OTHERS.............ENCOURAGEMENT

DOING FOR OTHERS.......ENCOURAGEMENT

I saw this photo of a lady and her children that lived during the Great Depression". Times were hard for people during those days but I wonder what kept her going? Maybe it was her faith and her God; maybe it was her family and her love; but maybe someone encouraged her.

Encouragement. I love the word! In our world today there are so many out there that could use just a little encouragement. Mrs. Marlene Evans used to say; " Give people what they want!". If they need some attention; then give it. If for the third time they come and say "oh I just never look pretty". Then tell them they always look nice. They might need it. She would tell us ladies that sometimes you have to look for the "gold glittering" in others.

Sometimes we will come across someone who is ready to quit. She can't go on another day.
Maybe if we could just encourage her to try it for one more week; or to do the next thing......;
then things would look better. My friend and a pastor's wife; Mrs. Julie Fink; taught me; when you don't feel like doing what your suppose to do......... " Just do the next thing; then the next; then the next and before you know it things are looking up."

There are many ways to show encouragement to others or to yourself.....
Here are a few I have learned over the years.

1.Upon awaking everyday....Thank God for that day and whisper a prayer for others that might be having a very bad day today or a very good day today.

2. Have a schedule you do everyday. "Do the next thing"

3. Have goals for everyday; week; monthly *Keep this simple but positive

4. Keep good encourging music on such as "Patch the Pirate " CD's, uplifting music, etc.........

5. Read your Bible everyday and have a good book that you are reading through to keep your mind fresh and inspired.

6. Don't listen to negative things or others that can quench your spirit.

7. Encourage others and be a good listener and encourage them to keep on and laugh! Laughter helps so much and is such good medicine.

8. Sometimes just telling others they're doing a good job is all they need.

9. Praise!

10. You're not there to take away their problems; just give them an encouraging word.

Whatever you choose to be or do in this world will be up to you. I would love to be known for being an encourager!