a farewell to some

since I have you in my heart…
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11   

Our school time together is coming to an end.  Although, i might not know your face, i know your heart.  We have shared much with each other… joy, hurts, frustration, disappointments, laughter, pain, anger, confusion, restlessness, sickness and more.  Hopefully, during this time you have also felt the constant presence of God; have witnessed how He guides us tenderly through hardships and trials; and have experienced how He uses absolutely e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g for His good and His glory.

As God has seen us through all times, especially difficult ones, we have grown.   Grown closer to Him, closer to each other and closer to being who and what He designed us to be.  I pray He uses us as a magnet to attract others to Him and His eternal kingdom.  After all, isn’t that our true mission?

Thank you for allowing me to share Him with you.  May you enjoy the glorious “Son”shine with Him this summer as you find rest, refreshment and renewal in Him.

Glory be to God for all things!!

Happily His and grateful to be your sister-in-Christ,  
veneal

wimps welcomed

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and your men/women stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength..." Isaiah 40:30-31

The bookshelves are filling up, and wimpy kids are everywhere.  Being one of the most popular series in the library, it's rare to find one on the shelf. But at the school year's end, they all come "home" for repairs and rest.  

Like the books, i am ready to go home.  It's been a good, but long, busy school year; and i'm in need of repair for my weary bones. 

Father, i am counting the hours.  Every inch of me is crying out for the carousel to stop.  Left on my own, it's easy to keep finding stuff to do. The Truth is my soul finds rest in You alone.  This wimpy kid needs time with just You. Refreshment, repair, rest and restoration -- here i come!  Thank You, Father! I love you! 

Just You and me, that's what it's got to be.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

on the home stretch

"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

The clock is ticking, the students are smiling... and so are the teachers.  I'd say the survival rate for finishing the school year is looking really good.

It's been a wonderful year for many, as well as, long and challenging.  But you persevered, tackled the needs and completed your lesson plans. You've successfully juggled demands from all directions and your students are ready to move on.  It's almost time to put your feet up for the summer.

That well-deserved smile creeping back up on your face...  anticipating the rest,refreshment and renewal to come... is just about in FULL bloom.  Hang in there!  The best is yet to come.

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

fingerprints everywhere!

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory in the heavens...When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers..." Psalm 8:1,3 

The fingerprints of God, we are surrounded by them...

Whether in nature or in His children, God has created a world of beauty with a tremendous divine purpose. God's love for us is as plain to see as a fingerprint on a clean window.  May our love for others be as obvious as His.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like believe it,

veneal

remembering

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."  Galatians 5:1

Freedom... it has a price.

Thank You, Jesus, for paying the price of my sins, so i can spend eternity with You.

And thank you, soldiers - past and present who have protected us with honor, loyalty and integrity - for my freedom at home.

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

seeing stars or arrows?

"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  

Bouncing off the walls, tying shoes to the desk, crawling over bathroom stalls… clearly, it's the end of school. To create a manageable class, a 5-star program was devised to recognize practically perfect behavior. To set our "clients" up for success,a reward with clout was necessary... like candy.  Did it work?  Yes! Until the sweetness of the deal wore off this week.  Our 5-star classes dwindled to zero this week.  Alas, we can't afford a reward enticing enough to contain their excitement for summer. 

There is another Teacher desiring obedient students worthy of stars ...He's my Teacher and yours.  Father, Forgive me when distractions of the moment get to me, and off of You.  You constantly bless me with goodness in life... rainbows after the rain, the smile of a child... and i miss it while strumming my fingers thinking of what tomorrow holds.  How often do You try to get my attention with the beauty of a sunset or with the wind of Your Hand passing my face and i turn the other way?  The blessings of being Your child is sweetness enough to serve You daily.  I want to be a shining star for You and not a flaming arrow.

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

a Mighty Word ~ Created

"Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Mold me and make me as You desire,
Then fill me, Father, with Your Holy Spirit and fire.

Created in love by Your Hands we shall be,
And children of Light for others to see.

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