Notes of Encouragement and DaySpring: Part 1

One thing I love to do is send notes of encouragement.  It is one of my "spiritual" gifts that I found out about over 15 years ago at the church we were attending at the time.  I didn't even know that there was a way to find out what your gifts were.  After taking the class, all the things that came out as my top 3 were so true, and encouragement was number one.  

Now, have I used my gift to its full potential?...NO!

Have there been times that I have been moved to send a note and it hasn't happened?....(sadly YES)

Do I want to be more faithful at obeying the still small voice of the Lord when he prompts me?...YES!!!!!

However, my desire to obey my heavenly Father in this area is foremost because I Love Him and I want to do what He is calling me to do.  Secondly, I have heard testimonies from people of "how it came at just the right time", "it lifted their spirit", they were "blessed by the scripture", they "didn't feel alone".  So knowing these two very important things, how can I hide my gift?   

One way that will help me use this gift, is that I was given some beautiful cards from DaySpring that will certainly bless the person who opens and reads it.  Several weeks ago, I had been alerted by a dear friend and mentor of an opportunity to do a review for DaySpring.  At the time, I thought how cool to get some free stuff in the process.  However, when I got the cards, I was amazed at the beauty of them and the sweet words and scripture that were written on them.  As I was reading through them, different people came to my mind as to who would get each one.  This may sound a little hokey, but that is how the Lord has done it in the past, and I am sad to say....I had not heard Him speak to me like this in a VERY long time!  

I'm learning that we can get so FOCUSED on our life, that we have tunnel vision, and we can not see the hurting, suffering and needy people around us.  What good is it to the Lord, if we are so stuck right where we are that we can't be his feet, hands or loving voice to the lost and hurting world or a brother or sister in despair.  I am the chief sinner in this area, and the Lord has begun to show me the time I have lost and how He wants me to broaden my view to see what is going on around me.  

I am encouraged to see what will happen and what He will do.  Maybe I wont ever see the fruit on this earth, but knowing I am following the still small voice that leads and guides me is ENOUGH for me!

What are your gifts?  How do you encourage others?

Blessings,

Denise

*The pictures are of several of the "So True" series of cards that I was sent at no cost by Dayspring to give an honest review.  Stay tuned for part 2 of my review!

Join the Birthday Party Bash at Our Simple Country Life

Blogging is such a new a fun adventure!  I have met so many wonderful women over the last 10 months. One special lady in particular is Esther over at Our Simple Country Life.  She has encouraged me with scripture that points me back to the Savior, she has shared practical cooking, cleaning and organizing advice, She has had fun link ups about all sorts of things so I could meet other wonderful ladies, she shared her testimony this summer when her boys had an accident, and I was able to pray for her. I have admired her devotions and love for the Lord and how she is able to accomplish so much with such beauty and wisdom while raising a large family.  


Well, her blog turned 3 today!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!





I want to invite you all over to her blog for a fun celebration this week, and she is the one giving the gifts!   Check out the giveaway today, it is a beautiful card organizer from Dayspring.  I know you will be blessed to join the celebration and hang out with us each week as we encourage each other on in our lives and especially our walks with the Lord!


Blessings,
Denise

Names of Jesus Christ: Firstborn

Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,

Happy New Year!

I love the "newness" (is that a word?) of a new year.  It is like getting a fresh start.  This year, one of the goals I have set for myself is to live out 1 Peter 3:4.



"let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

How will I plan? 

My goal is to sit down this week and make a plan very similar to how I plan my homeschool schedule and goals I want my children to accomplish that year. 

I plan to write out all of the areas where I struggle with having a "gentle and quite spirit", and then write down how I can respond to those areas in a different way so I can attain my goal.  Maybe some will be to do something specific (go take a time out for 10 minutes, sit down and write out your thoughts, take a 10 minute prayer break etc..)  or maybe I will have a scripture that I will speak out loud.  Whatever the issue, God has help and guidance for me.

How will I know if I have attained it?

The best way is if others notice it in you, which is my goal.  However, if I have a plan, I can monitor myself on a daily basis and journal about it which gives me a history to look back on to see where I am and where I have come.  This is a tool I have used over the years, that I have let slip, but realize how valuable it is for me to do. 

I know I have other goals, like the old standby "weight loss", but I am taking baby steps this week and working on a plan with 1 Peter 3:4 as my priority.

What are your goals for 2012?

Blessings,

Denise

Names of Jesus Christ: Good Teacher

Mark 10:17

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

Names of Jesus Christ: Good Shepherd

John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.

Names of Jesus Christ: Faithful and True

Revelation 19:11

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.