P.S. and another thing...

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly at you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

Teachers, your special week is over, but i'm still celebrating you every day!

You were born to make a difference.... and a difference you are making.  Thank you for loving, inspiring, encouraging, and driving our students to be the best they can.  You are shining up the most valuable gems on earth... our children.

The 7 minute video below by Rita Pierson reminds us of the importance of relationships.  I hope you find a few minutes to watch it today.  It will put a smile on your face, and that's a great way to start a Monday morning.  :)
(Copy and paste the link below into your web browser)

http://video.pbs.org/widget/partnerplayer/2365006547/?w=660&h=412&topbar=true&autoplay=false


Thank you for blessing so many... 


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Happy Mother's Day to all!

 "Her children arise and call her blessed... charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:28,30

When asked to draw a picture of their mom, the students' artwork revealed a variety of looks.  But quickly, i noticed a common thread in all the pictures...

all the mothers wore a smile.

Parenting is rewarding, but also very challenging.  I, for one, question and doubt my actions constantly. We might not do it perfectly, but i've come to an important realization. In the eyes of our children, the most important part of our relationship is knowing they are loved unconditionally and that they bring a smile to our face.



Celebrating you and  the sweet impression you make on children.  Whether you are a mother by blood or by the heart, you are putting a notable shine on our most valuable gems.  

Happy Mother's Day to you all!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

stay here, because...

"do good, be rich in good deeds and be generous and willing to share." 1 Timothy 6:18

We are where we are for a reason.

When we bloom where we are planted, God's glory and beauty explodes. I am blessed to witness such a rich field of godly servants around me. Thank you for giving to others.  I appreciate you.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

do you see green?

"And I pray that you, (your name), being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

Well, he had done it this time. Why did he trim the plant back so much? His happy-go-lucky ax chopping killed my plant.

With Spring around the corner, i prepared to yank the ugly brown branches out of the ground. But as i got closer, something caused my eyebrows to curve into a high arch.

Green!  New green growth!  What appeared dead and disgusting was actually alive!  The root system was still strong and getting the nutrients and water needed for survival. 




And in the next few weeks, fresh greens leaves were aplenty.  Now i'm eagerly awaiting for what i am certain will come... spectacular blooms.

Isn't it amazing how things can be brought back to life when given time?

Father, sometimes we feel as dead, ugly and useless as my plant. But thankfully, like the plant, we are still connected to the Root of Life. You, God, are the foundation and sustainer of our life and faith. With a love for us that is wider, deeper, longer and higher than we can conceive, You have the Power to restore, revive and reconnect us.  When depleted of the ability to go and grow, may we come, drink and rest in Your Living Waters. In time, we will bloom and be restored to new, productive life in You. Thank You.


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ seeds

"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

 As a gardener in God's mission field, you are making a beautiful difference.

whoever sows generously will also reap generously

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

oh my! what big feet you have!

 “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

The weekend was filled with exciting festivals, races, blue skies and horses.  Seeing the Clydesdale horses in person, was a special treat.  They are magnificent creatures, tremendous in size from head to feet. As they approached, my eyes were quickly drawn to their feet.  They were dazzling... big, powerful and truly gorgeous.

As beautiful as i found their feet, God's finds the feet of His children sharing His love in actions and words even more beautiful. 
 
So, let's see your wonderful feet.  God will certainly be smiling with delight as you dazzle others in your path with His goodness and love.


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

salt or pepper?

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess...  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another..." Hebrews 10:23-25

"Are you prejudice?"

As one of my friends, she knew better.  "What makes you ask that?!"

"Well, why do you call the devotion group you mail out to The Salt Shakers?"

"You know it's Biblical.  In the Bible salt continuously symbolizes God's presence in our life.  As with food, it penetrates, preserves and aids in healing. As salt preserves food and enhances its flavor, so do we in serving God. We penetrate, preserve and flavor the world with God as we allow His love to flow from us.
But, if you want, i'll rename the group The Pepper Shakers.  Because i like and appreciate all the spices in life."

She laughed because she knew.  It's not the color we see on each other, but the love for God in us -- spurring us in love to serve and know Him better -- that matters.

Giving thanks for all my sisters/brothers in Christ... the Peppers, the Salts, the minced Garlics, the Onion Powders, the Parsleys, the Italian Seasonings.  Life is richer and more fulfilling with an assortment of seasonings.

I am grateful and in need of them all. How about you?

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal