Just Be an Encourager

Just Be an Encourager

In recent weeks, the Lord has placed different “Just be” statements on my heart. This week I want to encourage to you to:

Just be an Encourager

I’m so thankful for each friendship I’ve been given over the years. But there’s one friend who has become a constant in my life.  You see, I realize we are not all wired to be happy and energetic all the time.  This friend is most encouraging, never meets a stranger, and loves everyone she comes in contact with. In fact, she is the most genuine and real lady and pushes me in my daily interactions with people.

Then, I have another person who has been my friend for about five years now.  We may go a bit without actually talking, but somehow there always seems to be time to encourage me.

You see, we all need to be encouraged because life is hard.  The hot mess that I am needs encouragement.  I’ve learned through these friendships to be intentional with my actions and words. This has been a game changer in my life.

What does Scripture tell us?

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

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

How can we be Encouragers?

•        Just simply saying “Hi” and having a conversation with the clerk checking you out at the store.
•       Sending a note in the mail to a friend (yes this is old school but means so much to people).
•        Having Coffee with a friend that you haven’t seen in a while.
•         Inviting a friend to run errands with you!
•        Just sending a text of encouragement or calling them on the phone.

                  I hope you have a Great Week and look for ways to Just Be an Encourager!

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Just Be Thankful

Just Be Thankful

In recent weeks, the Lord has placed different “Just be” statements on my heart. This week I want to encourage to you to:

Just be Thankful

Now before I start this piece, I know the Holidays bring lots of heartache to people.  I just want to say I am so sorry that the weight of the holidays brings your heart pain. I have learned that there is always something to be thankful for regardless of the circumstances.

It seems like every year goes by faster and faster with the days going by quicker and quicker.  In the blink of an eye another year is gone.  We go through our daily routine with all the hustle and bustle.  Sometimes, a few curve balls get thrown to us that can send us into stress mode. 

About five years ago, I jumped on the bandwagon to write daily “I am thankful”… statements for the month of November.  All of a sudden, I felt convicted that God gives us so many things to be thankful and grateful for all year long.

The definition of thankful is- (adjective) expressing gratitude and relief (an earnest and thankful prayer)

Verse:

Psalms 118:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for the steadfast love endures forever.

Here are some different ideas to look for ways to be Thankful:

·      Every day reflect on things you are thankful for.  Write 3-5 items in your prayer journal.

·      Write on an index card or post-it note what you are thankful for and place on your bathroom mirror.

·      Tell a friend what the Lord has been doing in your life (you never know the seeds that can be planted by you sharing).   

·      We need to be on the look out for what God is doing all around us.  For example, the beautiful sunrise in the morning, having coffee with friends, spending time with family.

Just Be "in the Memories"

Just Be in the Memories

The Lord has placed different “Just be” statements on my heart. 

I’m excited to start sharing what God has been teaching me. I’ve fought posting these because of what people might think of me, etc.  Most importantly, my hope is that these will encourage you to keep seeking the Lord.  On my heart this week I want to encourage to you to:

Just be “In the Memories”…

I’m an only child and longed to have siblings so I feel very blessed by all my cousins.  I’m so thankful that the Lord gave me two boy cousins, Bill and Kris, with me right in between them age-wise.

During Holidays, the boys taught me how to play different card games, eat pizza, and shoot guns!

I looked up to them in so many ways and was beyond proud of them for following their dreams and joining the military.  They both sacrificed so much by being deployed and away from their families…

In January of 2013, our family was shattered with the death of Bill in a car accident.  At Bills funeral, my Aunt Kathy gave everyone green ribbons to wear.  I took my green ribbon and hung it on my rearview mirror.

Every day, I’m reminded of the life and the impact Bill made on my life.  I’ve learned that sometimes I need to take the time to tell family members memories and that I miss my cousin Bill.

With the holidays just around the corner I want to Just Be “In the Memories”, to remind those who are missing their loved ones to cherish those memories, and to encourage others to keep their loved ones close, and to seek comfort from the Great Comforter.

Just Be Still

Just Be Still

The Lord has placed different “Just be” statements on my heart. 

I’m excited to start sharing what God has been teaching me. I’ve fought posting these because of what people might think of me, etc.  Most importantly, my hope is that these will encourage you to keep seeking the Lord.  On my heart this week I want to encourage to you to:

Just be Still

From a little girl until now, I’ve always gone ninety to nothing without stopping.  I remember when I was younger, family members would constantly say “You need to be still”.

In my twenties, I would pack my calendar with activity after activity, going to work and then, after a full afternoon of things, getting home late to start my routine over the next day.  One day, as I was meeting with my mentor, she handed me a blank calendar.  I had to fill it out for the entire next week.  My life was too packed and I was not giving myself time to “Just Be Still”.

I learned I had to take some things off my plate and realize that I did not have to do everything. It was okay to say “no”.

Psalms 46:10 tells us “Be still and know that I am God.”

Here are different ways to be still..

·      When I’m still, I place my phone in the other room so I can hear more clearly from the Lord.

·      When I’m still, I limit distractions that keep me from hearing the Lord.

·      When I’m still, I’m listening to the Lord.  Not talking. Listening.

·      When I’m still, the Lord reminds me of His Word so I may apply it to my life.

“Be Still before the Lord and Wait Patiently for Him. “ Psalms 37:7 a

As we start a new week, how can you “Just Be Still”?