Encouragement....

Had an interesting thing happen this week—which always means God is being sovereign again and again and still.  He always works out things for His glory at the perfect time to remind me that He IS HERE NOW.

The "theme" right now seems to be encouraging others, like Paul did a lot of.

 "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,  since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,  because of the hope laid up for you in heaven...

 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (Colossians 1)

Thanking God for others,

     Praying for others,

           And telling others that you do that

                So they are encouraged in You.

That is so encouraging.....encouraging to all of us.  

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."  (I Thessalonians  5:11)

Funny thing is, those who encourage are also encouraged.  

I know from experience—years ago I realized when I was shopping, I would rather purchase beautiful cards, notes, and stationary, than other things.  But if I was going to buy the cards, I needed to use them so I began sending letters and cards to friends. I usually found myself praying for the person I was writing the note to.

Then about nine years ago when I became a Stampin' Up demonstrator,  I began making my own cards and before I knew it, I had hundreds of beautiful cards just waiting for an owner.  And so I began sending cards of all kinds.  

Writing a note can be hard....
  I mean what am I going to say?
    What can I say that won't seem like flattery?  
        What can I say that will encourage them in their relationship with the Lord?

That's when I look at various Scripture verses like Colossians 1. 
"I thank God for you......." 
"I thank God for the work He has done in your life to make you a blessing to so many." 
"I thank God that He has gifted you with gifts that enable Him to change lives."

Lately, I also realize, because of I Thessalonians, that I need to remind others of how God sees them—covered in the righteousness of Jesus.  He sees them as holy, blameless, a vessel worthy of His use.  He loves each of us and we need to remind each other of that fact.

Sometimes we are so busy thinking about our failures, our shortcomings that we get immobilized and do nothing.  But a word from someone we trust reminding us of how God sees us can help us depend on Him more. Then we can begin living as His child—loved of the Father.

I know I have been encouraged many times by the notes others sent me.  Their words are always appropriate and uplifting.  They just encourage me as I thank God for what He does in others because of the work He has done in me. 

I actually have kept all the notes I have received through the years....they are in a box and when I need some encouragement, I have opened that box and read a few.  Then I pray for that person and thank God for them.

I hope you will all go to A Holy Experience today (3/26/2012) and read Ann's post.  It is powerful stuff about being thankful and writing notes to others.  You have to read her stats on what the benefits are to the person who writes the notes—you will be encouraged and you will feel better.  She also has great ideas to instill a sense of gratitude in children.

Writing notes to others, email, snail mail, Face Book messages, or hand delivered, all work.  I always feel like the 45¢ I spend on a card is the best money I spend.  Besides another weakness of mine is stamps—postage stamps—they are beautiful and look so nice on cards.  I have lots......

It is always fun to get a surprise gift for no reason so one other thing I sometimes do is include a little gift....a packet of seeds (especially this time of year), a bookmark, a tea bag or a packet of powdered hot chocolate.  I love to give gifts and little things are non threatening....people don't feel the need to give back.

Father, 

Praising and thanking you for others reminds me of what you have done for me.

Lay on our hearts the names of those who need to be 

    encouraged to continue to trust you,

        encouraged to love you, 

              encouraged to know you better, 

                   encouraged to know they are covered in your righteousness.

Encourage each of us as we listen to the promptings of your Spirit and follow your leading.

Father, more of you and less and less of me and my desire for others spiritual growth.

Amen

Continuing my thanks for gifts and graces:

#381...Lunch on the deck...no wind...perfect temps....restful

#382...Pansies and primroses to plant

#383...Sunday lunch with daughter and friend

#384...Montagues for tea and brunch

#385...A wonderful "tea" find at thrift shop, 3-tiered china server

#386...A friend's gift of flowers to grow

#387...Discretionary income...and the reminder that most in the world have none...help me to be wise

#388...Yard work....dirt to dig in....time to soak up the sun and see Your green life returning

#389...Lovely tea in lovely surroundings, harp playing, tasty morsels with tea and the company of friends

#390...Finches building a nest

#391...Morning doves' sweet song

#392...Pictures of stars in Utah....Amazing pictures (click to see)

#393...Reminders of your love and care.... 

#394...Finished lecture on "prosperity" that impacts me more than listeners...Help me never to forget

#395...Your provision....abundant....of cards and stamps to bless others