Online Bible Study

Online Bible Study

Saturday, June 18, 2011

ENCOURAGEMENT

Encouragement is a Powerful Thing.
What a TRUE STATEMENT!

I'm not certain if I've been an encourager my entire life, but I do remember my mother stating something to that effect when I was young. Her exact words (which I replay in my mind) were, "You will tell a woman with the ugliest dress that it is beautiful." Honestly, I have a feeling I thought the dress WAS beautiful (so I hope that doesn't disqualify me!). Maybe what amazed her was that I would speak to anyone; whether I knew them or not. I also remember my 2nd grade teacher calling my parents to say she had to continually move my "desk" in the classroom (I know it's hard to believe, I talked too much!); no matter where she moved me, I made a new friend!

As an adult, after facing loads of despair (and God bringing me out it ALL), I HONESTLY LOVE to encourage others. It comes extremely easy for me - although sometimes I am afraid the recipient might think I'm silly (or that they simply don't care if I appreciate them). I always do it anyway. What I have learned is this: Life is too short NOT to say what we honestly feel (ONLY if it's positive).
Another thing about encouragement, it MUST be honest. Offering words of encouragement, for the sake of encouraging, never works. People have internal sensors and can tell when you're not genuine or lying (it amazes me how many people don't realize that!). So rather than saying anything negative, or untrue, I simply say nothing.
I received the MOST BEAUTIFUL encouragement card pack from DaySpring in the mail. Not only was EVERY SINGLE CARD beautiful-with gorgeous details (and amazing verbiage), but the pack came with an added surprise. Located inside the pack was a decorative note page; indicating greeting cards CAN make a difference, along with a reminder of how amazing it can be to receive a word of encouragement from a friend in the mail. As a special added bonus, the note page included a special scripture (which always encourages me!):
Encourage one another and build each other up.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
At the bottom of the note were lines, numbered, to write the names of the friends you mailed the cards to. I thought it was an awesome reminder for prayer! Every time I removed a card to mail, I was reminded to pray for the ones previously sent. What a blessing for both of us!
Please take a moment to visit DaySpring on-line, you won't be disappointed!
http://store.dayspring.com/
Also, DaySpring offers a Heart Connection Card Club Partner Program, where you earn $5 for each new person you refer! It’s separate from DaySpring’s Affiliate Program.
http://cards.dayspring.com/partners/details.asp
You can get all the program details here!
To be completely honest, after receiving these cards, I will be signing up ASAP!

THIS is DaySpring's Vision Statement:
Connecting people with the heart of God through messages of hope and encouragement every day, everywhere.
PRAISE BE TO GOD!
The first greeting card created by DaySpring was a Christmas card; with a very simple but direct message.
The cover of the card showed a man sitting near a Christmas tree after the gifts had been opened.
There was a look of despair on his face.
The cover read: "When you get right down to it...";
and the inside of the card read: "...the only thing that really matters is Jesus."
DaySpring gave me this product for review and all opinions given are my own.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Have a Little Faith - by Mitch Albom

This book is amazing! I decided to purchase it at the recommendation of a co-worker. Although I have not completed the book, I have been extremely blessed by every page thusfar! If you haven't read the book and don't anticipate reading it, feel free to continue. If you plan to read the book, you will want to stop (as this is a SERIOUS book spoiler).
The book revolves around Mitch's relationship with two individuals (and I'm sure there is much more to enjoy/learn - I'm only on page 118). What has truly moved me up to this page is what I read on page 102. One of the interviewees (an amazing man of faith by the name of "Reb") defines the true meaning of success. I quote:
Mitch: So have we solved the secret of happiness?
"I believe so," he said.
Are you going to tell me?
"Yes, ready?"
Ready.
"Be satisfied."
That's it?
"Be grateful."
That's it?
"For what you have. For the love you receive. And for what God has given you."
That's it?
He looked me in the eye. Then he signed deeply.
"That's it."
My note: AMEN! VERY WELL PUT! Stay tuned for more....
Mitch Albom

Monday, May 30, 2011

Missy - The Shelly's Dog





Another reason we LOVE Deltaville is MISSY. She is the sweetest dog.

Memorial Day Graduation Celebration 2011 - Deltaville, Virginia

We were invited to our relative's home to celebrate four graduations. Two of their children graduated from high school and two graduated from college. As always, the parents worked hard and threw an unbelievable celebration! Enjoy the photos of their home and children!
















Saturday, May 28, 2011

Fabulous READ this morning


After I walked the dog and read a bit, I decided to jump online to complete/study some training modules. When I went to the google page, I thought I would jump over to my blog dashboard. This was the first post and the title intrigued me. Thank you so much Rachel - I truly enjoyed it!

Please take a minute to reflect on the numerous gifts we have been given on this earth! God has blessed us with a masterpiece; which we take for granted every day!

http://rachelolsen.blogspot.com/2011/05/making-morning.html

This weekend, please remember to pray for the families of our military. They sacrifice every single day for our freedom. We were so lucky to be born (or relocated) to the United States of America!