Howtoencourage

Encouragement Benefits

2009-11-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

What we do today right now, will have an accumulated effect on all our tomorrows. Alexandra Stoddard

Someone is enjoying shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
Warren Buffet

Researchers at the University of North Carolina reached the conclusion that people who appreciate small moments of happiness, laughter and joy tend to be happy people who are more likely to be resilient against adversity and more successful in jobs, relationships and health.

That reinforces my passion for encouragement. What you do to encourage yourself and others matters. Who wants to be around a depressed discouraged person? It brings you down and is really bad for your health. It does make a difference in your future and the future of your loved ones.

This study says that if happiness is something you want out of life, then savor the small moments and cultivate happy. Barbara Frederick, the lead author of the study, goes on to encourage your focus to be on the every day pleasures in your life and letting your positive emotions blossom. She says as we worry less about our future and focus on those kind things that people do for us or the beauty in nature, that helps us build resources so we rebound better from stress, ward off depression and continue to grow.

That works for me! I know I'm on the right path to an encouraging lifestyle.

My Encouragement

2009-11-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

I had an extremely busy week, doing lots of encouraging with my two beautiful daughters. Andrea lives in Seattle and was home for a wedding and Kara lives in Indianapolis. By an amazing turn of events, Andrea got to work in Indy so I went down to spend the day with both of them. That does not happen often in my world!

We had a lovely day shopping and doing lots of catching up talking about all kinds of topics. I believe it was a special gift from God. Thanks and praise to Him!

It was not always easy to hear the comments they had to say about me. I tried to be vulnerable and stay open to some of their criticisms, because I want to always be learning and growing in my own life. I did tell them, several times, that I am not the same person I was when they were living in my house. Hopefully things have changed for all of us. The great news is that I discovered I not only love my daughters, I really like them! They are wonderful, caring individuals and I think their husbands are very lucky guys.

The most important lesson I learned is to talk less and pray more! It's not so much about me being right and them being wrong or the other way around, but about learning new ways of relating to each other. They live away from our home town and are actually doing a great job living life without me.

Here is a prayer from Ken Gire that hangs right above my desk and sustains me every single one of my empty nest days.

"My children are not the work of my hands. My hands are not the hands that hold them, not the hands that mold them, not the hands that work all things together in their lives for good. They are the work of God's hands. I am merely a tool in those hands, a tool He has used in some way, for a short time to shape them. Give me the strength to open my hands, not knowing what all You want me to give, knowing only that it is to Your hands I give it. Help me to love those hands more than I love whatever it is I hold in mine."

Your Purpose Encouragement

2009-10-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

Just Think...
you're here
not by chance, but
by God's choosing.

His Hand formed you
and made you
the person you are.

He compares you
to no one else---
you are one of a kind.

You lack nothing that
His grace
can't give you.

He has allowed you
to be here at this time
in history to fulfill
His special purpose
for this generation.
Roy Lessin

Encouragement

2009-10-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

When I woke up to the dark and saw the dreary rain, I struggled with some depression. I wondered what I could do to encourage myself today.

I'm reading through the New Testament with my church family this fall and as I read the assignment for today the words that Paul wrote to the Romans jumped out at me. I realized this was my answer for a day like this one.

Paul longed to see his brothers, the Romans, so that they could be "mutually encouraged by each other's faith." That's it, nothing more, nothing less.

Whose life will touch mine today that I can be encouraged by their faith? Likewise, who will I meet that I can encourage with my faith?

It's not about my circumstances, my relationships, my job, my finances, the weather...In fact it's not about me or my feelings at all! How freeing to realize that I don't have to be in charge of that department of life.

The focus is about my faith in God and how I can encourage that one person whose path will cross mine today.

I'm excited to see what God has in store for me. It is starting to look a lot brighter already!

MOMS-YOU CAN DO IT!

2009-10-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

Listen to this story about a black mom named Jesse, who grew up in a family of eleven in the south, could not see a future where she was, so at eighteen, she caught a train to NY City, married a man who charmed the socks off her and had three small children. Then, when she realized he was charming other items of clothing off other women, Jesse, with no education or resources took her three small children, went back home to the south, and moved into the projects of Raleigh NC-this is a true story. She made a home for herself and her three children; one of her favorite things to do was waking up early, sitting on her porch drinking coffee and visiting with neighbors as they went off to work.

But then the sixties came and things changed drastically; drugs swept through the communities and neighborhoods became slums. Children wandered around hungry and alone, left to grow up by their own devices.

So Jesse began to get up early for a new reason. Morning and night, Jesse baked two dozen biscuits. Any child who was hungry was welcome at her table; sometimes she could even give them more. She became the neighborhood mom, a dependable stable adult in these kids’ hard lonely lives. Later in her life, she could have moved out, but she stayed because she felt the call of God right where she was, in the midst of poverty and great need. As the years went on, she rallied others to help with after-school programs and a police station in the area. Though in her eighties, she can still see the faces of the children whose lives she touched…

Listen moms, what you offer your kids in this season of life makes a difference. Your two dozen biscuits offered to your world makes a difference. If you let Him, God will take those ordinary moments and make them extraordinary.

My challenge to you is--as your focus becomes less of what you want and more of what you can give, there is meaning in whatever season of life you are in, whatever you do.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Give the Gift of Encouragement with Inspirational Bracelets

2009-10-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Each One Lovingly Handcrafted in the Mountains of Nepal, Supporting Impoverished Families!

Looking for something special to encourage and motivate your loved one when you are not with them? Remind them that you are behind them 100 percent when they wear the new "GO FOR IT" and "YOU CAN DO IT" bracelet.

These unique bracelets are made from hand carved water buffalo bone and hand carved beads. The cords used to tie the tiles together have an adjustable slip knot that provides correct sizing for most wrists so you don't have to worry about sizing.

How can you encourage others when you are not with them every day? Is someone you know fearful when taking that big test or trying out for the team? Or maybe lacks courage to stand up for herself in a difficult situation?

Maybe you long to hear these words-you can do it-when you face a difficult challenge. Remember the power of words of the Little Red Caboose saying 'I think I can, I think I can, I know I can,' as he chugged up the hill?

Now you can instill that same inspiring spirit in your loved ones and even yourself with the new GO FOR IT and YOU CAN DO IT bracelet. These words will give friends and family courage, comfort and confidence to be and do their best as they see these powerful phrases on their wrist.

Sometimes it is your presence and sometimes it is a present that makes the difference in another's life.

You can impact others with the right words even if you are not with them everyday. When they need the courage to face that test or tryout for the team, they will see this encouraging message and know someone is rooting for them to GO FOR IT!

Help them find their own power when they read this encouraging message on their bracelet, GO FOR IT or YOU CAN DO IT!

The battle for courage begins and is won by believing. These powerful words will help them believe in themselves to find their own potential and give them strength to take that extra step.

Full Circle Encouragement

When you purchase this gift, encouragement will come full circle as you make a difference in the lives of the poorest of poor around the world by insuring employment for single mothers and underprivileged families with these fair trade items.

Guardian Village Handicrafts provides women and impoverished families with fair trade business opportunities. They supply vocational training in handmade jewelry, crafted Lokta paper products and other accessories. The sale of these handicrafts helps to fund the Guardian Children's Home where care and quality education are provided for children rescued from slavery and other abusive environments. Your purchase of these products promotes holistic community environments.

Special Introductory offer--Purchase the How to Encourage ebook and How to Encourage Children ebook for only $15.00 and get a FREE encouragement bracelet plus free shipping.

Please indicate which bracelet you would prefer and include address where you would like bracelet shipped.

The ebook title is: How To Encourage —Discover the Secret Words You Can Use To Empower Family, Friends, and Colleagues and How to Encourage Children

'Life is Hard' Encouragement

2009-10-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel discouraged, down, depressed--no hope for anything better in your life? Take courage. A brighter tomorrow is coming. But in the meantime...

“The truth is, life is hard. We live in a fallen world. Even those who have been redeemed live in earthly bodies and have to deal with the realities of temptation, sin (both our own and others), disease, loss, pain and death. We are not wrapped up in some sort of celestial cocoon where we are immune to pain. Not until God makes a new heaven and new earth will we be totally free from the ravages of sin. Until then, there will be tears, sorrows, pressures and problems.

But—and here’s the good news—God is not removed or detached from our problems. No, the God of the Bible is “a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1. That doesn’t mean He waves a magic wand and makes all our problems disappear; it does mean He uses pressures and problems to mold and shape our lives and to make us like His Son.

We want God to fix all our problems. God says instead, “I have a purpose for your problems. I want to use your problems to change you and to reveal My grace and power to the world.

That is the Truth—and the Truth will set you free.”
Lies Women Believe Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Mom Encouragement

2009-10-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Author Ruth Haley Barton says,
There are limits associated with this particular season of my life. There are the limits of this particular community and this particular set of relationships. There are physical limits of time and space, strength and energy. There are the limits of THIS calling that God has placed on my life, which means that I am not available for other callings.

Psalms 139 says God had a purpose in mind for you before you were even born and since you are all moms here—this calling—your children—is your purpose.

As moms, you are in for one of the most challenging seasons of your life-physical, mental and emotional. Your kids are changing so fast when they are this small—you just can’t get too comfortable, can you-you think you have something conquered and then some new issue arrives!

As moms, you have been given the most profound privilege—each of your children have been formed specifically and perfectly by God Himself, for a purpose, and your influence and responsibility cannot be overstated. You have been entrusted with this little body to strengthen and care for, a mind to develop and protect and a precious heart to prepare for eternity.

YOU CAN DO IT!

2009-10-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

There are those who tell us we can't do it; we can't find what we are looking for, can't realize our dreams, can't fight the giants. They are discouragers.

But that's not true. Do not listen to people like that. They will pull you down.

We need encouragers. Those that say you can do it, you can change, you can have dreams, you can find healing, you can have a future. Those friends are like the wind behind your back. You need them in your life.

You can do whatever you set your heart and mind to do. It will not be easy. But don't give up.

Never give up. Invest in improvement, learning and change. Be courageous. Perservere and go for your goals.

Be encouraged.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Courage to Go On

2009-09-29T09:04:00.001-07:00

I love this quote by Barbara Winter. It always gives me courage to go on in the midst of hard times.

"When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly."

Believe Encouragement

2009-09-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

“Believe in your ability to succeed,
and you will.
Believe in your ability to meet
every difficult challenge,
and you will.
Believe in your ability to give
and receive love,
and you will.
Believe in yourself…”
Donna Levine

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD

2009-09-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Does your child have butterflies thinking about school? How about you? Are you nervous for him, knowing some of what he will face? Will he make friends, will he like his teacher, or will his teacher like him? Will he be able to get his schoolwork done? What about taking that big test or trying out for the team?

How can you encourage others when you are not with them every day?

A new Hallmark survey revealed that moms desire to encourage their kids more, particularly at the back to school time-frame. When asked about giving encouragement to their kids, more than three-fourths of moms said they are looking for new ways to boost their child’s confidence during back-to school.

You can do it. You can give support that says you’ve got her back and that you care about what happens to her every day, not just the hard times. You can’t go to school for him or write that paper, but you can give him everything he needs to succeed by encouraging and supporting him.

HELP THEM FIND THEIR OWN POWER WHEN THEY READ THIS ENCOURAGING MESSAGE ON THEIR BRACELET ‘GO FOT IT’ OR ‘YOU CAN DO IT’.
The battle for courage begins and is won by believing. These powerful words will help them believe in themselves to find their own potential and give them strength to take that extra step.

YOU CAN DO IT and GO FOR IT letters are carved in bone on an adjustable one-size fits-all bracelet so no need to worry about size. When you purchase this gift, encouragement will come full circle as you make a difference in the lives of the poorest of poor around the world by insuring employment for single mothers and underprivileged families with these fair trade items.
Check out the website for more information!
http://www.howtoencourage.com

ENCOURAGING YOURSELF

2009-09-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

We live in a busy, noisy, overwhelming-to-our-senses world. We are surrounded by people and problems, but no one really cares. Have you ever heard of the term 'crowded loneliness?' Sometimes the chaos of life isolates us and it seems as if there is no one left to encourage us. No one comes to our rescue and we are left utterly alone.

When this happens to you, check out the story of a remarkable young man in I Samuel 30:6, "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." In his moment of abandonment, when he was left all alone and discouraged, "the young king turned to the one true God, his God, for encouragement. There was nowhere else to go." Think about the many Psalms that David wrote out of the agony of being alone that comfort us today.

Sooner or later life does that to all of us. When that happens to you, where will you find encouragement?

POWER of ENCOURAGEMENT

2009-09-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Research confirms the power of encouragement and positive affirmation by parents and teachers and the difference it can make in a life. Everyone has a story about that one teacher that could see their hidden potential and encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone and take the next step in life.

Delaine Eastin, a former California state school superintendent, was a shy student until a drama teacher encouraged her to try out for the play. A single comment by a single teacher, who saw potential in Delaine, inspired a passionate career of public office, education and speaking. Never underestimate the power of one.

Look around you…every day you have a choice to make a difference in someone’s life.
.
Every person you meet suffers disappointment or a setback and needs encouragement.

Genuine caring and knowing how to inspire others brings meaning and purpose to your life and gives you influence in your world.

You can make a difference with your words.

Importance of Encouragement

2009-09-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

There are high spots in all of our lives, and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. I don't care how great, how famous or successful a man or woman may be, each hungers for applause. Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul. Good work can never be expected from a worker without encouragement. No one can ever have lived without it."
George Matthew Adams

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD

2009-08-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

How can you encourage others when you are not with them every day?

A new Hallmark survey revealed that moms desire to encourage their kids more, particularly at the back to school time-frame. When asked about giving encouragement to their kids, more than three-fourths of moms said they are looking for new ways to boost their child’s confidence during back-to school.

You can do it. You can give support that says you’ve got her back and that you care about what happens to her every day, not just the hard times. You can’t go to school for him or write that paper, but you can give him everything he needs to succeed by encouraging and supporting him.

How to Encourage

2009-08-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

We can impact others with the right words.
"We live by encouragement and we die without it, slowly, sadly and angrily," Celeste Holmes’s quote means we had better get it right!
Any day, any season is the right time to encourage our fellow travelers on our journey.
Do you know the right words to way?
For tips and secrets to encouraging with the right words, check out www.howtoencourage.com

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOU

2009-08-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

It takes a strong person to deal with tough times and difficult choices.
But you are a strong person.
It takes courage.
But you possess the inner courage to see you through.
It takes being an active participant in your life.
But you are in the driver's seat and you can determine the direction you want tomorrow to go in.

Hang in there...and take care to see that you don't lose sight of the one thing that is constant, beautiful, and true.
Everything will be fine--and it will turn out that way because of the special kind of person you are.

So...beginning today and lasting a lifetime through--hang in there, and don't be afraid to feel like the morning sun is shining--just for you.
Douglas Pagels

EXAMPLE OF AN ENCOURAGER

2009-08-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Most of us face the same situations in dealing with people--we can be discouraged or encouraged. No one is exempt, not even Jesus. His authority was constantly challenged by the religious of that time, His leadership questioned, he was beaten. He was betrayed by one of his own disciples and ultimately crucified,yet He never gave up and in fact He became the most effective encourager ever! How did He do it?

"According to Isaiah, Jesus has been entrusted with the ministry of speaking words of sustaining power to the weary-the living words of God. In part, this ministry comes to Him because He Himself is the supreme example of one who listens, receives, trusts, and obeys the Word of God. He can show us how to listen to God. He is the perfect example of a true disciple.

"The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples,
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.

He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
The Lord God has opened My ear;
And I was not disobedient
Nor did I turn back.
I gave My back to those who strike Me,
And My checks to those who pluck out the beard;
I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.
For the Lord God helps Me,
Therefore, I am not disgraced;
Therefore, I have set my face like flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed."
Isaiah 50:4-7
The Shame Exchange

Why Encouragement?

2009-08-15T11:14:00.001-07:00

Our world needs encouragement…a world ravaged by depression and death, fear and frenetic activity, sorrow and strife, a world that saps life from our souls. At times the darkness threatens to overwhelm us.

How do we learn to live with encouraged hearts, with energy and purpose instead of listlessness, boredom and discouragement? How do we combat the negative messages this out of control culture gives us every day?

I believe the answer lies in the attitude of encouragement. In fact, I am passionate about encouragement because it has worked for me and I have witnessed its power in countless others in my realm of relationships.

Just the other evening, I saw a friend lift up her head, in spite of difficult circumstances because someone said simple words ‘you have shown amazing courage in the midst of your pain.’ They noticed her, spoke significant words that understood what she was going through and gave support by their presence.

Encouragement Works!

Encouraging Words

2009-08-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

Kindness is like a rose, which though easily crushed and fragile, yet speaks a language of silent power.
Frances Roberts
Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echos are truly endless.
Anonymous
Wise sayings often fall on barren ground; but a kind word is never thrown away.
Sir Arthur Helps

Recipe for Love
1 1/2 cups of happiness
2 cups of thoughtfulness
2 Tablespoons consideration
1 gallon help
1 quart kindness
1 Tablespoon thankfulness
1/4 teaspoon attention
6 pinches obedience
Helen Lent

Those who sow seeds of kindness will have a perpetual harvest.
Anonymous

Encouraging Words

2009-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

"One cutting biting word given in the summer," someone has said, "can last all winter!" In fact it can last for many winters to come.

It takes ten positve comments to overcome one negative. Perhaps the saying should be, "Sticks and stones will break my bones and words will always harm me."

So the question is, what are you saying to your loved ones and friends all summer? The winter can be long and cold, so remember to use love and warmth to speak to others right now.

Practice words of encouragement and grace and make a difference in a life today!
Quotes from Erwin Lutzer, When You've been Wronged

Encouragement Benefits for Kids

2009-08-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Give children encouragement; they will gain confidence, they will perform better.
MK Soni

Listen to the desires of your children. Encourage them and then give them the autonomy to make their own decision.
Denis Waitley

Nine tenths of education is encouragement.
Anatole France

A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. Author Unknown

Kids are far more in need of our encouragement than correction.
Kay Gramm

Research shows kids need lots of encouragement, affirmations and praise, just like adults and for the same reasons, only more so.

To be able to think rationally

To be creative and resourceful

To be successful in life

To learn courage to face their foes and weaknesses.

For more on how to encourage children see
http://www.howtoencourage.com/how_to_encourage_children.html

Encouragement Benefits for Kids

2009-08-02T13:05:00.001-07:00

I read a good article by Titia Dunn in the Newark Examiner about the how to and benefits of keeping your children fit and healthy.

She said:
1) Provide a good balance of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
2) Provide at least 30 minutes of physical exercise or activity a day. Take walks or take them to a sports practice; just make them move!
3) Provide mental stimulation. Turn off the TV and make sure they get their homework done first. Give them support in the form of mental stimulation or even more academic help such as Sylvan or Kumon Learning Centers.
4) Provide encouragement on a daily basis for your child. This can be words of encouragement before they leave for school or inspirational notes along the way. Parents should also have a debrief at the end of your child's day or a heart to heart at dinnertime.

She said this will give them more energy to be productive, a positive outlook to handle the emotional ups and downs life brings, physical strenth and endurance, reduced risk for many health problems including diabetes, cancer and heart disease, the opportunity to look and feel their very best which will give them a better quality of life.

These are all amazing benefits and so worth the time it takes to do this for your child, but my favorite is #4. Sidney Madwed says, “If everyone received the encouragement they need to grow, the genius in most everyone would blossom and the world would produce abundance beyond our wildest dreams.”

Kids are far more in need of encouragement than correction. They could change the world if they received it.

For more encouragement help for you and the kids, check out How to encourage

Encouragement to Rebuild, Restore, Renew

2009-08-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

Life hurts. People live in broken cities, ruined streets, hurting homes and hungry hearts. What can we do to help them? My husband and I were discussing a serious need we became aware of in the lives of some friends and what our role should be in relating to that need.
I was reading one of my favorite passages this morning and became encouraged all over again. My life verse, in Isaiah 58 where God promises to make his people Repairers of Broken Walls and Restorers of Streets with Dwellings, came alive in a whole new way.
"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the opressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Your healing will quickly appear and the Lord will go before you and his glory will be your rear guard."

That is a worthy and wonderful promise and purpose. It gives energy and hope that we can make a difference in one another's lives. It gives meaning to our lives here on this journey we are all on together. We can learn to rebuild, restore and renew the ruined lives in this place where we live and work.

The plan became clear to me. We are supposed to impact lives for good and for God. We will do the next step to help our friend in his need. You too can encourage people to persevere in difficult life situations. Watch and wait for the needs and His answers. They will come.