encouragement Archives - Page 2 of 12 -

A Sisterhood of Priceless Friendships

………….Planning April 27 Sisterhood in Christ Ladies Retreat at Olive Point Baptist …………………….. Cheryl, Shae, Diana, Cathy, Carol, Pam, Heather …………

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

Yes, friendships do refresh the soul. My friendship circle includes family, friends from school, workplaces, and church.

However, if I am not careful, my circle of friends will be only those in my church or community who think as I do. Comfy folk. They will mostly agree with my beliefs and choices in life. Easy, breezy!

To learn more about what the Bible says about friendships, click here.

In the photo above are our Women’s Ministry Director, Cathy VanDruff, and a few of the many ladies seeking God’s direction as we plan our 24th annual DCASB Ladies’ Conference: SISTERHOOD IN CHRIST. I can tell you, it will be the best yet. Please pray for the mtg., for the attendees, and for what God would have you do… help? attend? invite someone?

Being an author and writer, some of my friendship circles include guys and gals who do not have Jesus as their main priority, if at all! Sometimes, the stories they are working on can stir my heart to pray for them quietly. But, here’s the thing. I learn from them. As I get to know them better, I grow in understanding our communities better. Hopefully, I will become not only a better writer but a better person because of their friendships.

God has been stirring my heart lately about the many women who hug and smile in church on Sunday and leave with a heavy heart and no ‘real friends’ to share their deepest thoughts. I realize not everyone will come to a ladies’ conference, but everyone needs to be encouraged. I am asking God to open our spiritual eyes and hearts each day.

So, I have to ask you. How wide is your friendship circle? Are you ready to ask God who He wants you to include? Has He pricked your heart just now with the name or face of one who needs a friend? Please, pray for me as I continue to grow and seek God’s will in all I do. Praying for you, dear friend is a joy. And, I look forward to the day when you call for that friendship coffee. Sending hugs and prayers,

Hugs,

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he hath not another to help him up.” Bible: Ecclesiastes

Be Content in Every Situation

Oops! My “Mr.” Kitty’s Surprise – SIX Wee Ones

“… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation… ” from Phil. 4:11-13 NIV

On one of my lowest days, a very tiny, scrawny kitty made his way to the back porch where I was crying out to God. I missed my hubby. I was disappointed in myself. The list goes on…

“Mr. Kitty” was just what I needed; something to take care of and to cuddle on my down days. Well, I should have checked. Surprise! A few weeks ago, MISS Kitty gave me six little bundles of cuddlebugs!

God, in His wisdom, always gives us exactly what we need. I learn daily from Miss Kitty and God’s care for her. Feast your eyes on that momma’s face as she cares for her wee ones under an old rusty wheelbarrow in my front flower bed. Wind and weather never deterred her from her duties. She always meets me at the garage door for a bit of petting and heads back to her babies.

How is your life? Ever had times of discouragement? Is your life not always a bed of roses? Truthfully, each of us at times feels more like we’re rolling in a bed of thorns. My prayer for each reader is that you never lose track of God’s care for you; His love is beyond measure.

Find strength in God’s Word. Click here for encouraging Scriptures.

Here is one of my favorites. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

Monday, six adorable little balls of fur discovered how to climb onto my front porch. Prayers appreciated!

This week I am asking God to stir my heart as well as the hearts of my readers. “Teach us, Lord, when discouragement comes to look to You. To trust You. To praise You. You, oh Lord, are enough!”

Hugs,

Drop me a note. How can I pray for you? How have you found comfort in God this winter?

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,