At times even those who seem the most confident, competent and put together need a little encouragement.

EN-COUR’AGE v.  To give courage to ; to give or increase confidence of success  ; to inspire with courage, spirit, or strength of mind  ; to embolden ; to animate ; to incite ; to inspirit.

American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster 1828

I am confident in the call on my life.  I know what God has called me to do and the gifts that He has given to me.  But there are times it is nice to hear that I am actually using my gifts to bless others.  Some times I get weary and an encouraging word is just what I need to press on in what ever endeavor I might be struggling through at the time.

This winter I had some days that I felt a little discouraged and weary and wanted to give up or give in and stop doing some of the things I knew God had called me to do.  Even though I knew I would never actually stop, the thoughts of “what difference would it really make?”  taunted me a bit.  But then I stumbled on a blog post that picked me right back up again.  Here is an excerpt:

See Suzanne's complete testimony Here

We just celebrated our 8 year anniversary yesterday September 29th! My gift to Rob was a Life Pendant crafted just for him. The jewelry designer is Lori Delisle I found her on ETSY. …

I want to share the letter to me that I received with the pendant with you.

Suzanne,
The scripture I chose for the pendant is from this passage of scripture:

“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him calling out, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”
“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them,’do you believe that I am able to do this?’ ‘yes, lord’ they replied.
“Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith will it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Matt 9:27-30
…

My prayer for you is that your lives will be equally touched by the love and power of Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit. I speak clarity of sight and vision over you and rebuke any spirit of confusion in the name of Jesus. May your unity in the Lord conquer every mountain set before you in Jesus name. Amen.  In His Love, Lori

WOW… How awesome is it when God works through others to make his presence known. Lori you are a true blessing…How amazing that our God can work through you and your talent to reach others.

Men's LIFE Necklace by Salt & Light by Lori Delisle

Do you have a teacher, hair stylist, doctor, pastor, grocery clerk or friend whose gifts have blessed you in some way?  When was the last time you encouraged them and let them know how they have blessed you?

(We) sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, ³ that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. ⁴ For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.  1 Thessalonians 3:2-4

But command Joshua, and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you will see.’ Deuteronomy 3:28

Suzanne, thank you for encouraging me!  Take the time to encourage some one today!