You know what is a little thing? Saying the word “Yes” or “Sure” when someone offers to help.
It is such a little thing to allow someone the gift of doing something for you.
Yes, I am speaking from my heart here. I absolutely love doing stuff for people. It is part of what makes me me. And when someone is kind enough to just say “Yes,” that is a delight to the soul. Continue reading
Or to do someone a favor.
“Hey, will you do me a favor?” They ask.
I answer, “Sure!” or “I will if I can.”
But what about doing ourselves a favor? That seems difficult at times. Continue reading
Filed under Caring for ourselves, encouragement, Giving, Life Happenings
2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us clearly that God loves a cheerful giver. Don’t give under compulsion, Paul tells us, but give what you determine to give. And give it cheerfully.
That entire passage is specifically speaking of money. Cash. Dollars. So it cannot be confused that we are to give money cheerfully.
But I am wondering if that principle couldn’t also be applied to other instances of giving. Continue reading
Filed under discipline, Giving, Life Happenings
There is nothing like a story of someone who changed their situation massively. Or someone who overcame tremendous odds. You know, the Olympic athlete that came from meager beginnings and worked 42 jobs to enable him/her to train 100 hours a week and made it to the Olympic podium winning over those with every possible support and resource available to them. Or the author who sold their first manuscript for a million dollars and went from rags to riches by their skill and talent and determination.
Those stories stir us, inspire us, motivate us, and sometimes shame us. They are fantastic. Continue reading
Filed under encouragement, Giving, Inspirational, Life Happenings
Seeing people do amazing things encourages and inspires me. Hearing a testimony about someone conquering their fear or disability or insecurity and finish something awesome lights a fire in me. Meeting someone who is simply “doing it” absolutely challenges me.
Do you know anyone like that? Have they spurred you on?
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
I came in contact with www.No41.org through my daughter-in-law. I sat and read every word on their website, then I read their blog entries, then I stared at the pictures of those lovely ladies that have had their lives completely changed because of one dreamer and doer: Tara. Continue reading
Filed under encouragement, Giving, Inspirational, Life Happenings, travel
Encouragement is a noun, which means it is a “thing.” An actual “thing.” It may not be physical like a table or a ping pong ball or a cupcake; but it is felt. Isn’t it?
It is not an idea. Or a philosophy. Or something ethereal.
It is a noun. A thing.
An actual thing.
Remember the last time you were the benefactor of encouragement? Ahhhhhh…. nice, wasn’t it? It felt like a thing, didn’t it?
What about the last time you dished out a batch of encouragement? It feels nice, too. It is one of the things that is great for both parties.
Sometimes one dose of hearty encouragement can last us the length of the current struggle, race, game, trial, learning curve, etc. Continue reading
Filed under Giving, Inspirational, words
Part 1b of a 3 part short, helpful series.
Ready for the second half of the 16? Here they are! I’m excited to hear what you can add to the list:
8. Think outside the box. I know there are a few “regular” meals everyone thinks are meals you take to those in need. But what does your family like? Make that. Don’t worry about recipes everyone else says are a good idea, make what you like. If you have a family favorite, it is probably something you cook well. That’s always fun for the recipient. And include the recipe. That would be an extra nice touch.
9. How about, instead of signing up to make a main meal, bringing muffins and cookies and chips and cereal and crackers and juice and tea? That will be a fun thing when the caregiver or bed-ridden friend wants a munch or a snack. It’s not all about the main dinner.
10. And what about breakfast? Or breakfast for dinner? That would be a welcome change of pace. Or, in addition to a simple dinner, add a breakfast casserole that only needs to be put in the oven in the morning. Boy, would you come out looking like a hero.
11. Go by mid day and throw a meal in their crock pot (make sure they have one) so it will be ready for the dinner hour. They get a hot meal and – BONUS –they get to enjoy their house smelling awesome all afternoon. Continue reading
Filed under Giving, Inspirational
Part 1 in a short, helpful series
(Well, part 1 had to be broken into two parts, so I guess this is Part 1a)
What is meal gifting? You know, gifting a meal to someone who is in need of one.
There are so many people that have helpful hints about bringing meals to those in need. Why do I want to do one more?
Because it is a BIG deal!
When someone falls ill, or has a baby, or loses a loved one, or is caring for a loved one with an extended illness, or is placed on bed rest; there are so many areas of need. One blessing that can eliminate a large headache is having meals brought in for a while.
It cannot bring back a loved one, make cancer go away, or cause bed rest to be a pleasure. But it does help. It really does.
Some illness situations can carry on for a while. The need is extensive. Just having people care and understand that their family is under tremendous stress brings comfort. Continue reading
Filed under Giving, Inspirational
