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

'REFLECTIONS TO ENCOURAGE''

'REFLECTIONS TO ENCOURAGE' 

This winter has been one to surprise us at times, elate the children at times with no school and fun outdoors.  This winter has been one to feel 'blessed'; depending on which state one lives in.  What is the saying?  If you think you have reason to complain, just look around and one will see others with many more trials and tribulations.

In saying all of this, I think it is important to note that we are all 'human beings', as well.  And we have feelings and everything is reverent.  So, it might be better to pull back a bit and 'balance' out our thoughts and understanding in all areas of concern and blessings.  It might help spread a bit more harmony, inch by inch, for all human kin. One might think; well, how can we do this?
There is always and ever something getting in our way of our efforts.  One might say that it is easy for you to say but you just do not understand!  No, we don't understand each persons' valley, trials and struggles; however, by choice, we know 'the concept' of living more humble, being more kind, allowing others to find their way and accept responsibility, to master.  It is important to learn ones' boundaries and follow ones' heart.  

It seems that 'the weather' gets in our way in our actions, our thoughts, our moods and our attitudes.  I wonder how that can be since 'weather' has no emotions?  If we say that 'weather' gets in our way; could we say that 'our job', or 'our family', or 'anything else' that we find effects our daily living?  Less we forget, the process of learning and growing never ends when one becomes a certain age.  It is a life-long journey.

Perhaps,  it always and ever will come back to 'our hearts' and in how we handle 'the weather', 'our family', 'our job' and/or 'any circumstance' that might come our way?  And, there are times that we can handle and adjust to 'life's challenges' better.  On a 'Sunny Day', it seems life is more gentle to us.  Whatever might nourish our 'nerves' to better handle life and living, may all of us seek those 'little perks' and in addition to God's promise to never put on us more than we can bear.  Resting in a 'higher power' than ours, will always see us through and give us a peace beyond ourselves.  'Thankfulness is like a medicine' as 'a hug is from your child/grandchild'.  It can always give one comfort, humility and strength to move forward and onward to better days. Where there is 'thankfulness' and where there is 'love', life is good!

Listed below are a few quotes from great leaders by Peggy Anderson

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time."  by Abraham Lincoln

"Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this.  For the world was built to develop character and we must learn the setbacks and the griefs which we endure help us in our marching onward."  by Henry Ford

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." by Mother Teresa

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal:  It is the courage to continue that counts." by Winston Churchill

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

Be A Source of Encouragement

I remember years ago that it only takes one person to make one feel important or as important as the next person. 

In my experience, it was my twin sister.  My mother would always, always treat us as equals.  Most twins, as with any sibling, have different personalities.  But, 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.  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.  But, our Mother would speak up and say that it was only fair to share equally. 

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. 

My Mother was being a Source of Encouragement.  You know, as parents, we do this all of the time or so we think/hope that we do.  But 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.  It has helped mold 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. 

Flowers give Encouragement

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' of belief in our nothingness, our powerlessness and our helplessness that He than enables us to live in a way which, without Him, would be absolutely impossible.  Elisabeth Elliot

Today is mine.  Tomorrow is 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

All kindness and good deeds, are better kept silent.  The result will be an inner reservoir of personality power.  Catherine Marshall

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


Little things in life give Encouragement

Kindness in this world will do much to help others, not only in happiness and joy, but also to grow in grace day by day. Would it not be great, if every day could be a cause for celebration?  By celebrating the gift of life, we can protect our hearts from the dangers of pessimism, regret, hopelessness, and bitterness.
Kind words have echoes that last a lifetime and beyond.
We all have much to be thankful for.

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'



I pen today a few reflections as I review several events in recent times.  'HOPE' can be vital in our everyday living.  The circumstances of a situation can be 'earth shattering' but 'HOPE' can be 'the seed', if you will, to see us through.....this is a link to the power of Peace, Comfort, Prayers, Faith and Trust. 

Listening to a friend this week, there is great concern as their nephew is very ill from an auto accident.  Hearing of a young man that is hurting in his back and waiting on tests results as to what is next in his journey.  Hearing of a friend's passing, this saddens our hearts.  These are just a few in a very small circle.

If you have followed my writings, you might recall my experience of my plane flight returning from Houston, Texas early on in my diagnosis of RSDS.  God revealed to me that there is 'HOPE' through Him in all things. 

There are no exceptions in age, race, or religion background and/or perils that prevent the link to 'HOPE'.  This brings me to sharing this poem that God gave me the words to pen.

 

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'

 

'HOPE' is a Golden Rope.

Perhaps, a 'Heavenly Rope' we cannot see.

Love can cushion many fears

and comfort 'Hope' to free.

 

'Hope', trust and understanding people

help us to appreciate any gift of love.

It is vital to know when to let go

with gracious patience from above.

 

Sometimes it takes years and years

to believe there are true friends to be found.

And, not from just your well known and supportive class,

but, from simple folk from 'common ground'.

 

'Hope' is the 'Golden Rope' to heaven.

May we give thanks for even things we do not want or see.

Faith, Hope, Trust in 'one's Spirit'

are some key essentials that set all of us free.

 

copyrighted by Doris (M) Swertfeger 1992

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

Finish Strong Motivational Quotes

Finish Strong Motivational Quotes

Hi Friends,

Please check this film out!  It is so powerful!  Never give up!  Remember, we can finish strong.

Look beyond yourself with faith, hope and perseverance

Until next time, God Bless

Doris

Today is another day to enjoy, appreciate and be thankful in many ways.  

Let's all strive to have a better day in our hearts.  .  Each day we can strive to grow and learn and find peace in the midst of any storm.  And, if we can bond together and support one another, we will feel the glimmer of this Rainbow of Love.

I am going to list a few statements that certainly wasn't created by me.  However, I feel it is good to reflect on Things That Make Us Go Hmmmm!

• To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world.
• Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.
• Life is 10% of what happens to you, and 90% of how you respond to it.
• Real friends are those who, when you feel you've made a fool of yourself, don't feel you've done a permanent job.
• Life is like an onion; you peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep.
• There are two things I've learned: There is a God.  And, I'm not  Him.
• Following the path of least resistance is what makes rivers and men crooked.
• Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
• Lead your life so you won't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.
• Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.
• When it comes time to die...make sure all you got to do is die.
• Going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger.
• People gather bundles of sticks to build bridges they never cross.
• I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.
• Did it ever occur to you that nothing occurs to God?
• A coincidence is when God performs a miracle, and decides to remain anonymous.

Until next time,  remember we are all in this together. 
God Bless!
Doris