God shapes the world by prayer. The more prayer there is in the world, the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil..." E.M. Bounds
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Walking Partners
"And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God." 1 Samuel 23:16
I'm thankful today for those who walk alongside me in my journey as
wife, mother, and follower of Christ. There are so many who encourage
me, teach me, and stretch me to be better all areas of my life.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find lifelong friends who bring them great delight and joy, and push them to grow in their faith. Friends who speak God's truth into their lives, always show grace and forgiveness, and spur them on towards good deeds. Partners on our journey of faith is one of the greatest treasures of life.
We can live this life on our own, but it's so much sweeter walking it with friends.
Lord, I love your presence in my life. With you I find great encouragement, hope, strength, and joy. You are my God, and I love you. Thank you for blessing me with friends who walk beside me on this journey, and help me strive to be a better wife, mother, and child of God. My heart is full of gratitude. Fill Alyssa and Kyle's lives with friends who will do the same for them; friends who will encourage them to draw closer to you, who will speak truth in love, and be with them through the thick and thin. Lord, you give us special people who enrich our lives in beautiful ways. Thank you for such a sweet gift.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find lifelong friends who bring them great delight and joy, and push them to grow in their faith. Friends who speak God's truth into their lives, always show grace and forgiveness, and spur them on towards good deeds. Partners on our journey of faith is one of the greatest treasures of life.
We can live this life on our own, but it's so much sweeter walking it with friends.
Lord, I love your presence in my life. With you I find great encouragement, hope, strength, and joy. You are my God, and I love you. Thank you for blessing me with friends who walk beside me on this journey, and help me strive to be a better wife, mother, and child of God. My heart is full of gratitude. Fill Alyssa and Kyle's lives with friends who will do the same for them; friends who will encourage them to draw closer to you, who will speak truth in love, and be with them through the thick and thin. Lord, you give us special people who enrich our lives in beautiful ways. Thank you for such a sweet gift.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Someone Else Please
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2
Believe it or not, our kids don't listen to everything we have to say. Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.
However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt". Someone they can share their worries and fears with. Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.
Some days it will be me.
But most days it won't be.
So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.
Lord, thank you for my dear children, Alyssa and Kyle. Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself. I pray, Father, that you send someone into their lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me. May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts. Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!
Believe it or not, our kids don't listen to everything we have to say. Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.
However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt". Someone they can share their worries and fears with. Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.
Some days it will be me.
But most days it won't be.
So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.
Lord, thank you for my dear children, Alyssa and Kyle. Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself. I pray, Father, that you send someone into their lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me. May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts. Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Circle of Good Friends
Those of us who
are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to
those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us.
Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after
the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Romans 15:1-2 (The Message)
Another school week begins! As my kids head out to their classes today I'm praying for those they cross paths with. I hope that they are surrounded by people who show them Jesus.
Lyssa went to a retreat this weekend with some peers and adults who live out their faith (picture below). I loved seeing their goofiness, and know that they each take their walks with the Lord seriously. I hope she found herself encouraged, and in turn was an encouragement to someone else!
Lord, please surround Alyssa and Kyle with friends and adults who point them towards you. I pray that they each find encouragement, acceptance and accountability with those they are close to. In turn, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are that "good friend" to someone else. Relationships can help us grow in our faith, and draw us closer to God, and I pray that those kind of friendships are in abundance in my kids lives! Today, put someone in Alyssa and Kyle's lives that bless their socks off!
Another school week begins! As my kids head out to their classes today I'm praying for those they cross paths with. I hope that they are surrounded by people who show them Jesus.
Lyssa went to a retreat this weekend with some peers and adults who live out their faith (picture below). I loved seeing their goofiness, and know that they each take their walks with the Lord seriously. I hope she found herself encouraged, and in turn was an encouragement to someone else!
Lord, please surround Alyssa and Kyle with friends and adults who point them towards you. I pray that they each find encouragement, acceptance and accountability with those they are close to. In turn, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are that "good friend" to someone else. Relationships can help us grow in our faith, and draw us closer to God, and I pray that those kind of friendships are in abundance in my kids lives! Today, put someone in Alyssa and Kyle's lives that bless their socks off!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Friday, September 6, 2013
A Soarin' Kind of Day!
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is
the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows
faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. He gives
strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint
and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in
the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31 HCSB
Today marks Alyssa and Kyle's first full week of college. I think it's probably too early to be tired and weary, but after a long summer break, the hard work of going to school each day, and with the need to get up early each day, I'm guessing my kiddos are dragging.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle wake up to face one more day, cause YAHOO, it's Friday! I know mama is happy!
Lord, you are the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth, and I stand in awe that you never grow tired or weary! Give Alyssa and Kyle strength today where they are weary. Renew their strength and help them to soar through their day. Thank you, Precious Savior, for helping us to run and soar!
Today marks Alyssa and Kyle's first full week of college. I think it's probably too early to be tired and weary, but after a long summer break, the hard work of going to school each day, and with the need to get up early each day, I'm guessing my kiddos are dragging.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle wake up to face one more day, cause YAHOO, it's Friday! I know mama is happy!
Lord, you are the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth, and I stand in awe that you never grow tired or weary! Give Alyssa and Kyle strength today where they are weary. Renew their strength and help them to soar through their day. Thank you, Precious Savior, for helping us to run and soar!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Two Days, Five Potlucks
“And let us consider how we may spur
one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
In the last two days, I have attended FIVE potlucks/dinners...
A women's missionary luncheon,
A wedding reception get-together.
A baseball fundraising dinner,
A Sunday afternoon potluck and business meeting,
and a 80th birthday celebration for two dear friends!
We have not failed to meet together with friends this weekend, let me tell you. However, the diet on the other hand, was a complete failure!
Though I come through the weekend a bit on the "dazed and confused" side of things, I have this sense of gratefulness and love for the people in my life. Such a variety of friends, encouragers, and sojourners who enrich me! There's just something about knowing I'm not walking alone!
It reminds me to pray for those who enter Alyssa and Kyle's lives as teachers, mentors, friends, and co-laborers of Christ. These people will remind them that they are not alone, they are loved, and that there are places to turn when life gets hard.
Life is just more blessed when it's touched by the smile, kind words, and encouragement from another.
Lord, thank you for the blessing that I find from the people you have put in my life! I revel in the variety from age, personality, passions, and purposes, but each are vital to my growth in you and finding joy day by day. Please, precious Savior, but special people in Alyssa and Kyle's lives too. Provide friends who encourage them, give them individuals to touch their hearts, and fill their days with those who strengthen their faith. Today, if the day seems hard, I pray Alyssa and Kyle find a smile. And if the day seems lonely, I pray that they find a friend. Father, teach Alyssa and Kyle to live in community with other believers and find great joy from the presence of those you have placed in their lives.
In the last two days, I have attended FIVE potlucks/dinners...
A women's missionary luncheon,
A wedding reception get-together.
A baseball fundraising dinner,
A Sunday afternoon potluck and business meeting,
and a 80th birthday celebration for two dear friends!
We have not failed to meet together with friends this weekend, let me tell you. However, the diet on the other hand, was a complete failure!
Though I come through the weekend a bit on the "dazed and confused" side of things, I have this sense of gratefulness and love for the people in my life. Such a variety of friends, encouragers, and sojourners who enrich me! There's just something about knowing I'm not walking alone!
It reminds me to pray for those who enter Alyssa and Kyle's lives as teachers, mentors, friends, and co-laborers of Christ. These people will remind them that they are not alone, they are loved, and that there are places to turn when life gets hard.
Life is just more blessed when it's touched by the smile, kind words, and encouragement from another.
Lord, thank you for the blessing that I find from the people you have put in my life! I revel in the variety from age, personality, passions, and purposes, but each are vital to my growth in you and finding joy day by day. Please, precious Savior, but special people in Alyssa and Kyle's lives too. Provide friends who encourage them, give them individuals to touch their hearts, and fill their days with those who strengthen their faith. Today, if the day seems hard, I pray Alyssa and Kyle find a smile. And if the day seems lonely, I pray that they find a friend. Father, teach Alyssa and Kyle to live in community with other believers and find great joy from the presence of those you have placed in their lives.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Thankful Thursday: Praying Together
"Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound
in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in
heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about
anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who
is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I
am there in their midst." Matthew 18:19-20 (NASB)
Each Sunday night I have the precious privilege of hearing a couple of my friends pray for my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for them. There is no better way to move into a new week, or release my burdens or fears, and learn to rest in hope for God's intervention in so many things on this parenting journey. Together, these ladies and I are experiencing sweet communion with the Lord, and seeing His power and grace at work in the lives of our youth.
Thank you, my dear friends, for faithfully gathering together with me in prayer. It's one of my greatest blessings each week!
Lord, it is such a tender experience hearing someone else pray for my children so faithfully, and I can't help but give you thanks today for my friends who gather with me each Sunday night. You say that when two or more are gathered in your name that you are in their midst. Your presence with us moms as we pray is the greatest encouragement and gives us the strength we need to face the coming week. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers, for loving our children even more than we do, and being present and active in their lives day by day, and moment by moment. What peace that comes knowing that we don't parent alone. We have you, dear Jesus, and we have friends that walk along side us on this journey. Thank you for such a precious gift!
Each Sunday night I have the precious privilege of hearing a couple of my friends pray for my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for them. There is no better way to move into a new week, or release my burdens or fears, and learn to rest in hope for God's intervention in so many things on this parenting journey. Together, these ladies and I are experiencing sweet communion with the Lord, and seeing His power and grace at work in the lives of our youth.
Thank you, my dear friends, for faithfully gathering together with me in prayer. It's one of my greatest blessings each week!
Lord, it is such a tender experience hearing someone else pray for my children so faithfully, and I can't help but give you thanks today for my friends who gather with me each Sunday night. You say that when two or more are gathered in your name that you are in their midst. Your presence with us moms as we pray is the greatest encouragement and gives us the strength we need to face the coming week. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers, for loving our children even more than we do, and being present and active in their lives day by day, and moment by moment. What peace that comes knowing that we don't parent alone. We have you, dear Jesus, and we have friends that walk along side us on this journey. Thank you for such a precious gift!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Faith Encouragers
"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12 (NLT)
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we are supposed to do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
Alyssa and her youth leaders at graduation (2012)
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we are supposed to do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
Father,
I pray that you strategically place friends or adults in Alyssa and
Kyle's life that encourage them in their walk with you. Give them
places of safety and refuge with people they can trust, and who
speak love and truth into their lives, especially when the daily grind
of life is so hard. Give them mentors and friends who walk with them as
aliens and strangers in this world.
In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in
the life of someone else. Help them to be bold and wise in their
conversation with others, leading them closer to you. Use my children
to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love
that reflects you.
I
pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage
them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others
as well. Thank you, Jesus, for hearing my prayers!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Someone Else
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2
Believe it or not, my kids don't listen to everything I have to say. In fact, sometimes I get the rolling of eyes, the big exhale, or a chuckle under their breath. "Oh, Mom!" Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.
However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt". Someone they can share their worries and fears with. Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.
Some days it will be me.
But most days it won't be.
So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.
And for those of you who encourage my kids:
Thank you!
Lord, I love my precious children! I see you in them in so many ways. Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself. I pray, Father, that you send someone into Alyssa and Kyle's lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me. May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts. Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!
Believe it or not, my kids don't listen to everything I have to say. In fact, sometimes I get the rolling of eyes, the big exhale, or a chuckle under their breath. "Oh, Mom!" Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.
However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt". Someone they can share their worries and fears with. Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.
Some days it will be me.
But most days it won't be.
So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.
And for those of you who encourage my kids:
Thank you!
Lord, I love my precious children! I see you in them in so many ways. Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself. I pray, Father, that you send someone into Alyssa and Kyle's lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me. May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts. Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Faith Encouragers
"When we get together,
I want to encourage you in your faith,
but I also want to be encouraged by yours."
Romans 1:12 (NLT)
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in the life of someone else. Help them to be bold and wise in their conversation with others, leading them closer to you. Use my children to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love that reflects you.
I pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others as well.
Thank you, Jesus, for hearing this mom's prayers!
I want to encourage you in your faith,
but I also want to be encouraged by yours."
Romans 1:12 (NLT)
Alyssa (right) and friends...Graduation 2012
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
Father,
I pray that you strategically place friends or adults in Alyssa and
Kyle's life that encourage them in their walk with you. Give them
places of safety and refuge with people who they can trust, and who
speak love and truth into their lives, especially when the daily grind
of life is so hard. Give them mentors and friends who walk with them as
aliens and strangers in this world.
In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in the life of someone else. Help them to be bold and wise in their conversation with others, leading them closer to you. Use my children to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love that reflects you.
I pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others as well.
Thank you, Jesus, for hearing this mom's prayers!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Avoiding Reckless Words
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
It's summer break and I think Alyssa and Kyle have way too much time together. They are best friends one minute, and worst enemies the next. Complaints are made that the other person eats too loud, talks too much, or is just plain "annoying." Words of irritation fly everywhere.
I pray that they will soon learn the power of their words. Their words can build-up or tear-down, bring war or promote peace, and have the power to change moods, irritations, and relationships forever. Sisters and brothers can be friends and encouragers of the best sort.
Today could be the beginning of kind and loving words between the siblings in this house. Hey, I can pray for that anyway. Our God is a miracle worker.
Oh Lord, this is the day that you have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! Be present with us in every moment, loving us, changing us, and making us more like you. Teach us, dear Jesus, to use our words wisely, and to be careful with how we speak. May our words be marked by your grace, peace, and compassion. Lord, teach my children the power of their words, and give them the discipline to hold their tongues and say only what is kind. I so want Alyssa and Kyle to recognize that their words can be reckless and pierce like a sword, or they can bring healing and encouragement. Mark our lives with your presence, and help us to shine you in all that we say and do.
Brother and Sister (2004)
It's summer break and I think Alyssa and Kyle have way too much time together. They are best friends one minute, and worst enemies the next. Complaints are made that the other person eats too loud, talks too much, or is just plain "annoying." Words of irritation fly everywhere.
I pray that they will soon learn the power of their words. Their words can build-up or tear-down, bring war or promote peace, and have the power to change moods, irritations, and relationships forever. Sisters and brothers can be friends and encouragers of the best sort.
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless."
--Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
but their echoes are truly endless."
--Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Today could be the beginning of kind and loving words between the siblings in this house. Hey, I can pray for that anyway. Our God is a miracle worker.
Oh Lord, this is the day that you have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! Be present with us in every moment, loving us, changing us, and making us more like you. Teach us, dear Jesus, to use our words wisely, and to be careful with how we speak. May our words be marked by your grace, peace, and compassion. Lord, teach my children the power of their words, and give them the discipline to hold their tongues and say only what is kind. I so want Alyssa and Kyle to recognize that their words can be reckless and pierce like a sword, or they can bring healing and encouragement. Mark our lives with your presence, and help us to shine you in all that we say and do.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Words that Bless
"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Proverbs 12:25
Sometimes I am amazed how just a few words can bless one's heart in such profound ways.
How often do we let kind words go unsaid? We get busy and don't take the time, we don't think it's important, or we assume it's too late.
But it's never too late to say..
Thank you.
I love you.
I forgive you.
You blessed me.
As a kid, my parents were good at teaching my sister and I the importance of sending a "thank you" card, and at the time I probably dragged my feet, but now as an adult I can appreciate those lessons. Now, I'm trying to teach my kids how to do the same. Sometimes they think it's "unneeded", but is anyone ever crabby that they've received a note of thanks, or an encouraging card? I think not. Kind words can sometimes bless a heart in ways we may not ever understand. So, I pray that my kids learn this lesson well and become thoughtful like that.
What joy there is when we head out to the mailbox and come back with something other than bills and junk. We call that "happy mail". Is there someone in your life that needs a little bit of happiness today?
How about sending some "happy mail".
Lord, you are the great encourager, and you bless your children in beautiful ways through your Word. What a precious love-letter to your children. Your encouragement and love is tremendous example to us to do the same. With the encouragement we receive from you, we should go out and encourage others. Maybe its with a card. Maybe it's just a kind spoken word. Lord, prod our hearts to shower others with thoughtfulness. Kind words bless hearts in ways that we cannot fathom. Lord, teach my children to be kind in all that they say and do. When a "thank you" is needed, may Alyssa and Kyle be prodded to respond. When an "I love you" is on their hearts, may they be confident to share it. Or when forgiveness is the important word of the day, may it flow easily from their lips. Words can build up or tear down those around them. Even their silence can do harm. Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to speak love into other people's lives. Be reflected, dear Jesus, in our encouragement to others. Thank you for the encouragement we receive from others in our lives. Help us to be that kind of blessing to those in our lives.
Sometimes I am amazed how just a few words can bless one's heart in such profound ways.
How often do we let kind words go unsaid? We get busy and don't take the time, we don't think it's important, or we assume it's too late.
But it's never too late to say..
Thank you.
I love you.
I forgive you.
You blessed me.
As a kid, my parents were good at teaching my sister and I the importance of sending a "thank you" card, and at the time I probably dragged my feet, but now as an adult I can appreciate those lessons. Now, I'm trying to teach my kids how to do the same. Sometimes they think it's "unneeded", but is anyone ever crabby that they've received a note of thanks, or an encouraging card? I think not. Kind words can sometimes bless a heart in ways we may not ever understand. So, I pray that my kids learn this lesson well and become thoughtful like that.
What joy there is when we head out to the mailbox and come back with something other than bills and junk. We call that "happy mail". Is there someone in your life that needs a little bit of happiness today?
How about sending some "happy mail".
Lord, you are the great encourager, and you bless your children in beautiful ways through your Word. What a precious love-letter to your children. Your encouragement and love is tremendous example to us to do the same. With the encouragement we receive from you, we should go out and encourage others. Maybe its with a card. Maybe it's just a kind spoken word. Lord, prod our hearts to shower others with thoughtfulness. Kind words bless hearts in ways that we cannot fathom. Lord, teach my children to be kind in all that they say and do. When a "thank you" is needed, may Alyssa and Kyle be prodded to respond. When an "I love you" is on their hearts, may they be confident to share it. Or when forgiveness is the important word of the day, may it flow easily from their lips. Words can build up or tear down those around them. Even their silence can do harm. Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to speak love into other people's lives. Be reflected, dear Jesus, in our encouragement to others. Thank you for the encouragement we receive from others in our lives. Help us to be that kind of blessing to those in our lives.
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