encouragement - a TT praise!

 Join Greg for another TT.

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"...and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart

they should continue with the Lord."

(Acts 11:23)

I am so thankful for the gift of encouragement.  There is never a time that somebody doesn't need a little encouraging word. An encouraging hug. An encouraging smile. Everyone, at some time or another, needs a little encouragement!

I am so thankful for family. Yesterday, as my sister was having surgery to fuse a few vertebrae in her neck, remove bone spurs and put a metal plate in for stability, I saw the word encouragement come to life in that hospital. Many friends from their church were there just to be supportive and show their love.  My brother-in-law received many calls during that time from people checking in on the progress. My mom, Mr. Al, my brother and myself were there to let my sister know how much we love her and to be a support system for Cari's husband and son. Encouragement was being lived out before my very eyes and it was so precious!

I saw the light in people's eyes as others reached out in true love. I saw the word 'encourage' become a very active verb. I felt the impact of how a little encouragement goes a long way to lifting someones spirit.

I saw God's presence in a mighty and powerful way yesterday. I felt His Hand. I felt His touch. I felt Him encouraging us as we were encouraging others. His love and tender care was everywhere. It was being poured out from many different directions through many different people and it was amazing.

God is the ultimate encourager. He is cheering us on and He is standing at that finish line telling us that we can do it! We are almost there! He is giving us great encouragement as we live our lives for Him.

Oh, Lord, encourage me today. Show me that I have a divine purpose in your kingdom. Guide me. Lead me. Strengthen me.  Help me to be an encourager to others. A kind word. An authentic smile. A prayer. Help me to give of myself that others might receive that gift of love and encouragement and feel a touch from You. You are worthy to be praised and exalted in all things. Thank you, Lord, for life.

family filled thankful thursday

I am thankful for Greg and the ability to join him for our own Thankful Thursday post.

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** I am thankful for all my grandchildren and am very thankful that they all love each other.  They may not always get along, but they do love each other! ha!

(Mercie R. and Bryton H. reading together on Sunday)

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** I am thankful that my daughter Ashlie and her husband, Cody, celebrated 4 years of marriage yesterday. They went out to eat and I got to keep Sawyer while Cody's mom kept Bryton. Ashlie won't leave the boys much so it was fun to get to keep him without her being here!

We played animals.

He played the piano and I'm sure he was praising the Lord.

Came home from church and took a good bath and played until the water was cold.

I got to wrap him up in a baby towel, slather him with lotion and get him dressed in his jammies. There is nothing quite as sweet as a good smelling baby in his jammies.

Ahhh.. no words for this. Just pure bliss. Pure love. Pure joy.....

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** I am thankful for God's word. I have so many verses highlighted in my bible and a stack of index cards on my desk filled with scriptures. I also LOVE my new index card binder! It is so cool!

(did you get one Yolanda????)

I love God's word!

"That they might set their hope in God, and not forget

the works of God, but keep His commandments."

(Psalm 78:7)

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 **I am thankful for my husband. I love being a preacher's wife. I love being married to my pastor. I am so glad that he is an amazing father to our 3 girls and super Papa to our 6 grandbabies.

We've been together 25 1/2 years. We must be doing something right!

** I am thankful that God continues to bestow such undeserved mercy and grace on me and my family. He is the biggest joy of my life. The greatest treasure I could ever find. Thank you Lord for sending Your precious Son to this earth to die on the cross at Calvary, so I could have forgivenses for my sins and thank you for giving me eternal life.