by wendy | Jan 29, 2024 | Encouragement For Your Heart, Encouragement from the Word, Trusting God
“How do I get to the place where asking God first comes naturally?”
This was the question posed to me recently when I reminded someone close to me to pray about a difficult situation in their life. I paused…
”It takes practice – discipline – the more you go to God with your questions and problems intentionally – the more natural it becomes. It is easy to go to a friend or family member first, but they don’t have the answers like God does.”
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
“When we continually go to a person before God – expecting them to fix our problems and have the answers to our deep spiritual questions, it’s actually idol worship,” I continued. “Yikes, I thought – where did that come from?” It was a thought that had been forming for some time but when I voiced it out loud, I instantly felt convicted. This has long been a struggle for me. And apparently, I needed that lesson to be reinforced myself!
In Sunday School this week, the question was asked, “How often do you go to God first – if at all – with your questions and problems?”
I reiterated what I spoke out loud in the other conversation and our teacher asked me to clarify. I stumbled through an example of how I have often used my mom as my go-to problem solver. While that is not bad in and of itself, it becomes idol worship when I choose to rely on her and her wisdom instead of and before the wisdom of God. My mom is a wise and godly woman, but she still does not have the power and wisdom that God can provide. Anything – or anyone – I put before or above God is an idol. Even my mama!
I was reminded of a verse in 2 Chronicles 16
”For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9
As I looked back on that verse today, I got a little more context by reading the full passage (read 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 or more for the full story).
Asa had known the faithfulness of the LORD in previous encounters, but – as my NIV Study Bible notes – he suffered from faithless forgetfulness. We might call this short-term memory loss. Asa forgot to trust in the LORD – he lost confidence in Him. Why? Certainly not because God had stopped being faithful!
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”
2 Timothy 2:13
When Asa forgot to be faithful in trusting God, he chose instead to place his faith in a person. How often have I done this? Too many to recount.
Here is more from the commentary in my Study Bible notes.
”It is not sin to use human means to solve our problems, but it is a sin to trust them more than God, to think their ways are better than God’s ways, or to leave God completely out of the problem-solving process.”
NIV Life Application Study Bible
The prophet, Hanani, explains it like this:
”Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped your hand… Yet when you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand.”
2 Chronicles 16:7b, 8b
It begs the question of me, “Who do I rely upon? To whom am I committed?”
“Trust in the Lord and do good;
Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
He will bring out your righteousness as the light,
And your judgment as the noonday.”
Psalm 37:3-6 (NASB)
Am I forgetfully faithless?
OR
Am I cultivating faithfulness?
”But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33
by wendy | Mar 7, 2023 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Encouragement from the Word, Godly Relationships, Tips for Encouraging Others
Watch the Video! (Link added soon)
There is an account in
1 Samuel 30 where David was said to have been greatly distressed. I think those words are a bit of an understatement since he found himself in the situation where his own men were threatening to stone him to death, but the verse ends with these words,
“but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”What an amazing example for us when we find ourselves discouraged and distressed! Of course we know that it is God that truly does the work of encouragement through His power and His spirit, but what I think this passage means is that David knew how to seek and access and apply the encouragement of the LORD. Do we know how to do this?
Are we – like David – able to encourage ourselves in the LORD?
We must be able to Encourage ourselves before we can encourage others – and I love how Scripture gives us the example of David’s friend Jonathan doing this very thing. Let’s not miss that we know that David knew how to strengthen and encourage himself in the LORD – we saw that example above – but we all need encouragement at times. Even David had times when he needed a friend to remind him how to seek the LORD, how to access God’s strength, and how to apply the encouragement of the LORD to his own discouraged heart.
1
Samuel 23 tells about David hiding from Saul. Though David never lost faith, he was struggling with fear and discouragement as we all do from time to time – especially in the face of difficulty or danger. Jonathan, the son of David’s enemy, risked life and the favor of his father to go to his friend in time of need. The passage says that
Jonathan, “went to David and helped him find strength in God.”If David needed encouragement from a friend – well then friend – so do you and I. And so do our friends!
This example of encouragement should always be our goal in encouraging others. We should not encourage people to find strength in themselves, their circumstances, other people, or in us – true encouragement is to find strength in God alone.
We find many other examples in Scripture of people strengthening and encouraging others in the LORD – lets look at 3 biblical ways we can do just that!
The first way we can strengthen and encourage others in the LORD is to:
1. Point Them to Jesus
And I love the way we see this in the most unlikely person – the woman at the well
In
John 4 Jesus has a divine encounter with a Samarian women. She is surprised that Jesus opens a conversation with her and he uses the opportunity to reveal Himself to her. We see the transformation that happens immediately in her life when she rushes back to town and can’t help but to tell everyone about her experience!
Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
John 4:28-30
Can you see what is happening here? This woman has found new life – and strength and hopen- from an encounter with Jesus! Her focus is no longer on her circumstances but on Jesus Himself! And now – she is pointing others to him! Come see!
God is so good to show us the result of her enthusiasm:
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39-42
This unlikely evangelist – just a woman who experienced the power of God in her life through meeting Jesus herself – shared that news with others – and they went to meet him and came to know Him themselves!
When we point to Jesus – when we share with others the hope and strength and encouragement we have received from Him – they are invited to come and experience the same for themselves!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Is there someone in your life today who might need to hear about how God has comforted you?
Is your story pointing to Jesus?
The people the Samaritan Women pointed to Jesus were able to go to Him themselves – but there are times when a person can’t seem to get there on their own. Many things can prevent a person from going to Jesus to seek His comfort – depression, anger, bitterness, to name a few – but if they are willing, we can
2. Carry them to Jesus
When I hear the story of the man on the mat in
Luke 5, it reminds me of a time that I was “paralyzed” with depression. It was a very difficult time in my life – I wasn’t without faith, but I was struggling to seek, access, and apply the encouragement of the LORD for myself. I had godly friends at that time that carried me – through their comfort and encouragement – to the feet of Jesus. In their company, I found the encouragement I needed to heal.
I am struck by the phrase that Jesus offers when this group goes to extreme lengths to get their friend to Him.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20
Did you hear that? Jesus saw “their” faith! Friend – your faith cannot save someone else – but your faith might be just what someone else needs to get them to the feet of Jesus – and once they are there – their own faith – and the compassion of their LORD will do the rest of the work.
Can you think of someone who knows the LORD but is struggling to see Him past their circumstances? How can you carry a corner of their mat – how can you get them to the feet of Jesus?
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
We can only carry each other’s burdens as far as to the feet of Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
We can point to Jesus with our own changed lives, we can carry to Jesus those who believe but cannot get themselves to Him, but there are also times when we are called to:
3. Walk With Them to Jesus
Acts 8 gives us the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Philip was in the midst of doing the work God had given him to do. This is an important detail.
When we are obedient to the calling God has given us – He puts us where we need to be to walk alongside those who need His encouragement.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 Peter 3:15
There are 2 important points here:
1. Revere Christ as Lord – in your heart – encourage and strengthen yourself in the LORD – know Him, follow Him – Look to Him.
2. Be prepared – know how you seek, access, and apply the encouragement of the LORD and be ready to help others do so
Philip was ready.
As Philip was doing the work God had given him to do – Scripture tells us that the Spirit led him to the chariot of this Eunuch. And as he obeyed he heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. So he struck up a conversation about what the eunuch was reading. He met the man where he was and was able to participate in the work God was already doing! The man invited Philip to travel with him and explain what he was reading. That very day the Eunuch accepted Jesus and was baptized!
How exciting to be used in that way! We too can be used like that – we can walk alongside those that are seeking the LORD and help to guide them to Him.
Friends, these 3 ways of strengthening and encouraging others in the LORD – Point to Jesus, Carry them to Jesus, Walk with them to Jesus – each of them are nothing without Him.
We cannot do the work of encouragement in our own strength!
In 1 Corinthians Paul explained some of the ways we can be used –
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I might be the one planting the seed – pointing someone to Jesus,
or perhaps I will get to water the seed – carrying them to Jesus or walking alongside them to Jesus,
But only God makes it grow – true encouragement and strength comes from the LORD!
If we are focused on Him and willing to be used – oh friend! Prepare to be amazed at what He will do!
by wendy | Jan 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
As I shared recently – watch this video – I am focusing on planning for peace in my life this year. Once thing I have learned through our journey of “cleaning up and getting ready” is that peace can be found by making space for it. I am working on doing just that – making space – in 6 areas of my life and I would like to share those with you. I hope you will join me in this journey.
1. Make space in your hours.
Making space in your hours is all about planning your days. As a reminder, true inner peace is God-produced. Shalom or eiréné – peace – is not something we can create for ourselves, but it is something we can access through Jesus Christ within us. Planning for peace – or making space for it – is a part of that process. By planning our days we are leaving more room for the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
To be transparent, I struggle with planning. I generally plan too much or not at all. I am learning more about setting margins in my life and allowing space around my plans so that the inevitable interruptions of life don’t completely wreck my peace.
We can have more peace in our day when we look ahead to anticipate what is to come.
2. Make space in your head.
by wendy | Jan 16, 2023 | Encouragement For Your Heart
Do you choose a word for the year?
I love this practice – it makes more sense to me that a list of resolutions that are loosely related. Choosing a word to focus on is – well – more focused. I will share the word that I have chosen for this year shortly, but first, here are a few of my past words:
Intentional
Pray
Focus
When I choose a word, it helps me to build my goals around that theme and I find I remember and realize the goals more fully
Here are some suggestions I would offer if you would like to choose a word for 2023:
-
Pray about your word!
It’s important to ask God where He wants us to focus! if we believe that God is omniscient – knowing all things – then we also believe that He knows what is to come. He can see the path ahead of us and knows which way we should go.
2. Commit to your word!
Once we have chosen a word, we need to commit to it. Write your word in your planner, post it on the mirror or fridge, make this word visible so you can meditate on it throughout the year.
3. Study your word!
I love word study – you will discover that in much of my content. Words have meaning and that meaning has power! Look up the definition of your word, find quotes using your word, and most importantly find out what God’s word says regarding your word. Make yourself some notecards with verses and passages about your word and read them regularly to firmly plant the truth in your heart.
4. Act on your word!
Put your word into practice! It will take some time for this new word in your life to fit naturally – but you can try it on each day until it does. Is your word kind? Plan how you can be kind today! Is your word generous? Plan how you can give. Is your word peace? Then build peace into your everyday routine. New ideas and new habits don’t happen without action – as you commit and study your word – also put your new word into practice.
5. Return to your word!
Give yourself grace! New habits and paths take time to form. There will be days that look farther from your word than you could imagine. Instead of allowing yourself to be riddled in guilt over the perceived failure, allow these times to be opportunities to return to your word anew. Use prayer, your commitment, and the learning and the previous action to help you as you return to your word over and over.
My special friend Lauren loves to exclaim, “Happy New Year!” frequently when she leaves the house for the day. If only we would all approach each new day with the enthusiasm Lauren has – after all, each day is the beginning of the next year! (See the video at the top of the post for the full story about Lauren entitled, “Marking Your Days.”
My word for the year:
I promised you that I would share my new word for 2023. As we began to get closer to the end of 2022, I noticed that my focus seemed to land on words that begin with the letter P and this reminded me of my preschool days (like Sesame Street would say). The year 2023 is brought to you by the letter “P!”
Some of the words I am hearing are:
Pause
Pray
Preach to myself
Plan
Pursue
and Practice
but the overarching word that I keep hearing my soul whisper is
Peace!
Our pastor is currently preaching through the book of 1 Peter, and as I reviewed the sermon notes the other day, my eyes skipped across the page to 1 Peter 3.
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
1 Peter 3:10-11
Seeking peace is not a new journey for me, I believe it is a continuation of what God has been teaching my heart for some time now. Several years ago, Jerry and I felt that we were hearing God say, “Clean up and get ready!” and this was a big command for us since we had made a fine mess. But we took it seriously and we set out on a journey of cleaning up our stuff, our commitments, and our finances in an effort to be more available. Through that journey I have discovered that peace that can be found when I make room for it.
I also tend to be a spontaneous person and I can lack focus. I may be hyper focused in one area but unfocused in every other area and that leaves my life feeling chaotic – not peaceful. But I have begun to think and pray and learn about how to pursue peace in my life. I think you will see this theme – pursuing peace – and all things letter P – in my writing and my videos and even in my art – as it unfolds and takes hold.
I would love to hear from you – please tell me in the comments what word are you choosing for the year? What will be your focus for 2023? If you don’t have a word or a particular focus – then I am inviting you to join me on this journey of pursuing peace.
by wendy | Jan 8, 2023 | Tips for Encouraging Others
Watch the Video
Each year I set a goal to be more encouraging in my relationships, my attitude – in my life in general, but I really don’t think we can be encouraging on a regular basis without being intentional. Becoming an encourager requires planning. Here are some ideas you can use to become an encourager in the new year.
1. Encourage yourself
- Change your words
- Read the Word
- Remind yourself
2. Take notice of those who need encouraging
3. Choose a strategy
4. Gather your supplies
- Words – send encouraging notes (Notecards, bible, address book)
- Action – make meals (make a list, shop for supplies, get containers)
- Gifts (make a list, purchase gifts, storage or staging area)
5. Practice encouraging
- Schedule time
- Smile!
- Just do it – send the cards, make the meals, give the gift
Becoming an encourager – or a better encourager – in 2023 requires planning and intentionality – take some time to plan and then get to it!
by wendy | Jan 7, 2023 | Encouragement For Your Heart
Are you looking for peace in your relationships? Do you sometimes struggle to know how to respond in the midst of conflict or chaos? In this short video, I share the 3 P’s for pursuing peace in your relationships. When you practice these 3 things, you open the door for the peace of God through the Holy Spirit to calm your spirit and enable you to respond in a more godly way.
Pause
Take a breath, refrain from a quick response, ponder.
Use words like, “I hear you, I understand, let me think about that.”
Whenever possible move away from the conflict or chaos and delay your response – at least temporarily.
Pray
There is no greater power than consulting God.
Talking to God first allows you to have His perspective.
Prayer give the Spirit permission to work in you and through you.
Preach (to yourself)
Remind yourself of God’s truth and His promises.
Give God’s voice first place in your thought process.
Allow the Word to renew your mind and transform you.
Strengthen yourself in the Lord.
by wendy | Jan 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
Watch Video Here:
So many people talk about resolutions and goals this time of year – I think we all appreciate new beginnings and second chances and do overs – and I am no different! Over the years my goal setting and resolution making has evolved and I am learning more and more about setting goals with grace and developing a system for continuous assessment and goal setting that makes meeting my goals more actionable and achievable. One of the ways I have streamlined that process is to focus my goals on four main areas in my life – spiritual (God and me), relational (people and me), personal (my body, mind, and home), and financial (my resources and me). I have a series of questions I ask myself regularly and my responses to those questions help me to shape my next steps – my action steps.
Today, I want to share the questions I ask myself about my relationships – and for one main reason. I want us to ponder the question:
Am I an encourager?
In Hebrews 3:13 the Bible tells us to“Encourage each other daily”and I don’t believe this is just a suggestion – the theme of lifting one another up and encouraging each other is repeated over and over in Scripture – I believe encouragement is a very important part of obeying the command to love one another.
Here are the questions I ask myself regularly to honestly assess my relationships with others:
-
How did I encourage or bless others?
-
How did others encourage or bless me?
-
How did I handle situations and conflict?
-
What do I hope to change about my relationships with others?
All of these are great questions to ask ourselves and I think at the core they are getting to the same question:
Am I an encourager?
I think most of us would like to think that we are encouraging – though I have met a few people along the way that make their goal to be as negative and abrasive as possible – I really don’t think most of us aspire to that as a life goal. But are we actually being encouraging on a day to day basis?
If I were to ask someone close to you to describe you would they use the word encouraging?
I truly believe becoming an encourager is an attitude shift and it requires us to be intentional and to actually practice encouragement. That is one of my main goals for this channel – to encourage you – yes – but also to equip you to be encouragers!
In order to make an honest assessment of whether or not you are truly an encourager, lets look at just a few of the qualities the Bible suggests for us:
1. Encourage and strengthen yourself in the LORD
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3
(see video on contentment)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
God’s Word and His Spirit are the only true encouragement we can count on in this life. His word is living truth and has the power to change our hearts and our minds. When we encourage ourselves by reading, meditating on, and applying God’s Word to our lives and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, we have everything we need to encourage others.
2. Think encouraging thoughts
It is a scientific fact that we tend to act based on what we think – this is why the world tends to teach about “Positive thinking” and while positive thinking alone is not enough, the Bible teaches us this concept about our thoughts as well.
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8
It is hard to be negative and discouraging when you follow this line of thinking. And please don’t miss that while this list is truly positive – it is not self-focused and that is where we divert from the world’s version of positive thinking.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2
This verse reminds us that we should focus our thoughts and minds on a godly perspective rather than a worldly or self-focused perspective. When we begin to see others and the circumstances around them through the eyes of God, we are more likely to be able to encourage them.
3. Smile
I love when science “proves” what God has already told us don’t you? I read an article in Psychology Today that relates the affect that smiling has on our own brain and on the brains of others. The physical act of smiling releases good stuff into our bodies that can have healing effects in ourselves. But smiling is also contagious. Studies show that is actually difficult for someone to not smile when you smile at them. This means that you can help another person release that good stuff into their own bodies! Wow – but we shouldn’t be surprised by this!
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart.”
Proverbs 15:30
“A glad heart makes a happy face … for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.”
Proverbs 15:13-15
I would love to challenge you to try this out – make it an experiment for the week. Whenever you are around others – at home or out and about – practice smiling at people. If you really want to see how this works particularly smile at those that are frowning or seem down. You will be amazed at the reactions you get. If your resting face – or your normal reaction when you look at others – is not to smile, practice can actually change this.
Smiling is the simplest and purest form of encouragement you can give to anyone without even speaking. It lets people know they are seen and appreciated.
4. Listen
We may be afraid of becoming an encourager because we fear we will not have the right words to say, but we can actually be most encouraging by simply listening. Just as people have a need to be seen, they also need to be heard. Listening says to the other person that you care about their words and their feelings. Listening is not the same as agreeing – so you can actively listen to someone that is not like-minded and this increases the chance that they will actually listen to you as well. But it also opens up the opportunity to share your own thoughts in a safe environment. I once had a student say to me that she thought I was very open-minded because I listened to her without judgement. This gave me the opportunity to explain that I was not open-minded (my beliefs and standards are firmly set in biblical teachings) but instead I am open-hearted. It is only when the world can see us as caring and loving instead of judgmental and hypocritical, that we are demonstrating the love of Christ.
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”
James 1:19
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
Proverbs 18:13
5. Speak encouraging words
I have often been challenged to listen to my own words and to think about what effect they have had on others. Our words have such power and yet we sometimes fling them around as if they have no consequence. I left this one until last because I think it is impossible to speak truly encouraging words unless we first encourage ourselves, think encouraging thoughts, smile, and listen. Once those things are firmly in place, we cannot help but to speak the right thing.
One of the most challenging verses in the Bible is from Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29
We could spend hours unpacking that verse, but for right now let’s simply put our own words through that filter for the next several days. Test yourself to see if you are able to stick to that standard or do you find yourself muttering unwholesome and unhelpful things to others or about others.
Here is a verse I have often prayed as I have asked the Lord to help me to be an encourager:
“The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”
Isaiah 50:4
by wendy | Dec 8, 2022 | Tips for Encouraging Others, Uncategorized
There is perhaps no better season for encouragement than the holidays – especially at Christmas. In general, most of us are in a giving mood around this time of year – and that attitude primes our heart for encouragement. But we need to realize that this time of year is not jolly for everyone. In fact, many people around us are hurting in a variety of ways. For this reason, its important for us to have our eyes and our hearts open for the many opportunities to encourage those around us – both our friends and family and those we don’t even know.
You might have an opportunity through your church or another organization that you belong to – to give money or gifts to someone in need. Maybe you have someone in your own family that has a particular need you can fill during this time. But if you are like many people, you would like to give to someone but you aren’t really sure where that gift should go.
7 IDEAS FOR BEING READY TO ENCOURAGE
Watch the Video
Often we would love to give or encourage but we aren’t prepared when the time is right. Here are seven ideas for being ready to give and encourage when the opportunity arises:
1. Purchase Gift Cards
Purchase a gift card (or several) from your local big box store or grocery store and keep them in your purse or wallet. You can wait to see someone in need and give them on the spur of the moment – like in a grocery store line. You can put them in a card and mail them to someone. You can give them to your pastor or someone else who may have the knowledge of someone in need.
2. Make a Food Basket
Purchase food items and make a basket to deliver to someone who is struggling or donate it to your local food pantry or social services. Include some essentials and some special treats – have some fun with this. Even if you don’t know who to give it to just yet, prepare it and have it ready.
3. Purchase a box of Christmas Cards
Purchase a box of Christmas cards and sign them with an encouraging note or verse inside. Seal them and put them in your purse or bag. Hand them out to anyone that you think might need a bright spot in their day. It could be your waitress at a restaurant or the young man that checks out your groceries. Or deliver them to your local nursing home or the prison where people might not receive any Christmas cards.
4. Bake some Goodies
Make some baked goods and wrap them up. Deliver them to a service organization – like the firehouse or police station. Or hand them out to the homeless. Or take them to your neighbors.
5. Plan a Meal
Plan a meal and be prepared to invite someone to your home to share it with you and your family. Pray about who might need that gift of hospitality, and then as the time gets closer you can make the invitation.
6. Plan to Help
Look around your neighborhood and think about some people who could use your help. These could be small things like filling the bird feeder or fixing their mailbox, or bigger things like cutting down a dead tree. Plan a time to show up with whatever tools might get the job done and the help that you need to get it accomplished.
7. Purchase Poinsettias
Purchase poinsettias and anonymously drop them off on the porch of someone who could use some cheer. Or deliver them to someone’s office or take them to the hospital and ask for them to go to someone who needs it.
Its really all about being ready to encourage and sometimes that takes a little planning. Even if you don’t yet know who needs the encouragement – you can take the steps to have something ready to give when that opportunity presents itself. We may never know how far this small act of encouragement will go, but we can be sure that we are sharing God’s love with others when spread some Holiday cheer this season.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Direction, Encouragement, Encouragement from the Word, Lifestyle Encouragement, Prayer, The Art of Encouraging
Building a dream is hard work – in fact, it is probably the hardest work I have ever done! It requires planning, waiting, changing plans, waiting some more, actual manual labor, oh – and did I mention waiting?
Every time I discover that I need to wait more, discouragement rears its ugly head. I actually had to talk myself out of the tree of despair today as it began to settle on me that my building might not be finished before cold weather. I reminded myself that it would be okay. There is no time limit on dream-building. I will just have to make an alternate plan – and wait.
It is actually quite interesting to discover that waiting builds character. It gives me time to refine – and redefine- my dream. It causes me to slow down and savor the moments of building my dream instead of rushing ahead and missing the steps along the way. Waiting causes me to spend more time in prayer – seeking guidance, asking for help, expressing gratitude for what I have. It gives me time for creating and exploring new ideas. Waiting strengthens my resolve.
Building a dream is hard work – and I suppose it should be. If it were easy and came quickly, I might be tempted to let it go just as easily. This way, the planning, revising, manual labor – and even the waiting – will all undergird the final spectacular result that I have been dreaming about. And that is worth waiting for!
by wendy | Nov 11, 2021 | Tips for Encouraging Others
When I was in 4th grade, my teacher, Mrs. Sparks, gave the class chalk pastels and paper and some free time to create. I drew a picture of an Easter basket and she thought it was fabulous. She made a big deal about it and hung it on the board. I thought to myself, “now there is something I can do,” and so I have! That one action from a teacher set the course of my life. Of course, there were many people along the way who supported me, taught me, inspired me, but she lit a “spark” in my soul with her encouragement.
I ran across that drawing today as I was cleaning out some things. It isn’t magnificent. I have had many students significantly more talented than I was at that age. But she saw something in my drawing and in my passion that she felt worthwhile to encourage. She didn’t know that art would become my life’s work. She couldn’t have guessed that I would spend many years encouraging future students. There was no hint that I would paint on many walls and and illustrate books and create for both profession and pleasure. She didn’t know. But she did it anyway – and I am so glad she did!
Teaching art to children gives me the chance to do the same. And maybe I have not taught the next Michaelangelo, but I have taught many children who have gone on to study art and to become artists. Hopefully I have taught many more who have grown up to appreciate art. Perhaps, I have taught a few who, had I not encouraged, would never have known that was what they were supposed to do.
This week I taught a group of children how to draw a pig. We focused on overlapping and other drawing skills. Their sketches were beautiful! When I gave them paper to draw the final product, a few of their pigs suddenly became biker pigs and pirate pigs and pigs with disco balls and earrings! It wasn’t what I was expecting, but the joy and passion those kids had in creating their art was far more important than having a museum quality piece of art in the end.
Why do I love teaching art to children? I love it because I get to teach, encourage, and then step back and watch the purest form of expression one will ever see!
