the unexpected good
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Videos
  • Contact
a blog for Christian women about

discovering joy

in the challenges of singleness,
marriage, motherhood, chronic illness,
​and every day faith

The Ministry of Encouraging Words

2/25/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
When my aunt died unexpectedly, family and friends spoke at her funeral service of the little ways in which her kindness had impacted them, and one of the stories that most stirred me was someone’s recollection of my aunt’s faithfulness in sending cards. 

She didn’t wait for a particular occasion to make someone feel special. People in her community and amongst her loved ones all recognized the hand-painted watercolor cards, with the usual chatty note inside. 

“I was thinking of you the other day, and thought I would send you a note. How are you? What is going on in your life?”  

My aunt’s cards are now treasures in my family, memorials to the woman who spread such light and encouragement to those around her.

In a world where technology has made communication so cheap and so quick, a certain element of personal care has been lost. A personal, hand-written note signals that you consider the relationship worth the extra time to set pen to paper. Regardless of the note’s actual content, that message alone is worth the effort! 

Many times, a cheerful letter or card from a friend has brightened a difficult period in my life, reinforcing the truth that “just a note” to the writer may mean so much to the receiver.

Years ago, I bought some basic card-making supplies (colored cardstock, blank cards, adhesive, etc.) and have now expanded to include embossing pens and powders, punches that cut out special shapes or create fancy edging, and more. I periodically plan “therapeutic crafting” (making cards is a great stress-reliever!) to replenish the half-dozen cards I try to keep on hand. Then, when an occasion presents itself, or when I want to reach out to a particular loved one, I simply write in one of my ready-made cards. It’s fun and easy for me, and so encouraging to the receive!

So write to a lonely elderly woman. Mentor a younger woman. Bless an old friend, or make a new one! Stay alert to your church prayer requests or to the needs of those around you, and send an encouraging note.

“What if I’m not a writer?” 

Does it matter? When you receive a note from a loved one, do you dissect the writing quality, or do you cherish the thoughtfulness of the person who took the time to let you know that you are special to her? 

Do not make the prideful mistake of thinking that you must have a special gift to be a giver. Just give—and let God will do the rest!

How do you like to bless others and help them feel special?
Picture
Picture
Picture

Like this post? Subscribe to the email list!

* indicates required
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

      Never miss a post.

    Subscribe to Email List
    Picture

    Meet Yaasha

    None of my life has gone the way it was "supposed to go," but I don't love my life any less because of the hardships and new directions. I see so much unexpected good in it, and I want others to see the good in theirs.

    Learn more about me here.


    Picture

    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    May 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013


    Categories

    All
    Adoption
    Bible Verse
    Book Excerpt
    Book Excerpts
    Christian Community
    Chronic Illness
    Courtship
    Dating
    Depression
    Discovering Joy
    Evangelism
    Excellent Relationships
    Faith
    Family Relationships
    Fearless
    Forgiveness
    God And Christianity
    Godly Womanhood
    How We See Ourselves
    Identity
    Incredible Journey
    Joy
    Life Direction
    Marriage
    Ministry
    Miscarriage
    Motherhood
    Our Story
    Overcoming Sin
    Persecution
    Poetry
    Prayer
    Pro-life
    Ready For Him Today
    Relationship With God
    Service To Others
    Singleness
    Spiritual Growth
    Suffering
    Womanhood

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Videos
  • Contact