are you lucky?

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."  1 John 3:1

What does it take to feel lucky?  A pot full of gold or a heart of gold?

As always, students have filled my mind with Truth from their simple, pure hearts.  

Think like a child.... of God, because you are.

You are lucky... and immensely loved.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

together is better

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:6-7

Reading a book together, they were totally absorbed in the activity.  When one stumbled with words, the other helped. Together they enjoyed and understood the story better than reading alone.

We weren't created to tackle life alone.  Whether in time of troubles or celebration sharing tears or laughter is sweeter with a friend.

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

disasters... who will help?

" But now, this is what the Lord says... 

'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you...'" Isaiah 43:1-5

It was a violent day at school.  We were blasted by not one, but multiple natural disasters...  a wildfire, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, volcano and flood.  I am thankful to say all teachers and students survived.

While these actual events didn't occur, they were part of an explosive study by our third graders. They had a blast living through these natural disasters.  Our local chief meteorologist, Christy Henderson, kicked off the morning sharing her knowledge and experiences to a very excited audience. 

As the day progressed students, experienced the disasters in classrooms and later learned precautionary measures if ever faced with real disasters from our own RO, Officer Lester.

While it is highly improbable we will ever battle all events at once, we can feel attacked and whipped in rapid succession by more common battles...

beaten by high winds of defeat 

drowning in pools of depression or doubt

life suck out of our soul from accusations

scorched by fires of meanness

burnt by spewing anger in words and actions 

All these internal disasters and more have the ability to unlevel the foundation of our faith by shaking and crumbling it from doubt and despair.

I know of only ONE who can rescue and save us in any and all catastrophes... and you know Him too.  Yet, why are we at times so reluctant to reach out or call to Him?  Are we embarrassed? Are we too proud and self-sufficient?  Do we not TRUST His way is best? Do we fear we have used up all our "free" cards of grace and mercy from Him?  Do we interpret His silence as a disregard to our need instead of His answer to wait?

God did not and never has promised we will not have troubles and even disasters, INSTEAD HE PROMISED WHEN WE DO, WE WILL NOT BE ALONE, HE WILL BE WITH US.

Can you live with that promise?  I certainly can't live without it.  Praying for your belief in our undeniable, faithful, ever-present HERO.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

how did he know?

"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

First Graders' Dr. Seuss Day last week did not disappoint.  From the parade to their artwork and costumes and JOYous celebration, we were reminded to laugh and be loving towards all.  Thank you. first graders and all your helpers.   I loved every Thing 1 and 2 and zillion reminders you shared.

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, with your whimsical flair and delightful storytelling, we celebrate you, Dr. Seuss... and oh, the places we'll go...
because reading and believing God allows freedom, grace and love to grow.

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

caught

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Situations, circumstances, events can throw an unexpected and unwanted 
wrench in our day.  And i can assure you of this, i don't want to be like a deer caught in the headlights -- frozen in blind fear.

Life would be almost impossible, IF we didn’t keep our focus on God and KNOW He is in control of ALL things.   

TRUST HIM, we must. No matter what.

God uses absolutely everything to His glory… the good, the bad and the ugly.  May we keep praising Him in ALL things.  His Light is not blinding, but life-saving.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

i will not cry

Jesus said...

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Pack'em up and move'em out!

How sweet those words as we closed the Book Fair carts and pushed them out. Like the books, the past week delivered a wide range of emotions.  We witnessed all types of genres in the carts and in our hearts -- drama, suspense, celebration, mystery, comedy, crime, heartbreak, magic, horror, and human survival.   

Every day was an action‑packed, page turner from start to finish. It was a sweet beginning and a bittersweet farewell. Like our survival cart i am feeling heavily viewed, used and picked over.  We completed our sale (of well over 4,000 items) and have now moved into a massive reorder mode consisting of over 15 notebook pages filled with sold items. So good bye, BF! We are determined to survive your Wildest Ride yet!

Book Fair came and Book Fair went,
at times we about lost all our sense.

But thanks to great help, here and Above,
we survived a busy week filled with gifts and love.

Believe and know God's Words are faithful and true,
With Him all things are possible, because He loves me and you.

Lord, thank you for hearing my prayers and getting us through last week.  I trust You will see us through the entire process of getting every book sold also delivered.

Because You are with me, i have the strength to survive.  Thank You.

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

veneal 

how are you feeling?

"Be kind and compassionate to one another..." Ephesians 4:32  

Even though Book Fair produced a hectic, cRaZy, maddening work week, it was also full of refreshment for the soul.  Terrific volunteers, extra snacks and coffee, helpful administration and custodial staff, flexible teachers and supportive parents were all magnificent reasons to keep smiling.

But i must say, students win the prize for premier inspiration.  Watching them pool their money together to help a classmate buy a book, buying a book for their teacher or donating part of their own money to our "books4all" wins the JOY crown. Every day, we heard excited students chatter about how Book Fair week is their most favorite week at school... and in this highly techy age that is amazing. 

How can i not love what i do?  When kindness sprinkles into your days like this, hope fills your heart for today and for the future.

Kindness wins and covers exhaustion, stress, fear, anxiety, doubt, uncertainties and more.  Be the blanket someone needs today.  Then, snuggle up with a Good Book, and thank God for our blessings.

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