salute to our Veterans

Jesus said...

"Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13

Every saying we hear isn't true, but i am certain of two. 
1. Many hands make light the work.
2. It takes an army to keep our country safe.  

Today, Veterans Day, we stop to remember and to give thanks to the many fine soldiers who have sacrificed their time, and some even their life to protect us and our country.

What a joy to be involved in one of many schools recognizing the importance of our Veterans. Honor, respect and courage are alive and well in the United States.  What wonderful mentors for each and every one of us.

We humbly give thanks for having these special warriors in our schools today, whether in spirit or body... as positive role models to our students. They represent true citizenship, commitment unity and love for one another at its best.

Father, Thank You for our soldiers.  May Your grace and goodness always be with them.  Bless them and their families... as they have and continue to bless and sustain our freedom.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
with a thankful heart,
veneal

you're being called

 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."

So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing his clock aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.  Mark 10:49-52

Could you benefit from a slight revision of the above verses?  Something like this?

Jesus stopped and said, "Call, (your name)."
So they called to me, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Throwing my (troubles, worries, doubts, fears) aside, I jumped to my feet and went to Jesus.
"What do you want Me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
Trembling, i answered, "Jesus, I want (my need)."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
Immediately my need was met, and I will follow Jesus for the rest of my days.

He calls, He cares, He can.
Go to Him, and see what He will do for you today.

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

He knows

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You." Psalm 86:5

Regardless of...

the outcome of a situation
what is said
how you feel
what you do
mindless decisions made

what has happened
how you act
repeated failures or disappointments...

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL AND LOVES US.  period. 

May this absolute Truth restore peace to your aching heart today.  It's the perfect place to start our healing.

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

FALL back with JOY

 "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  Jeremiah 31:25

No bones about it, WE ALL NEED A BREAK...

Along with my own, i've felt your overwhelming frustration, tears, tension and exhaustion.  Thankfully, a needed rest blessing is at our doorsteps at the end of today. Whether it's a weekend containing a bonus Fall-back hour or one with an extended Fall break weekend, i pray it's filled with renewal, refreshment and restoration. You deserve it!

Thank You, Father, for getting us through the week.  You are good all the time... all the time You are good.

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

fighting for love

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

With elbows flying and voices rising, a fight almost proceeded in the hallway.  Spotting my friend Mrs. H, i had an envelope for her.  Yet, as i approached her saying, "I have something for you."  She immediately starting with "Oh no, you don't".  It was just a note thanking her for her friendship.  But she was returning from a recent fall and thought i was gifting her with something else.  I had to tell her it was just a note to stopped her from fighting me off.

How many times have you rejected a blessing, mistaking it for something else?  Acts of love come in all kinds of different packages... some wrapped beautifully, and some slapped together with tape and a prayer.

Father, give us patience enough to see and understand what others are doing.  Together life is better with you and the angels you have purposely placed in our path.  Thank you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

who needs rules?

"And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

You only have to be in a classroom for 3 minutes to realize rules are a must. They help bring order and establish peace at school... home and elsewhere.

 
Even the unruly "Davids" in the room appreciate clear direction.
 
Father, i am thankful for all the teachers who rule with firm love in their classroom, as they strive to cultivate the best for and in each student.  And i am so thankful for the Greatest Teacher of all, Jesus, who provides us with the daily guidance, strength, love and discipline needed for a peaceful life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

slippery slopes

 The LORD said...

"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5 

Rain, loose shoelaces, dogs and wet leaves aren't the only factors causing slips and falls. 

Hurt, doubt, jealousy, business, heartache, fear, sickness, loneliness and regret also have the power to tie our feet up, break our walk and bring us down.  

Father, my knees are covered with scars from numerous falls, but i count each one as a blessing.  While the fall is painful, messy and sometimes even due to my own carelessness, it is not the end of my story.  I only have to look at the scars to remember that healing does come, and it always comes from You.  Thank You for mending my heart, my hurt and my ways.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal