suvival

"God gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." Isaiah 40:29

It was the underlying theme of my heart... SURVIVAL.  With more glitches than i care to remember, we survived an extremely successful Book Fair.  Yet, it NEVER would have happened without a lot of assistance and flexibility from teachers, administration, parents and our school staff.  It took an army with a godly leader to conquer our continuous issues and to finish strong.

But i must say, not a tear was shed (by my co-worker or me) as we snapped close the Book Fair cases this year.  Sometimes success and goodness in life come with heartache, disappointments, anger and disbelief as well as hope and trust.

Like in many of the bookcases some moments (books) we came down to the the last ounce of patience (copy) before relief (more books) arrived. And in many instances, the actual book did not arrive just a refill promise. 

But in the end, we made it. Survival of the fittest is a saying, but survival thanks to a Savior IS A FACT.  We reached the financial goal we wanted, but is was NOT in the manner we planned.

Through our valleys and fog God carries us and provides what we need through His guidance and through others. Today i am still moving slower than usual due to detours and roadblocks last week, but i am still moving.

Friend, whatever you are going through, acknowledge God because He is with you and will provide the strength needed, whether or not you see it, believe it or feel it.  TRUST HIM, because i promise you, He cares immensely for you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

the.loongest.day.

 Jesus said...

"'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'" John 14:1-3

Technically, the longest day of the year is June 20.  But for me this year it was yesterday... Book Fair Family Night.   7am to 7pm was swamped with deadlines, demands and dizziness, not to mentioned the hours before and after in mental planning and tactical moves to satisfy all customers.

While a 12-hour working day is normal for some, it's not for me.  I have tremendous respect for their stamina, but it's truly a test of character and survival for me.

As the day progressed, i wondered if i could finish with a smile.  Then i looked around and was refueled with JOY by the excited faces at the Fair... current students, past students and future students.  And, i remembered the reward to come... a trip to a favorite restaurant with my co-worker to celebrate a long day well done.  As my mind filled with the busyness of the moment, i also found peace knowing an end was coming, and it would be a good one. 

Sometimes our longest days are planned, and sometimes they just happen.  In spite of the headaches, foot-aches, and heartaches, there is good news.  This time will not last forever.  If you are in the midst of your longest day, may God sustain and carry you to the next minute, and then the next minute, and then the next minute until you reach the minute you can rest in His peace.

He cares, He can, He will get us through each day/season, no matter how hard or long.  There is Light at the end.  

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

breaking the tension

"A merry heart does good like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

It was proving to be a stressful week.  While our Book Fair was experiencing high traffic and sales, we were faced with a nightmare in dealing with insufficient inventory and other kinks.  It required hours of extra work from all involved.

Throughout the school, teachers were juggling with the scheduling of not only Book Fair but several other events and projects for the week.  It demanded a mountain load of patience and a detailed time schedule suited for a skilled technical engineer.  So, when Mrs. H class visited the Book Fair, i found myself unable to contain my urge to prank her.

Meeting her at the door i excitedly told her someone wanted to gift her class with a present for all her students. I led her to the "prize" of invisible pens.  We both burst into whopping laughter reminiscing about her student last year who bought one.  He then did his classwork with his invisible pen, so no one could copy his work... nor could she check it.

Laughter, absolutely some of the best medicine on earth created and given to us for JOY and for healing.  Could you use a dose of it today?  May this sharing with you be a good start.   If you are in a difficult season, remember it will not last forever.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

sticky fingers

"YET, the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" Isaiah 30:18

It happens, and it breaks my heart.

Covered in the syrup of desire, sticky fingers stuck to and took items they wanted from the Book Fair. Some books contain trinkets, creating an unbearable urge to possess them greater than the desire to be honest. Temptation comes in all sizes, and the pain of falling into it hurts to the core for all affected. 

Is there anything you are moving forward with in life without God?  Anxious to take matters in your own hands?  Tired of waiting for God to answer?  Unhappy or bitter with current circumstances? Mad with the lack of or delay of God's actions? May our desires and wishes not propel us forward without God. 

Father, it happens. I want it, i get it, and it breaks Your heart.  Grow in me the wisdom to seek You in all areas of my life and to patiently wait for Your guidance.  How often have i missed the treasures You have for me because i refused to wait for You?  I want to trade in my pitiful temporary fix for Your sweet divine blessings. Trip me up, slow me down, break my leg; just don't let me miss any blessings You have for me.

What God has in store for us far exceeds our expectations... every time.

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal

here's the point

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.  I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands." Psalm 63:3-4

Has something extra been added to your plate?  

The pointers at the Book Fair have it right.  We need to keep looking up no matter what is happening in our life.

At the end of the day, God and our relationship with Him is the most significant issue. He will be with us and see us through whatever crosses our path... the good, the bad and the ugly. May we raise our hands and celebrate His faithfulness and unending love for us, as our actions point others to Him.

We love God because He first loved us.

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

my new job

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5

Today i start a new job.  I am not a media assistant this week, but a bookstore clerk.  The Book Fair at our school is a BIG DEAL, especially for our students.  The transformation from library to bookstore is magical -- like someone sprinkling Tinkerbell's pixie dust everywhere.  I'll be ringing up more books on the cash register from the Book Fair than i normally checkout from our shelves... and trust me when i say, "that's a lot of books!!"  

  

Do you embrace change with an open heart? I must admit, i normally don't.  I prefer the comfort and familiarity of routines.  I like knowing what is expected, feeling confident in my task, while experiencing little uncertainty or fear.  But there are times when change is necessary and beneficial.  The excitement on our students' faces is thanks enough for me to keep going... keep adjusting... and keep smiling.  

Come see us.  We want to put a good, forever book in your hands this week.

Father, strengthen us when we face unsettling changes. Many changes can't be altered, but we can change our attitude regarding them. 

Help us start by trusting You with what's ahead and embracing a change in attitude. May it produce sweet results of success, a spirit of unity for the good and peace to our soul.

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

now, go get and read a Good Book,

veneal

no matter the age...

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

 Never, never underestimate the power of your influence on others...

Whether young or old, we can change the world for the good. 

Through kindness, love, truth and example may we teach this to "our" children as we live it. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

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

veneal