There is no higher desire in a human heart than the longing to be free, and in this case I mean literally. So when I think about Paul writing four of his thirteen letters from prison, I marvel at his ability to be clear of mind, direct, and full of hope and gratitude. Read Ephesians,…
How Happiness Happens: Unbridled Encouragement
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV A desperate woman once came to see Jesus. She was out of doctors, money, and hope. But worst of all she was out of friends. Her sickness rendered her ceremonially unclean, cut off from her family and any house of worship.…
Hopelifters Need Hopelifters, Too!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “How do you fill your pitcher?” I’ll never forget hearing the speaker’s words as she finished pouring water into several glasses and held up an empty pitcher. I could relate to feeling empty after pouring…
In This Together
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 I have a friend who recently participated in a five-mile mud run. Now, this is not one of those “I have a friend who” stories that is meant to mask the fact that I’m secretly…
Books for When You Need to Encourage Someone
Some people just have that special touch, the right words to say, the right things to do, the gift encouragement. Those are the ones that everyone wants at their side when troubles come. My mama has this gift. She can handle messy. Seriously, this is one of the secret and best things about my mother.…
Encouragement: You’re Prime!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 In the classic 1904 novel Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter, a kindly couple gives a young man who is “intensely eager to belong somewhere” a new chance in life by offering him employment.1 The boss’s wife treats Freckles like a son, becoming the…
What Every Mom Should Teach Her Daughter
It is no accident that Kari Kampakis opens her book, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, with the subject of popularity. The first truth she shares with moms and daughters is this: Kindness is more important than popularity. Yes! She is right on. And we all (especially throughout adolescence) want to be popular. But our…
What Does the Bible Say About Sportsmanship?
My seven-year-old boy loves sports. So far, he has played soccer, baseball, football, floor hockey, lacrosse, and basketball. When I ask him which one is his favorite, he has a tough time choosing. While the sports he plays will change from season to season, I hope the one thing that will remain the same is his good sportsmanship.…
Are You Creating a Masterpiece?
Gulf Shores, Alabama Thirty-two years ago It was a cold night on the Gulf Coast, and I was wearing everything I owned, including an insulated denim jacket I had found in someone’s trash. It was almost midnight, and I was coming from a marathon session of cleaning fish for Jeannie’s Seafood at the intersection of…