3 Reasons Why You Should Encourage Someone TODAY!

1.) It is easy, but so effective.  A simple kind word may turn someone's day around. As a secretary I know how hard service jobs can be sometimes. When people tell me "Thanks for the help!" it makes a huge difference. Be sure to thank those who serve you: waiters, janitors, teachers...a little kindness goes a long way.

2.) It strengthens friendships. I feel truly blessed to have such encouraging friends. We are always telling each other "I love you!" and we really mean it.  It makes me feel confident and strong to know that my friends love me, and if I feel confident and strong, chances are I will be a better friend.

3.) You might not get the chance to tomorrow. Nobody knows what the future holds, but we do know that EVERYONE is experiencing some sort of hardship in their lives. Don't just assume that your friends are fine. Take the time to find out how you can better serve them.

 

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29 

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." -Hebrews 10:24-25

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." -Hebrews 3:13

February

My goal for this month has been to "work to meet the needs of others." It has been rough. I try my best, but can feel myself getting run down. If there is someone in your life who works hard to make your life better please remember to thank them for all they do! Being kind is not just a personality trait it is a lifestyle. A truly giving spirit comes from the Lord alone.

Pray for me friends!

1 Peter 4:10-11

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

January Update!

The Proverbs 31 Project is going really well! January's goal was to "Be Reliable/Responsible."

Week 1: My mini-goal for the first week was to spend consistent time with God every night. It was really tough (I don't know why I can spend hours on facebook and not in my Bible), but sooo rewarding. Life just seems to flow smoother when God is actively involved. The blessings continue to pour out and I am ever so grateful. If you want to get closer to God I highly recommend stepping it up in your quiet times. I find that prayer journaling helps me a lot!

I learned this format for prayer journaling in Sunday School when I was little and still use it today. It is based off of the format of the Lord's Prayer.

• A (Adore): Start your prayer by praising God for the marvelous God He is! He deserves it!
• C (Confess): Confess your sins to the Lord daily, and repent of them.
• T (Thanksgiving): Thank the Lord for all of your blessings.
• S (Supplication): Humbly ask the Lord to provide for your needs.

Week 2: My mini-goal for the second week was to keep commitments. I was proud of myself for doing everything that I said I would do this week, but it was very difficult. Life is busy and unexpected things come up all the time. I think that the best way to keep your commitments is to not make very many of them.

The Proverbs 31 Project

Many of you already know how much I enjoy the Proverbs. I feel as thought they have much practical advice to offer, especially in today's day and age when it is so easy to get off track. In fact, my "life verse" for many years has been Proverbs 3:5-6

^"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

   and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways submit to him,

   and he will make your paths straight."

As I have grown older I have found out just how true those words are. Submitting to God takes every ounce of energy a person can muster along with some help from the Holy Spirit. However, nothing is more fulfilling. There is a divine peace that comes when we walk with the Lord and Him alone.

SO this year I decided to set monthly goals to help me submit to His will for my life. To help me do this I have turned to the Proverbs 31 description of what a godly woman should be. From that description I have taken 12 attributes (one for each month) and have written them on my desktop calender. I will spend each day praying for that month's attribute to become evident in my life and set mini-goals for the week that help me put them into action. Here are the 12 attributes:

A Godly Woman:

1. Is trustworthy/ reliable
2. Works to meet the needs of others
3. Is proactive
4. Has a positive attitude
5. Is discerning
6. Is a good provider
7. Is a hard worker
8. Has dignity
9. Trusts God's will
10. Is confident
11. Is wise
12. Is a mentor

I have added this as a new section to my blog and will post my updates and goals for each month! Be on the lookout for January's coming soon :)