A 'welcoming thought'---how can I be a 'Source of Encouragement'?

I have written a little about this subject sometime ago.  Nonetheless, I think it might be worth repeating from time to time.  I am sure we all can recall experiences that we can reflect on more then another as we were growing up.

In my experience, it was with my twin sister.  My mother would always, always treat us as equals.  Twins that are not identical, as with any sibling, have different personalities.  Somehow, with twins, one might think that they are alike in more ways than they really are.  In my case, my twin sister was the extrovert and I was the introvert.  So, since we would do most things at a certain age, this would sometimes create a conflict.  One particular time sticks out to me.  It was when we were at the age to begin driving a car. We lived out in the country on a farm that had a horseshoe-shaped driveway.   Mother would let us take turns driving around in our driveway.  Mother's plan was to take equal turns.  However, my twin sister would want to take more turns in a roll and I would tell her that was ok, to go ahead.  Our Mother would speak up and say that it was only fair to share equally.

This little story doesn't seem hardly worth mentioning, now does it?  Sometimes, it is in the little things that transpire in our 'living life' that 'sticks', so to speak, in our hearts and minds.  These little things can make a difference to 'someone'.  I share this little story with you to express how important I think it is for everyone of us to Be a Source of Encouragement.   My sister was just expressing who she was and so was I.  However, when it happens even in times of innocence, it is still vital to be there for another to speak up with words of encouragement.  One might say that this situation was different because it was 'a parenting act'.  Well, maybe so, nonetheless, it was important enough that it lingered in one's mind and heart that had an impact for 'good'.  My sister and I enjoy this memory still today. We laugh at how we fussed and shared life growing up.  Perhaps, a 'sister bond' was in the making going through an experience such as this little 'act of encouragement' from our Mother.

My Mother was being a Source of Encouragement.   We realize, as parents, we do this all of the time or so we think/hope that we do.  I feel it is very important to be a Source of Encouragement to another in all walks of life.

I have never taken my Mother's Source of Encouragement lightly.  I would like to think/pray that it has helped shape me into the person that I am today. She was a great Source of Encouragement in our families' lives and many others.
I thank God for allowing me to have a mother as she was to me.


***************
I will conclude my post today with words of wisdom from the following.

Always stay connected to people and seek out things that bring you joy.  Barbara Johnson

A single word, if spoken in a friendly spirit, may be sufficient to turn one from dangerous error.  Fanny Crosby

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, or the kindly smile, or the joy of companionship.  It is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship.  Corrie ten Boom

It is when we come to a 'higher power' in our nothingness, our powerlessness and our helplessness that He then enables us to live in a way which, without Him, would be absolutely impossible.  Elisabeth Elliot

Today is mine.  Tomorrow in none of my business.  If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.  Elisabeth Elliott

Cheerfulness is its own reward--but not its only reward.  Criswell Freeman

Be so preoccupied with 'good-will' that you haven't room for 'ill-will'.  E. Stanley Jones

The attitude of kindness is everyday stuff like a great pair of sneakers.  Not frilly.  Not fancy.  Just plain and comfortable.  Barbara Johnson

Yesterday is just experience but tomorrow is glistening with purpose and today is the channel leading from one to the other.  Barbara Johnson

'Encouragement' given freely in this world can do so much.  It offers happiness and joy in abundance, plus; it fuels avenues to grow in His Loving grace day by day.  Would it not be great, if every day could be a cause of celebration?  By celebrating the gift of life, we can protect our hearts from the dangers of pessimism, regret, hopelessness, and bitterness. 

Striving to serve as a 'Source of Encouragement' takes 'all of our time' as it 'takes none of our time'.  A Paradox indeed.  Why?  Perhaps, it is because it 'becomes a way of life' living for others? ! 

Kind words create 'echoes' that last a lifetime and beyond.
A 'welcoming thought'---how can I be a Source of Encouragement'?
Let us give 'thanks' for the many 'Sources of Encouragement' we have received and seek to extend 'Sources of Encouragement' to others.

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

 9/11 

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

The title of today's post rings with meaning for everyone across our land.  'WE WILL NEVER FORGET'!  Time stood still on that date.  Our world changed because on September 11, 2001 (also referred to as 9/11) there were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States.

As we reflect on this day/date, may we remember the things that came from it that were viewed from willing hearts. Those 'willing and caring hearts' went into action that turned future days into days of learning, growth and productive blessings.

This isn't a day to take lightly.  There were tragedies that will never be forgotten.  There were hearts broken that will forever be fragile in their losses of family, friends and co-workers.  Nonetheless, God has a plan to restore hearts and souls for 'good'.  May we cradle positive thoughts and try to move forward with renewed hope. 

Let us continue to celebrate the many things that are meaningful.  Let us remember those many lives that were lost in honor and hold dear the freedom everyone of us are privileged to have that live in the USA.

Until next time
God Bless

Doris