Encouragement- We All Need It

I love writing.  The idea of putting onto paper the many bit and pieces of thoughts, or words of encouragement that have swelled up from my heart just blesses me.

I have been writing for years.  And I do mean YEARS!!!  When I was in high school, I had an English teacher that always expected the very best from her students, no matter what that “best” was for each.  She had a God-given ability to sense what each of us was capable of, and she firmly, but gently, worked to make sure that she did everything in her power to get us to tap into that potential.

This teacher saw that I liked to write poetry and prose, and she took the time after school on more occasions than I can count, to work with me.  She helped me polish some of my thoughts into shining statements.  She helped me bend sentences and phrases so that my thoughts went in the proper direction. She helped me open my mind so that I could truly see what was inside of me.  I will be forever grateful to her because…she encouraged ME!!

So, since so much of my time has been spent on thoughts that are not really encouraging….as I have shared before, my Mom is dying from cancer…I thought that I needed to write about some of the MANY things that encourage me…things that bring a smile to my face.

I would love to be in the company of a bunch of Jesus-lovin’ women, with a sugar free vanilla iced coffee in hand - talking about what encourages us.... But since that isn’t possible (at least not yet), I thought that I would just share some of my

encouragements here…..

I'm super encouraged by witnessing people do crazy-awesome things with their lives. Things that make a difference. Things that other people have never done because it was considered too difficult.

Things that force the doer to overcome obstacles and beat the odds. Things that would be virtually impossible without faith, tenacity, and endurance.

Witnessing others using the talents God gave them to the fullest - is pretty inspiring.

Seeing people make things happen really gives me the urge to do the same. When we choose to improve ourselves - no matter how small the change is - we are also choosing to improve those around us. And THAT is powerful.

Some other encouragers?????

My husband…..I loved him FIRST. Our falling in love was definitely a God-thing because getting married again after a very painful divorce was NOT a part of MY plan. I am so thankful that it was part of God's plan.  I am definitely one very blessed woman.  My man is not only AWESOME, but he loves God FIRST.  That makes everything else just right!

My boxers…Titus, Tanner and River (Tawny River Girl).  I love my doggies. They love unconditionally.
Sunshine.

Hiking.  I love seeing all the critters and the flowers….some of the most beautiful parts of God’s creation.

Reading the autobiographies and stories of successful people.

Blogs.  I love writing my blog.  Even if no one else reads it.  I write to express what is in my heart and to share my faith and what God has done for me and those I care about.

Coffee.

My Mom's courageous attitude.  She is in the end stages of cancer, and yet she has not lost her spunky personality.  Not amidst the pain, or sleepless nights.  THAT encourages me.  I love her so much.  I miss her already.  I miss so much of what we can’t do together any more.  But I am thankful that she is with me today. I am encouraged by her faith and strength.

Psalm 119.

Warm weather.

Spending time with girlfriends.

Budding flowers in Spring.

Laughter.

Giving to others for no reason other than to give.

Music.

Testimonies…how awesome to hear how lives have been forever changed because of that simple act of faith…trusting in the Savior.

Traveling.

 And hugs...lots of them.  I am a hugger!!
Think about what encourages YOU!