just like Him

"One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor..." (as well as family, friend, stranger) Proverbs 12:26

Looking at a series of family shots, i chuckled.  It was clear she had her daddy's ways and looks.  And why wouldn't she, since we naturally become like the ones we are around? It only makes sense that the greatest influence on  children's behavior is from the relationship they have with their parents.  From quiet moments to funny ones, they see and digest it all.

As a child of God, i pray the same truth for us. May our behavior and thoughts reflect the One we  should have the closest relationship to in our life.  And as we spend more time with Him, may we become more like Him each day.

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." 1 John 3:1

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

successful year?

 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

The end of the school year is close.  How do you measure the success of your year...  by scores, grades, test results?

No matter what your numbers, i pray you see the success of your year through God's eyes.  May the success of your year be counted by the hugs, smiles and thankful hearts of those called yours this year.  The love and understanding from you has produced the sweetest results of all.

you are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

special delivery, delivers

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Do you believe in them? Do you tell them?

Many who have succeeded in life or overcome difficulties, credit a special teacher who encouraged them. In a world filled with pain, uncertainties and hopelessness, teachers have the power to rescue. They can steer the life of a child with words that create and drive dreams into realities.  

Your words... a precious gift of hope and life.

May our words be wrapped and delivered in shiny silver boxes and not crumpled brown bags. 

When we choose love, we inspire others to shine.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

remember this!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

God doesn't make mistakes.  YOU are a spectacular work of art! created by the Perfect Master Artist. He has a purpose with you and in you.  

Celebrating you today -- His design is divine. 

I am blessed to call you my friend and sister/brother-in-Christ.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

now more than ever

"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 like we believe it,
veneal

dancing with the stars

"Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrel and harp." Psalm 149:3

There's one big problem with Summer Break... it's the dreaded Summer Reading Slump.  When students break from their reading routine, the brain wanes. Three years ago, to fight the slump and encourage Summer reading, a Fall dance party was planned to celebrate our Summer reading stars.  It quickly became a fun, successful foot-stomping tradition at school.

Father, life can be hard and difficult, and at times down right ugly.  But it doesn't stay that way.  I am thankful for times we can break from routines or stressful times and celebrate.  To laugh and move with a joy-filled heart is pure medicine for the soul.  May we continuously look for occasions to celebrate ...and may we remember daily our greatest reason for celebration is You and Your gift of eternal life.

Shake a leg, swing your head, 

sing a song and thank God!

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live 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!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it!

veneal

seeing stars or arrows?

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." Philippians 2:14-16  

Bouncing off the walls, tying shoes to the desk, crawling over bathroom stalls… clearly, it's the end of school. To create a manageable class, a 5-star program was devised to recognize practically perfect behavior. To set our "clients" up for success,a reward with clout was necessary... like candy.  Did it work?  Yes! Until the sweetness of the deal wore off this week.  Our 5-star classes dwindled to zero this week.  Alas, we can't afford a reward enticing enough to contain their excitement for summer. 

There is another Teacher desiring obedient students worthy of stars ...He's my Teacher and yours.  Father, Forgive me when distractions of the moment get to me, and off of You.  You constantly bless me with goodness in life... rainbows after the rain, the smile of a child... and i miss it while strumming my fingers thinking of what tomorrow holds.  How often do You try to get my attention with the beauty of a sunset or with the wind of Your Hand passing my face and i turn the other way?  The blessings of being Your child is sweetness enough to serve You daily.  I want to be a shining star for You and not a flaming arrow.

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

Words to Live By... pray

 "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: 'In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me.'" Jonah 2:1-2

This week's Word to Live By is PRAY.   Although prayer may already be a familiar habit you employ daily, or even hourly, it's always good to take a fresh look at an old friend.

Let's start with a not-so-fresh look inside the not-so-friendly fish which swallowed Jonah: I can only imagine the dark, the slime, the smell surrounding Jonah as he jostled around in the belly of that fish, still untangling the seaweed from around his head as he hunkered down in his new habitat for three days and nights. Not exactly luxury accommodations, were they?   

And yet, God used that period of tremendous discomfort to bring Jonah to his senses:  ""When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you.  What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land" (Jonah 2: 7-10).

This week as we pray, let's ask the Lord to bring to our attention any situation in which we have not been obedient, any worthless idols we might be clinging to.  Pray He will help us "make good" our vows.  And pray, thanking Him that in His time, He relieves us from our distress, untangles our anxious thoughts, and puts us back on dry land!

For more fresh thoughts about the word PRAY, please read pages 133-138 in Words to Live By:  One Word a Week by my friends Linda Gilden and Dalene Parker.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

celebrating you...

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13

Whether through blood or through your heart, you provide continuous love, smiles and comfort to many children. 

Celebrating you this Mother's Day for your devotion and commitment in making a difference in the lives of all under your care.  Happy Mother's Day!  You are the best!!

we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ shine

Jesus said -

 "(your name), you are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14,16

Shine on...  many are in need of your guiding light.  And with Him, you will steer them safely through calm and turbulent waters ahead.

 

you are loved and chosen by God,

veneal

what a week!

"You have filled my heart with greater joy." Psalm 4:7
 


In spite of confusion, misplaced information, lost material, forgotten schedules and other hiccups, it's been a good first week.  Don't you think? 


If you have any doubt, just consult the ones who really matter at school... your students.  Their smiling face mirrors their heart.

All you have to do is look and listen, to know in their eyes you are doing a wonderful job.  And isn't that what really counts? 
 

You are a smile maker.

friend, you are loved and chosen by God, and adored by your students,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ hands

"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

We are created by His Hands to be His Hands.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, believe,
veneal

off to work we go!

"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 1:4-6

Hi Ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go! 
Do i hear you singing too?  

I've come to realize over the years that contentment with work is not from being on easy street, but from being assured it's the path God intends for you.
 
What a blessing it is to love where you are and what you are doing.  And how can you not love it when it produces a bubbly sea of joy in others.  May we keep the Spirit alive and shining in all we do and say.  The results will be off the charts, scoring record breaking smiles.

 

You are special!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, Shine!
veneal

the longest day...

Jesus said...
"'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'" John 14:1-3

12 hours and counting... for many people this might be a normal working day. But not for me; working 12+ hours is a test of character.  And as my longest day progressed for Book Fair day and night, it wound up more before it wound down.

As my anxious eyes scoured the sea of shoppers, i felt dizzy.  It was a shopping frenzy.  Could i possibly finish with a smile?  Then i thought of the reward to come... a trip to Broncos restaurant with my co-workers to celebrate a day well done.  As my mind filled with the busyness of the moment, i also found comfort and peace knowing that an end was coming, and it would be a good one.

Sometimes our longest days are planned, and sometimes they just happen.  In spite of the headaches, foot-aches, and heartaches, there is good news.  This time will not last forever.  If you are in the midst of the longest day, may God sustain and carry you to the next minute, and then the next minute, and then the next minute until you reach the minute you can rest in His peace. 

He cares, He can, He will get us through each day/season, no matter how hard or long.  There is Light at the end.

Thank You, Father.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

who's to blame?

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

From the inception of the Salt Shakers for Him devotionals, my heart's desire has been and is to encourage, inspire and lift up teachers, school staff members and anyone else in need of our Father's love.  Anger has rarely fueled my writings, but last week numbness and disbelief put sparks in my heart.

After the horrific tragedy in California, a prominent U.S. newspaper covered it's front page with, "GOD ISN'T FIXING THIS".

I was stunned and angry.  Are they really blaming God for this?  My first thought was how dare they attack my God. Then i realized they don't know my God.

God doesn't desire puppets, but designed us with freewill. We are created by Him, for Him to know-love-worship Him. Our hearts are built with a void only He can fill. Yet, He leaves it to us to decide.  

From the beginning of time, troubles have existed. Thankfully, God has not forsaken man, despite our sinful ways. He continuously and faithfully seek us out of darkness. God loves us so much He sent His only Son Jesus to save us, to fill us with His Holy Spirit and to provide eternal life.

So what has happened?  Our God fixed a Perfect Plan, man chose to stray. As i see it, the problem is not with God, but with man's unwillingness to accept His love.  And maybe there is also a breakdown with man's inability or lack of boldness in sharing Jesus with others.  Jesus' great commission is for all -- go and make disciples in all the world.  Is having Jesus in our heart enough? Jesus said go, go and do.  Together we can strengthen and grow the front line of God's people by believing, living, going and telling God's story.

For several days a verse from Galatians echoed in my head... What has happened to all your joy?  Can we still be joyful at this time?  Yes. I refuse to give Satan satisfaction in stealing it. Now is the perfect time to fuel our mission to tell and show others about God. This our Holy Season, the birth of Jesus, is worthy of joyous celebration. Because of His birth, Hope is instilled for today and for tomorrow. We rest in the knowledge God is the final Victor.  Evil will be defeated and all God's people will reign with Him forever and ever. 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Go, tell it on the mountains, Jesus Christ has come!
Tell it!  live it! 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

what students need most

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

Start of school is not without a few bumps and yield signs. Not all textbooks and electronic devices are in and ready for student use.  But fortunately the most important item is in place and producing results.  It's you!  Ask any student and their big smiles will quickly tell you what they wanted to see most when returning to school was their teacher.

It what you do... and what's needed most. To genuinely love and care for each student.  Not everything comes from books or technology; what's needed most comes from your heart. 

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

it's not time to go... yet

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

We are in the last week of school, and many are ready to be done. It's tempting to toss remaining lesson plans out the door and just let the fun, games and movies begin. But, what if...

What if Jesus had stopped praying or teaching or healing a week before His crucifixion? Do you think it would have made a difference? 

Jesus gave His all until the very end.  He never stopped, even on the cross.  He didn't miss an opportunity to teach and share the Truth on salvation and eternal life. If He saved just one more in His final hours, He found it worthy of His effort.

Father, as the final days surround us, lift us up and fill us with Your Spirit so we may continue teaching with a heart filled with compassion and love.  There might be just one more student who would greatly benefit from a lesson.  Keep us alert to teachable moments to the last bell.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ humble

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:9


Big heart, small head. 

Father, help me keep my heart and head in the right proportions.  I want to humbly serve you.  

friend, we are love and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ ready

"You have filled my heart with greater joy." Psalm 4:7

WHO is ready for school?

Who is going to bring hope for better days ahead? You!
Who provides joy in learning to students? You!
Who makes a difference in the life of others? You!
Who has an opportunity to make an impact for eternity? You!

The love and devotion to "your" children  is evident.  You have planned, prepared and prayed.  It will be a wonder-filled year! I am honored to be a part of your team.

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,
veneal