*DaySpring* Ecouragement Giveaway Today! Today, we're starting a new June series: "Shots of Encouragement". To kick things off, two winners will be selected to receive their pick of DaySpring's Premium Greeting Card 10-Pack (orig. $28-29)! Enter by joining in today's Faith Jam -- at the end of today's post!
One time, when I was little, I played a game.
Grandparents, aunts and uncles were all visiting that weekend. The house was packed.
I don’t know why I came up with the idea, but I thought it would be fun to hide. I wanted to see what would happen, if I suddenly went missing.
I slipped behind our dusty olive-green couch, squeezing myself under it’s sagging belly. My legs slid in easy, along with part of my tummy. There I hid half contorted, like a gummy worm stuck between the wall and the carpet.
I waited and waited for someone to come look for me.
I eventually climbed out numb and stiff.
No one seemed to miss me.
No matter how old we get or how strong we’ve grown, we can all use encouragement.
We all find ourselves stuck in hard places —
— we wonder if anyone notices.
— we wonder if anyone cares.
When we are happy, is there someone I can dance the crazy-dance with?
When we are unsure, is there anyone I can talk to in run-on sentences and find them still listening?
When we’re pressed against our everyday lives, we wonder if anyone sees.
Most Encouraged
Of course, we keep getting up, putting on our shoes and gas in the car.
Still. Deep inside, we are all waiting for a chance to be known.
The times in my life I was most encouraged were the times I felt most invisible.
I might have only shared the very tip of the iceberg of worries — or glossed over something happy going on in my life.
Once in awhile, someone notices. There was more to the struggle or the excitement I was willing to reveal.
For unknown reasons, that someone will go to the store, stand in the card aisle, and pick out some words — just for me. She might have just pulled out her drawer full of envelopes and notes. I wouldn’t be surprised.
I’d imagine her committing pen to paper, signing her name and whispering a prayer in her heart for me.
Encouragement is a Gift, Really
If you are someone with a heart for those who are feeling invisible — this month is in honor of you. It’s kind of ironic, but sometimes the people who encourage others the most are the one most in need of encouragement.
Today’s post highlights one of the most treasured gifts I have ever received: the gift of encouragement. My heart would not be as alive — embracing both my scars and my blessings — if it weren’t for friends like you.
You are the ones that God sees and says with cheer:
“We all have different gifts, based on the grace given us… If it is encouraging, devote yourself to encouraging others.” Romans 12:6-8
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thess. 5:11
The spotlight is often given to the more “up-in-front” spiritual gifts like evangelism or teaching, both of which are very important.
But the spiritual gift of encouragement is no lesser just because it is hidden.
Jesus Himself encourages us with the work of giving in secret.
“…so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:4
God Sees It All
Sometimes, when we give encouragement, we may not see visual returns.
God says He sees it all — and He values each one of you —
~ Those words you tactfully chose to share.
~ Those emails you sent.
~ The cards you mailed.
~ The gift you cooked or made.
~ The time you spent.
~ The forgiveness you gave.
The list goes on and on. The quiet ways that no one may ever know about. God knows.
You are not invisible. You are highly cherished, appreciated and valued.
May God reward you with refreshment in return.
“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
Join Today’s Jam
I’d love to get encouraged by you.
Share a post from your blog on the encouragement.
Just submit the url of the your post below.
If you don’t have a blog, you can join in by adding a comment.
I’ll be making my way, to drop by to read and visit with my cup of coffee, my heart beating with anticipation, of being with together with you. Encouraged and no longer alone.
~~~~~
How has God been encouraging you?
Pull up a chair. Click to share a comment or subscribe by email.
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** DaySpring’s Premium Greeting Card Giveaway **
Thanks to DaySpring, two winners will be selected to receive their pick of DaySpring’s Premium Greeting Cards 10-Pack! Check out the three different card packs here..
To Enter: By Sunday 6/5/11
1. Submit a post in today’s Faith Barista Jam.
— or —
2. Submit a comment.
(** You’ll get double entry if you’d like to do both!).
* Thanks again to DaySpring for sponsoring today’s giveaway. This month at the DaySpring Store , you can save $20 on any $50 order shopping at the (spend $70 and you get free shipping too). Just use the special (in)spired special June coupon: JUNE20.
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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***
Faith Barista Jam Thursdays — I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Let’s encourage each other. Add your voice. Swap our stories.
Today’s Topic 6/2:
The Power Of EncouragementShare your post by clicking on the blue button below “Add Your Link” or just comment directly.
Next Thursday’s Topic 6/9 :
It’s the month of classic June weddings. A reader who is single asked me how I met my husband. She said it always encourages her to hear the different ways God leads people to find true love.In the spirit of encouragement, I’d love to hear from our community. Write on the topic: Finding “The One”.
Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real. Thanks for serving your personal brews!
Build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community: Grab the HTML Code For Faith Barista Jam Badge
HTML Code For the Faith Jam Faith Fresh Badge
It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!
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100 Comments
I don’t do sports. I think I had exercise asthma so I was always gasping for air in P.E. class, missing the ball, whatever. Perhaps I was okay at volleyball, but not good at sports.
So one day the school where I taught part time had a field day. A whole day of sports with random teams. I watched. And then I started cheering for my kids, the half of the third grade that I was watching over. I started cheering for the other half too. Wouldn’t you know, the kids responded? They surprised me. They did better than I thought they would!
When I joined the teachers in tug of war the kids actually cheered for me!
I have realized I need to know that I am loved by the person speaking words of encouragement. Known and loved. Or by God who is both behind encouraging words spoken by strangers and in my heart convicting me of the truth of what I hear.
Sometimes I need a lot of encouragement to fight self-doubt, or to overcome discouragement, as in that I’m no good at sports.
Sometimes I am given the exact right words to encourage another. Then I am amazed at the power of encouragement I see at work in them. I’ve also realized that people with the gift of encouragement don’t always realize what a needed gift they have.
Beth, it’s amazing how God leads us through life, and shines encouragement through us. It’s a treasure. You’re His gift.
A younger friend has been going through some heartache. And she asked me a question when I commented on a post on her blog…this was my blog reply:
http://awomansheartajourneytowholeness.blogspot.com/2011/05/about-askinga-how-to-heal-heart-post.html
Her post so inspired me that I was compelled to answer her. I only hope it helped her heart.
Blessings,
Andrea
God sees your encouragement, Andrea — keep pouring those shots of encouragement. Your heart matters – may God bless your cup to overflow in your blogging!
I really appreciate this post because I think it draws our attention to the encouragement that comes from God. I approached this topic from the perspective of offering specific words of encouragement to one another and the positive effects they can have. However, we go too far toward that kind of encouragement and expect it. We don’t serve God in order to be encouraged, though it sure does help. The encouragement that comes from God in the secret is what we need the most, so I’m glad you drew our attention to that.
I’m looking forward to your post, Ed. It’s always helpful to see the power of words and their impact. God has placed this beautiful gift of words + encouragement in you.
I love what you wrote Bonnie! I agree that some of the times I felt most invisible and discouraged was when I was encouraged the most! Thank you!
🙂 … Hugs, Katie! Hope you’re well!
I am well. Thank you! Just busy with new job and hours, so not enough time to devote to writing as I want. But I think it is for a season as I adjust to the changes.
Bonnie,
You are definitely one of those encouragers you’re talking about. How do I know? Because when you leave a comment on my blog, I always feel warmed inside at your sweet words. And encouraged!
May God continue to use you to bless others. You’re doing a fantastic job of it!
Aw. Thank you, Lisa! That means the WORLD to me. Funny thing, that warm feeling you describe? That’s how I feel .. when I read YOUR BLOG. Don’t stop pouring. You have this beautiful gift in spades!
I often struggle with a feeling of invisibility and insignificance and just this week have found great encouragement from a friend whom I refere to as my “God friend” in that she is a few years older than I and seems to have preceded me in several of life’s paths. I was going through all my old cards and found at least 15 from this friend, some as many as five years old, and still gleaned strength and encouragement from each one, and in return let her know how much those precious words still mean. In this I realized that all those times I think of someone and consider sending them a card or giving them a call or shooting them a text, I pro ably should… There’s no telling how alone they may be feeling or just need to k ow they have a friend. I think the gift of encouragement is vital, especially within the Kingdom of God. As an extension of God’s hands and feet I think we should also start extending our words to build others up. This blog was as timely as it ever could have been for me, and many others I’m certain. Thank you!
Bekah, what a joy it is to have you here — sharing your heart for God and others. May Jesus encourage you especially this week as you reflect on His gift in you!
Times are uncertain, life is in turmoil, and change seems to be a whirling dervish sweeping me along. Yet in the midst of all of this God’s Word comforts and encourages me.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you… Be strong and courageous… The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut. 31:6-8
“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zeph. 3:17
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Some of the keys I use to overcome discouragement:
1) focus on God and His faithfulness
2) give thanks “in spite of and in the midst of” whatever I’m facing
3) reach out to others who are in need and encourage them
Hugs and blessings to you today!
Thank you, Mary for taking the time to share these beautiful verses — and your tips on encouragement. We’re all blessed here drinking these in!
Thank you for encouraging me with this post! So well said, Bonnie, and I couldn’t agree more!
I love your choice of topic, as well. Thanks for coming up with such great ideas for Faith Jams!
I’m so blessed to drink your faith jam posts. Looking forward to enjoying your brew this week, Melissa!
I never noticed the bible verses on encouragement before. Thanks for sharing them! I feel encouraged when I read your blog and others from (in)courage. I hope can give others a bit of encourgement and love when I pass them along or send an e-card through Dayspring.
God bless you, Melissa! So happy we can be connected through the blogosphere!
God sends me my encouragement thru my friend/co-worker every day. She is always uplifting and positive. Her spiritualality just oozes out of her in the simplest of ways sometimes even unknowing to herself. I thank God every day for aloowing her to be friend and a role model to me.
Thank you as well for your daily motivators also!
It is definitely not the norm to have an encouraging friend and work. What a blessing, Traci! Happy you’re here!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement today. Just what I needed!
So often, it seems, I find myself wishing I could be invisible, thinking that if maybe I was, I wouldn’t get hurt, I wouldn’t be wounded. That is when I feel drawn to the Scripture, and find hope amid the chaos, peace in the middle of the storm, and a rainbow to brighten the rain.
I don’t deserve God’s goodness, but that is what Grace is all about. I tried starting a blog called ‘My Journey of Grace’, and I fear I have been remiss in keeping it current, but I am learning so much, and being able to share what I learn to my friends- those with whom I work at the Choices for Women center, and at the church where we pastor.
There is so much to learn, and though slow sometimes, I long to learn more and more about the One who loves me unconditionally, and says that I am important to Him!
Thanks again for your encouraging and thought provoking blogs! Maybe someday I will be on the ‘blog wagon’!
Thank God for You, my friends from (in)courage.
Sue, your words are so poignant. What a great angle on “invisibility”. We can be known or loved if we stay in hiding. You’re an encourager and I thank you for being friends here!
What a great and motivating post. I Love to encourage others, but as you (so well) stated, it is the encouraging we do behind the scenes that matters most to God. The bonus is when God blesses us because of our obeidience to Him. Showing love and kindness to others with No expectations is what he asks of us.
Love and kindness… May God bless you as you sow those seeds, Tracy!
[…] […]
I believe in the saying actions speak louder than words. Sometimes in our silence God will inspire us to know just what another person may need and to act upon it. The encouragement acting upon God inspiration can be amazing. We just have to listen and allow God to speak to our soul. And act upon it. Seeing the reaction from others when we do this is just beautiful!
You sound like an encourager to me, Dottie! 🙂 May God encourage your beautiful heart!
Great post and topic! It’s good to be reminded how important encouraging one another is.
You’re an encouragement, Kristine!
Love!
Love back! 🙂
I remember my mom, years ago, saying she felt invisible ~~ I think it is true of many elderly people. We need to slow our pace and treasure their contributions :). Your article is a good reminder. Thank you!
Carol, I was just thinking the same thing the other day, when I saw an elderly person exit her car with assistance. What stories and encouragement this woman held in her heart, I imagined.
Bonnie, one of the things my husband told me when we were first dating was that I had the gift of encouragement. It never occurred to me. His telling me I was an encourager was one of the biggest encouragements I ever received! And it helped me to do more of the same.
Your post reminds me to keep going that way.
You are DEFINITELY an encourager, Monica. You’ve blessed my heart so much with your words. I can’t imagine in person. 😉
Where do I begin, after reading so many devotions I began to gather two or three that post impacted me and started sharing them with a group of women and added my own comments as a means of encouragement. Through time, I have been told that I have encouraged so many women with sending notes they needed to hear at that precise moment… I thank God for ladies like all of you that write and blog and encourage us women to be more and share all that God has given us…. I would have never thought I had this gift, but through all of this, I find myself to have been more blessed for as God’s word says He would refreshes another is himself refreshed!! Thank you!!!
Jules — yep. You did it right here.. again! 🙂 The beauty is that it is so natural, flowing from who God made you. We both get blessed.
Thank you Bonnie for this incredibly timely post. I am going to say that God had you write this just for me. 🙂 Your really encouraged me. Thank you…
hugs xo
Well, then you’d be right! 🙂 God must have known it was going to be just for you, KC! xo
I loved the message from the gifts of encouragement. We all need it, especially in times like now. We get all sort of fearful messages but very few encouraging ones, and we need to all thank those that do things that encourage us, send things that are encouraging. I know that these things cheer me on days when there seems to be on cheer, and Faith Barista offers encouragement that I thank them for. Shirley.
So true, Shirley. We hear so much negative and depressing stories. Encouragement is so refreshing. Thank you for taking time to pour some refreshing words here today!
These cards would be a great way to drop a note to say, “I prayed for you today!”
Deborah
Homemaker Honey
homemakerhoney.com
homemakerhoney @gmail .com
stelladot.com/homemakerhoney
Beth, Thanks for sharing. I love that you cheered for both teams. I have been know to do that too. I love when everyone is a winner instead of just one side feeling good and one side being the losers. So glad that God puts the different gifts in peoples lives. God bless!
I have a special heart for those who are neglected — those that are unseen and forgotten.
it may be a man on the street. It may be the person with a broom cleaning out the lobby of a hotel. It may be that older person living only with memories as she looks down her street.
We all should have the ‘gift’ of encouragement
I agree with Lisa. You do a great job of encouraging in your blog posts and follow-up comments and e-mail messages to the participants in your Faith Jams. May God pour that same encouragement back into your life!
One of my Bible Study leaders recently encouraged us to make a “BARNABAS” Box (Barnabas was an encourager in the Bible). In my decorated box, I put all notes, cards, words, emails, pictures, etc.. of encouragment that I have received. I pull the box out on days when I feel discouraged or sad and God uses those saved memories to pour His love and grace on my heart.
One of my all-time favorite things to do is to send cards of love and encouragment to my friends and family. I send at least 5 cards a week.
Thanks Bonnie for all the words of encouragement! I am always searching for encouraging words to use on our church bulletin. God Bless you !
What a good reminder for me today! I used to send out lots of cards and still do occasionally. Now that I’m going through my own “situation”, I realize how much cards, hugs and thoughtful words(not plastic answers or replies) mean during this lonely and confusing time. I have a card stash that I use whenever someone encourages me. It’s fun to see who comes up to me and thanks me! Just for sending them a card. It does my heart good in the midst of my own “situation.” Thanks for the reminder that I still need to encourage others in the midst of my own hurt.
Bonnie:
You are an example of encouragement to us all! God has richly gifted you. Thank you.
When you care about people and see them as God does (not always easy!), you’ll want to know what’s going on with them and take time to get to know them. That’s when you find out what is important to them or what they are struggling with currently. Now you and your new best friend are no longer invisible to each other! You can then show love by being God’s instrument with a word, a hug, a card, a smile or a shared tear. An encourager lets the person know that they’ve been heard and valued while at the same time, the encourager receives a blessing from having her own expressions heard! Prov 11:25 in action!
It’s so easy to forget how important encouraging others is in the hubbub and chaos of living our own lives… We all have struggles, and it’s easy to forget that our struggles aren’t the only ones. Encouraging others not only lifts them up, it reminds us to look beyond our our own trials – to open our eyes and really see others… in the process we’re able to see so much more… the blessings of our life are invisible if all we are focusing on is our trials.
I think it just might be time for me to invest in some cards and stamps… 🙂
One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament is of God finding Hagar and Ishmael when they ran away due to Sarah’s mistreatment. In that account, God identified himself as the God who sees. Encouragement really is about seeing, isn’t it; and entering in and being a means of God’s grace in the life of another. Thanks for the invitation to post here, once again. Blessings.
Yes, I guess I agree that it is at times when I have felt most ‘invisible’ that encouragement has mattered most to me.
I’m going through a period of invisibility in my workplace at the moment.
I haven’t felt encouraged. (Yet. It will happen sometime. Probably – certainly – when I’m not looking for it.)
So it occurred to me, today, just before reading this, that to be encouraged is a little like ‘to have a friend, be a friend.’ So to be encouraged, I need to actively look for ways of encouraging others. I like to think I do this normally, but when feeling invisible it is just that little bit harder.
So this faith jam has been an encouragement, a prod to get going and encourage others. Great!
My encouragement today was from “Elisabeth Elliot on the daily grind” . . .When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure from them, He said, “Believe in God. Believe also in me.”
The obedience of faith requires that we do our work. We must go on day after day, simply and
humbly, not waiting for chills and thrills. Grace, not revelation, is our daily bread. Grace is
enough. Receiving that, in the portion given according to the lovingkindness of our God, we must act responsibly in the situation in which He puts us, as the disciples had to do when left behind at Christ’s ascension. No doubt they felt bewildered and abandoned and would like to have risen with Him through the clouds. When the angels suddenly stood beside them and asked why they were gazing into the sky, they “came down to earth,” as it were, went back to Jerusalem to the lodging where they belonged and carried on with their prayers.
Lord, help me today to receive what You want me to have and to do my work as a good and
faithful servant.”
In the Old Testament the priests did do the same caring duties for the temple day after day, and
the same physical sacrifices were offered. That tells me that I shouldn’t be surprised to find
myself doing the same duties over and over, giving the same care over and over, even washing
the same clothes, dishes, etc, over and over, because that is what my job is today
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, … Hebrews 10:11
Furthermore, every (human) priest stands (at his altar of service) ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over again,… Amplified Bible
My Father expects daily service ‘as unto the Lord’ and supplies the grace to succeed.
I’m thankful.
I often get encouraged by a very close friend who lives in Florida, who is also my ex-husband, believe it or not. We are really close and have known each other for 24 years. Whenever I am down or something is troubling me, Walter, who is also a Christian, always sends me a Dayspring ecard to lift my spirits and it always works. God has used him in some amazing ways to help me. I am truly thankful for him.
Your story reminded me of a time when I deviated from the regular way to preschool from regular school. I got lost. It seemed like forever when I finally got there and no one seemed to miss me. :o)
God has been encouraging me through others lately. With the uncertainty of our future and the upcoming move, I feel unsure and scared. There are many who send emails, texts, make quick phone calls or give a hug — all saying that they’re praying and they support what we’re doing. They are worth more than gold!
God has been encouraging me lately while I’m driving back and forth to work through my local Christian music radio station! The perfect song always seems to play when my heart needs soothed or I just want to sing praises to Jesus and thank Him for loving me and for all the blessings He has given me. Thanks for all you do too Bonnie. Your devotions really shine the light of Jesus in this broken world we all live in.
Gods sweetest blessings to all!
Hey, I just want you to know that I love your blog. Reading your blog posts always make my day! Love you!
Every time I think of you I thank God for you. (Phil. 1:3)
[…] Joining Faith Barista […]
Truly the best encouragement I have gotten is when I ask for a word from the Lord. Then he gently guides me to whom he has chosen to speak through. It may be a blog, a book, music, or letter. It is when I choose to be alone with his voice. So I understand the invisibility and encouragement. God is using us to speak encouragement to his people. God also tells us if we give we will receive. I believe that if we encourage in those silent ways, then we too will be encouraged. A dose from a sympathy card, or a quick note can be life changing. Thanks for your words of encouragement.
This is beautiful, Bonnie! Thank you! Thank you so much for sharing! <3
This was a great post – thanks for the reminder:) Isn’t it easy to sometimes focus on studying and the deeper things (which are all good!!) and then forget the simplest, like encouragement? To encourage someone, it doesn’t have to cost money, it doesn’t always take much time, but yet the results yielded for someone else can be dramatic. Makes you think about the fact that the simpler things in life are often the most important. Thanks, Bonnie!!
He has been using some of what I am reading but also some people to speak truth into my life. God is also allowing me to see glimpses of hope and progress in some situations.
God has been encouraging me through His word and His character lately. When I realize and feel oh-so-deeply my inadequacies, He draws me back to the foundations of who He is, and that turns my fears and insecurities into strong places to claim His character over my life. He is mine and I am His. Encouraged by the Great Encourager:)
This week God has been encouraging me as I’ve been following all of the Compassion bloggers during their trip to the Philippines. So much so that we are going to sponsor another child and through my GivingBack foundation we were able to donate to the Unsponsored Children’s fund as well. As soo as we find the child (so hard to choose 😉 then we’ll be posting about it all on Monday. So in the meantime I’ve shared one of my recent posts about how giving Bags of Hope to the homeless has actually given me back more hope and faith in others than I could have possibly imagined. Thanks for hosting Bonnie and I’m looking forward to sharing my love story next week…so much fun! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Fondly, Roberta
This post was great, thanks. God has been encouraging in the past few weeks by reminding me of all his many promises. Lately I’m been going through some things (like may others) that have been difficult. When I feel like I’m overwhelmed or like things are out of control, God’s peace comes and washes over me. I’m so thankful for His faithfullness that when we “I” may feel invisible or unimportant to others, He is quick to remind me that I am the “one and only” in His eyes.
I am new here, but I LOVE the encouragement that everyone in the faith-based blogging community shares with each other. it is Inspiring and encouraging! Blessings abound!
After 43 yrs I have realized I have the gift of encouragement. I love to send cards and write notes to people to lift them up. My Mom has passed this legacy on to me and it is such a joy. I love connecting to the Holy Spirit in this way…listening for His voice when someone needs Him andi Get to be the conveyor of His words. It is incredible!!
It was encouraging to read your post! Thank you so much.
We all need a dose of encouragement:)
My husband is only 57 years old and has been in Hospice for 1 year. He is ready to go home to be with the Lord. We are both looking forward to new beginnings for each of us! He has been to heaven once before during a coma and know what a great place it is! We are patiently waiting for God to call him. With faith you can get through this journey in life!
Dayspring’s “encouraging” cards are the best! I’ve used some before to share with friends at church, and would love to do so againe!
I’m absolutely thrilled to run across your website. I have recently been asked to become a care group leader in my Bible Fellowship Group.
I would love to win the card collection so I can encourage those in my group with wonderful cards from your collection. Thanks for the opportunity.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I work at an Elementary School as a recess supervisor and teacher para. I often find one word of encouragement will brighten a students day. I love to teach boys and girls in first grade how to play kickball. Many times they cannot even kick a ball. It’s so amazing to see how excited they get when they finally make it to first base or catch a ball in the outfield. I am not athletic and was never encouraged to use the body God gave me. It is such a joy to encourage them that if they keep playing and practicing they will improve. Their smiles and joy are such a reward.
As I prepare to go through a treatment that will mean several days in isolation at the hospital, special dietary restrictions, and 10 or more days away from my small children, I have been encouraged at every turn. Offers from neighbors for anything I need, family out of town willing to rework schedules and bend over backwards to care for my children, and a church life group digging to help in multiple ways. As well as so many sharing their hearts or being willing to just listen to mine. The best part of my story of encouragement is that I am not at all surprised. This has been the case with my neighbors, family and friends as I have had children, in good times and hard, and in the day to day of living. Thank you God for those you have placed in my life as encouragers and may I be an encouragement to them as well.
As an older women (almost 60!!) I have grown up writing notes of encouragement to those women who need to be reminded that they are loved by our Abba Daddy! It seems that today, the written word, especially in the form of a card or paper, is not a common thing. So, the gift of receiving an encouraging note in the mail from someone is an oddity. I love modeling this to those whom have possibly never have been given this gift. I love being a Titus woman!!!
Dear Bonnie,
You have the gift of touching me where I am most tender, those sensitive spots that I keep hidden. Thank you for letting God make your No into His Yes.
I write the cards to send encouragement as God leads me. Today I needed the encouragement. God is blessing you and blessing me (us) through you.
Joni
Encouragement has long been an important word in my life. Through being able to encourage others and being encouraged myself during a time of serious illness, God definitely has given much blessing with this thought. Sometimes it seems it can come from an unexpected source, but it always from Him.
One time I was very encouraged was when someone had come to give a presentation to my youth group, and I messaged her the next day to thank her for sharing. It was just the kind of quick note I love to send on, not really expecting a resonse, but she wrote back and she became one of my very close friends! It was amazing!
I use the Day Spring encouragement cards. To me the Lord developed the gift of encouragement in me. People will tell me how I have encouraged them and it was not me…..most of the time I have no idea what I wrote and I only send the cards that he impresses upon me to send to people. I would love to have a fresh new packet of cards to have on hand to use when He leads me to do so. thanks for doing this…..my email is dlowran1(at)comcast(dot)net….
Bonnie,
God is teaching my dad and myself to take one (1) day at a time and be patient. He has always worked things out before and He will again in this situation.
I always use Dayspring cards to encourage people. It doesn’t matter the situation, I just find one and send a message of hope.
Love. Encouragement. Thank you!
This post was most encouraging to me as I am sometimes very timid to take the step of faith when there is an opportunity to trust God to see me through difficulties. I liked the analogy of jumping off the cliff into the clear pool of water to find the joy and excitement as I find the cool refreshment of the water washing away fears and anxiety.
Bonnie, are you for real? Because real is not reality anymore. As a Pastor’s daughter, I (of course) married a man in the Ministry. We spent many yrs. as Worship Leaders, Assistant Pastors, Church Counselors, etc. Then we were asked by our Pastor to head up a Deliverance Ministry. Three yrs. later (after a successful Ministry), I had cancer, my youngest daughter of 12 was molested by a pedifile, I went thru severe depression and now our lives are pretty much in ruins. To the point of suicidal thoughts and desires. So what is real anymore? I wish I knew….I used to think I did.
Yours Truly,
Diane Anderson
Thank you so much for the wonderful words of encouragement on the gift of encouragement! I also hid from family and friends when I was a little girl jus to see if I was missed. I too, was not missed or so it seemed, and finally I just came out of hiding. But, like today sometimes I feel looked passed, but try to always look for those that might be feeling that also. I am so glad the Lord never looks passed any of us! We are truly special to Him for no other reason but that we are…and His mighty love. Thanks again for reminding me today of His great love and compassion….
Bonnie,
I wish I could write a post on this topic – and I will but it will not be before Sunday. I write Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for this blog – A Better Way.
But encouragement is important to life. God gives us encouragement in the little blessings He sends our way each day; kind words from family or friend, beauty in nature, a hug, an inspiration for writing or a piece of art. In so many ways He talks to us.
And through others we can be encouraged. Someone told me yesterday that I looked great; someone else told me she liked my new hair style.
I try hard to look into someone’s eyes when they are speaking to me so that they know I care about what they are saying. I tell my Mom she sounds great – on the phone so she will be perked up. I email my children to remind them how much I care for them and how wonderful they are.
Thanks for this reminder – encourage each other.
Blessings,
Jan
You and your influence and encouragement are not invisible to me. Funny how you can feel like you’ve met an old friend just reading each other’s blogs! Thanks for all you do and are, Bonnie!
I enjoyed your Blog. I stumbled upon it through another Blog “(in)courage”. I also loved the Dayspring’s site that your Blog led me to. God works in mysterious ways. I was only going to sit down for a minute and it lead into an enjoyable hour. Thank you. Please also enter my name in your Dayspring’s Giveaway. God Bless You for the encouragement you share with others.
God has been encouraging me to slow down, cease, relax, stop and spend time quietly with Him. To spend time listening to Him speak to me. To take time to be more with Him throughout the day. What a blessing and encouragement this has been to me and I hope to Him.
You’re so right Bonnie. There are so many gifts that are more visible. But everyone needs encouragement. I love to give encouragement to others and thankfully I’ve been the recipient of encouragement from others. Out of the blue, I received a card from a blogging friend ‘just when I needed it most’. It brightened my day.
The children I work with are such an encouragement to me too. Their sweet three year old faces of words of love warm my heart. What could be better than being greeted by 19 three year olds hugging my legs each morning?
I want to encourage you too Bonnie. I love how you write from your heart. You’ve been a blessing and encourager to me.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I have a dear friend who is really blessed with the gift of encouragement. It really brightens my day when I get a card, a text, or an email from her, out of the blue. I was having a discussion with another friend about spiritual gifts, he has the gift of teaching. I was sharing that I really struggle knowing what my spiritual gift is, and without hesitation he said that I had the gift of encouragement. At the time I didn’t think that it was a very important gift, but thanks to your post, I am embracing it for the gift that it is!
So many things have happene to me in the last year. I have been so discouraged as a result of it. But, I have many, many friends and family members who have been praying for me and early this year, I felt encouraged for the first time in a long time. It’s prayers from the heart that have encouraged me, a smile and a hug from a family member or a friend that gave me hope. I know God has someone picked out for me, it’s in the waiting that’s hard sometimes but I know he will be the right man, at the right time. Praise God and thank you Lord for loving me just as I am. God bless.
Love writing cards 🙂
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Thank you for this post. It warmed my heart and encouraged me to keep on being me and doing the things I do even if they aren’t always acknowledged and even though I often feel invisible. Thank you 🙂
Hi! I just found your post while searching on the internet. I wanted to thank you for this encouraging post!
I find myself being kind of lonely sometimes. I give out lots of encouragement, and I know it’s recognized by God, but then when I need the encouragement back, I tend to not get it. I think the biggest reason is that I just don’t really have anyone close enough to me to share those problems. I have gone to Youth and church, and I enjoy it quite a lot– but at this moment of time, I guess what I feel I need is a very close best friend– someone who will share my funny, sad, and silly moments, and help me when I’m drained of encouragement too.
Thank you for being so amazing, and God bless you so much! Your ministry is going to flourish because of your love for God and because of your encouragement!
hi daniele! i’m so happy you’ve found your way here! 🙂 so touched it the words speak to you. we’re on the same journey – thnx for sharing your journey. it feels a lot less alone and lighter knowing we’re experiencing similiar experiences, right? you may enjoy my book “Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest” as this speaks to your heart. us encourages need encouragement! lemme know what you think if you pick it up. happy you’re here. i’m on a break right now writing book #2, so the blog posts are light right now in the summer.
Ah, okay. I totally understand. Gotta take those breaks from time to time! They are definitely needed.
And I will certainly consider reading your book! I will see sometime if I am able to purchase it and read it once I am done with the book I am reading. I’ll definitely let you know how I like it!
Thank you for replying to me, especially since I noticed I am about 4 years late after you posted this! I appreciate it so much.
Thanks Bonnie for this post of encouragement I’m a certified personal trainer and do a lot of encouraging and never am encouraged except by my wife only/ gym members you encourage never encourage you back after a while it gets disheartening and I feel like a invisible trainer there but not really there I needed this post today thanks for putting it here your new friend Ralph Ramsey Calera Alabama