encouraging scriptures Archives -

A View from the Elevator

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Excitement was high as I packed for my first Baptist Secretaries Conference (BSAAM) in several years. I was anxious to see old friends and learn new techniques, and I needed inspiration to move forward.

I had included my usual request as I reserved the room. “Please ensure my room is next to the elevator as I cannot walk long hallways.” I was assured that could be done.

Confident all was as planned, we headed for the elevator expecting our room number 203 to be just outside the door. It wasn’t! Our room was at the end of the hallway; 112 long steps to be exact! Roommate Cheryl gingerly pushed our luggage cart toward the room while I had to stop three times to catch my breath and steady my weary legs. Seriously!

Normally I would have tried to get the room changed. However, God kept me moving, not complaining, trusting Him to care for me. He alone arranged for my ‘needs’ and not my ‘wants’ to be met that day. By the end of the stay, I even took the stairs to the lobby!

At the conference facility, we walked long (very long) hallways to each class. The bathroom was at one end of the hall and the atrium (food) was at the other. My loving Father knew I needed that hotel warmup to prepare me for the days ahead.

Click here for encouraging scripture from the Billy Graham Association when things do not go as expected.

How about you, precious friend? When things go awry, do you consider God may be giving your needs instead of your wants? Can you stop and praise Him, even in the worst of times knowing He loves you and knows what’s best?

Many of you are daily facing much more complex issues than I face. I know that for certain. I pray for you often. Never lose sight of the fact that God loves you. God has you and your family in the palm of His loving hand and He WILL NOT LET GO!

Here are a few more verses to hang on to when the road gets rough.

Let me hear from you. How can I pray for you this week?

Hugs,

Susie

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,