Sunday, September 12, 2010

National Day of Encouragement

(Note: (in)courage is having a MONTH of encouragement this June, 2011. I wrote this post back in September, using the cards I received free from them. Go to this post to read about what I did with the last card in the set)

Two weeks ago, one of my favorite websites, (in)courage, began talking about the National Day of Encouragement. This just happens to be today! Because of their grace and generosity, I was one of the lucky ones to receive a packet of encouraging cards from DaySpring to share with others. I receive them on Friday, just in the nick of time, and started looking at all of them. I had several people in mind who needed encouraging, and this packet nailed all their needs. So here's what I did this morning:

There was a card about having a bad day; or a bad week; or a bad YEAR - this one went to our church's Worship Minister, who is going through some really trying personal stuff right now (like all year he's been going through it!) Card: perfect!

There was a card about someone having the courage to speak, show, and live the Scripture - this one went to our Pastor, who has been preaching through Revelation since February. Card: perfect!

There was a card about meeting for coffee and sharing your lives (it's on the (in)courage site today) - this one went to a church friend who has BEEN a friend to me. Card: perfect!

There was a card about friendship - along with a loaf of fresh-baked wheat bread, this one went to a newer friend at church who has been befriending me, and encouraging ME. Card: perfect (and the bread didn't suck, either)!

There were other cards which were generically encouraging; those went to our Youth Minister, our Children's Director, and our Preschool Director.

There was one more card, and it just stood out from the rest; it speaks of having a big yellow umbrella to walk through the rain with someone to shield them. Inside the card, it says (in so many words) "but I don't have a big yellow umbrella, so I'll just walk through the rain with you." Oh, man. THIS one went to a younger lady at church whose family is having a TIME with her rebellious stepson. This one card went way beyond perfect - it could not have been more encouraging.

So let me encourage you on this National Day: life's hard, yes. Sometimes it sucks, yes. Usually we feel alone, yes. We're not alone - NONE of us. God is always with us - Matthew 28:20. And He is faithful to us - Philippians 1:6.

This is the best one: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

(in)courage each other. Always.

3 comments:

  1. I stopped by via your (in)courage link. Love your post! It's such a blessing to use the cards to encourage others.

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  2. Hello! Just popped in from (in)courage, and I LOVE your post! The last two paragraphs are so inspiring to me! Thank you for your words! Blessings to you!!! :0)

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  3. Hi Elaine - you're an encourager through and through! Cards are very special - and they are gifts from the heart we remember. Thanks for sharing this in the faith jam and on (in)courage! Wonderful to be encouraged by you!

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