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.


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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

'The Family of the Heart'

                             'The Family of the Heart'

The 'Family of the Heart' includes all people

that stand in a loving relationship to one another. 

Where care, concern, communication, hope and love is an art,

that becomes 'a way of life' to our sisters and brothers.

Plus, when we live consciously and grant freedom, equally, to all people,

as we would wish for ourselves to receive,

to hear with our hearts and not our ears only,

with a willingness and compassion to perceive.

It is in the small things done with full-hearted concentration

that we 'find freedom' and 'feel peace' and 'love'.

A way of bonding with each other is woven

that allows the spirit to flow from above. 

Also, when we truly love our neighbor as ourselves,

we 'are offering' every action to be something beautiful and kind.

The 'family of the heart' permits reverence in all of life relationships

for the joining of hearts and minds.

There is no value in pain and confusion as one might think.

The value lies in the rearrangement of the elements

that will lead to clearer vision for all.

This is 'a process' to 'channel our energy into love' for access to 'the real'

that 'keeps us on purpose', of our 'destiny call'. 

The 'awareness of unknowing', creates 'hope' and 'faith' in life itself.

We all sense the mystery and wonderment of life. 

Less we have no risk, grief, pain, nor loss,

it would take away the 'teachers of strife'. 

As we listen with 'our hearts', we can discern 'a higher power' presence,

affording strength to carry us far.

This opens the channels for 'healing and wholeness',

to unfold to 'all people' today and all of our tomorrows. 

                                                                                        by Doris Swertfeger

                                                                                                                 2016

Until next time

Doris

'The Meaning of the Dandelion Story'

'The Meaning of the Dandelion Story'.  Have you ever read or heard about 'The Meaning of the Dandelion Story'? 
I found there are several meanings and thoughts of what it is. Could it have a different meaning to the reader or from a person that is viewing it from their own experiences?  Just a thought. 

I like stories that are based from ones experiences.  Indeed, the stories will be different.  I have decided to share 'The Meaning of The Dandelion Story' from different individual's views.  I will be sharing from the view of strangers from my readings, one from someone who is very dear to me and my version as I view from my heart.

I chose this writing today on the 'heels' of the last post that I had written because I feel they have a 'connection'.  As you read this, I think you will agree. 

The 'humble dandelion' has accumulated a wealth of symbolic meanings; from the medieval Christian times, which saw it representing the dissemination of the teachings of Christ, to the paintings in which the dandelion symbolized the transitory nature of human life.  The Romany culture sees it as a symbol of fertility and abundance.  The dozens of seeds released by each flower, illustrate 'letting go and starting something new'.  

When a child blows at the seed puffball, they make a wish for something better, so the dandelion has come to symbolize faithfulness, happiness and desire.

This is a wonderful way to look at our experiences as loved ones grow into maturity. It is time for them to leave and go out into the world to reach their goals and dreams.  A time to wish them a beautiful journey as they leave 'the dandelion root' 'experiences of wonder', from hence they have come.

We all have a dream and a purpose. Sometimes we have to let go of our friends, family and places we have been. In this process of fulfilling our purpose, the blowing away of the petals, is our moving on to different places doing amazing things.  Even though we are not with our friends, we know that they are a part of us because we came from the same flower/place.  'The scattering of the petals' represent our going out into the world separating from our base of friends and continuing our purpose in life. 

So, the next time we look at a 'dandelion flower', we might want to be a bit 'more gentle' and 'child like' remembering the full meaning of what the dandelion represents.  Each stage is vital, each stage has beauty and each stage is a 'healthy place' to be.  The healthy ones will always and ever know and realize 'from hence they have come' and be better because of it. They are in the process of 'becoming and fulfilling their purpose'. 

Until next time
God Bless
Doris