The other day, I posted regarding the all important atmosphere that exists in homes. (You can read it here.) But what about the words that are exchanged every day in our conversations with family members, co-workers, people from our church, and others who we know in our communities? What kind of words and scenes are… Continue reading I Remember These Conversations
Category: Encouragement
Hope for the Week
When we love another, we communicate with words the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. Some words go a long way toward nurturing and encouraging another. Some of the words and phrases that can be extremely nurturing and encouraging to another include: I love you. I am proud of you. Well done! You are just… Continue reading Hope for the Week
Worried and Anxious?
I am not sure where you are at the moment. You may be reading this early in the morning. Perhaps you are reading these words in the middle of your workday. You just can’t get that situation out of your mind. I am talking about that particular situation that really has you concerned. Perhaps you… Continue reading Worried and Anxious?
Becoming a Person Who Brings Out the Best in People
You’ve been there, I suspect. You were with your friend at lunch or at the coffee place. Later in the day, long after you left your friend, you realized that you felt more discouraged and more negative about your day after spending time with that friend. The other day, I was visiting with a guy… Continue reading Becoming a Person Who Brings Out the Best in People
What I Want to Remember
Isn’t it strange? I can remember someone’s name from elementary school and for the life of me can’t seem to remember the name of a certain person at church. I really don’t know why I seem to remember some of the things I do. For instance: I remember Prentice Meador calling me one time and… Continue reading What I Want to Remember
Wanted: A Community of Encouragers
I am thinking right now about the kind of community that Christian leaders need to be in order to stay encouraged and hopeful. Of course, it is not just Christian leaders who need to stay encouraged. Many other people find life to be daunting and absolutely overwhelming. Meanwhile, we may be in friendship circles, small… Continue reading Wanted: A Community of Encouragers
Suppose You Had a Tough Assignment Ahead of You
Maybe you are a father or mother and you want your children to grow up treasuring God above all else. Maybe you are a married person who desires to see your marriage thrive instead of seeing it die. Maybe you are a church leader and you are not willing to coast. Maybe you are a… Continue reading Suppose You Had a Tough Assignment Ahead of You
When You Feel Frustrated
This conversation has taken place many times. Only this time, the setting was a living room. I sat across from this woman who was many years older than me. In front of her was her walker. She had seen some difficult days, in terms of her health. At one point in this conversation, I asked… Continue reading When You Feel Frustrated
I Have Learned to Treasure Encouragers (1)
Over the next few weeks, I want to spend some time reflecting on each one of the "Ten Things I Have Learned about Ministry and Life." I want to start today with some reflection on the importance of encouragement. I Have Learned to Treasure Encouragers. I have been blessed by the words and ministry of… Continue reading I Have Learned to Treasure Encouragers (1)
Where Do You Find The Power?
Think for a moment about what it means to feel overwhelmed. Yesterday, I had the privilege of listening to Brian McLaren at Truett Seminary (Baylor University) do a question-and-answer session with Truett students. Many of his remarks dealt with very serious and large global problems. After several points, he said, "And if that doesn’t completely… Continue reading Where Do You Find The Power?