old is gold

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31

Today our school is celebrating being added to the National Register of Historical Places.  Through ongoing construction, add-ons, adjustments and re-dos over the years, we continue to effectively fulfill our mission of inspiring and equipping students for their future. Since 1929 Pine Street Elementary has been a golden educational foundation for many students.  Blessed with dedicated and determined teachers, administration and support staff, i have no doubt the legacy will continue.  We may be old, but we certainly are not finished with our task.

Aging... how do you feel about it?  It may come at a price (achy bones, forgetfulness, poor eyes, etc.), but it is not all bad.  His Word reminds us, attaining it can also come with honor.

Hmmm... i like the way that sounds.  Old is gold.  I may be old, but my work is not finished yet.  Father, please keep constructing and adjusting me to accomplish Your Will until You say i'm done.

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

I've a story to share...

"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

With so much happening, an important anniversary in my life nearly slipped by unnoticed.  Six years ago yesterday, i was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As God would have it, a friend reminded me of the impact my ordeal had on her. I cried as i remembered, recounting the faithfulness of a God, we sometimes dismiss as distant, uncaring or slack in answering our needs.  I cried knowing He has saved me not just once (on the cross) but numerous times.  I cried realizing God's ability to use all things to the good, whether for us, for friends and family, for complete strangers or for His glory.  Of all the people i want to honor, God is most deserving for the top spot in my heart.

For those who don't know my story, here a recap.

As God would have it, while walking my dogs, i took a nasty fall.  A trip to the emergency room confirmed i had a concussion, but also revealed i had a rare brain tumor.  As God would have it, the physicians at both local hospitals admitted they were not the best choice for treatment. As God would have it, the local neurosurgeon mentioned a neurosurgeon in our state, Dr. Vandergrift, was best qualified for cases like mine. As God would have it, after being whisked to MUSC in Charleston for emergency surgery, He placed me in the capable hands of none-other than, Dr. Vandergrift, a godly, humble man. Dr. V. led a talented team through 3 critical surgeries on me during the next two weeks. As God would have it, one of my nurses was a former member of my home church.  As God would have it, i returned home just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving and in time healed enough to return to work. As God would have it, i have not suffered from any long-term side effects and i am truly a living miracle. My story could have ended differently and that would have been okay.  But as God would have it, He is not finished with me yet... i have a story of wonder and thankfulness, a story to share, a story to remind others His faithfulness is up-close and personal to all!

I don't remember all the details from 6 years ago, but i do remember some significant points.  Things like, the unending comfort and support of loved ones by my side.  The surprising visit of a cousin and friend's son, triggering an awareness i might die. A surgeon discussing in length the seriousness and risk of my condition and surgery. But what i recall most vividly is the complete inner peace. "Peace at a time like that?" you might ask.  Yes -- very strange because i love and cherish my family and friends tremendously.  During these days of questionable health, i couldn't grasp how i felt so peaceful. Having no panic or fear of my outcome, i was prepared to accept whatever fate God deemed right.  There can only be one answer for such indescribable peace... i was witnessing and living God's love, mercy and grace, up close and personal.  It's a peace that can only be contributed to a relationship, dependence and faith in God.   

So, it's a busy week of remembering for me; and oh! what a perfect prelude for our Thanksgiving season. As God would have it, we all have an abundance to be thankful for daily. Thank You, God, for miracles everyday... large and small.

What's your story?  Someone needs to hear it.  Spread the Good News! And celebrate the moments, because actually that is all we have... and that is okay.

friend, we are love and chosen by God,
Thank Him today,
veneal

how will you vote?

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 515:5-7

Father, as we prepare to cast our votes, may we seek Your guidance first.  Help us overcome any feelings of greed, prejudice, selfishness or other that might prohibit us for making godly decisions.   We pray that nothing separates us in first being servants for You.  Because when all is said and done on earth, You are still on the throne and the One who reigns.  And that is a victory we can all celebrate everyday!

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

a Mighty Word ~ appreciate

"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

This week's "Word to Live By" is APPRECIATE.  For some, that's an easy one to apply.  We can appreciate the extra hour of sleep (thanks to Daylight Savings Time), the beauty of fall leaves displaying their rich hues,  and on a deeper level, the sacrifice of veterans who served our country to secure our freedoms. 

Basically, applying the word "appreciate" means living in a constant attitude of gratitude, regardless of circumstances.

Yet, that's not always easy.  There may be times we feel others do not appreciate our efforts on their behalf, or situations challenge us to concentrate on what IS going well or working right rather than what isn't.  Still, God's Word reminds us to "Do everything without  complaining or arguing", so we might as well replace those negative tendencies with positive appreciation! 

No doubt, our perceptions will change as we APPRECIATE all that we have, including difficulties which remind us to depend upon God's power and trust in His sovereignty.

This week, please join me and my friends Linda and Dalene on their "Weekly Words to Live By" Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/ (and/or in their book Words to Live By, pages 37-42) as we activate the word APPRECIATE in our daily lives.

I hope you know how much i appreciate you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ reflect

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

When His light shines through us, we reflect His love and the whole world glows.

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

no costume needed

"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

Whenever i start questioning the existence of current heroes, i don't have to look any further than within a school. Real heroes mentor and guide students everyday in positive ways, helping them achieve their dreams while broadening their horizons. Schools overflow with role models, in many walks of life, instilling godly values and hope.

True school heroes even stick with us after their paying job is over, like Ms. Polly Wolly and Puff.  The goal of our mighty school mascot team was never fame or fortune, but joy to others.  Their dedication derives from a pure heart filled with a desire to lovingly serve others. Payment for them is not in dollars, but in hugs, overflowing in rich benefits for them and all who cross their path. 

Just...
"Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

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

a Mighty Word ~ one

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people." 1 Timothy 2:5-6

One picture can be worth a thousand words.
One book, His Word, is richer than all others books put together.
And, there is One who loves us immensely more than everyone else in our life combined.

Thank You, Father. And, You are the One and Only Lord of my life.

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