encourage all the more

The day of Jesus' second return is definitely a coming.

How about instead of criticism and putting others down to make ourselves feel better (even if it is in our mind), we encourage?

In our friends, there are things that are good in them that make us appreciate them.

Sometimes there have been moments in my life where I've thought about complimenting someone, but  I held my tongue for whatever reason. Looking back I wish I would've just given the encouragement instead of holding it in. You never know what a word of encouragement can do to someone, even if you don't know them super well.

I feel like most of the time, you can't go wrong with a word of encouragement.

I love the way you are always so caring with those around you.

I always love your outfits: they are so cute.

I so appreciate you and the way you are such a good friend to me.

However, sometimes it's not so easy to see people through a positive light. Some people are genuinely not good people (we all aren't without Christ) but we have to remember that they need Jesus just as much as we do.

All we can do is ask Jesus to help us see them through HIS eyes.  

Today I encourage you along with myself to give out 5 words of encouragement to five different people in the next couple of days.

See how much it builds them up and makes you feel better about encouraging others!

And by the way, you can never go wrong with a hug or two!  

Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

this is who i am

 I am so incredibly selfish. I want things for myself. I want people to like me and want to gravitate towards me. I want people to look at me and say I wish I was her. A lot of times I care a lot more about myself than other people. I judge people as if I am somehow better than them and I often live my life in a way so that I can gain happiness in as many ways as possible.

I complain about so many things. I am sarcastic with my words and I often hurt people with my actions. I often don't look at my life situation with happiness and joy for all God has given me. I look at things in life and complain. I am sarcastic with people because it often gets more attention than being silent. Oh, how I struggle to just be quiet sometimes.  

 I want attention. I want to be felt loved by other people around me and I often let my emotions dictate my actions. When I feel a certain way about someone, I will let that cause me to give them the silent treatment or to use a sarcastic tone with them.  

But I am ever so slowly being formed and shaped by God into more of a selfless person. I don't die to myself. I love myself more than I want to follow God.  It's a daily fight to live a life glorifying to God because there are so many areas where it is easier to just give into our selfish instincts. I don't usually have a heart that wants to praise God every minute of my life. Sometimes I would rather stay in my self pity because it "feels" better.
 He, however, is our strength and portion. He is the only reason that I can fight my own pride.
When we look to Him instead of other people, instead of ourselves and instead of what we feel is right, then we will become wiser in Him.


Psalm 28:7: The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.