Weekend Encouragement

Good evening friends. I sincerely hope your weekend is going well. I hope they are correct in forecasting that it will warm up a bit next week, I am kinda done with winter. I know it’s just February but still, I am done. I am thinking of spring thoughts to help me visualize that warmth is coming…

This morning, the new church council met for a retreat to get focused with its programs for the coming year; what worked last year, what do we hope for in the coming year and to support each other as a team. One of the things we touched on that got me thinking was “Soul Care”, what does it look like for each of us and how can we use it to help others. We were given a list of 10 items and we were to rate them on how they worked for us in our own spiritual care. Because it is true, if we don’t participate in our own soul care, we can’t help others, who may be struggling, take care of theirs. The pastor reminded us that while Jesus was very much engaged in helping others, He knew He needed time to take care of Himself as well by going off quietly to rejuvenate and refocus. He never loses the connection with God and then in turn He reaches out to us with that same connection. Staying connected through our soul.

I bring all that up because while we were discussing these 10 items, this morning’s devotion kept coming back to mind. One of the 10 items was “do devotions play a part in your soul care”. For me it’s a definite yes and when I read something that rings a bell for me, I like to share it with others. I don’t have the training or wisdom to come up with these ideas on my own but when I read what someone wrote and how it relates to scripture, then I like to share it to encourage others like I was encouraged.

Two of the devotions I read are written in the first person of Jesus as though He was actually speaking. Matter of fact, one of them is called “Jesus Speaks” by Steven Scott. Today’s devotion ties right in with what we were discussing at the retreat – “Soul Care” and how praying creates a connection of love, peace, nurturing that we all need with God and that it needs to be done quietly and privately.

It’s personal between you and God. This is a familiar passage I have read many times but as the devotion unfolded it made a statement that made me take a second look and it’s the second look that I want to share with you today – a different way to see how God interacts with you, because He is always there, even when we don’t feel Him.

“Praying alone and in secret for more than a few minutes requires faith. You need faith that the Father and I will truly be with you and will listen to your heart.” from Jesus Speaks

Did you catch that – the Father and I? We have always been taught that Jesus intercedes for us, that God and Jesus hear our prayers but it hit me today – they do this together. I know you are all going “well yeah ” but you are not getting my simple brain epiphany. See if this picture helps where my brain went.

God has one hand and Jesus has the other at the same time – always guiding, always nurturing, always there. Whether we feel it or not and in some cases, whether we believe it or not. Opening our hearts to God the Father and God the Son with any care, any concern or any hope we have will be answered with love, peace and comfort.

When you have finished your groanings before God, meditate on His words and listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.

“We will be waiting.” from Jesus Speaks

How marvelous it is to know we are never alone in this world, even at the darkest times. Thank you Lord. I sincerely hope my musings brought you a little encouragement on this cold February day. Send the encouragement forward if you like to help lighten the dark for others who may need it. And as always remember the power and beauty of kindness.

Anita Neal

If you are not familiar with “The Short of It/I Write Her” here is a chance to see some of my work where Susi shares other people writings on her blog. She does an amazing job in showcasing others writings. Thank you Susi.

I Write Her

in flight dove — ***Sunguk Kim – Unsplash***

Nightmare

The mountain quenched its mighty thirst as minuscule droplets of water tried to fall. Momentary satisfaction. Grass stretched their blades upward as they drank in every molecule of moisture, too many days with no rain. Vegetation across the globe was beginning to dry up.

The earth was off its original axis because of mankind. He had robbed the globe of every natural resource creating an imbalance not only of natural occurrences but of man himself. He was imploding from the inside. Yet he continued to create one disaster after another, trying to correct errors from the past. Too much damage had been done.

Jason turned over in his sleep, waking with a start. The room was cool but sunshine came through the windows. He went to the window to see the lush green foliage outside his window. A dream, that’s all it was…or was it.

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Combatting the Blues

Oh, what to do when we feel so blue?

Sadness or sickness making us go boo-hoo.

So we remember things that make us smile

Like puppies in a row all standing single file

But there are other things that can make you feel better

Like hugs from a friend or maybe a sweet letter

So today, as I still struggle with this ole cold

I’ve made a decision and will try to be bold

No more whining and carrying about

A comfort food will make my happiness sprout

And what better way, in my opinion

Than warm noodle soup and my friend the minion.

Me and my minion friend are wish you a happy day filled with smiles to mark your way.

And remember as you go your way, sprinkle kindness along to brighten the day.

Daily GPS

Good morning friends. Hope you are all doing well. I have been out of touch lately for minor health concerns but in today’s Covid world, nothing seems minor, especially if upper respiratory systems are malfunctioning. There is no such thing as the common cold anymore. So when that happens we stay home to keep from sharing our fun. But when we pull out of the physical connection we have to then turn to satellite connections and if our satellite connections are not working correctly we are at a loss.

We have been talking on Sundays about how we are all connected for one purpose – to share the love of Christ – through various teams and many different ways. And we need to stay connected to be able to do that which can be difficult. We are sometimes dependent on satellites to help us navigate through our inabilities to be there in person and when we get the famous sayings that can run across our screen like – “Lost Internet Connection” or “Satellite Connection Not Found” – then we feel frustrated. My connection Sunday was funny and I am sure it was all on my particular internet feed. I got the message of lost connection but yet I didn’t lose the voice, the picture would just blip off a second or two and come back on but what was funny was the picture and sound were no longer in sync. My devotion this morning reminded me of our dependence on technology and how even when driving to unknown places we turn to GPS to find our way. The more I read, I chuckled a bit and thought there is really only one GPS connection we must maintain…
G – God’s

P – Personal

S – Salvation
In reality, the fast and amazing technological connections of today may let us down and the connections we have with our friends and family may periodically let us down. There is only one connection that will NEVER let us down, and that connection is the one we have with God.

Through God’s own GPS system, He will help us navigate through any situation we may come across, and when we don’t have the strength to go on our own, He will carry us…No satellite connection required.

So even when you feel unconnected with the world around you, you will always be connected with God.

Relax in the warmth of His connection today and remember to always be kind.

January 26th & 1Minute Fiction

Bruster stared down from the top of the towering building. How could a creature have done this on purpose. All the beautiful forest, its majestic trees…gone. And the loss of so much life. All done in what they call growth…or something called progress.

“Humph,” said Bruster shaking his head, ruffling his feathers and stretching out his massive eagle wings.

He thought on memories of before. The beauty of the land, the sounds of life from those who lived in and around the trees…all gone, replaced by unimaginable noise. He raised his head and took flight in hopes of finding another forest he could call home.

Come join in with Cranny’s Cove of #1MinFiction and share your thoughts. And as you play with your writing and pictures remember the beauty of kindness and be kind to all of creation.

Thoughts Behind Encouragement

Good evening friends. I had someone ask “why I do this” the other day and after thinking seriously about it, I did come up with an answer that I always thought was it – Because I was asked to. But lets back that up a bit and unpack it. While I am a Christian and I do go to church, that is fully not the reason.

“The church is the only institution that exist primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members.” William Temple, Arch Bishop of Canterbury

Think about that statement that was made several decades ago that still rings true today. This past Sunday, pastor Rob spoke on this statement and what it really means for the church to be reaching out. And we are not talking about the church as a building but the church as an entity, its people. We are told to go and invite others to come see what Christ is about. All through the New Testament, Jesus tells us to go and tell His story. His story of how much He loves us and how much He cares about everything we are going through, good and bad. He cheers with us when its good, He carries us when its bad. And he wants everyone to know this so He tells us to go tell others. Plant the seed of curiosity and see if it will grow.

I am in no way any type of preacher or evangelistic leader. I am a tiny light in this dark world who has experienced dark times and the bright light of Christ. So, I choose to share it here with those who care to read. Because I am a visual person, I incorporate pictures with scriptures because to me they are easier to read.

When we can share His stories of hope, with the love, kindness and goodness of what Christ is all about, then it intrigues others to want to hear more, so you tell them more. And all through God’s word are stories of how much He loves us.

And nothing can break that bond of love once it is established.

***From Genesis through to Revelation, His Love for you is ALWAYS there.***

Therefore, I write encouragements to help others who may need to have a moment of kindness, a handful of hope and a direction of where to go find other assurances of love that is there for all who want it. ALL! If I can encourage 1 person with each note that I write, then I feel my note was a good one. And I read more inspiring works from people(and the Bible) to find new ways to encourage others of how special they are because God never makes a mistake in creating.

Always remember we are all wonderfully made for His purposes. Yes, we do get off track time to time, but He is always right there to help guide us right back where we need to be. And He does it gently and with kindness which is why I always close with a picture showing the beauty and power of kindness.

Exposure in Mistreatment of My Dog

Come join in with Debbie at Travel Intent to share your 6 Word Saturday fun.

And as always, remember to be kind.

I Moved

I posted last week that I created an office in my spare bedroom which was a good idea to get me off the high chairs I have at my dining room table. Well, it turns out that the second bedroom was not a good choice. Its a corner room with two outside walls and when is -2 degrees outside, that room is a bit chilly. Okay so I am a wimp but the other thing is the light in that room needed new lightbulbs. Easy enough, right…wrong. That light is so old the bulbs are rusted in or just set in place without coming out. I can not do a new light right now so we move again.

My bedroom is quite large with enough room for a small couch. No need for that but my new desk fits perfectly at the end of the bed. I can then rotate in my chair if I want, to watch the fireplace. Daisy loves this choices because she gets to be close to mommy, the fireplace and sprawl all over the bed.

Now we just wait for inspiring words to come to mind to be able to write.

I think in all that we should write, kindness should always find a way to come forth somewhere, it should be important in all that we do. Even in stories of bad things happening, there can always be a moment of kindness – it gives us hope.

***We who write can always add kindness,***

Weekend Encouragement

Good morning friends. I have not given any encouragement this week and thought today would be a good day. It’s the end of one week with our eyes focused on a new week to come. Today I bring you encouraging words from Steven Scott and his devotion book Jesus Speaks. It’s a wonderful devotion that has a commentary hosting all the words that Jesus spoke that is separated by topics.

Since this is a quick word of encouragement, we all understand how easy it is to get discouraged. But we need to remember where our discouragement comes from. It comes from our adversary, satan, whose task it is to steal our life of happiness. He knows that if he can make us miserable, we focus on what we have lost, what we no longer have for it has been taken away from us. But we must remember that Jesus came to give us life.

Jesus is our Shepherd that brings us abundant life that is eternal. When Jesus gave up his life for us on the cross, He defeated satan. Jesus broke satan’s power and authority over us. But we are merely human and have a tendency to forget this power and submit to the rules of this temporary kingdom, forgetting our eternal kingdom. This robs us of the joy we find when we are in touch, by mind and heart, with Jesus.

So start each day in His Word with thankfulness and He will surround you with an inner peace beyond anything you could imagine, regardless of the chaos of this world that is beating at your door. Breathe in His peace.

And remember to reflect this peace with kindness in all that you do and the light of Christ will shine from you.

FOTD, Jan 19

So glad Cee allows archive pictures when there is several inches of snow on the ground. Snow can be so depressing for us who are not a big fan of it. But flowers always make is smile. So for my Flower of the Day, I jump back to 2019 when I had multiple colors of Vincas in my yard.

The feathering out of the white into the light purple color gave them a softness. I have not been able to find that color again but will look again in the spring. Come on spring. LOL.

We should embrace the beauty of each day and not wish the seasons to go too quickly. Each season has a beauty of its on, I am just not a big fan of cold and snow.

Come join in on the fun and share a flower with us.

And remember the beauty kindness and share that wherever you can.