  Have a peace-filled day.

Thank You, Father, for always holding me.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

terror at the door

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears... The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them." Psalm 34:4,7

As i flew up the steps and reached for the door,
i caught him watching me and nearly hit the floor.

With his beady pink eyes, he just stared at me;
His long, thin tail made me jump and SCREAM.

Did i know him? Not really, Stewart Little he was not.
Stewart BIG would describe him best, my stomach was in knots.

What does it take to be filled and frozen with fear?
A little, a lot... something you feel, see or hear?

I remember my God says fear nothing but Him in life;
And the fear of God is a source of wisdom not fright.

So, Stuart, let me tell you, whether you're big or small,
My God promises to rescue and save me from you and all.

Thank You, God, and please help me to trust you more each day;
I want to praise You in all the circumstances as i think, do and say.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

do you have room?

"(Mary) wrapped (the baby) in cloths and placed Him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

What about now?  Do you have room for Him? 

in  your heart

in  your day

in  your thoughts

in  your actions

in  your plans

in  your prayers

Don’t let Jesus get crowded out due to stress, busyness, commercialism, shopping and other added demands of the season.  His Presence in us needs to be always one of permanent residence, especially now.  

Wrap Him securely and tightly in your heart and place Him actively out in your life for all to witness.  Make room for Him in all you do and say, and the true joy and peace of the season will be yours and radiant out to others.  And what better gift to share than Him?  Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ singing

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zaphaniah 3:17

There's a song in the air, and it's for you...

In the midst of turmoil, God can quiet our soul with His love.  Stop, listen and enJOY His song meant for you.

Thank You, Father.

we are love and chosen by God,

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

veneal

all choked up

Jesus said... "I have come that they may have life." John 10:10

Sitting in church i could hardly breathe.  My issue was not due to covid fears nor an uncomfortable sermon, but the neckline of my dress.  As i continually yanked it down, it continually crept up to unlovingly embrace my neck.  Only when i got home to change clothes did i discover the root of my irritation.

In my hurried morning preparation, i slipped my dress on backwards, which also explained the strange wrinkles in the "front" of my dress. 

Anything choking you?

health issues 

work-related concerns

difficult relationships

future plans

necessary events

financial hardships

important decisions

Sometimes all our yanking and pulling for relief is fruitless.

Sometimes we act too quickly, without thought or preparation.

Sometimes we need a complete turnaround.

Sometimes we need a helping hand.

But ALWAYS, and i mean always, we need and benefit from the love, comfort and guidance of our Father.

If anything is choking the "life" out of you, i pray you turn to our Mighty God.  May He release the grip on you and bring new life into your weary soul. Be reminded of Jesus' Words, "I have come that they may have life."  I want that, don't you?

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

what time is it?

"pray continually..." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

There is a --

time to dance... time to be still.
time to sing... time to be silent.
time to doodle... time to observe.
time to talk... time to listen.
time to play... time to work.
time to watch... time to participate.
time to read... time to write.
time to run... time to sit.
time to think... time to rest.

As we move from one activity to another throughout the day, there is one activity in which it's always the right time to do -- prayer.

Because without Him, i am not who i should be.
Say it and pray it... with Him.

Sweet reminder: It is also time for a long weekend. May it be a time of refreshment, rest and refueling for you.  EnJOY!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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