ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER

Merriam-Webster.com defines encourage as: to inspire with courage, spirit or hope; to spur on; to give help.

One of my on-going prayers is that God will remind me to be an encourager. That is one of the reasons that I decided to write a blog. I hoped when I began it that maybe, in some way, something I write would encourage someone in their daily life and especially in their walk with the Lord. I like to think that encouragement is one of the things that God has called me to do. But sometimes, I too need encouraging and several beautiful ladies have ministered to my spirit in a timely manner.

We all have our down times, the times when we feel totally discouraged and maybe even depressed. There is nothing sinful about feeling down. It is human and anyone who says they never feel depressed is either not telling the truth or living in a fantasy world. For some reason, I have been feeling this way a lot lately. I don't know why. I certainly have many reasons to be "up." It has kind of been coming and going with me. I will be perfectly fine and then all of a sudden, I feel down.

Several times in the last two weeks someone has given me an encouraging word when I was really feeling down. This just helped to remind me how many wonderful, Christian friends I have and also how I need to remember to encourage others as much as possible.

Today, I want to publicly acknowledge those who have encouraged me. Several wonderful ladies have taken me to the “well” of encouragement and refreshment just when I needed it most! I was feeling “dry” and they watered me. I was feeling forgotten and they remembered me. I was feeling old and someone asked for wisdom. I guess I have been having my own little pity party and God has taken pity on me and sent these “sisters” my way. It never ceases to amaze me how God puts people in our path to give us a lift just when we need it most.

Today, I want to dedicate this blog to those dear friends who have ministered to me lately. I won't call your name because I might leave someone out and I sure wouldn't want to do that. To the one who always encourages me about my family- thank you so much. To the ones who take time to give me a positive comment about something I am doing - you just don't know how much it means to me! To the young woman who cared about my opinion and sought my advice - you were a blessing! All of you girls are great role models for me and others. I love you and I thank you for ministering to me!

Today the sun is shining and hopefully that will lift everyone's spirits. It has seemed like such a long winter!

Here are some of Solomon’s Proverbs that have to do with words:

Proverbs 15: 1 - 2; 4
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 25: 11
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Have a blessed day and share you "apples of gold" with someone else. I’m going to try to!