Basket Full Of Encouragement

In 1993 while working at the Conference Grounds, I was introduced to warm fuzzies. (Wow...typing that made me realize just how long ago that was and just how OLD I am!!!) 

BEST. THINGS. EVER!!!

That is the Summer I learned what it meant to encourage someone.  Spontaneous, generous and freely given words of encouragement. A few moments taken to edify someone in Christ for the person they are, the work they do, the light they shine. What they mean in my life.

Words have an impact. They can build someone up, or they can tear them down. They can encourage or discourage. Why is it that we are constantly searching for a blessing, instead of being one?

My encouragement basket.
Warm fuzzies I collected over
the years while working at the
Conference Grounds. 

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:8-9  NLT


Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29  NLT


Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21 * The Message


May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NLT


The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. Proverbs 10:11 * The Message


Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT


We must not just please ourselves.  We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. Romans 15:1-2 NLT


So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:19 NLT

Don't know how to encourage someone? Sit down, grab a piece of paper (or send an e-mail) and write from your heart. Tell them what they mean/have meant to you. Encourage them in their profession. Encourage them in their families. Encourage them during times of struggle. Encourage them during times of joy.  Pray for them on paper.  Many times I will pray for the words that person needs to hear and the Holy Spirit gives me the words to say.

Don't wait. Pray for God to show you someone that needs encouragement~and then go encourage. You will get blessed!!!