The Power of An Encouraging Word

We all go through them. Periods of discouragement. A day, a week , a month when we feel like we’re not making any headway. We wonder if what we’re doing is making a difference. We may even contemplate giving up.

Different things cause discouragement for different people. For writers, discouragement tries to move in for various reasons. Maybe it happens when a rejection letter comes or when our newsletter readership doesn’t grow or—oh, the horror—declines. It can also happen when book sales disappoint or when we’ve put our words out there but then don’t hear any feedback from readers. The list goes on.

One of these things alone may not send us spiraling downward, but let the blows come one on top of another, and you may find us in a corner clutching our blankies.

You know what can change our whole outlook, though—writers as well as everyone else? A simple word of encouragement or appreciation. Such a gesture boosts our spirits and provides the renewed energy we need to keep pressing on. Such a gesture makes all the difference. There is power in an encouraging word.

Who can you encourage today?

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

*How has someone encouraged you recently? 

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early November. One lucky subscriber will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*My photo

Balance Acrostic: 2024 Theme Word Refresher

**I will be taking a blogging break until mid-August. See you back here then!

A few years ago I wrote an acrostic as a refresher for my theme word that year, and I soon decided it was an exercise I would benefit from each year. 

For me, the creative exercise of writing acrostics is an excellent way to go deeper in my consideration of my annual theme words. Doing so helps me think of different aspects of the word.

As I remind myself of and reflect on my 2024 theme word balance, I pray you find something to help you find balance in your life as well. Or if you chose a theme word of your own this year, maybe you will be inspired to do something similar with your word too. Whatever the case, friends, may you be blessed and encouraged as you read!

Bend your goals to the current demands on your time.

Ask for God’s wisdom as you determine your priorities.

Let others handle some of your tasks.

Adore God daily and spend time in his Word.

Note your blessings and thank God for them.

Choose health and peace and time with loved ones.

Entrust God with your schedule and time.

“. . . it’s a matter of striking a balance.” 2 Cor 8:13 GW

*What is most challenging for you when it comes to maintaining balance in your life?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*Photo by Sam Carter on Unsplash

Wedding Planning Help During Summer Blogging Break

Mother of the Bride, I’m taking a blogging break until mid-August, but never fear—I will not leave you without some help. Below you’ll find a variety of ideas and links to help you with you and your sweet girl’s wedding planning while I allow myself a little blogging vacation.

So here you go—hope you find tons of ideas that will really help!

Here are five resources from yours truly:

  1. Read my book Mother of the Bride: Refreshment and Wisdom for the Mother of the Bride. Allow me to be your friend for the journey!
  2. Look through the list of Favorite Posts on the sidebar and click the links to the ones that spark your interest. (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find the sidebar items.)
  3. Use the Search bar. Simply type in any topic you’d like to find some ideas or info for and see what comes up!
  4. Check out my Pinterest pageAmong other things, it features eighteen wedding-related boards!
  5. Glance through the roundup posts I’ve written. They are listed below. Roundups can be very helpful:

Wedding Photography: Bridal Portrait Roundup

Roundup: Popular Mother of the Bride Blog Posts

Bridal Bouquet Roundup

Wedding Cake Roundup

Wedding Registry Roundup

Wedding Photo Ideas Roundup That Star the Groom

Finally, if your daughter is in the beginning stages of gathering ideas and investigating her options, try Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides.  And if she wants a rustic wedding, check out Rustic Wedding Chic.

Hope this helps you and your sweet bride-to-be daughter, MOB!

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, comes out in early August. Sign-up is free and to the right! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by smcgeeCreative Commons License

God Hasn’t Forgotten You

Long term trials have a way of wearing us down—in more ways than one. Whether it’s ongoing illness, unemployment, marital problems, teenage rebellion, or any number of other anguish inducing situations, we soon grow weary physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We eventually wonder if God has forgotten us, don’t we?

If today you feel that God doesn’t hear your cries anymore or that he doesn’t care about you, remember that he loves you so much he sent his only Son to be your Savior. Take heart with these words of encouragement from my poem “Trust in Him”

“And when you finally feel
Like God has forgotten you,
He’ll show you he hasn’t—
Trust in him.”

Father, show the weary and hurting your love!

“I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:15 NRSV

*How has God shown you his love in the midst of a long-term trial?

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out earlier this month. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is FREE. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*Photo by Evie S. on Unsplash

A Prayer for Finishing Strong

Do you know someone trying to finish a project or reach a goal? Maybe a family member just about to graduate from high school or college or trying to complete an advanced degree? Or perhaps some of your teacher friends are trying to hang in there the last few weeks of the school year.

You may even be in the trying-to-finish category yourself right now. I know I am. The manuscript for my Christmas devotional book is due to the publisher on August 1 so I’m in the last stages of writing, editing, and polishing it. I’ve had several challenges to overcome in getting this far, and I need to keep pressing on until the job is complete and I’ve done the best I can do.

Those who are trying to finish a race right now probably need some encouragement and moral support, don’t they?

Join me, won’t you, in a prayer for all who are trying to finish strong:

Dear Lord, you are a finisher. You came to earth with a task to do and you completed it. You are also busy completing the good works you began in each of us. Help us, Lord, as we push on to finish the tasks you’ve set before us.

Help us to not grow weary or distracted or discouraged. Please grant us the energy, the drive, and the skill needed to finish strong. And help us remember, Lord, to offer thanks and give you glory as we cross our finish lines. We need you, Lord, and can’t do it without you. Thank you for your help!

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51 NIV

*Are you trying to finish strong right now? May our prayers encourage you today!

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out last week. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is FREE. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*Flickr photo by Loco Races, Creative Commons License