Intentional Encouragement

     "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10)      As a whole, our country is in high stress mode, don't you think? We've had uprisings and protests. We've watched division grow and the economy shrink. We've seen 2 hurricanes come through in a short span of time and bring billions of dollars worth of destruction. If we weren't personally impacted by those storms, most of us personally know someone who was.      On a more local level, many around us are facing storms in their lives. I've talked with personal friends in the last 2 days who have family members battling cancer. Our church family has faced the funeral of a 5 year old girl who died from the awful disease just a week ago.      Personally, our immediate family has had 2 ER visits in the last month and a half, 2 surgeries in the last 4 months and other assorted stresses and pressures beside...

      I was looking back for a post from early on in my blogging activity that very few people viewed.  I found one that only 4 people looked at.  I must have been having an off week. :-)  At any rate; I am aware of numerous situations right now in which people are suffering.  One friend with double knee replacement surgery, one family struggling with their daughter's health and spending a lot of time in the hospital recently.  Many other situations are very troubling.  Of course; there always seems to be a list of my friends or family members who are struggling with the emotional and relational difficulties of life.  I know my tendency is to want "out."  This post was a good reminder to me that "out" isn't always what God will use most effectively in my life to accomplish His glory.  Maybe it will help you a little also...      “To keep me from becoming conceited… a thorn was given me in th...

A few days past Hurricane Irene, I'm mulling over a couple of things.  I thought I'd share them with you. I hope I've increased my ability to be thankful.  We lost power to our home like thousands of others.  Ours came back on after about a day and a half.  Others still don't have it.  I'm thankful to have electricity.  The sun is shining today.  A huge wildfire about 45 miles from where we live is extinguished. I hope I don't slip into the trap of frustration that "things weren't as bad as they had been predicted."  As I have listened to (and read) about people's comments, I am surprised at the critical spirit some have demonstrated toward the forecasters.  I have seen plenty of pictures showing the devastation that took place both south and north of where I live.  Regardless of that; the way some are talking, you'd think that it would have been better if a tree had fallen on their house.  At least that way, they would feel lik...