Rest

It's the last working day of the week; Friday. There is nothing I want better than to rest in the arms of my everlasting father. To just allow myself be still...

Thankful Thursday - Rest

Today, Iris who hosts the TT meme at Sting My Heart picked 'Rest' as her theme for this week's TT. And it's so apt. This week has been quite rough for me and I do have a lot to be thankful for.

• I have had three attacks of wheezing and breathlessness since November, 2007. I could not understand just what the problem was. Well, this week I was diagnosed with asthma, it is a fresh occurrence. I am thankful that I finally know what was causing the attacks. I am also grateful to God for the prayers and encouragement of friends.



• I have been able to rest in the arms of my father. I am thankful that I can relax and know that God is in control of my life and my health.



• I run a monthly ezine. Compiling it and sending it out each month is a lot of work and is especially challenging. I learn so much from the process. The theme for the next issue is Achieving Your Dreams. One thing I learnt is that God has a plan for each and everyone of us and it should be my life's dream to achieve that plan. I am so thankful for that reassurance. I know I can rest in the knowledge that God's thoughts for me are of good to bring me to an expected end.
  
  

Rain or Shine

By Angela M. Baker-Bridge

Rain or shine, Martha's outlook was always the same, dismal.

It had been a difficult year since her accident. Once a very strong, self-sufficient woman, Martha now could barely get through the day without the assistance of others. Most days she refused to get out of bed.

"What's the use?" she would yell while looking at the ceiling of her bedroom. "I don't want to live like this God! Why didn't you take me too? The people in the other car were innocent strangers. I was the one speeding. I should have died, not them!"

Daily she cried out in anger to God, daily he remained silent to her questions and plea.

One morning, her son called earlier than usual. "Mom, I'm calling to let you know the agency is sending over another aid today. You have to stop being so difficult. We cannot keep going through aids. Please try to cooperate and not scare her off on her first morning."


Martha sighed, "I can't help if the aids are incompetent and thin-skinned. Whatever, I really don't care who you send."

"Mom, that's not enough. Promise me you'll behave."


"Fine, as long as she doesn't tell me what to do or get in my way," Martha snapped.

An hour later, Cathy arrived smiling and carrying a bouquet of daisies.


"What's with the flowers?" Martha suspiciously asked when Cathy entered her room. "And make sure you don't lose the key to my house."

"Good morning Miss Martha. I'm Cathy, your aid. I'm so pleased to see you, and excited to be assisting you. I found out from your son that your favorite flowers are daisies; mine too, so I stopped to get these for you. There isn't anything better than a bunch of daisies to brighten a room or day."


Surprised, Martha asked, "Why are you excited about working here and specifically with me?"

"Miss Martha, I guess you don't recognize me. I'm little Cathy Anderson, Pastor Anderson's daughter. You were my Sunday school teacher when I was ten-years old."


"Oh yes," Martha nodded, remembering her favorite little student.

"Because of you I accepted Jesus as my savior. Whenever things would get tough for me in life, I would think of you and the verse you made me repeat every time I was afraid to try something new. "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.*" Because of you, I was able to endure the pain of Dad's death. Because of you, I'm in nursing school right now. So, when I saw your name on the patient's list, I begged for this assignment. God told me you needed me. So here I am. It's my turn to encourage you not to give-up, no matter how bad things look."


"Oh," was all Martha could say with such a huge lump in her throat.

"So Miss Martha, do you still like almond tea? I hope so, because I brought a few tea bags with me. The water should be ready about now."

Cathy left the room singing, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Martha wept.

"Thank you God for allowing me to live... and to know that I did impact someone's life. Little Cathy is here to help me! Maybe I really can get through this... with her help, and with YOURS."

© 11-15-07_________________________________
*"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 (KJV)_________________________________
Married to a minister for 30-yrs, Angela has two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. She's passionately creative with a versatile portfolio. Out of hurt and pain, Angela writes from her heart and life. She touches others as she gives God the glory. She married a former pastor in '03.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com

My Encouragers

vulnerability is a great teacher because it crystalizes what is really important in our lives

I am reading this book by Mike Pegg; The Art of Encouragement and though am just on the first chapter, it has been quite an eye opener. I've learnt so much that I have decided to share some of it with you.

I have noticed that quite a number of people can only achieve when they get external encouragement. By external encouragement, what I mean is that somebody else, either through a speech, counselling, a book or a pat on the back has to get them motivated.

But it is very possible to encourage yourself. What you should ask yourself is this question: how can I encourage myself? To answer this, you would need to take a trip to memory lane. What were those moments when you felt the most encouraged? Why did you feel that way? What did you do then to make you feel encouraged and motivated? What has helped you the most to grow in your life?

Mike Pegg suggested two exercises:

1. How Can I Encourage Myself? Here, you make a list of 3 (or more) things you can do to encourage yourself. I listed three and I'll share them below.


2. My Encouragers: This is a list of all those who at one time or the other encouraged you and what they did to encourage you. I'll share mine some other time. You can download this guide to help you with your encouragers. Just click here.

Ok. How do I encourage myself? I'll call the list Sharon's Self Encouragement

• I talk to God about it and read his word


• I listen to inspiring music


• I write

Well, do post a comment and let others know how you encuorage yourself. It might help those who are not so good at self encouragement.