Although ever so grateful, especially after this year of 2020, I took a moment to look back & saw more blessings than I remembered. Holding them even more closely to my heart has made me want to stand up to whatever He is calling me to do and do it well.

    I am frozen in my thoughts when I receive feedback because I truly never thought about how someone would react to my story.  I am especially drawn to written comments that want me to know that my story/ His story has touched someone.  It is my true honor to share with others the stories I have lived as pure examples of God’s guiding hand in everyday life and circumstances.

    I am clearly always wanting to learn and not reach for answers but strive to live with the “Word” in mind.  I was SO struck by a particular word in a recent study, surrender.  That word has had an impact like no other.

     What I realized is that I am not good at “giving it over to Him”.  Whatever “it” is.  That requires me to first recognize in the midst of it all, that I need help.  Help even to decide I need to take it to the cross and yes, walk away and leave it…not revisit it and certainly not to pick it up again like we all so often do.  The word surrender seems to streamline this for me.  More importantly, it takes away some of me.  My human tendencies, indecision, confusion or even fear out of the equation.  Just give it up. Then every thought, question or excuse gets the same answer.  Stop!  Surrender! The conversation stops there.  No wasting precious time. Time to do what He has asked. Leave the hurt, confusion, indecision, and judgement behind.  Leave it all behind!

    Certainly cuts to the chase doesn’t it?  It helps me to get off the moment of self and stop.  Remembering He has this, He has everything.  I need only to surrender my will and my life to Him.  Ask Him for wisdom.  Ask Him for Clarity. Ask…..and then listen.  Not natural?  That is true for me and I know for many.  It’s an awesome path to pursue.  And of course, we stray.  But for me, knowing I am not alone here, on this earth is comforting.  This struggle, my struggle, is the same for you.  As I listen to others, the comfort level is evident. Eyes begin to recognize that we can and should encourage each other in this journey called life.

     Encouragement…it’s a great word.  What does it mean to you? Often defined as “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”.  In looking further, this one popped up. “The spiritual gift of encouragement is the special ability God gives to inspire others to reach their full potential by challenging, comforting, and guiding them in such a way that they are motivated to grow.”

   I never really thought of encouragement as a spiritual gift. It is a gift and not all have it but boy do we all need it!  We need each other. We need to recognize that He created us to live in community. To share in one another burdens and to encourage.  Hummmm. The walk together in His Word, seeking His wisdom, truth and life.

   Great start for each day!  Love making the choice every day to surrender, seek encouragement and to encourage other here and now but most of all praying for an open mind and heart to follow where He leads.

    I am frozen in my thoughts when I receive feedback because I truly never thought about how someone would react to my story.  I am especially drawn to written comments that want me to know that my story/ His story has touched someone.  It is my true honor to share with others the stories I have lived as pure examples of God’s guiding hand in everyday life and circumstances.

    I am clearly always wanting to learn and not reach for answers but strive to live with the “Word” in mind.  I was SO struck by a particular word in a recent study, surrender.  That word has had an impact like no other.

     What I realized is that I am not good at “giving it over to Him”.  Whatever “it” is.  That requires me to first recognize in the midst of it all, that I need help.  Help even to decide I need to take it to the cross and yes, walk away and leave it…not revisit it and certainly not to pick it up again like we all so often do.  The word surrender seems to streamline this for me.  More importantly, it takes away some of me.  My human tendencies, indecision, confusion or even fear out of the equation.  Just give it up. Then every thought, question or excuse gets the same answer.  Stop!  Surrender! The conversation stops there.  No wasting precious time. Time to do what He has asked. Leave the hurt, confusion, indecision, and judgement behind.  Leave it all behind!

    Certainly cuts to the chase doesn’t it?  It helps me to get off the moment of self and stop.  Remembering He has this, He has everything.  I need only to surrender my will and my life to Him.  Ask Him for wisdom.  Ask Him for Clarity. Ask…..and then listen.  Not natural?  That is true for me and I know for many.  It’s an awesome path to pursue.  And of course, we stray.  But for me, knowing I am not alone here, on this earth is comforting.  This struggle, my struggle, is the same for you.  As I listen to others, the comfort level is evident. Eyes begin to recognize that we can and should encourage each other in this journey called life.

     Encouragement…it’s a great word.  What does it mean to you? Often defined as “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”.  In looking further, this one popped up. “The spiritual gift of encouragement is the special ability God gives to inspire others to reach their full potential by challenging, comforting, and guiding them in such a way that they are motivated to grow.”

   I never really thought of encouragement as a spiritual gift. It is a gift and not all have it but boy do we all need it!  We need each other. We need to recognize that He created us to live in community. To share in one another burdens and to encourage.  Hummmm. The walk together in His Word, seeking His wisdom, truth and life.

   Great start for each day!  Love making the choice every day to surrender, seek encouragement and to encourage other here and now but most of all praying for an open mind and heart to follow where He leads.

                      

Footnote Webster’s as source of definition of encouragement .
Definition of spiritual gift of encouragement is from the internet. – April 28, 2017