and then i remember...

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 3:16

Fed the dogs my leftovers...
Couldn't decide what to wear...
Jealous my car isn't a self-start...
Ill about cat hair everywhere...
                                                   and then i remember.

And just what did i remember? 

... the innocent faces depending on school for all their meals.
... the children in soiled clothes and shoes too big.
... students coming to school in a beat-up taxi.
... the girl with roaches in her book bag.

And what i remember the most... their constantly, sweet smiling faces, no matter what their hardships or difficulties. How dare i not be grateful, always! 

God, how come those with less sometimes have more peace?  Is to have less best, reminding us to depend on You for everything? Is this the key to peace?  Your blessings to me are meant to be shared -- to flow from You to me to others.  The Truth is, in giving we all receive more.  Thank You, Father!

have a sharing-filled day!
veneal

i don't want THAT...

"Do not conform any longer 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

The crumbled money in her hand reflected her crumbled heart.  Jada skipped into Book Fair and got a flashy diary.  Seeing it, her friend, Riana, wanted one too, but she lacked enough money.  Riana's smile shrieked to a halt, her eyes cried out for something more.

Are you satisfied with what you have or want something different?  Dissatisfied feelings pop up not only with materialist goods, but godly talents/gifts.  When left on our own, all is fine.  But when around others, we start comparing -- danger grows like mold, dark and ugly.  Instead of seeing how we measure up to God's Will for us, we measure our lives based on others and on earthly values.  Is the one hug you gave a child of less value than the person who donated computers to a classroom?  I guess, it depends on who's standards you are measuring it by.

Father, above all the shouting around me, and the bells and whistles, i want to hear Your Voice, Your Direction, Your Will for my life.  It's not about how much we have or what we do, but how faithful we are to Your Calling.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ strength

"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 2:16-17

Never forget where our true strength comes from... thank You, Father!

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

you need to leave!

Jesus said...
"If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.  Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:29-31

Something was terribly wrong -- i saw too many students and not enough floor.  Instead of two classes, four showed up for Book Fair at the same time.  One of the (correctly time-arriving) teachers immediately sensed the confusion. She quickly and quietly led her class out and rescheduled for a later visit.  A class with class, thank you, Mrs. Peace.

Teachers must juggle their schedules carefully, fitting each day together like a jigsaw puzzle. How easy it would be to detonate when a piece gets moved or taken.  But quick adjustments and flexibility is the better choice. Like Mrs. Peace exhibited with her presence and manner...  it's more important to have the right attitude than it is to be right.

Lord, the next time someone steps on my toes, i want to follow her example.  Let me offer up both feet without whining and be a light for You.

have a thought-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ trust

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him..." Nahum 1:7-8

trust
trust
trust
trust
trust  

trust Him, and be amazed.

have a good-filled day!
veneal 

    

a change...

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5

I changed jobs today.  This week i am a book store clerk, not a media assistant.  Our school Book Fair is a huge fund raiser and requires all our effort and time.  The transformation from library to book store is magical -- like sprinkling Tinkerbell's pixie dust everywhere.  I'll be ringing up more books on the cash register from the Book Fair than i normally checkout from our shelves. 

Do you embrace change with an open heart? I must admit, i prefer the comfort of routines.  I like knowing what is expected, feeling confident in my task, experiencing little uncertainty or fear.  But, there are times when change is necessary. I can't stop change, but i can change my attitude in acceptance of it.

So, here's to wonderful changes!  This week i don't have to fret over what to wear.  Our staff dresses as a team in matching shirts.  Change... i could get use to it and embrace it with a change in attitude.  A right attitude can work wonders in many situations.

have an accepting-filled day!
veneal

grab your hat, and let's go!

" we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Oh, Dr. Seuss, how did you know?
the many injustices the earth would unfold.

Thanks for your colorful, zany characters a-plenty,
a dose of truth from them have taught many.

Be kind to others, do as i say,
love one another, and forgive each day.

Being right in life shouldn't be our goal,
but a right relationship with others is worthy to hold.

And thank you also for encouraging and letting me know,
being different is okay, God has great plans for all in His show!

Hardships, questions and trials are a part of our life,
but if we follow the right One we will have more peace than strife.

So, today we celebrate you, Dr. Seuss... and oh, the places we'll go,
reading and believing with Him allows freedom, grace and love to grow.
 
have a joy-filled day!
veneal