Posts tagged ‘encouragement’
Friday’s Fave Five
,.m.,m.,m.,
I haven’t participated in Friday’s Fave Five since last March when I found out I had diabetes T2 and some other health issues. I have been spending my time and energies dealing with my health. But I have missed thinking about and writing my FFF’s. So that is what I am doing today.
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This row of salad perfectly complimented the lasagna and focaccia bread.
Staff Appreciation Dinner – Last week the Governing Board from church (where I work), had a dinner to show their appreciation. The dinner was quite delicious and beautiful. And the 3 desserts were all quite decadent. And even better was the conversation. I am grateful to work in such a place where appreciation is not rare.
- 2 Oscar movies – One thing on this year’s list of 57 Things To Do is to watch the Oscar nominated movies for best picture. A friend, Pam, joined me in watching The Imitation Game and Selma. I am grateful to have a friend who is willing to join me in this quest of mine. And I am grateful for gifted men like Alan Turing and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr who both made a huge impact on our world.
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Photo of me with one of the gals (Mary – left side) from my church.
MLK walk. On Monday members of my church joined 28,00 other people as we walked from Sac City College to the Capitol in memory of Dr. King and his work (about 5 miles). Since I had just seen Selma the day before, this walk was especially meaningful to me. I am grateful for the many, many folks who sacrificed during the Civil Rights era so that the US could be a more equal union. I know this work is not done yet, but if these 28,000+ are any indication, we have folks who are willing to keep on keeping on in this battle for racial unity.
- Found my Fitbit. During the Christmas season I placed my Fitbit in a safe place, but I couldn’t remember where that was. Yesterday I found it on the dining room table on TOP of a pile. I live alone and have no idea how it got there. I am grateful that no matter how it got there, it was found. And I know it will help me get back on track to walking 10,000 steps a day which will positively impact my diabetes management.
- Reading on my Tablet. Another thing on my 57 Things To Do is to read more this year. I was re-gifted a tablet and it is an awesome way to read. In the past 2 weeks I have read Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption and am now reading a book about (the Apostle) Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit. I am grateful for this anonymous person who re-gifted this device to me. I am finding it very useful for reading and social media. I imagine I will find other uses for it, too.
So that’s my top five list for this week. What is on your list? Go to Living to Tell the Story to read more such Faves and to link up your own post of FFF’s:
Sending Thanks to a Workmate – Gratitude Project
All days are better because of my workmates! (photo credit to http://wishesmessages.com.)
Some people are consistent sowers of good deeds. It’s as if they can’t help themselves. I’d say this description is applicable to one of my work mates. (Actually all the people I work with could fit this description.)
Letter 10: Letter to a workmate. This gal jumps in when someone needs help. She is always willing and ready to pray. She is frank but friendly and so you get honest, helpful, advice that doesn’t tear you down.
I told my workmate the following . . . I appreciate the way you share your resources, time, affection, wisdom, and enthusiasm. I am grateful because I am enriched, blessed, and now phone-rich because of your generosity. The way you give of yourself flows out from a heart that is loving and godly. Thanks so much.I am writing at least 36 letters expressing my gratitude. And I want to pray for them on that day as well. Go here for the original post and list of recipients. I am writing about it here in hopes that it spurs someone on to write their own gratitude letters.
Your Turn . . .
- Do you have a workmate that you appreciate?
- If yes, when was the last time you told him/her that?
- What are some things you appreciate about that person? Now go tell him/her!
Related Posts . . .
- 5 Things I Can Do When I Don’t Want to Work
- 8 Characteristics of Kindness
- 10 Things I Like About My Best Friend
- Five Reasons I Love My Job
- What it Means to LISTEN Intentionally
31 Days of Finishing – Day 16: Give Some Love
Day 16 – Here is some card “love” that I have received in the past few months. . . . Whenever I take to time to give love, I feel so energized.
You know those days when you are lacking energy to move forward on a project that doesn’t HAVE to be done today? But if you spent some time on it, that would be MARVELOUS! What is your best tip for combating, the “I Don’t Want to Do That” blues?
Mine is to give some love. After I’ve done this I feel all kinds of energetic and I’m READY to tackle that project! Some examples include . . .
- I buy a pizza for a gal who is a single mom.
- I call a friend with the purpose of listening to whatever she wants/needs to say.
- I carpool some kiddos even though none of my kiddos are in this carpool .
- I help someone with one of their to-do’s.
- I write a letter and send it to someone in need of some FUN mail.
Today I wrote out cards. . . . Thank you . . . encouragement . . . and get well. I fell pretty energetic right now.
The moral of the story? After spending time thinking about and loving on some folks, I now have extra energy to spend 31 minutes on my table! Another pile is going to be attacked. conquered. and demolished!
During this month of October I am joining LOTS of bloggers hosted by The Nester who will be writing every day about a topic. My topic is about finishing. I will spend 31 minutes each day on a to-do item (from the secondary list).
I will write about it and share any productivity tips I find helpful to FINISHING things.
Go here for the Landing Page with all the posts (which go live as they are written). The list is towards the bottom of the page. Go to the following link for Day 17: Advance Your Dreams.
Your Turn . . .
- Have you ever used “love” to get you motivated to tackle a project?
- When was the last time you sent a card? Was it for a purpose or just because?
- When was the last time you received a card? How did it make you feel?
- What item did you cross off your secondary to-do list today?
Related Posts . . .
- Letter Writing Meme Take Two
- Letter Writing Thoughts
- SIX Benefits Adults Receive by Writing Thank You Notes
Sending Thanks to a State Employee – Gratitude Project
I am writing at least 36 letters expressing my gratitude. And I want to pray for them on that day as well. Go here for the original post and list of recipients. I am writing about it here in hopes that it spurs someone on to write their own gratitude letters.
When overworked we have a choice to make. I pray we do our work with graciousness, integrity, and wisdom as we plod through the piles.Letter Six: State Employee.
Letter Six: State Employee.
Furlough days and talk of more, pay cuts and lay offs all contribute to fewer people doing more work which increases stress and can bring out attitude among some of those who work for the state. Then add the fact that they work with a public that is oft-times emotional and sometimes cranky because of the stress they are under, adds to the stress of state workers.
I may never have to utilize the services of the state. But if I did, I am glad there are people like my friend who works there. She brings a calm and a sense of “I care about you” that I am sure others notice and appreciate.
I am positive God has her right where He wants her.
I am positive she is impacting folks (co-workers, bosses, clients, and security personnel), in a gentle, honest, and I am sure, humorous way. This impact will bring some into the eternal kingdom and/or it encourages some on their earthly journey.
I wrote all the above on the card I sent to her.
I pray she knows she is making an impact. I pray this encouraged my friend to keep on with her integrity, good spirit, and hard work.
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During November I am writing or posting a photo about something for which I am grateful. This explains why.
Gratitude for November 14: I am grateful for my Spanish partner. We meet every Wednesday afternoon to go over that week’s Destinos episode. Because we have this standing appointment it keeps me faithful to studying. And we are improving!
To see my list of gratitude for each day, go to the post , Personal Gratitude Prevents Burnout. Then click on the (more…) button at the bottom of the page. As I write the day’s gratitude, I will hotlink the day.
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Your Turn . . . Is there someone who works for the state that you can encourage with a written thank you note?
Related Posts . . .
Bathroom Stalls Display Verses About Thanks-Giving
What words of praise will you say today?
On the inside door of the women’s bathroom stalls at church, there is advertisement. Usually it is about upcoming and current activities for women. But lately that spot has been prime real estate for Scripture.
When I take out the Scripture “ad” and forget to replace it, I hear about it. Women are enjoying this opportunity to be encouraged by words of Truth. I’ve even had some Scripture requests. Isn’t that cool?
I write on my mirror at home: to-do-‘s, quotes, verses to learn in Spanish, sometimes a Scripture. But I also going to put a Scripture on the inside of MY bathroom door. My mind and mouth are always in need of encouraging verses to read and recite.
Below are CNC Women’s Bathroom Stall verses for November. They are on the theme of thanks-giving – of course.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you. Colossians 3:15
And they said: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Revelation 11:17
Then Jesus said to the twelve followers, “Will you leave Me also?” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, who else can we go to? You have words that give life that lasts forever. We believe and know You are the Christ. You are the Son of the Living God.” John 6:67-69
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
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During November I am writing or posting a photo about something for which I am grateful. This explains why.
Gratitude for November 13: I am grateful for people who help me do my job. In this case, that was getting an accompaniment tape and then burning it to a cd. Thanks to Pam and Bryce!
To see my list of gratitude for each day, go to the post , Personal Gratitude Prevents Burnout. Then click on the (more…) button at the bottom of the page. As I write the day’s gratitude, I will hotlink the day.
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Your Turn . . .
- Does your church use this space? Is it mainly advertisement for women’s events or is it also a spot for Scripture?
- What is your favourite praise Scripture?
- Will you be posting Scripture in your bathroom or some other place in your home? If yes, where? And what verses?
Related Posts . . .
- 10 Helpful Offerings from Habakkuk
- I Talk Scripture to Myself
- Verses to Encourage Your Toes (I don’t know why I thought toes needed encouraging.)
Love Looks Around & Purposefully Invites People In
My fortune cookie, “If you broke your cookie into 3 pieces, the answer is no.'” Now I need a question!
During November I am writing or posting a photo about something for which I am grateful. This explains why.
Gratitude for November 11: I am grateful for my church family. They are an encouraging bunch of people. A few families (besides my sista’s family) go out of their way to make me feel special, wanted, and like I belong. In short, like I am part of their family.
I am an empty-nester of heart and home. This means I am divorced and my adult children live in another city. They are busy with their own lives and I don’t get to see them as much as I would like. So the acceptance into these church families’ lives is extra appreciated and it fills a void.
Today one of the families invited me to lunch with their extended family members. I got to visit with the children, hear family stories, kid around, and eat lovely Chinese food. It was such a homey time.
And I get to do this again with them on Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition we’ve had since I moved back here 7 years or so ago.
Today I am grateful for a particular couple in my church. They love me and purposefully make it very evident!
Your Turn . . .
- Who do you purposefully invite into your life?
- If no one, pray and see who God would like you to bring into your family circle.
- Is there a family or two who loves on you?
- If yes, write them a thank you today! I am going to write (at least) one tonight.
Related Posts . . .
To see my list of gratitude for each day, go to the post , Personal Gratitude Prevents Burnout. Then click on the (more…) button at the bottom of the page. As I write the day’s gratitude, I will hotlink the day.
Sending Thanks to My Prayer Partner – Gratitude Project
Letter Five: Prayer partner or someone who prays for you regularly.
I am grateful for my prayer partner’s reliability, faith, and tenderness to me.
9 years ago I started praying with my current prayer partner. That is the longest I have prayed with one person. Her prayers have been a constant in my sometimes unpredictable life.
Yesterday we gave thanks to God because of an answer to a long-time prayer: a fun, giving, and godly friend for one of our children.
Today I want to send an encouragement letter to my prayer partner. Yes, we see many answers to prayer and we also see many that have not been answered yet.
I want to encourage my friend to . . . Keep on believing in a faithful God . . . Remember the many ways God has already answered . . . Keep the big picture in mind = someday we will be in Heaven and we will see and experience the fruition of our prayers . . . God is always good no matter what we experience.
I am writing at least 36 letters expressing my gratitude. And I want to pray for them on that day as well. Go here for the original post and list of recipients. I am writing about it here in hopes that it spurs someone on to write their own gratitude letters.
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During November I am writing or posting a photo about something for which I am grateful. This explains why.
Gratitude for November 7: I am grateful for my work schedule. On Wednesdays I go in around 1 pm. I enjoy sleeping in and puttering around my home. I sometimes visit someone. Often I will grab a book or my Kindle and read for several hours. Right now I am reading Choosing Gratitude.
Today I am making apple brownies for a potluck at our Bible Study tonight, reviewing Spanish homework for a study meeting later on, and wrapping up a Bible to send to a soldier. . . . I love my Wednesday mornings!
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Previous Letters: Letter One, Letter Two, Letter Three, Letter Four.
Your Turn . . .
- Do you have a prayer partner? If not, why not?
- If you have a prayer partner, list one or two reasons why you are grateful for him/her.
- Send an encouragement to your prayer partner or someone who prays for you.
- What are you grateful for today?
Related Posts . . .
Sending Thanks to a Mom – Gratitude Project
I am writing at least 36 letters expressing my gratitude. And I want to pray for them on that day as well. Go here for the original post and list of recipients. I am writing about it here in hopes that it spurs someone on to write their own gratitude letters.
Letter Four: Mom who could use the encouragement.
Moms of all stages and ages have times when they doubt their mothering abilities . . . Times when they KNOW they’ve blown it and ruined their child(ren) . . . Times when fatigue and overwhelm crowd out reasonable expectations for their offspring . . . Times when they doubt they’ll ever get it right.
Friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors of moms can make a difference during these times. We can speak truth into their lives. We can give them a perspective shake-up. We can affirm their actions and who they are.
That is what I did today. I prayed. I looked over my list of mom friends trying to pick one. Every single mom had at least one heart ache regarding mothering.
I wrote 4 encouragement notes.
- One mom has 6 children (all older) and wonders whether she is making a difference in this world or even in her own family. And she wonders how she can continue to parent that difficult child with wisdom, compassion, and grace.
- One mom has an infant and 2 toddlers. Life is so much the same day-by-day. It’s boring (she says), overwhelming, soooo tiring and never-ending. She wonders if she’ll ever have her brain and body back.
- One mom is dealing with a teenager and a toddler. The teenager comes with the normal teenage angst with the added kick of a disability. The toddler is one continuous burst of non-stop activity. Mom wonders how she’ll stay sane, awake and pleasant.
- One mom has an adult “child” whose decisions are driving her to her knees. She wonders what she did wrong for this season to come upon her.
I can see myself in each of these woman. At various stages of raising my kiddos I felt inadequate regarding wisdom, perspective, energy, love, perseverance, and purpose.
I want to tell each woman to hang on. . . . God enables us. That doesn’t make the parenting task easy, but doable. . . . .This season will pass. . . . . You and your children will make it through. . . . You are making a difference. . . . The end of your story isn’t here yet. . . . Dig into Scripture and be faithful in prayer – that makes a difference – to your mental/spiritual state. . . . You are enough especially with God’s indwelling Spirit. . . . Keep on keeping on. Someday you will be glad you did!
And most importantly – God adores you! Yes, even though He knows ALL about you.
I think I need to go write some more encouraging notes. And I want to pray some more too because that’s where I believe the most encouragement comes from.
Previous Letters: Letter One, Letter Two, Letter Three.
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During November I am writing or posting a photo about something for which I am grateful. This explains why.
Gratitude for November 6: I am grateful for an hour. Although the time change happened on Sunday, I “found” my extra hour today.
I hadn’t changed the clock in my car and thought it was the correct time. When I got back in my car after shopping, I became fussy because I saw I only had a short time before needing to go to a meeting.
But once I was home and finished putting away the groceries, I saw that I had a whole hour before needing to leave. 🙂
I used that hour to write the above encouragement notes.
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Your Turn . . .
- What words of encouragement do you need to hear today?
- Have you ever received an encouraging note regarding your parenting? If yes, how did it impact you?
- Is there someone you could send a note to today?
Related Posts . . .
Sending Thanks to a Care Facility Resident – Gratitude Project
Letter One: Care Facility Resident. I have 2 friends who recently moved into care facilities. One is local and the other is out-of-state. Both are friendly but lonely in their new “homes.” This is not surprising since they were in their former homes for several decades. I am sure it is just a matter of time until they both make friends and feel settled in.
I sent them both a pick-me-up in the form of a card and a thanks for their friendship. I picked out 2 pretty cards from a stack of cards a friend made. I enclosed a short newsy note about people we knew in common. I made sure that my printing was at its very best so that anyone could read it. The envelope was clear so that the card shows through. I wish I had bought a pretty stamp.
To both ladies I told them specifically how they’ve enriched my life. I thanked them for their perseverance in their faith, their pleasant attitudes (despite a rough life), and their godly example. I am truly a better woman because of knowing them. Before mailing the cards, I prayed for them.
I am writing at least 36 letters expressing my gratitude. And I want to pray for them on that day as well. Go here for the original post and list of recipients. I am writing about it here in hopes that it spurs someone on to write their own gratitude letters.
How to Get Out of the Gutter
“We are all in the gutter,” Irish poet Oscar Wilde.
Whether you look for your news via the Internet, magazines, TV newscasts, or newspapers, it’s unlikely it’ll bring a smile to your face. We are all knee-deep in bad news about politics, the economy, and human relationships.
In light of this negative barrage, many of us feel the need for some hope, some good times, some way to get through the bad news.
We all want to have a reason to put a smile on our faces.
Oscar Wilde finishes his above quote with some advice Abraham (from the Old Testament, Genesis 17) took and some advice we can take: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
By shifting our gaze and keeping our eyes on the stars and the unconditional covenant they represent, our outlook can change. I’ll be looking up so that I don’t even notice (too much) the gutter that I’m living in.
- One day, I’ll be exchanging this gutter for Heaven.
- And while I’m here in this gutter, I’ll look at the One who made the unconditional covenant with His people.
- Our Heavenly Father has been, is, and will be eternally faithful to keeping His promises to us.
These are promises of safety, power over sinful desires, guidance, financial peace, and joy. The best promise is the forever relationship we can have with the Creator of the universe.
So, tonight instead of listening to the news before bedtime, I’ll be taking a nip outside to do some star-gazing and promise-remembering
Your Turn . . .
- What do you do when you are in the “gutter”?
- Are you a star gazer? If yes, why?
Related Post . . . “Don’t You Wonder Why the Stars Are in the Sky?”
Fruitful Words 