by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Encouragement from the Word, Godly Relationships, Hospitality
My friend Kate and I had a coffee date date with Agnes yesterday and it reminded me of the story I had previously written. I hope it brings you inspiration today!
Excerpt from A Cup of Encouragement – A Refill of Inspiration
The See-Through House
I had it in mind to visit with my neighbor, Agnes, after dropping the kids off at school this morning. As I passed her house, I glanced over to see if she was home. If her front door was open it would be a sign that visitors were welcome at this time. Sure enough, I was able to see through the glass of her storm door, right into her living room. As I continued past the house though, the living room was not all I could see! Agnes also had the back door open and I had a view of the beautiful morning sky behind her house. The clear shot through both of her doors was the perfect frame for the spectacular sight that I would have otherwise missed!
I did go back and visit with Agnes later, and I really enjoyed the time I had to chat with her. Her home is warm and welcoming and so full of light. We chatted about memories and present struggles, and through it all was woven our experiences of God’s grace and mercy. Though there is nothing that can take the place of fellowship with another believer, I couldn’t take my mind off of the view I had seen through Agnes’ “see-through” house. The more I thought about that view, the more I realized that I want my life to be “see-through” as well.
Like my neighbor’s home, I would like my life to have an open front door – a sign that people are always welcome. I want to be available and approachable at all times. Often though, I close the door, hiding my mess, seeking privacy, and masking my loneliness with busyness. It is not that I don’t want the company of others, but instead, I am sometimes afraid of what they might think if I let them inside. Unfortunately, what I often neglect to understand is that it is not what my life looks like that is important to others, as much as the encouragement that I have to offer when they come in.
Also like Agnes, I would like to remember to leave the back door open as well. While an open front door symbolizes a welcome sign to all who pass by, it is the light that shines through me that enables them to see me before they come in. Though the light of Christ is open and wide for all to see, many miss it unless it is framed by an ordinary life. When others can see Christ shining through me, illuminating my real and tangible characteristics, His beauty comes into focus. When I invite others in, but keep closed the door that lets in the light, they get but a faded glimpse of who I really am.
A home bathed in light is beautiful no matter what the contents. A home full of warmth is welcoming no matter its splendor. Leave the front door of your life open, throw open the back door to let in the light. When others see through your life and capture the awesomeness of God, you will be amazed at the company that will stop by!
No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer.
It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room
have light to see where they’re going.
Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room.
Luke 11:33,36 (The Message)
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Tips for Encouraging Others
You may not have picked up on this yet, but I am working on a book about encouraging others daily. At this point, I am just collecting snippets of ideas and examples. If you would like to share a story of encouragement with me, please email comment on this post or email me at wendycuster@gmail.com – I may include a version of it in the book.
Here is one I recently recorded:
My friend, Liana, recently posted about the encouragement jar her teenage daughter made her for Christmas. Kristen used quotes about mothers for her encouragement and her mom was instructed to read one a week for the year. The second message she withdrew from the jar included a timely message that seemed penned for exactly that day! The message was uplifting for Liana and the post not only complimented Kristin, but it also encouraged the rest of us to remember just how much power our written words can hold .
Make an encouragement jar. Write scriptures and encouraging messages on small pieces of paper. Fold each piece and place them into a decorated jar. Present the jar to someone in need of encouragement. Attach a note that explains that they can draw out a note of encouragement whenever they need it!
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | The Art of Encouraging
Connection
We spent all day today driving from one side of our state to the other visiting two of the colleges that accepted my step-daughter, Renee. We wanted her to be able to make a clear comparison between the two, having previously visited them months apart. After each appointment, I tried to ask Renee to share her thoughts about the schools, but she struggled to verbalize her feelings. Renee is an internal processor, she prefers to weigh things out quietly for some time and then share only her ultimate decision. I, on the other hand, need to discuss things out loud in order to think things through thoroughly.
I have a variety of interests – teaching, painting, writing – but my favorite activity is to visit with people. I sometimes view that as an extravagance instead of a necessity, but I am beginning to understand that my time with others is a valuable part of my work life as well as my personal preference. Coffee with a friend is actually an important piece of my creative process. I need to paint, write, and plan in peaceful solitude, but once I have an idea in mind, it comes alive more fully after I share it with someone. Hearing myself explain the idea and listening to feedback concretes the idea and helps me tweak it to perfection. I love collaboration and since I don’t have a team of people to work with, chatting with my friends fills that need for me!
It’s not only talking through my ideas that enhances my creativity, but listening to the ideas of my friends fills me with even more. I gather energy from listening, offering encouragement, and simply being together. A life lived in relationship with diverse friends makes my wheels turn. I am inspired, empowered, and energized.
After reading several articles, I am beginning to believe that spending time with friends is not just a leisure activity, it is one of the most valuable tools to keeping my heart, mind, and even body healthy and alert. It seems that connection is one of my keys to creativity!
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | The Art of Encouraging
I have finally begun to enjoy music again! This will come as a huge surprise to some who know me well. I haven’t enjoyed music in a long time – about 5 years to be exact. I think it because I didn’t have any quiet space in my head – ever – and the music was just more noise.
I have always considered myself to be an extrovert, until recently. I think I may be both. I learned that an extrovert is one who becomes energized by being with people and an introvert is energized by being alone. I love to be with people, but I really need alone time. Though I tend to process ideas by talking them through with others, I need that peaceful solitude to think, plan, and create. When I don’t have enough space between interactions, my brain just becomes a jumbled mess.
I have so many thoughts running through my head at one time! I am often planning classes, writing stories, thinking of new projects, scheduling family activities, wrestling with new ideas, thinking about friends, praying constantly, all at once. I have been known to joke that I have thousands of new ideas per second – and it really doesn’t seem to be much of an exaggeration – but when I don’t have quiet time to sort it all out, I feel like I may explode.
Since I have returned to working from home, I have more control over the quiet in my day. I can vary the time I spend interacting and the time I spend reflecting. I feel like my soul is healing. I still prefer to paint without music – but I actually turn on the music occasionally when I am alone. It seems that quiet is one of my keys to creativity.
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Lifestyle Encouragement
Did I ever tell you that I once prayed for adventure? It was during a time when I was feeling lost, abandoned, and like I was missing out on life. I had already cried all of my tears, prayed my heart out, and slept a lot of my days away, when I began to yearn to live again. I craved adventure and so I asked for it. Do you know what happened? God gave me Jerry Custer!
This man has been an adventure since the moment I laid eyes on him! He keeps my life interesting and things around here are never dull. This farm, the animals, our family, our friends, our life – even a trip to Walmart is interesting with him! One of the first things I loved about Jerry was the way he made me laugh, and he is still cracking me up today!
Today is Jerry’s birthday, and while we don’t have any special plans – I might not even get to see him today 🙁 – I am celebrating him. This man makes all my dreams come true. Jerry believes in me, loves me, shares his dreams with me, and tolerates my craziness every day. While he is not perfect, he is perfect for me.
Happy Birthday baby! Here is to a lifetime of adventure!
