• Apr. 7, 2008
Encourage one another...
What makes your heart smile?
This is a question I've been pondering a lot lately, and I've come to the realization that one of the joys God pours out on me is that of the written word.
My husband and I started dating almost exactly 20 years ago. To this day, I have every letter he ever sent me. Yes, I mean letter...written on real paper, sealed in an envelope, and mailed with a stamp. There are hundreds of them. He and I dated long-distance for 3 1/2 years, and these letters are a treasure to me. They tell of the blossoming love and growing commitment we established during those early days of our relationship.
I treasure the heartfelt words that friends and loved ones have written to me over the years. I read...and re-read...these notes of love and affirmation. I even have a "Monday morning" box that I sometimes turn to for a bit of encouragement at the start of a new week. This box is filled with numerous notes, cards, and Bible verses...all pointing me to the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
Admittedly, my email inbox is far-too-full. I laughed as I recently told my friends that I'd done some pruning and clean-up of my inbox. I got rid of all the stuff I deemed "unnecessary." I'm embarrassed to write this, but even after my "pruning," I had 500 emails remaining...
The insides of a couple of my cupboard doors are graced with notes of encouragement; notes from my husband and friends...notes that remind me that no matter what I'm facing, God is on His throne.
All these notes cause my heart to soar. They're reminders that we're in this life together. God has called us into community with one another and has graciously provided those to come alongside and point our eyes to Him.
And it caused me to ask myself, "Who needs a note from me today? Who is God leading me to encourage...to build up...to affirm?"
And I ask the same question of you. Who can you reach out to and encourage today? Whose heart can you direct to Jesus as you communicate your love and prayerful support?
You never know how timely, valuable, and treasured those words may be. My guess is that they will be longer-lasting and further-reaching than you could ever know...
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Comments
• Apr. 7, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by SeekingJESUSnTeachingKIDS
What a neat thing to have as a reminder. I also like to read encouraging notes and to send them. I used to be better at remembering to do send notes to others. I still send them, just not as often. Thanks for the reminder to be intentional.
:>Michelle
• Apr. 7, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by MasonMoments
Good reminder! I was thinking along the same lines today. We watched Extreme Home Makeover last night and the lady featured said that she wakes up thinking, "Who can use a note or a card of encouragement today?" As I was driving home from an errand this morning that came to my mind again as I thought on who it might be that needed my encouragement today and God brought that person to mind.
I always enjoy your posts! They make me think and help to get my focus where it needs to be. -- Amy
• Apr. 7, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Juldos
Wonderful post. Like you, I have saved all of the letters that David wrote to me as we courted long distant and those he's written to me over almost 23 years of marriage. I keep sweet notes he writes me in my kitchen window, on my mirror and on my visor in my van. : )
I just bought some new stationary and will pray about who the Lord might be leading me to write an encouraging note.
Have a wonderful week!
Julie D.
• Apr. 11, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hi. I am a mom of 4 precious blessings and have a wonderful husband. Some how I came across your blog and it is so warm and wonderful to read. I would like to know if it would be ok to put you on my site? please feel free to check mine out if you want.
Have a very blessed day.
J. Johnson
www.mjjohnson6.blogspot.com
• Apr. 11, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Lilliepad
What a wonderful gift to have those love letters from your husband to not only read over and over again, but to pass on to your children. And it makes it even more special that they are genuine paper with genuine handwriting. That almost sounds antique!
I'm like you. I have trouble getting rid of emails, cards, and letters people have written. I'm better than I used to be, but I've also gotten rid of some things over the years that I wish I still had with me.
