have you been labeled?

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in Me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea."  Mark 9:42

This week i was labeled a "bad outbound sender".  While the label stemmed from technical issues and resulted in undeliverable emails, it still made me frown. It paralyzed me from sending emails to anyone outside our school system. Who wants to be labeled a bad outbound sender? 

With my boundaries of influence and communication yanked in, i was forced to wait for clearance from the authorities.  I thought how God might like to restrict us, due to our human frailties, in what we do.  Careless or incorrect sharing of Him, could cause one to fall away from Him instead of being drawn to Him.  A danger zone for all involved.

I remember what a neighbor once shared with me concerning her view on believers: "From what I see and hear, many people who say they are Christians are not anything like I want to be."

OUCH!

Father, i want to be an encourager, not a discourager.  Before i contribute to someone stumbling from their faith, please seal my lips, restrict my actions and rework my heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

the promise of promises

Jesus said...
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

When issues, decisions or results are shaking and tumbling about in my head, how very thankful i am to remember that through it all, Jesus is still with me.  And sometimes that alone can be and must be enough.

Thank You, Jesus.

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

an unlikely response

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10: 25

Spring break is over, and the students are back.  While checking books out to them, i was quickly reminded not all students swim or feel the same about returning to school.  

When i asked Lelia about her Break, she admitted she cried Sunday.  I told her, "I understand; i had a hard time coming back too."

"No, that wasn't why i cried," she replied. "I was crying because i was excited about coming back to school and seeing my friends!"  

Wow, i didn't see that coming... i was expecting a lip-dragging response. Yet, her greatest joy for the week was being reunited with friends.

Oh, how i love a surprising breath of fresh air! May we enjoy, encourage and strengthen each other as we reunite too. Thank You, Father, for unexpected smiles and nudges.  

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

Words to Live By... stop

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

For those just emerging from the glories of a slow-down-and-savor-life spring break, how ironic that the Weekly Word to Live By is STOP! What a word to consider when it's time for us to rev up our engines and get going again.  As we re-enter our work zones, the extra time spent visiting family and friends, resting and refreshing just makes us long for more occasions to STOP the rush and crush of our typical daily lives.  And yet, we do have the power to make purposeful stops in our routines.

This week, let's make sure we STOP every day to listen to what God wants to tell us in His Word and through His creation.  And if there's anything in our hearts, minds, or emotions we need to STOP nursing, cursing, or rehearsing, try reversing those negatives into positives by blessing the one or the thing causing the aggravation or distress.  

Springtime is the perfect time for rebirth or renewal.  May we STOP long enough and often enough to allow God to activate that process in us this week.

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger 

Words to Live By #stop (pages 169 -174)

https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Words to Live By... laugh

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118.24

Easter Sunday and April Fool's Day rarely fall on the same day, but what a wonderful "God-incidence" that it happened this year, even going so far as to line up with our Weekly Word to Live By:  LAUGH!

In the Christian faith, we experience much joy and laughter, often giving much-needed relief right in the middle of a dark, distressing situation.

Can you imagine the jubilation the disciples felt after realizing their Savior had risen and was alive again? That celebration goes on in our hearts and lives today.  He is alive!

Keep laughing all week long, Friends, and share the reason for your joy with others.

And if you want to have a good laugh on us, check out our oh-so-silly video on https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/

Joy and blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By

we are chosen and loved by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

the morning after...

"Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

SPECTACULAR SUNDAY!

"HE HAS RISEN!"  Mark 16:6

"But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone! the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!" 1 Corinthians 15:57

It's Easter Sunday

The earth shook, the cloth was folded, His work finished.

And the glory of the LORD shone all around.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

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

veneal