Words of Encouragement

Last weekend my family and I went to the mountains for a little vacation. On one the afternoons, we decided to go to Breckenridge. We ate lunch, browsed the down town, and got ice cream. One of the stores that we happened to go in had a lovely assortment of books and I picked one out for my grandma. As I was paying for the product, the nice older gentleman asked where I was from. I told him and he happened to know where Roggen and Keenesburg were because he had worked on a farm in the area when he was a teenager. We continued chatting and I explained to him that I was student teaching and that I wanted to continue in education after graduation. I found out more about his life, how he taught for many years, and when the conversation was ending, he said to me, “Well, I’ll be praying for you.” It caught me off guard because strangers don’t usually say things like that, but it was such a blessing that we happened to go into that shop that day.

“I’ll be praying for you.” Those five, simple words made a difference on me. That man was positive, and encouraging. All week I thought about him and appreciated our conversation. I felt uplifted and full of cheer. I kept asking myself, “How can I be a more encouraging person to others?”

“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” –Ephesians 4:29

First of all, if you are reading this and are discouraged, I want you to know that you are valued and loved. The Creator of the Universe knows everything about you and wants to have a personal relationship with you because He chose you. You are cared for. You have the potential to be the best you that you can be no matter what you are passionate for. If you need prayers, please let me know, and I will pray for you.

Secondly, if you know someone that needs encouragement, start by praying for them. God will be able to help them more than you ever will be able to. Praise them, be there for them, show kindness, acknowledge their efforts and take the time to tell them you appreciate them. Simple things will go a long way.

I am crazy blessed with people in my life that encourage me daily, and I never want to take that for granted. When that stranger said those words to me however, I think it was supposed to start a ripple effect so I could think about being encouraging to everyone I encounter, not just the ones I spend lots of time with. There aren’t coincidences in this life, but God things to open our eyes to Him and what He has planned for us.

I hope that these words encourage you. I challenge you to be an inspirational, motivating person this week that never ceases in prayer. Along with my words, I have found verses from His word:

“Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Pray for each other. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

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Check out K Love's 1 Minute of Encouragement page from their website: http://www.klove.com/ministry/1-minute-of-encouragement/