Love is Being an Encourager

"Good Afternoon! Welcome to Moe's!" Like me, I’m sure you’ve taken notice of the fast food chains and stores whose employees shout out welcoming words when we walk in their doors! It may be scripted, but to me, it's encouraging! I was noticed! I also recognize it when a salesperson has been taught to be friendly and to look for something they can compliment their customers about: "I love your hair!" "Nice sweater!" In spite of their words sounding a little trite, it still gives us a feel-good feeling, doesn’t it?

I’ve had many encouragers in my life. At age 12, I remember my first babysitting job (50 cents an hour) taking care of a doctor’s two little ones – ages 3 months and 3. Their home was right across the street from ours, so the children's mom was assured I had help on stand-by if I needed it. I’ll never forget overhearing that mom telling my Mom: “Donna is so responsible for her age!” That made me want to be even more responsible. I’ll never forget, as a 13-year old, the choir director pointing out “You harmonize so beautifully." That gave me the confidence to belt out my harmonies even more. A friend said, " Donna, you have the most beautiful clothes.” That’s because my sweet mama, on a limited income, made sure that I wore trendy, beautiful clothes and she could do that because she was a great “deal” finder. I think that’s why, to this day, I head to the sales racks before I look at the full-priced items.

Today, I am an outgoing, avid writer, blogger, teacher and speaker because my husband encouraged me to speak publicly. He encouraged me to get my pilot’s license, real estate broker’s license and more. I had a boss who encouraged me to apply for a job that I didn’t have the required Master’s Degree for, but he knew I could do the job. I did and he was right. My Sweetheart passed way and I was surrounded by encouragers who literally lifted me up above the fray with their love and support.

And, now, the encouragement I receive from so many of you, my FB and blog friends and family that cheer me on in doing what I’m doing right now -- encouraging me to keep encouraging.
I was encouraged by others and I, too, became an encourager. That’s my point today, to say it’s time for us all to put on our Encourager Hats. It’s obvious how much our world needs cheerleaders and encouragers. I know, as I type this post, you get what I’m saying because you sense God’s gift within you. You’ve been through your share of heartaches and someone was there to encourage you, so you know like 2 Corinthians 1:4 says “So that you might comfort others with the same comfort that you’ve been comforted with”, you must encourage others. Now you are passionately aware that you’ve been called to speak up, reach out and lift up others. It’s not always easy because you don’t want to intrude or be a “know it all”, but that’s not what matters. What matters is you have something to give..

God uses people to encourage people. He's looking for available hearts to love and encourage the world around them. My hand is raised. How about yours?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"! Rise and shine, Encouragers! Let’s go encourage!

You've Got a Friend in Me

With six grandchildren, I've watch many animated movies and among my favorites was Toy Story. "You've Got a Friend in Me" is the theme song. Maybe we should use it as our own theme song:
You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me.
You've got troubles, and I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and can see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me

Yesterday, I heard a speaker say, “Often we look and act like we have it all together, but in reality, we are struggling and hurting and we could sure use a friend that we could like, love, and TRUST." That resonated with me. And, that friend is one we trust so much that we can bear our aching heart to as we cry bucket loads of tears. That friend is so trustworthy that they will cry and laugh with us, and best of all, our friend provides a “safe” place for us, because what is said in our time together, stays there. The speaker went on to say “Look at how Christ modeled His life. In the garden, as the Son of God, He chose to reveal to his three closest friends the anguish that He was in. He didn’t put a brave face on for the disciples. He shared the anguish of His soul as He cried, ‘Let this cup pass from me. ” If Christ could bear His soul – we need that, too.

We do have a trustworthy friend in Jesus. He is always there for us. He truly understands everything about us because He felt the same pains that we do. But, we also need a friend or friends that we love and trust and are able to reach out to them for encouragement. When I lived in Tulsa, I had a precious group of loving and caring women that were in my weekly Life Group. My home was our "safe space”, because we liked, loved and trusted each other. We shared our hearts openly because we knew what we shared was held as sacred. Galatians 6:2 says “Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.”

Monday night was the first team meeting for a beautiful spiritual retreat that will take place in March. This team is a group of 40 women who will grow together throughout the next 16 weeks as we pray and prepare together for the retreat, but the most important facet of our coming together is that we are sisters in Christ and we will feel safe in that place. We covenant together to encourage and support each other. WOW! Forty friends to “safely” share each others joys and sorrows with.

The Christmas season is here and no doubt there will be added stress and pressure because of all the many activities that come along with it for many, and for others who are alone and lonely and long for this season to be over for another year. We need to find a “safe place” and a trustworthy friend, one of God’s kids, who will encourage us and lift us up. They are out there. To find that friend, it's up to us to show ourselves friendly. Maybe YOU and I could be THAT ONE that can offer ourselves as a “safe place” for others to come to for comfort and prayer. Instead of displaying a “Do Not Disturb” sign on our hearts, it’s time to put up an “Open” sign that says “Here’s my shoulder – go ahead and lean on me!” They will know they can come to us for hope, encouragement and support. After all, aren’t we supposed to be the “Good News” carriers? If you haven't heard it from me before, please hear it now "You've got a friend in me, and I love you so much."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing."

We Are Published Authors and Photographers! Does it Matter?

To my Facebook friends and family I want to say how thankful I am that God gave me you for going on 10 years now. You have brought so much joy to me as I’ve come to know you more because of your posts and photos that gave me the opportunity to share your good times with you, and you also gave me the privilege to pray for you and stand with you in times of greatest need. Most of all, I'm so thankful for those of you who are conquerors through some of life's toughest stuff and I witnessed it via your posts. You encouraged all of us. We "liked" and "loved" your posts and we celebrated with you when you had great victories! 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "Encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing."

Here's a great Facebook story that explains what I'm saying. The first photos here are of Michael Douglas Anderson and Delight Anderson's twin baby girls that were born 6 weeks early on March 31st. That was the beginning of their “Anderson Twins” FB Group Page that we were able to follow them daily on "FB Live" or see their posts and photos of great progress or the times when extra prayers were needed, Many of us did pray for them. We watched Mike and Delight push through those ominous days when fear could have consumed them, but instead, they stayed positive in faith that their little girls would survive. And the best news is that they are thriving today.

They lived out loud for us to watch what it means to trust God in the midst of storms. Their photos from their birth in April to today are here. Were those just "photos" or were they the signposts of God's tender mercies that they will always look back on and remember God's faithfulness?

Then there were the photos of dear friends in Tulsa, Terry Clancy and Debi Caruthers Clancy – whose home blew up, literally, from an oxygen tank explosion that burned their home and so much World War II memorabilia, classic records and many family treasures. Today you see this couple resilient, determined, Debi – facing two more surgeries from the explosion, but you would hear them thanking God for the many miracles that happened. For example, God's mercies were with them as they and their grandson, Aiden (pictured here), survived the explosion. Another was that a neighbor they had never met before or seen since, that urged them to move their cars from their driveway. Because of that encounter -- they still have their cars, unscathed. And, they would tell you, they are still here because of their faith and their church family that surrounded them with love and support.

So, don’t tell me Facebook isn’t a worthwhile social media place -- at least when it comes to being determined to "speak the good, believe for good, and do good to others". For those folks, and for me – social media (i.e., Facebook) has brought me encouragers, cheerleaders and friends that have walked out my faith journey with me. My FB family and friends have supported and encouraged me in ways that have lifted my morale, my self-esteem, my faith and my vision. Your acts of kindness have helped keep me strong and joy-filled – just knowing I was hearing God’s voice clearly when He told me that my mission field is social media and specifically, Facebook – and to strive for a daily post that lifts Him and His people up. I’ve kept my promise. That’s why you’ll see me every day right here on Facebook – as close to 6 am Central time as possible. I punch in on God's "time clock" every day.

Did you know you're a published author if you post on Facebook or any other form of social media? Does your Facebook and/or other social media platforms reflect the man or woman you hope to be remembered as? Do your words and photos make a difference in other people's lives? I like to think that whatever we do, whatever we say, and how we live, is a reflection of not just who we are, but WHOSE we are. Maybe it's time for us to step up our attitudes, our role modeling and our strengths in times of great joys as well as in times of great sorrows. What if the words we say and the actions we take save a life, lift up or encourage someone? What if we are lights in someone’s darkness. We can be. Maybe we can turn a new leaf -- rather a new post that really, really matters!

Be the Best Version of YOU

Since hearing the phrase “Be the best version of yourself”, I’ve not only endeavored to apply those words to myself, but in the few days I've been with my two younger grandsons, I spoke those words to them several times. You know, that smack-talking kids like to do when they’re playing competitive games with each other. Well, for that matter….the smack-talking anyone babbles out at any time. It seems humorous at the time – but REALLY….is that being the best version of ourselves when any kind of disparaging “talk” comes from us? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “Encourage one another and build each other up.”

Be the best version of yourself. What does that really mean? It could be applied to our physical well being and how we treat and take care of our mind and bodies. It could be directed at being all we can be – getting as much education as we can, always being willing to develop more skills and abilities, becoming a better cook, handyman or woman, learning a foreign language, becoming a well-rounded athlete – taking all those gifts and talents God placed within us and using them all to our greatest potential.

But for this post, I’m applying those words “Be the best version of yourself” to who we are as a caring, giving and loving human being. Our world is full of those who seem intent on “fault-finding”, scrutinizing and examining others – politicians, entertainers, religious leaders, athletes, etc. That attitude oftentimes takes hold of us in our own sphere of influence. We, take on that tendency to look at others with an eye for fault-finding. Maybe it's times to take a look at the ONE we are responsible for -- that's us! It's time to look inward with a thorough self-analysis, and ask these questions: “Are you the friend you wish you had?” “Are you the wife/husband, mother/ father, daughter/son, sister/brother that you wish you had?” In other words, instead of pulling out the “10 Things I Don’t Like About You” to someone else, maybe it’s the ideal time to make a list that says “10 Things I Can Do to Improve ME” so that I become the friend, spouse, child, sibling I wish I had.

I want to be THAT friend that I want to have – a friend that is trustworthy, kind, giving, caring, not overbearing and not a meddler. How many times have I wished for a friend to put their arm around me and help me know “everything’s gonna’ be alright? If I want that, then I start with me. I want to be the noticer of people who need an arm put around their shoulder that encourages them. Who can I encourage and put my arm around today? How many times have I wanted someone to notice me and welcome me to their circle? My response to those feelings is “I need to be the one that welcomes others to my circle or my group or my conversation”.

Being the best version of ourselves is first to BE – be the beautiful creation God made us to be by appreciating all that God placed within us to BE – that quirky laugh that brightens up a room with joy; those big brown eyes that see the pain and needs of others and does something about it; that voice that speaks encouragement and hope into others, and that mind that consciously conjures up ways to change this world for the better. Most of all to be that ONE that sets the example of God’s love and peace to others…..so that they want YOU to be their best friend. In so doing – we ARE being the best version of ourselves!

Encouragers…Time to Take Courage and Encourage

Have you noticed when you walk into a store and you hear one of the clerks or food preparers shout out “Good afternoon, welcome to ____”? Isn’t that encouraging? You were noticed! And you know that some of those sales clerks have been taught to say something nice to you like “I love your hair or I love your sweater!” In spite of it seeming a little trite, it still gives you a feel-good feeling, doesn’t it?

Yesterday, I started thinking about those people who have been encouragers to me. I remember, as a young child, the choir director pointing out “You harmonize so beautifully at your young age.” That gave me such confidence to belt out my harmonies even more. Someone else said, “Donna, you have the most beautiful clothes.” That’s because my sweet mama, though she didn’t have much financial wherewithal, she made sure that I had beautiful clothes to wear and she could do that because she was a great “deal” finder. I think that’s why, to this day, I go to the sales racks before I look at the full-priced items. In my post, yesterday, I spoke about how average I was in school, but when it came to my clothes, I stood out.

Today, I am an outgoing, avid writer, teacher and speaker, because my husband encouraged me to speak publically, to get my pilot’s license, real estate broker’s license and more. I had a boss who encouraged me to apply for a job that I didn’t have the required Master’s Degree for it, but he knew I could do the job. I did and he was right. More recently, was the encouragement and support I had during the time of my husband’s illness and later his passing. The loving attention and care from dear friends and family lifted me way above the fray. And, now, the encouragement I receive from so many of you, my FB friends and family – that cheers me on in doing what I’m doing right now -- encouraging me to keep encouraging.

I said all that to say, because I was encouraged by others…..I, too, became an encourager. And that’s my point today, to say it’s time for us all to put on our Encourager Hats. It’s obvious how much our world needs cheerleaders and encouragers. I know as I type this post, you get what I’m saying, because you sense God’s gift within you. You’ve been through your share of heartaches and someone was there to encourage you, so you know like 2 Corinthians 1:4 says “So that you might comfort others with the same comfort that you’ve been comforted with”, you must encourage others. Now you are passionately aware that you’ve been called to speak up, reach out and lift up others. It’s not always easy because you don’t want to intrude or be a “know it all”, but that’s not what matters. What matters is you have something to give even if the recipient seems to be less than aware of your God-given gift. Here’s how you know you’re an encourager:

~ You hear someone express pain – maybe from a loss of a loved one, or the loss of a marriage, or they are experiencing physical pain, you know you must encourage them with at least the words “I’m praying for you”, but you don’t want it to sound like a cliché. I promise you...it isn’t. However and whenever you say those words…it matters – if you pray. The power of heaven lines itself up with those prayers. It tells them….you care enough to call in the cavalry…..er’ CALVARY where God marshals His army of warriors on their behalf. They know they’re not alone in their fight.

~ What about that attitude of looking for something good in someone, like those store clerks, to build up and bring a bright light to their day? Why not encourage by remarking “You are the fastest cashier I’ve ever seen!” or “You are so friendly. Thank you.” or “I love your smile”. When we do that, we’re being encouragers.

~ Encouragers often go the 2nd mile. Sometimes being an encourager means we should go out of our way to encourage someone. Invite them to lunch so they can just vent. Offer to take care of their children so they can have a couple of hours of “Me Time”. Take over cookies or a cake with a little note that says “Thinking about you and what a great Mom you are!”

I promise you, every word and action we offer in whatever way, is multiplied and magnified. We hold the power in our hands when we pick up the phone to send a text or to type a comment in a FB post that speaks truth and life and comfort. It’s not as much about the actual words as it is about knowing we care. We don’t have to be concerned that our words are perfect and we should never let the enemy talk us out of typing them – he knows the good we do as encouragers and of course he gets all bent out of shape when we foil his plans.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"!

Rise and shine, Encouragers! Let’s go get ‘em…..let’s ENCOURAGE!!