KIDSPEAK WISDOM & OTHER GOD SOURCES,

Storms of life can sometimes bring darkness. Sometimes the storms can seem so dark that one forgets to look for the blessings. How grateful I am for ones in my life, from family to friends who offer the right reminders, from words to pictures.

Youngest grandson gave one of those "out of the mouth of babes" comments that was so relevant.

The sun's awake so I'm awake.

What a positive way to approach each new day for a little tyke. 

In his 80s, Daddy, would say each morning, "I'm grateful for everyday the good Lord gives me."

Photos sent from friend, Anne B. 

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3)

Result--Today My prayers changed from petition to praise!

ADDENDUM: Just minutes after I had already typed this, brother Buddy, called from Vanderbilt Trauma PT saying he is being released on Saturday to go home to Louisville, KY. Hallelujah! 

What a praise!

ENCOURAGING WORDS!

ENCOURAGING WORDS!

Words from friends to lift one's spirit. Words one needs to hear.

A perfect card for today.............."Thankful Thursday." 

CHOOSE: TO ENCOURAGE

Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalm 1:1, from memory so probably KJV)

Scornful folks tend to seek company with the ungodly, and other sinners. But beware, it's an easy "seat" to fall into, even when you sit in your pew every Sunday. That's why Paul admonishes us "to do all things without  murmuring...(Philippians 2:14) Think, inuendos.

To me, a critical spirit spews scorn. Mother would refer to the scornful as "catty." 

Neither descriptors are positive. Therefore, at our house, we try to be appreciative of another's uniqueness or attempts---to applaud their efforts or at least try to understand them, even if that takes extra effort.

"Different"is not a sin.

Scornful folks might be trying to shame others so that their own deficiencies are not so obvious. The adept might introduce scorn through the backdoor of sarcasm---but that still oozes with criticism, even when they try to laugh it off as a joke.

Sarcasm can easily overflow from the heart of the scornful, and sarcasm hurts!

That judgmental seat of scorn is not a place of encouragement. So....don't even go there, much less sit down or take up residence.

May none of us choose to scorn or harbor a critical spirit in our hearts but rather choose to encourage.

Choosing to encourage comes easier as one delights in God's law and meditates on it and not on the perceived faults of others.

CHOOSE: ENCOURAGEMENT

Blog readers continue to inspire and encourage me. 

So grateful Margie Horner chose to encourage me with this great text reminder!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact, you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

May I choose to pay forward this encouragement!

CHOOSE GRATITUDE!

On December 30, I received this shocking email---

Hello Dotsy,

            Aggie went to be with Jesus last Thursday (12/29/16) after a brief but very difficult struggle with an until now undetected blood disorder. I know you were a real encouragement to her, so I need to pass this information on to you.

            A celebration of her life will be held Saturday January 7th.

Sincerely, Greg Tharp

Some times are easier than other times in which to choose gratitude. 
Today is the memorial service for, Agnes "Aggie" Tharp, one lady very dear to my heart, though I have never met her face to face. Yet I am so-o-o grateful to have "known" Aggie, albeit via cyberspace. 
So I choose gratitude for the Lord's allowing our paths to cross.
I sent him an email I had received from Aggie 5 years ago hoping it might offer him comfort:
The night I learned that (friend) had gone on to eternity, I couldn't go to sleep.  I began thinking of the people we knew in common up in heaven, and then Ken meeting Bible characters, and THEN meeting JESUS!!!  I got such a spirit of celebration and joy that I couldn't be sad about Ken's death.  And in a way that experience changed my attitude toward death.  For the child of God it is not sad!  True, for those left behind, the separation hurts.  What a joy to know that it is temporary! Love & prayers, Aggie

Gratitude tinged with sadness---for me and all who knew and loved her, I'm sure!

Aggie has been a "Dotsy Details" blog reader since November 2009 as far as my "Comments" show.

S. D. Gordon wrote: The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is pray. It is not the only thing, but it is the chief thing. The great people of earth are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray. Thank you, Dotsy, for reminding us of the privilege and importance of prayer! Love and prayers, from Agnes in France

Encouraging me from the very start as Agnes, sometime in 2012 Agnes became "Aggie."

Regardless of her signature, blog comments and email messages were always ENCOURAGING! I knew they were sent with love and prayers. Aggie was one of "my" best  prayer warriors, without me even requesting prayers from her. She didn't just say she prayed, she sent the very scriptures to back it up. What a privilege to be on the receiving end of her prayers---which she prayed "all over me."

As I took time in the Word this morning, Psalm 92 (one of today's Scripture readings in the liturgical calendar) is obviously for you, and I am praying it all over you now, and for the upcoming trip. YES, TRUST is the word.  Psalm 37:5, Commit - trust - and God will do the rest.  

Aggie and I both shared an affinity for the Psalms and often "camped out there so I particularly loved this email from her. 

God spoke Psalm 34:8 to my heart, "The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him..."  Wow, I thought, he doesn't just fly or flutter over, he CAMPS.

1/12/10 Interesting how the Father seems to be saying the same things to his children, even though separated geographically by great distances..... GOD REIGNS! Not, He said that He would, nor, some day He will, but here, now; in this present situation, in whatever storm I may be going through, GOD REIGNS! When Jesus was sleeping in the boat, He was in perfect control, even though the disciples were beside themselves with fear! Peace, be still. We can be still, and know that God is God and that He reigns!

Often she would end a message with, "Are you okay, Dotsy?"

How intuitive she was! What a faithful prayer warrior! 

I saw Aggie's life well-lived through her words. 

"Don't answer questions that people aren't asking you, but live in such a way that people will ask you questions (about your faith in, walk with, God)." (though I can't remember who said it---Aggie) Through our correspondence, I imagine many saw Jesus in her life and were asking her about her faith!

Yesterday I ended my email reply to her husband Greg assuring him that I was using Aggie's pictures in my visual prayer journal....

" to continue to pray for Stephanie and Etienne and their children, each Saturday---it is my "bouquet of thanks" to place at her service."

Prayerfully, (& gratefully) Dotsy

REFLECTIONS

REFLECTIONS! A time for reflecting is pretty common this time of year.

News commentators have already started looking back---almost ad nauseam in the "celebrity" realm.

Certainly as one reflects, there is a fine line between discernment and self-absorption.

For me, discernment can only come with an open Bible in my lap. 

Of course, also for me, it doesn't hurt to have a cup of tea (and maybe even a donut) to help me "stay in the Word" for more than a few minutes. Meditation takes perseverance, especially when encouragement and hope are desperately needed.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

Thanks be to God---who gives patience and encouragement (Romans 15:5) as we make our way in life....learning from one year, even the mistakes, and taking those life lessons from Him, into the next year.

"So long," 2015.......

Encouraging Words

K- Love brightened my day yesterday with an "Encouraging Word."

That's the intent of the radio program's (94.9 FM/Memphis) daily Bible verse.

"Then when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply." 

(Isaiah 58:9, NLT)

Those encouraging words encouraged me, allowing me to share with others in prayers.....from Mexico to Binghampton and on to a hospice room in east Memphis.
Paying it forward.
How about praying it forward? .....all the way to the end of the chapter.......to satisfy the afflicted soul, (v.10) to allow the Lord to guide, (v.11) to honor Him (v.13) and once again to delight Thyself in the Lord. (v.14)
That's what encouraging words are meant to do.

"Lifter Uppers"

Been feeling low these past few days, especially in my lower back....but God sent a lifter upper from the "land of the living" (Psalm 27:13) and from His word.

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. (Psalm 3:3)

A plethora of "lifter uppers"---an encouraging email from a "new to me" sister in California plus food with flowers from Jerrie's yard and Dove chocolate served with God's truth.

TEA WITH THEE : a TEA-sentation

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

TEA-sentation might be a bit of a s-t-r-e-t-c-h but what else would you call a presentation about taking tea as part of one's quiet time. He Cares, a special ministry of First Evangelical Church, is designed to meet the needs of our homebound seniors as well as giving care givers a break. As always, the "senior" audience, some who are younger than yours truly, was gracious as I sought to encourage them during their worship time.

TEA-sentation set-up

I'm sure that I left them with "tea" words whirring in their heads but hopefully they realized the importance of daily time with the Lord. Seeking Him first. Allowing Him to fill their "cuppa." Otherwise, the "world will fill their life's cuppa.

The world often pours out---stressors of anxi-TEA, feelings of inferiori-TEA, negativi-TEA and hoi-TEA, Toi-TEA attitudes of people who think that they are better than others.

The Lord pours out---chari-TEA (love) generosi-TEA, humili-TEA, integri-TEA, sensitivi-TEA, and sereni-TEA....to name a few.

Daily choices---cuppas brewed afresh---and served by the Lord are an encouraging way to start one's day. 

My encouragement came after the presentation when Charlie Martin told how Terry Parlow, my blind paralyzed friend, whom Charlie had assumed was too sick to attend, made an effort to come so he could hear, Dotsy. When the van lift would not work, his care giver "Miss Ronnie" pushed him in his wheelchair from his condo all the way to church. The distance isn't far UNLESS you're the one pushing big ole Terry in the wheelchair---"uphill" most of the way according to him.

I "puddled." 

I can't remember when I've been so encouraged. Isn't that so like God---we try to minister to others in His name BUT we are the ones who are truly blessed!

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : heartfelt hilari-TEA

Bob Goff's NYX bestseller, Love Does, is a book which celebrates the ordinary and the whimsies of life. 

I loved this book---to pieces and in pieces. Part was shared in an after dinner read aloud. Part was read alone. Part was read to hubby. It's a perfect book to read in parts! 

Each of the 31 chapters are a complete story---perfect for a bedside table. You could go to school, especially Sunday School, on the chapter subtitles. "I used to think........but now I know.....!

• I used to think....you had to be special .....but now I know....you simply need to say yes.
• I used to think.....religion tasted horrible....but now I know....I was just eating the fake stuff.
• I used to think.....I could shape the circumstances around me......but now I know God uses the circumstances to shape me.
• I used to think.....I had to be somebody important to accomplish things....but now I know....Jesus uses ordinary people more.

Chapter 10 alone, is worth the price of the book to me. (And I'm frugal---I use the library!) "The Interviews" is worth a read by all heads of state.

Chapter 11, "Wow, What a Hit," was a favorite because it emphasized the importance of using encouraging words throughout life. It tugged at hubby's heart as well as mine. 

"Words of encouragement are like that. They have their own power and when they are said  by the right people, they can change everything.....Words people say to us not only have a shelf life, but have the ability to shape life." (Goff)

One review stated, "Its like you are just sitting there having a cup of tea with him (Goff) while he describes for you how he feels he is supposed to live like Jesus."

This book, a quick, easy read grabbed my funny bone, my heart and my tear ducts! 

That my friends is a recommendation!

at-TEA-boy! At-TEA girl!

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

As all teachers know, it takes at least 10 "attaboys" or "attagirls" to temper one "now-now" negative. 

Kids need encouragement.....but then, so do adults. Heart to Heart Bible study teacher, Crickett reiterated that last night as she shared a great model for a "Ministry of Encouragement" from 2 Timothy 1:1-7.

5 Ways to Encourage Others

(as Paul encouraged Timothy)

1. Love them- (v. 2 & 4) & show that love.
2. Pray for them- (v. 3) & keep on praying.
3. Affirm them- (v. 5) in their faith walk.
4. Exhort them- (v. 6) to be all that God has called them to be.
5. Remind them- (v. 7) of all the Lord's resources that are available to them.

What a great reminder that spiritual at-TEA-boys are good for spiritual health as well as emotional health. 

Each at-TEA-girl fills someone's cuppa with much needed positivi-TEA. Thanks to Crickett for filling our cuppa week after week!

"Congra-TEA-lations"

They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. (Psalm 145: 7, KJV)

God is good. Today my heart was filled to overflowing with His goodness. One grandson graduated from kindergarten and I was able to attend the event. Something that has not always been a possibility as a working mother/grandmother. How fun to congratulate him on completing the course and laughing at his response to his mommy's comment about "crying at his graduation."

"You don't have to cry, Mommy; I promise I'll be good today."

Plus, a Texas grandson is in town with his daddy for his heritage trip and his 6th birthday. I was able to splash thru the water at Mud Island's Riverwalk with him and congratulate him on his map skills---and for keeping me "directionally" on my toes. I wonder if I passed on some of my Ms Rand-McNally genes to him.

Sharing any milestone with a grandchild is worth celebrating. Kudos. Congratulations. Pats on the back. All are important ways to encourage. 

Celebrating cousins! Congratulations! More food was in their stomachs and on the table than on the floor! Celebrating laughter. John Parker's definition of his fish basket was priceless. "They killed a fish and made him into a chicken strip."

Today, my utterance of His great goodness is that I'm still around to share these times with family.

We all need to celebrate each moment, be thankful and find reasons to serve a cuppa congra-TEA-lations to others---even in the little things.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: "Pick-me-ups"

11/10/13 Words of encouragement. Prayers. Flowers.  Food. E-mails. Slug mail. Phone calls. Doorstep delights. Pleasant, gentle stories. All positives during a somewhat difficult week. Aren't friends and family the best for keeping us "lifted" and on-track!!!

But encourage one another daily...(Hebrews 3:13)

Ashley Bryan's newest book arrived at my doorstep---enough to share. Thanks, Ashley!

Flowers w/berries and I love berries! Plus, a basket of books---"Be still my heart!"

Katherine's bran muffins, all the way from Atlanta, with a cuppa! Doesn't get any better than that!

Card from my caring & loving HHS lunch bunch!

2 evenings of experiencing the gentle "warmth of homespun tales" spun by the BEST  in the business,  Donald Davis.

3 Ws

10/2/13  3 Ws  were blog thoughts that wandered away after I headed to bed last night. Regrettably, I think the first one was worry----thus the headache that had me to "take to the bed." Possibly the second W was wait. Certainly waiting is a more spiritual activity than worry. Worry is a lack of trust. Worry is sin.
Waiting on God for direction can sometimes be difficult, especially for "doers"......for those who prefer answers sooner rather than later. Yet, today as I tried to recapture the Ws from the recesses of my memory, I realized that God was waiting on me. Waiting for me to give up the worry and trust Him in the situation that loomed with unknowns.

Once that happened, wisdom arrived all the way from France. Words of wisdom via God's child. So timely....but then His timing would be, wouldn't it?

An email arrived from Aggie to ask about the absence of the 3 Ws blog text, AND to share truths she gleaned from from her Lydia prayer cell's meditation of Psalm 67, especially the first 2 verses. To her it was just a way of sharing today's meeting, which is similar to our prayer for revival group. To me it was God-speak. (Even the cross ref to the Numbers verse was one used by me in  9/16 & 9/18 blog entry)

1 May God have pity on us and bless us!

 May he smile on us. Selah  (Numbers 6:24-26)

2 Then your ways will be known on earth,

your salvation throughout all nations.

She added: What stood out to me was the fact that when we are in trouble or testing, we - I - tend to ask God for the way out, "O God, help me!  Send your light and blessing and grace."  But vs 2 makes it clear that the purpose of God's intervention and blessing is (also) for the purpose of making Him and his ways known to those around us, and to the ends of the earth.

Aggie didn't have a clue what I was facing but God knew.

When I replied to her with my situation concern, she sent more wisdom gleaned from others along her life path.

"WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE."

She also wrote:  I wish that a lesson learned once is permanently acquired.  Not necessarily.  One time I said to a retired pastor, "I get discouraged because I get the impression that I'm always going through the same things, same lessons and spinning my wheels.  He replied, "No, Agnes.  It's a spiral and each time we go through a lesson we move on, and upward.  If we come to what seems like the same thing again, it is on a different level, because we are moving on in the Lord, growing in grace." That was SUCH an encouragement to me!  God is good, He is faithful. 

That's it---the 3rd W---came to mind.

WORSHIP---He is worthy.

He, who is good and faithful and waits patiently on me to give my burden of worry to Him, is worthy of worship. 

"WALK-ALONG-SIDERS"

11/27/12 "WALK-ALONG-SIDERS" I heard that term from a recent Allen Bible Church's, Buddy Liles sermon. It has resonated in my thoughts ever since. We all need such folks in our Christian walk. We also need to be such a person for others.
The Christian life is NOT to be lived in isolation. Relationships in the faith are vital.
Hebrews 3:13 says it well.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

We all need "walk-along-siders!"

Let us.....

12/5/11 Let us draw near to God..... Let us hold fast to our hope that is in Him..... Let us consider one another..... (Hebrews 10:22-24) Part of my BSF lesson tonight dealt with these actions. Yet, it was verse 25 that has been speaking to my heart today. It comes right after stimulating one another to love and good deeds. "Encouraging one another."

It brought me to my knees. Then it brought me to my computer to solicit more prayers for Michael at St. Jude. The response has been so encouraging to me---others willing to approach the throne of grace on his behalf. Now Larry & I are asking the Lord to "let us" encourage this family in some way while they are in Memphis.

Let us all meditate on the "let us" verses and then let us rise and take action as we encourage the one whom God brings across our path.

Priestly Encouragement

11/29/11 Last night's BSF lesson gave me lots of "meat" for thought. I have to say "meat" because at this point, I need to be on solid food and not milk. Cathy's lecture on our High Priest was so thorough and kept emphasizing the "big idea" of a priest who understands our weaknesses.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 14:15)

Yet, it's two verses before that which, when paired with verse 15, really spoke to me today.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 14:13)

Knowing all there is to know about me (and you) inside and out. From my bad habits and waylaid good intentions to my fears and deep seated hurts, He sees it all. (v. 13) Not only does He understand, but He sympathizes with what He sees and knows. (v. 15)

That's real comfort. He knows me completely---all is laid bare---and yet he empathizes rather than rejecting. That's encouragement of the highest order from my High Priest.

Guest Bloggers

9/11/11 This entry keeps coming to mind everytime some one comments on my DotsyDetails blog or e-mails me a profound †hought based on †ruth. Points to ponder or questions to ask myself. A new perception of an old familiar verse or hymn. Insight into suffering. An interpretation of a Jesus Calling entry. A thank you. A great acrostic or just a funny “religious” cartoon to make me smile. All are encouraging. Thus today’s verse with some perceptions and encouragement from 15 “guest bloggers”---6 of whom, I’ve never even met.

… that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love …” (Ephesians 2:2)

Carolyn (MS) I have never had a problem trusting Him for my life, but for other things?? My actions say I don’t. “Practicing the Presence of God,” (from your blog) I need to be speaking to Him more throughout the day. (copy of e-mail still wedged in my Jesus Calling 9/9 entry w/ ? for self, “Do my actions reflect trust?)

Carolyn (AL) I used to say that “wait” is a four-letter word. Although wait still has only four letters in it, I’m learning to see that waiting is only tolerable through the power, strength, and grace of the Lord. A powerful lesson to learn and one for which I am so truly grateful.

Rachel (NY) The same God that you trusted with every breath before the news (cancer) is the same God who reigns over you and protects you now.

Debbie (MS) Glory to God whom we can trust because He alone can give “the grace-filled capacity to face the unthinkable and be fruitful in the unimaginable.” (When I Lay My Isaac Down, p. 377)

Edie (TN) The words on your blog convey such a sense of peace, trust, and joy that I am overwhelmed. Thank you for sharing them and know that they serve as encouragement as well as direction…..

Norm (TN) The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

Karla (TN) A friend in choir gave me a Jesus Calling. Now I can read along with you. Later found out she even knows you---a true “God thing.”

Maggie (CT & FL) I ordered Jesus Calling so I can be with you daily through His words. (& this book)

Sarah Young (Australia—author of Jesus Calling) Dotsy, I read your pithy-with-punch blog with great interest. Well done!

JoAnne (TN) Please do not stop writing. Your writings remind me of devotionals as they spur me on in my real life relationship with Jesus. It’s theology wrapped in skin and handed off to us.

Mary Flo (TX) What a joy to read your blog, and yet it left me wanting more!!! Loved the mailman story (w/grandson) & of your walk with him. I was thrilled to know that your favorite hymn is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing…MINE, TOO!!!

Agnes (France) Interesting how the Father seems to be saying the same things to His children, even though separated geographically by great distances. Years ago I heard Dave and Karen Maines on a Moody B.I. radio program, telling about their family's "Where did I see God in my life today" journal. The idea caught my attention and I began my personal journal, putting in writing each evening some incident or way in which I had seen God in my life that day. After awhle I stopped, but later while re-reading some of the entries realized the tremendous value of recording God's faithfulness. So it's become part of my daily life. A great way to REMEMBER God's presence, whether in big or little ways - but can anything that our great God does be called "little"?!.

Ron (NC) The spiritual angle you bring to your life events is very refreshing and inspirational.

Jenni (MS) I have no idea who you are, and I’m sure we have never met….. but today I stumbled on your blog. Isn’t it awesome to see the hand of the Lord in our “coincidences.”……Please know that another stranger has prayed Romans 8:26) for you today. (4/9/10)

Michèle (Germany) Dotsy---your faith will be your fiercest ally during the challenges ahead, though you have no idea yet of what that “mountain” will truly entail. Here’s her blog excerpt “…… battles against this disease are much more taxing than mine was, which leaves me with little other than prayers to offer…except that I am a survivor. I’ve been there, (cancer mountain) climbed that, and now have the “view” to prove it. That alone, even without words put to it, carries a victorious message.”

As Michèle’s blog continued I realized how universal it was for any of us facing trials and sufferings in life.

“Whether they’re emotional, physical, or spiritual, the mountains we’ve conquered are not ours to own, but ours to share. We might not always want to revisit the pain we’ve suffered or the crippling we’ve endured, but if we don’t offer them to others as a testimony of God’s sustenance and love, our fellow travelers may not have to courage to find their way to the top.

“I am reminded of the responsibility we have, as survivors, to stand at the top and call down to those still struggling to the summit. Whether they’re emotional, physical, or spiritual, the mountains we’ve conquered are not ours to own, but ours to share. My encouragement to you? Speak of the treacherous paths and looming precipices you’ve known, tell the story of your climb, the tale of your survival. And when you’ve reached a place that is beautiful and stable and “breathable,” call down to those who follow and tell them of the strength that comes from surrendered weakness, of the peace that comes from vulnerable faith. Tell them that you stumbled. Tell them that you wanted to give up. Tell them that you were bruised by doubt and battered by despair…but that you made it. You. Made. It. And the view from the summit of survival? It’s priceless.”

Saturday's Post----------More Than Words……

3/12/11……that’s what encouragement often is. Caring people who “bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) My life has been filled with these “who are more than cheerleaders” my “T-Cups” with whom I shared a 1,000 laughs last night, my “lunch bunch,” my “dining divas”, my Hoptown chums, college chums, Pi Phis, my dancers, neighbors, my Mary Flo, my Michèle etc., etc., etc. As many of you know these were the ones who “fulfilled the law of Christ” as they bore my burdens through my cancer journey. They carried my family and work responsibilities while feeding, nursing and baby sitting me. These folks in the land of the living showed the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 27:13) and therefore I was not dismayed.

All of us of the community of faith are called to do likewise.

Caring people (those "helping" others in need) bring to mind today's Scripture text which is a powerful rule for the earnest follower of Christ. We are to "bear one another's burdens." To "bear" means to carry or endure. A "burden" means a weight that is heavy or crushing. We have all had experiences in life when others have some alongside and borne our burdens. We are called to do likewise. GAL 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

What does "burden bearing" and "doing good" look like? Phone call or e-mail. Errand running. Intercessory prayer at 3am. (Thanks, Bernie) Mail pick-up. Babysitting.

This verb, “bearing” is both imperative (a command) and continuous action. (on-going) Writing that card, making that phone call, picking up that RX or praying for those who need relief from their hardship or difficulty, can be a way to bless them. This has the power to lighten burdens and encourage beyond positive words.

Encouragement is more than words.

CHEERLEADER!!

3/11/11

Do you have a cheerleader in your life? Are you a cheerleader in someone else’s life? When Mother died in 2001 I lost my #1 cheerleader. It's such a loss when the one who loves you unconditionally is “gone.” Yet, the Lord in his faithfulness has given me lots of "encouragers" throughout my life. They just became more relevant when Mother was absent from said life.

At Noah’s “first graders” basketball game last week their Tiger team even had cheerleaders. Not sure they fully understood cheering for the team but the words were right and their equipment included megaphones and pom-poms---essential to making sure the words could be heard. Positive words. Encouraging words.

Even as a Morningside Elementary cheerleader, (short one on far right side of back row----can’t miss that home perm) I learned lessons about supporting others. All our cheers were of the "2-4, 6- 8, who do we appreciate" variety. We weren’t even allowed to “yell” anything with negative connotations toward the opposing team.

I need to be more of a cheerleader for my own family. Daughter Molly has a way of taking me to task if I become too “preachy.” I can all too easily recount the bad possibilities that one might encounter on chosen courses of action. I call it being realistic. She calls me a “Debbie Downer” or a “Negative Nancy”----especially if my remarks in anyway thwarts her plans. Even when I explain that I was only trying to be helpful, she says I spell helpful as c-o-n-t-r-o-l. Control is not encouraging. Neither is false praise or overindulgence. Enabling is not encouraging.

It’s scriptural to encourage one another. The world needs more cheerleaders. I would “suit up” but I’m no longer eency. But.....I still have several of my high school letters. Maybe I’ll hang them up as reminders to cheer on family and friends in their life journeys. Maybe I’ll look for that old “M” to urge me to be Molly’s cheerleader as my mother was for me.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily,……

Ask yourself these questions: Do I bring sunshine or gloom into the room? Do I excuse myself by redefining negativity, by saying, "I'm just a worrier or I was born that way?" Or, "It’s just my nature. I’m depressed, always have been."

Give it up for others. Grab a pom-pom and be visible with your support. Use a megaphone for words of encouragement and drown out the negative. Stand in someone else’s corner. Be on their team. Be their cheerleader.