Encourage and Enjoy

Every day I am amazed at the excitement and joy we can bring one another.

When you happen upon someone who enjoys the same type of research or has a common experience or hobby, isn’t it funny how we light up and just talk and talk –learning from one another. Time passes quickly as we further explore our interests and gain new insights.

Truly – all of life’s discoveries, joys, successes and “aha’s” are multiplied in the sharing with another.

Ever see an amazing sunset all alone and wish there was someone there to share that moment? We were meant to live in community, to share in each other’s joy and sorrow. The energy derived from those encounters is evidence enough of that.

Relish those moments shared with another, but in those quiet – wish someone else was here times – be still. Listen. Those are also the times when “God whispers in your ear.” It may be an idea that you know did not originate with you – a thought – an encouragement, but do enjoy that moment, too. He wants to share in it with you for you are enjoying His handiwork.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)

It’s a new day – smile – even if on the inside: it can’t help but work it’s way out.

Attitude of Gratitude - This is love.

I read an email some time ago that stuck with me. The wisdom of young 4 year old Billy in his innocence stopped me with its poignance....and importance. When asked what love was, he responded, 'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy

Isn't that really what we all want...to know that our name is safe in another's mouth; that our absence isn't occasion for our name to be bantered about with speculation, rumor or inuendo?

Wouldn't it be great if we (believers) became known as those with whom your name is safe; that in the midst of this world we were able to convey scripture by living it out? But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. (Job 16:5)

Would those that know you say their name is safe in your mouth? Do our words bring encouragement and relief from the trials of the day?

Tomorrow brings a new day. I will seek to encourage and let the love of the Lord flow through me. Will you join me?

Temptation - Stand Up

So today you find yourself tempted to give in – it may seem harmless – but after all we are building a heritage/a legacy for others to see and say, “you made a difference in my life. You inspired me.” In order to do that, we must not give in, even to what appears to be the smallest of temptations – like participating in gossip, or giving an opinion where not welcomed nor invited, or supposing to know another’s motives in a negative light.

Don’t give in. It will change everything!

You are not alone. Others have been where you are and stood fast for much is at stake. Remember: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1^st Corinthians 10:13

I believe in you and there are so many that are watching your moves this very day to see how you handle the unkind comments of a co-worker, that trial at home or the casual onset of gossip. Be a peacemaker – be bold and faithful. There is a way to stand up keep your very legacy intact today.

And just for kicks – remember for a moment that person you aspire to be – the one God created you to be – and smile.

Here's a great song by Casting Crowns that is right on point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxwcGyaOr6Y&feature=related

Hope and a Future

Thought this would be a good time to remind you – At every crossroad – continue to follow your dream. Whether it’s hot, cold, muggy or mild outside – the dream you hold within should be sparkling in your eyes and give your face that beautiful countenance of light with a dash of joy as though you hold inside something just bursting at the seams to come out.

As we look to our friends – the spark can start a fire within them as well… and even to those with whom we come in contact.

So close your eyes for a moment – FEEL what it would feel like to have achieved your dream just now – let it well up inside of you – now go forward with your day, grateful for the achievement and taking one step closer to its fulfillment.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Amazing, Magnificent You

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Philippians 13:4

What privilege and joy it brings to my heart each time I think of YOU. I am often gulping back tears when I see you – where you’ve been – what God has done in your life. You bless me! Your spirit shines brighter than you know, and while we are hasty to see and catalogue all of our misdeeds, ills, faults and past – we miss that we could shine brighter, love more, and still realize the dreams and visions God has given us if we let those things slough off of us as old skin – retain the lesson, but lose the “yuck.”

It was shared with me once by a wonderful pastor friend that wounds of heart and soul heal. Sure, they are there.. but one day… they hurt less, then a while later they don’t hurt anymore, but the scar is still there. We’ll never forget because of the scar… but it no longer carries its pain and we can move on – loving better – into the world who has seen the wound and now your joy in moving on… and I always see a beaming, beautiful person emerging from the trial…. And I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.

Have a terrific day! Let your light shine bright!

Friends Color Your Life Beautiful

For memory has painted this perfect day with colors that never fade…

And we find at the end of a perfect day, the soul of a friend we’ve made.

Carrie Jacobs Bond

Make a new friend or renew an old friendship today…. Bring life, hope and color to your life and the lives of those around you. Love one another - not just those you know, but those who are brought into your life as well.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34)

Keep Going to Overflowing

Some days you just need to keep going because you need to…. On those days, I count on this little statement/prayer:

“I believe that there will be a perfect outcome to every situation in my life because God is in complete control.”

I am so grateful that I do believe in God, that it is true that He created us in His image and that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (from Psalm 139). Interestingly enough – it also says that “my soul knows it full well.”

Often I confuse how I feel at any given moment with the truth. So today I’m reaching for, grasping, hanging on to…. The truth.

I pray in those times for you that you are able to draw from the rich resource of the Word and be washed over by the truth – that you are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made and that your soul will shine forth welling up from inside so that you DO KNOW IT FULL WELL.

Enjoy your day and God Bless!

Challenges & Character

Often we are faced with trials in our lives. At first we are able to meet them with a positive attitude and a fairly confident feeling that this is just a “bump in the road” and all will be well in short order. Then, unexpectedly, we are faced with a new challenge and start to think…certainly I am to learn a lesson for my life in the midst of this “double whammy.” I’ll make the best of it and see what I how I can grow from it. While still grappling with this “trial” we are hit with another unexpected “opportunity for growth.” We may say – well, they say bad news comes in threes. That’s three, so I must be headed out of the woods now. But that may not be the case at all and we are to hold our heads high with thanksgiving for … we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3b-5 NASB

Whatever we are going through our situation is common to man. We are not alone, but can look forward with great expectation and courage to greater character on the other side…and even in the midst.

 

Look out beyond yourself to bless another today – yes – in the midst of your own trials and allow the love that has been poured out upon you to fall upon another. You may not even know about their trials, but what a blessing to them AND back to you.

Now go about your day seeking to bless and smile. J

Encourage One Another

Jean Paul Richter said, "Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in this life."
What amazing words to live by. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. This year I have heard of more unexpected deaths of people who appeared to be healthy and were making plans that would take them well into their old age.

Were there words that haunted a friend with whom they'd had a spat, a relative with whom they no longer spoke over some imagined wrong? Is there someone that came to mind even as you read this? We must remember to "not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1 And because we know this, let us part in kindness, encourage one another, speak to one another in truth and love.

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Let's start this week off right!