Tag Archives: encouragement

The Truth about Our New Year Resolutions

The truth about Our New Year Resolutions

The Truth about Our New Year Resolutions and why we can’t keep them looms clear for me this year. As I look at my list carefully, it is more of a wish list than resolutions.

What makes the difference?

By definition, resolution is a firm decision with clearly defined intentions. A true resolution is a commitment to make definite plans to accomplish the goals. Our wish lists are simply what we hope to do or to be in the coming year, and usually about our own personal self-improvement.

Our resolutions or goals need measurements and benchmarks.

Consider these questions as you look at your New Year Resolutions, your plans for 2018. Are they basically the same as last year? Are you hoping to do better this year? Do you have plans to measure your progress? What do you plan to do differently (beginning now) to achieve your goals?

Check your personal wish list vs. your resolutions/goals.

For me, I wish I would lose some weight; I wish I would exercise more; I’d like to cook healthier meals, keep the house better …  Truth is I have no set goals or plans for those things … not any that are measurable.

Make a list of your resolutions (goals) for the year. Here are a few of mine.

I am resolved to care more this year; to pray more faithfully for others; and to regularly call or send notes to those who need encouragement; be more diligent in visiting those I love; to listen more earnestly.

I am taking a few positive steps to keep me on track.

I will set each Friday as my card day; keep address book, well-stocked card box, pens and postage in place!  I will keep an up-to-date prayer calendar with my Bible and use it daily. I will keep a notepad by the phone to list those I need to call, and date when called.

Join me in scheduling time for those you “wish you could visit”.

For me it’s too late for long talks about childhood I meant to have with my brother; he is gone now. There are others I hunger to see; I am calendaring time for them. No, I can’t do it all, but I can respond the the Lord’s urging and put people ahead of “stuff”. I can learn to say “Sorry, I have a previous appointment on my calendar.” Then keep it!

Are their people in your life that have been a blessing to you?

Who do you know that could use a blessing about now? It’s near zero here today and will be tomorrow; I wonder how many people living alone could use a cheerful call from me to help shorten their day and give them some much-needed encouragement?

Today I put my note cards, pens, stamps, and address book on my desk and plan to use them every week. A ready pad and pen are by the phone; prayer list is by my Bible. How about you?

Hugs,

Have you met Patches the Awesome Turtle yet? He’s only been around thirty days and already wowing young and old! So thankful for a way to share God’s powerful word!

Caregiver Alert: A Little Happy Goes a Long Way

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a little happy goes a long way

Today, let us count some happy!

We are bombarded with heavy news: he said, she said, they did …! We need encouragement. I am gonna get outa this rut and find some happy. I promise, p-r-o-m-i-s-e, you will find some happy too!

Five reasons to be happy today.

#1 I’m happy because I can read. Seriously? Yes! Last week we had casserole with hot, hot peppers in the chopped tomatoes because I didn’t take time to read the label. We don’t do hot peppers!  What about those shoppers that brave the stores and cannot read labels?

#2 I’m happy because I can open my door and breathe in fresh, clean air. No raging war outside my door, no fires, no starving wee ones on the corners.

#3 I’m happy because I chose to care for Mother, hubby, family. Not everyone has someone to care for. God entrusts us with loved ones; then He enables us to care for them and love on them, even when the road gets rough at times.

#4. I am happy because I have a bed to crawl into, a chair to rest in, a refrigerator with good food and fresh water to drink. Many, many, many do not!

#5 I am happy because I have friends to write letters to and friends who share their burdens and joys with me. Friends like you, dear ones, who make my life happy by simply sharing in it.

And, I have a Friend, Jesus, I can talk to everyday. He shares my joys, my sorrows, and knows my deepest needs. I pray you know Him, too. He can make the heaviest day a happy one as we learn to leave our burdens with Him.

Have a great week.

Check out my articles in a new book from Springfield Writer’s Guild: Creative Collections. Short stories and poems are a great way to find a little happy when time is short and you need a pic-me-up.

Caregiver Hope: Yearning for Greener Grass?

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Caregiver Hope: Yearning for Greener Grass?

Help, I’m drowning!

“…is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow…when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” (James 1:2-4, TLB)

Okay, so I admit it! I can almost see your expression as you read that verse. Your thoughts are running something like this:

“Hey, lady! The first part is correct. My life IS full of difficulties and temptations; and you don’t know the half of it. I’m at my wits end and no help in sight. You really expect me to find a blessing? And top that off by being happy?”

This week’s drastic weather changes have added to the daily stress of caring for family and others. Here in the Ozarks we can literally wade in our back yard and might consider building a boat. On the other hand, some of my readers would pay a big price to get a few drops of precious rain on their parched lands.

Some days are just plain too long!

I recall those days when the only blessing I could envision was my bed at night; that is, if I thought I would be able to muster the strength to get into it. Through the years I learned the value of identifying at least one blessing before I went to bed. Maybe my blessing was simply surviving another day. As time went on, a blessing might be remembering a soft smile when I kissed a cheek. Sometimes it was simply the smell of freshness on that last load of laundry for the day.

Close your eyes for even two minutes–yes, just TWO minutes! Sit up straight, breathe deeply and exhale slowly. Relax. Thank the Lord that He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. Thank Him for fresh air and freedoms and abilities to help others. Thank Him for His blessings.

News Flash: For You!

By the way, did you know that YOU are one of His blessings? Yes, you are!

As we continue this journey together, I trust I will be an encouragement to you; just a nudge to let you know you are not in this alone. Be assured I have prayed for each person reading this including you. Thank you for caring and sharing.

For more encouragement and practical help, consider working through the discussion guides in the second edition of MY MOTHER MY CHILD with a friend or family. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hugs,

Feel free to share this trailer with others who have not yet read MY MOTHER MY CHILD. Thanks.