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

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

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

feel forgotten?

 "...I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." Isaiah 49:15-16

Ever felt invisible?  Ever felt like the lack of your presence wouldn't be noticed, much less missed?  As a child (and even an adult), it hurts to go unnoticed by others, especially by those we know. Whether an oversight or intentionally, nothing knocks the air out of our gut much more than the feeling of being forgotten.  

While friends, coworkers or family may forget us, we can rest assured, our "Daddy" never, never will... nor will He forget our needs, wants and desires.  He holds our heart next to His, and we are merely a beat away from Him always.  May our value in His eyes be our sustaining power of Truth in trying time.

Thank You, God.

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

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

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

what to do, what to do

 Jesus said...

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

It's easy doing what's right if the ones around you do too. When people are making good, pleasing decisions, we feel energized.  It's easy to be kinder, work harder and longer, and even go beyond expectations.

But when we stumble on people making unfavorable or careless decisions or ignoring the golden rule, the temptation to mimic their behavior can be a natural human reaction . It's hard to do right when others don't. Why should we bother?  

Because God says so. It's the better and right choice, no matter what.

When we face irresponsible or selfish people, we discover greater peace by choosing the higher road and treating everyone right and respectful... no matter what.  Being less of what God has created us to be builds frustration, inner conflict and a hardness in the soul. 

Father, give us the strength to dig deeper in challenging times.  Our greatest desire is being covered in Your Peace.

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

going in circles?

 "Bless is the person who trusts in the LORD, who confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Life a bit crazy? Feel like you're spinning around in circles?

May you find some comfort in knowing you are not alone.  But may you find the greatest comfort in knowing while spinning around, God still has us securely in His grasp.

Father, some days i'm unsure what direction i'm moving in... and sometimes even why i'm moving.  But, as long as my roots rest in You, the strength and direction needed for the day, i am confident You will provide.  Thank You.

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

makeup matters

“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

Makeup can make a difference.... good, better, worse or even gosh awful. What products are used, the amount and the talent of the applier all can affect the outcome. It can be a delicate balance of mindful decisions, patience and an objective eye.  And i'm not just talking about makeup on the face. 

The same guidelines can be applied to the makeup of a class or any group.  It's a fine balance of a lot of moving parts possessing different temperaments, characteristics and abilities blended by a leader/teacher for a successful outcome. Some areas (or people) need more attention than others. It takes a mindful artist and maybe special techniques to blend a face or group making all the features shine their best.

And if we ever need a helping hand, God, our Masterful Artist, is always available.  Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do 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

you are needed

 "...Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'"  John 21:15

It's what we all have been called to do.

May we feed all the children/students in our path with love, understanding, compassion, patience, kindness and truth.  And with God by our side, we can.  Thank You, Father.

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

i got you

 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

The days leading up to and the first week of school were harrowing... what to do, how to do it, where to go, who to seek. But over and over and from everyone in my path, 2 phrases were religiously repeated...

1. we got you

2. give yourself some grace

While doubts rumbled in my head, the truth of the phrases prevailed.  When the students arrived, i was not left alone.  Continuously, i have been checked on and assisted and questions quickly answered, while i allowed grace to flow freely without embarrassment or shame.

If only i had believed and trusted my new peers earlier, I would have saved myself from much anxiety and fear.

Father, may i expand this earthly lesson to the heavens. Truly there is peace in the fact You've got me and i'm not perfect.  I only need to trust and believe it.  Thank You, Father, for having my back.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal