are your ears burning?

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

My ear was burning...  What was going on?  And then it hit me.  Being a klutz not only applies to sports and other activities requiring coordination for me, but evidently for hair straighteners too.  Using the devise on my waves, i clamped down on my ear with the 400-degree plates.  Experience tells us numbness occurs first with a burn. So, it wasn't until after i hurriedly left for school the surging, pulsating pain crept in. Once in the parking lot, i scanned my car for anything that might reduce my pain. And what to my wondering eyes appeared.... Burn Relief gel!!  I don't remember where, when or how it got there... but it answered my painful prayer for help.

Father, i was thrilled to find a quick, effective remedy for my burned ear.  But it also brought to mind another type of ear burning... the phrase we use to suggest someone is talking about us. Burning for good vibes is wonderful, burning for anything else, well, i rather not.  May my actions, motives and words be positive and encouraging to others.  Such behavior brings healing and peace to the giver and the receiver and glory to You.  There's nothing better than a Good Word to sweeten the soul.

Are your ears burning this morning?  Don't worry, here's your Burn Relief gel... i'm claiming you as one of my sisters/brothers letting the Light of our Father shine in what you do. I love doing life with you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the truth about doing

 "Do  some  most  part  half  your portion  what you want  what's fair EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." Philippians 2:14-15

Life is...
not about fairness, but righteousness
not about our way, but God's way 
not about conquering, but surrendering to God
not about independence, but dependence on God
not about our glory, but His.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

are you new?

"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:1-3

"Good morning!  Are you one of our new students?"

Puzzled she just stared at me.  The student with her declared, "She's not new.. that's Mary Lou!"

Oops... i didn't recognize her, and the reason was a strange one.  Mary Lou did not have her mask pulled up.  These days, i'm used to seeing students with their masks on, and i was shocked to see after a year of being masked, how different they looked without their mask.  It was a strange turn of events.  At first i didn't recognize students with their masks on, and now i don't recognize them with their masks off.   I eagerly look forward to the transition days of relearning students without a mask... face-to-face. 

Father, our world is filled with mysteries... identities, motives, behaviors, intentions.  Just when we think we have it figured out, a wrench gets tossed in and confusion enters.  Yet, amidst our struggles, changes and doubts i am ever so grateful to know not all is uncertain.  I am thankful to stand on the solid ground of knowing who and what Jesus Christ is... my Savior and Redeemer.  In Him there is Hope, a Future and Eternal Life.  Thank You, Father, for providing Your Son.  As a believer there is no mystery in Him, just Truth; and He is enough.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ unmoved

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken... says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

We can shake, rattle and roll... and God will still be with us.  What a love. 

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the 1-2-3 on how to be

"... do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16

GIVE more than you take,

SHARE all that you get and

LEAVE with nothing less than your best for others.

And that's how the love of God moves through us growing His Kingdom.

we are loved and chosen by God -- to do His work,

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

veneal

put on a happy face

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart..." Proverbs 15:30

Every direction i turned, reminded me to smile.  It started the moment i arrived at school.  Waiting for me on my desk was a book with a teacher's note on it, asking us to return a student's book to her former school.  I couldn't help but smile as i typed an email to the other school's librarian, telling her to expect a "Smile" in the interoffice mail. 

And then later, we received a box containing materials for our upcoming Book Fair.  It caused me to think, despite the many safety modifications on how Book Fair will operate this year, being able to offer this event in any fashion is reason to Smile!   

We likely will not experience the financial success of past years, and we are fine with that.  A sense of comforting normality is of greater importance this year.  Just seeing and hearing the excitement of our students tickled our hearts.  Their SMILES  and squeals due to the upcoming Book Fair, makes any extra work necessary well worth it. 

And if that wasn't enough to keep me smiling and motivated all day, being treated to a wonderful deli lunch did!

Despite hardships, uncertainties, and disappointments when we look around, we usually can find a reason to Smile!  And if we need some help, God will provide it through His earthly angels.  Thank You, Father.

May your cheerful heart show on your smiling face and spread to others. 

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

a Mighty Word ~ rejoice

"This is the day the LORD had made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Is messy, frigid weather keeping you from what you need to be doing??  

Rejoice and be glad for a break!  And thank our Father.  He knows what we need, and He has a better plan.

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