proper care

"Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3 

Where you lead, they will follow.
How you lead, they will learn.
Why you lead, they will know, grow and prosper.
  
As you labor in love, you are right where God wants you and needs you.
May you enJOY a peace-filled weekend!

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

cross thoughts

"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

The first days of school are over, but hopefully not your excitement.  Keep the thrill and joy of the new school year in your heart by staying in touch with our Father every morning.  

May these cross thoughts aid in strengthening your focus, direction and joy for a glory-filled day.

Cross out all others, and put God at the top of your lesson plan... in ink.

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

in for the long haul

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

The walk is a little slower, the smiles not quite as wide, the arrival time a bit later.  School is back in full swing and some of the normal patterns and habits of old are beginning to appear. Are you ready for whatever is in store for you this year?

The joy of the journey ahead depends a lot on us... our attitudes, our actions and our reactions.  We can influence for a better or eternal future in another, but it takes work, patience, love and a belief we can conquer the battles ahead.  Or i should say, a belief that God will provide opportunities for victories as we obediently allow Him to work in our lives. His calling in our life is for good... through our trust in Him, His glory will shine as a witness to others.

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

a Mighty Word ~ encourage

"Encourage one another daily..."  Hebrews 3:13 

From the youngest to the oldest, it's always right... it's always needed.

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

who's your twin?

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

Preparing for the students' arrival for a new year, our administration doctored and fixed "meet the teacher" bulletin boards. 

"Did you see our bitmojis?"

"Yes, i did. I knew we'd both be holding a book."

"Well, you need to go take a closer look at them."

Books weren't the only thing my co-worker and i had in common.  Just like many days at school we were dressed alike. And just like in real life, the bitmoji twinning was unplanned. The saying, we become like those we're around, is true.  Over 18 years of togetherness has produced many twin days and moments for us... in looks, thoughts and actions.

Father, not only do we outwardly become more like the people we are around, we also become more like them inwardly too. I pray it's even more true with You.  As i spend more time with You, i want to better reflect Your ways.  Help me encourage, assist and respond to those in my path with kindness, patience and compassion. The eyes on us today will be the mirror of our ways tomorrow.  And the more we look like You from inside out, the better our world will be for all.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

it's the week... end

"The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11

Lord,

I am rejoicing not because it's the end of the school week, but because it is the beginning of the weekend and time for refreshment and renewal in You.  It's been an exciting first week... FULL of fun, activity and movement. There have been some unexpected changes, hiccups, and confusion; yet because i rest in You, i can still experience peace. Help me set aside some needed quiet time this weekend with You, so i may return Monday with renewed strength.  With You, all things are possible.

Thank you, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

A+ for all!

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..." Acts 3:19

Smile!

There is nothing much better than the first days of school.  Everyone starts with a clean slate... no strikes, no demerits, no detention, no zeros.  From grades to behavior, each and everyone has straight A's.  No wonder the halls are full of smiles and good cheer! It's a wonderful beginning, no matter what the past was.

When we ask for forgiveness and approach the throne of grace, we have that same wonderful opportunity.  Our Father wipes away all the failures, shortcomings and sins in our lives and remembers them no more.  We are then able to smile with a full heart and serve Him in A+ style.  

No matter where one has been or what has happened in the past, there is nothing more refreshing or uplifting than a new start!

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