Sometimes it is really easy to get wrapped up in what God doesn’t do for us… questioning God on why He doesn’t answer our prayers. Doubting that He is even listening at all.
Wondering if He cares…
That is where I have been these last couple of months. Doubt, fear, insecurity, lack of faith and anger had overshadowed my joy. There are certain things that have happened in the last few months that have shaken my faith to its core and left me on the floor crying out to a God that I honestly had a hard time even speaking to, much less relying on. I felt alone, forgotten and emotionally drained…. {cont. reading @ {in}courage}
Just the right words for me today. Thank you.
I am responding to the following: To enter, just leave a comment by 10pm EST sharing one of your favorite ways to encourage others (or a way someone else encourages you)!
I know this probably isn’t the right way to do it, but clicking on “leave a comment” didn’t work. I just wanted to share a few ways that I love to encourage people. I love giving gifts to remember special events. Right now I am working on putting together all the toasts that were said at my daughter and son-in-law’s rehearsal dinner/wedding into a scrapbook for their first “paper” anniversary. And a favorite tradition that I started when our kids were in college is a countdown to Christmas when they go back to college after Thanksgiving. I wrap little gifts and then attach Bible verses. They first read the verse and then try to guess what’s in the package. They love it and so do their roommates! Here are a few examples:
But when the kindness & love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. … so having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. TITUS 3:4-7 (lifesavers)
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy…The Lord has done great things. PSALM 126:2 (chocolate or favorite candy)
For whatever God says to us is full of living power – sharper than any double-edge sword, penetrating deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrew 4:12 (razor)
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. PSALM 62:5
(bubble bath)
For at least the last 5 years I did this for my Mom’s birthday every year and called it her “Birthday Celebration Around the Clock.” She would open a gift every hour on her birthday. She looked forward to it each year and would save all the verses. I truly believe it contributed to her becoming a Christian. Though I will miss doing it for her this year because she passed away in April, I know she will be having a wonderful birthday celebration in heaven!
Heather, I discovered your blog about a month ago. I pray for you and your family everyday. Your daughter Easton is an blessing. Emma owns my heart. I have a great-grandson named Matthew Elijah (Eli) whom gives me joy. Heather, I have bone cancer and my doctors have told me there is nothing else to do. Everyday, I see changes in my body. My granddaughter whom I raised is in college becoming an Oncologist. I felt sorry for myself until I met you and you have given me so much hope and you are very special to me. I love you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my days a bit easier. I am 59 years old and God has been good to me. Heather, keep your faith and believe in miracles. You are one of earth’s angels. If you can pray for me for I believe in the power of prayer. I love you.