REALLY?!!

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Back to normal? No, not quite.  
Due to the questionable weather our space was needed for class photo shoots.  Schedules changed, students got "lost".  In the hallway outside the library, hammer-jack drilling for new bulletin boards caused the walls to pulsate and my ears to itch. Was it the tornado drill that got rescheduled or was it the teachers' meeting?

Back to normal? Well on second thoughts, yes.  
Each day holds its bag of surprises. But knowing Who holds us, prevents the unexpected changes from rattling our soul.  Thank You, Jesus.

He IS our Peace...
whether our day is back to normal or not.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

are you surviving?

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 were as the books carts roll away. Like the Book Fair books, this past week delivered a wide range of emotions.  We witnessed times of drama, suspense, shock, mystery, jokes, comedy, heartbreak, magic, horror, and human survival.   

Every day was an action‑packed, page turner from start to end.  But all things do come to an end.  So, good bye Book Fair; we survived the wild ride!

Lord, thank you for hearing my prayers and getting us through the week.  I hope you like the song, "My Redeemer Lives", because i will be singing it to You all day long.

Whatever you are going through today, acknowledge God because He is with you and will provide the strength needed.

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.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ caring

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Speaking up and taking care of each other...  that's what we do.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

Planting seeds

"Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10

I love surprises.  And like most events, our Book Fair provides its share. One of my favorites (thanks to donors) is seeing the thrill of students with financial hardships, "win" a book from Book Fair. 

Mrs. Hart submitted the names of her students she considered needing a book.  But instead of her students, she was the one getting the biggest surprise.  When she checked her teacher gift bag, she discovered gifts from a student on her needs-to-be-a-winner list.  He gave her not one, not two, but three books.  In the eyes of the giver, both were winners.

No doubt Mrs. Hart has planted mighty seeds of hope and inspiration for a child in need. 

Teachers, you make a great impact on your students.  Sometimes the affect is immediate, and sometimes it's a seed planted which flourishes and blooms later.

Keep teaching, keep watering and keep remembering you make a difference. Thank you.

Jesus said...
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.

friend, you are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ unique

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

As special and unique as each snowflake is so are we.  No two are alike... there are no duplicates.


 
God created each of us with a special plan and purpose... filled with talents and gifts to serve Him and bring Him glory.


We are each made by God...


God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

He rules

"Even if i caused you sorrow by (my letter), I do not regret it... yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation..." 2 Corinthians 7:8,9,10

Today i was reminded of one reason we have rules.  Rules are necessary to help keep us from harmful temptations.  Yet sometimes the rules can't hold one back from worldly wants.  And that can be okay...

When we confronted a student today in breaking Book Fair rules, it also broke my heart.  The consequences of her actions are far reaching, but her possible benefits outweigh the negative cost of her mistake.  

Praying her pain becomes a gain in knowing God's goodness and grace. Her regret looked real. Her face reflected hurt. Trusting Him for a changed behavior. 

....yes, breaking the rules can be okay, when our restoration is with God.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal

feeling stuckup...

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

The snow last week slowed things down, but not for long.  We, as many, are now back in full swing.  This week in the library, we even managed to dance, prance and prepare for Book Fair.  

In a fizzling scurry with customers and setup, i grabbed my chapstick for a quick fix.  Unfortunately, my chapstick was next to my gluestick.  Words were not needed.  The message was clear.  Slow down... look... and think before i speak or do.

Are you stuck in a tough issue or situation?  Take time to seek God and let Him direct your footsteps, your heart and your lips.  He might save you from some bitterness.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal