This morning I have a case of the “blahs.”
You know what I mean?
You feel uninspired. Unimaginative. Unmotivated. It’s sort of a bland, humdrum type of feeling. Not discouraged. But not excited. Continue reading
Category Archives: Encouragement
Be An Encourager
“What would you do differently, if you had your life to live over again?” a young lady supposedly asked the Duke of Wellington in his old age.
The Duke, who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815 and later served as Prime Minister of the UK, was known as a brilliant man, yet very demanding. He was not known to “shower his subordinates with compliments.” Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Comfort One Another
A British evangelist, Warner Pidgeon, relates a story that occurred during the reign of Queen Victoria.
The Queen heard that the wife of a common laborer had lost her baby. Having experienced deep sorrow herself, she felt moved to express her sympathy. So she called on the bereaved woman one day and spent some time with her. After she left, the neighbors were curious, “What did the Queen say? They asked. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement, One another
10 Things the Coronavirus Cannot Do
As we continue living through this new normal, which is so abnormal, our hearts are touched by the amount of sickness and death we are seeing and hearing reported by the media.
In fact, by now you may know someone who’s contracted COVID-19. We know a few folks personally who are suffering from it. And so far, thankfully winning the battle.
Yet, in the midst of this current crisis we continue to hear uplifting stories. Stories of heroism. Courage. And self-sacrifice. People helping people. Neighbors looking after one another. Shepherds employing innovative ways to watch for souls. Preachers learning and using new techniques to teach and preach the gospel. Continue reading
Filed under COVID-19, Encouragement
2019: The Year in Review
Yesterday morning while I was watching the Today Show, they aired their biggest news stories of 2019.
At some point into the 15-minute montage of video headlines, I soon realized that most of the stories were negative. They highlighted crises. Violence. Natural disasters. Political scandals. Betrayal. Cheating. Sexual infidelity. Child abuse. Death. Disease. Mass shootings. Government stalemate. And of course, the impeachment of President Trump Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement, Uncategorized
Let’s Encourage One Another To Keep Climbing
Norma Jean and I are currently enjoying some post-meeting R & R in the Smoky Mountains. Yesterday was a gorgeous crisp fall day. Sunny. Clear. And perfect for a drive to higher elevations and some walking.
Clingman’s Dome was our destination. At 6643 feet, it’s the highest mountain in the Smokies. From the observation tower, you get an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. And on a clear day, like yesterday, you can see 7 states and over 100 miles. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement, One another
A Refreshing Ministry
We’re back in Florida for three weeks visiting our kids and grandkids. And it’s hot. Really hot. Temperatures in the 90’s. Heat index over 100.
On days like these, an ice-cold glass of water and just a little breeze provides a needed respite and a refreshing break.
This morning in looking at today’s Bible reading, I am also reminded of the need for spiritual refreshment. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Yesterday I began a task that I’ve been putting off–cleaning out the closet in my home office. There are lots of boxes, some unmarked, and others simply labeled “memorabilia.”
As I began to sift through souvenirs of trips, family mementos, pictures and some plain junk, I came across cards. Stacks and stacks of cards. There were birthday cards. Anniversary cards. Valentine’s day cards. Get well cards. Sympathy cards. Thinking of you cards. And thank you cards. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Learning Empathy and Encouragement From First Graders
Last Sunday in an NFL wild card game, the Minnesota Vikings lost a heart breaker to the Seattle Seahawks 10-9. It was a classic case of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
With only 26 seconds left in the game, Blair Walsh, one of the best kickers in the league, had a golden opportunity to be the hero by kicking a 27 yard field goal, a chip shot in the NFL. Instead, he became the goat. Continue reading
Filed under Discipline, Encouragement
Am I a Builder or a Wrecker?
I watched them tearing a building down,
A gang of men in a busy town.
With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,
They swung a beam and a sidewall fell.
I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled,
The men you’d hire if you had to build?” Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
ThePreachersWord 