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You Can Change a Life Today

Pretty Card or Plain Paper – Just Send It

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

God has given you the ability to change a life today. You can easily encourage someone every single day the Lord gives you breath.

It’s a wicked world. Life is tough and getting tougher for many. Time is short. None of us know when our last day will be.

How is my encouragement working so far?

While writing our memoirs, I sent over one hundred letters to people across the United States asking for memories and stories about Russell to put into a scrapbook for our family. (Have you sent yours yet?)

My heart breaks as I read the responses, he had no idea of his influence. It would have been a much-needed encouragement for him to hear those words in his final days.

I can hear you. “I don’t write letters anymore, postage is so high!” Oh, Please! Do you know how many stamps you can buy with the money spent yesterday on that latte or soda? Seriously! Where are our priorities?

I have a personal challenge for each of you. Think of someone who has meant something special in your life and take time (MAKE TIME) to send them a card–yes, a real card/letter they can get in the mailbox! Get well and anniversary cards are often expected. Go the extra mile, and do the unexpected.

Need inspiration? Click here for encouraging scriptures.

Drag out your old address book and look at it each morning. Ask God who needs an encouraging word from you today. Mail them a note even if you see them each day. Give them something to hold on to when storms assail.

One of the most precious notes I received this week was handwritten scribbles on a scrap piece of paper. Priceless!

Think outside the box. I put a tiny bag of candy and a note on the top of my dumpster occasionally on trash day. Same for the postman. Hand a scripture card to the grocery clerk.

As always, praying for you as I write.

Hugs,

Thanks for dropping a note below! You bless my heart and encourage me to keep on keeping on ’til Jesus comes.

Teach Us To Number Our Days

Sunday Parking Lot Church During Covid

“Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” Psalm 90:12

Blessed Beyond Measure! Survived 2020 – Trusting God for 2021

And, so began our 2020 annual letter to friends and family. In August 2021 my precious Russell went Home. Trusting God for 2021? The truth is that not one of us knows when our life on earth will end. Not one of us is not guaranteed one more breath.

The letter was written at a time when we realized what we had been missing: visiting hospitals and nursing homes, shopping where we wanted, hugging a friend, and dropping in on a neighbor. We were starved for hugs, laughter, freedom, and unmasked smiles.

Personally, I wonder as 2023 soars past, do we appreciate the freedoms we now have? Take a minute to consider how we must make every minute count.

Draw closer to the Lord. Do you know for sure that your relationship with Jesus Christ is secure? Is he truly your Savior and your Lord? Are you walking in His ways daily? This is absolutely the most important issue to be settled today.

Would God have you settle a relationship? Are you harboring any resentment, anger, or unforgiving spirit against anyone? Is your heart free of greed or selfish ambition? Ask Him to create in you a clean heart. Go the extra mile. Smile and be kind. Repent and restore fellowships. (Psalm 51:10-19)

Pray more fervently for each family member and friend. Use their names, and picture each one as you pray. Ask God to stir the hearts of those who do not know Him personally; plead for healing of soul and body for others and ourselves. Take (make) time each day. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Here is some additional food for thought as we consider others.

Appreciate more fully those who care for us and tend to our needs. Hold them up in prayer. The obvious: health care workers, first responders, truckers, and transporters. Consider also mail carriers, trash haulers, grocery personnel, convenience store workers, and on and on. A sincere smile can do wonders.

I carry little bags of candies with Scripture to give to waiters, clerks, and such. Sometimes I fix a bag and leave it on top of my trash can on trash day. Or in the mailbox or for the delivery guy. Recently God impressed upon me to silently pray specifically for those persons as I leave a treat bag. I ask Him to draw them to Jesus.

From Isaiah 40 – Comfort my people, says the Lord. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

And Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Praise Him when all is well. Praise Him when your world tumbles before you. He alone has a plan. He knows what is best. He can be trusted.

Lastly, I pray for you. I ask God to fill your every breath with His spirit. I pray that you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when that last breath is taken, you will be with Him. Be sure, be very sure.

Love and hugs,

How Well Do You Listen

Union Mound Baptist Church Evening Worship

Look at the faces of Wayne and Barbara as they listen intently to Dr. Wade Paris sharing God’s Word from his heart.

I want to listen like that; not just to a speaker, but to every person who wants to talk to me. I want my face to light up with compassion and love. I want to really hear what they are saying.

Compassionate listening is an art; it takes practice. It takes patience. It takes time. In our hectic, busy world, one of the greatest gifts we can give to our family and to others is taking time to listen well.

Click here for some wisdom from the Great Listener.

Charles Dickens said: “No one is useless in the world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” One of the best ways to lighten a load is to learn to become a good listener.

Proverbs 18:13 “To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”

Here are a few ideas as together we learn to become better listeners.

Try not to judge another person’s reactions or give unsolicited advice. You may not relate to what the person is saying, but it is real to them. This can be tricky if you are caring for someone with memory issues; however, they need a compassionate ear.
Learn to give appropriate feedback. Instead of saying, “I know how you feel,” try saying, “That must be difficult for you.” Or simply “I’m sorry you are feeling this way.” As I visited with a recent widow, I could not say I knew how she felt even though I have lost two husbands. My experience was not hers; I can understand the hurt, but I needed to hear her story, hold her hand, and say “I’m so sorry.”
Consider the health and well-being of the person. Do they have family and friends nearby? Are they confined to a chair, bed, or room for most of their time? Before you hurriedly walk away, realize you may be the only person who actually took a few minutes to listen to their story.
Watch carefully for clues as someone talks to you. Do they sound overly worried about what should be an insignificant matter? Could there be more to the story than is being said, hidden reasons for their concern?
This last tip may seem to be the most obvious. However, it is often the most neglected. Give a smile and a gentle hug. A smile has a tremendous healing effect on everyone. Pray for the situation when appropriate; at least add them to your personal prayer list. A simple pat on the hand or shoulder and a genuine smile can make someone’s day. Good medicine for them–and good for you!

As you take time to really listen, you will reduce tension and build trust. Go the extra mile. Keep a small notebook handy and jot down concerns or things to remember for the next conversation.

Have a great week and, as you listen to others, allow time to listen to Our Heavenly Father as well; He is the ultimate Compassionate Listener. He longs to listen to you!

Hugs,

Your comments are a part of listening; I look forward to hearing from you.