The Nature of Encouragement

Monday October 24, 2011


Ever lose patience with that grouchy cashier? Or that grumpy teen? Or the lady in front of you in line? Maybe a co-worker?

Life, for them, could be light that barren, cracked earth in the picture above. Encouragement certainly makes it easier to push through.

How to be that encouragement? I'm posting today at Inspired Teacher, with advice for teachers--and all of us. Click on over and see. We'd love to have you join us.

Good Parents and Good Teachers

Monday October 10, 2011



Good parents and good teachers—they’re not so far apart.
Both are responsible for the atmosphere that kids live and grow in every day.

Today I’m writing at Inspired Teacher about parents and teachers. Whether you’re a mom, a teacher, or both, click on over to get some practical hints on how to create an atmosphere of encouragement.

One Thing My Husband Never Says

Wednesday March 30, 2011
The man who captured my heart so many years and so many boys ago has strong opinions. He doesn’t hesitate to share them. He lets you know how he feels about culture, faith, politics – so many things.

We talk a lot. We like to talk. We’ve even been known to have a good argument from time to time…we’re both redheads! (My dad used to always say to me and my sister, “Sometimes you just have to clear the air, girls.”)

We talk about what we plan to do, what we’d like to do, what we dream of. And there’s one thing he has never said to me:

“Oh, you can’t do that.”

Never. Not once. It’s always, “Sure. Why not?” Or, “Go for it!”

(Just so you understand, those aren’t the response to things like, “I’m going to have the kitchen remodeled” or “I want to buy a whole new wardrobe.” I don’t generally propose those kinds of things…)

“Sure. Why not?” is what he says when I say, “I think I’m going to write a novel about…” When I asked, “Do you think I’m too old to go back for my Master’s now?” he said, “Go for it!”

Isn’t that a wonderful thing? I hope my sons have paid attention over the years. I want them to be that kind of husband.

It’s one thing not to face opposition over your dreams; many husbands do that. They don’t mind their wives pursuing their dreams, but they don’t necessarily lend their encouragement. It’s another thing entirely to have someone cheering you on, encouraging you, bolstering your dreams – holding the tree still so you can step out on that limb.

Thanking my honey for the things he’s never said, for the many times he’s cheered and encouraged and steadied the tree.

Thoughts to Help You Through the Week

Monday September 13, 2010


There’s a truth you need to know, Mom. You need to repeat it, believe it, and let it permeate your heart.

You’re important – valuable and significant.

You mean so much to the life of your family. Think of all you do for the family – it’s not hard! We make a list of these things in our heads when we feel underappreciated.

But there’s more to mothering than laundry and loading the dishwasher:

You help mend broken hearts and wounded feelings.
You teach conflict resolution.
You encourage, cheer, lift up.
You introduce little hearts and minds to the wonder of life.
You love, even in the face of rolled eyes or constant bickering.

At this point, you may be thinking, “Oh, I usually do, but I really blew that one today.”

Who doesn’t? Which leads me to the other thought you need to make yours today.

It doesn’t all hinge on you.

Yes, you’re valued – in fact, invaluable to your child’s heart. But all of his or her life does not hinge on you. There are – and will be – other influences in your child’s life that will make a big impression. And that’s good. In His grace, God has provided for our kids. But you’re not the sole provision.

So don’t try to be it all, do it all. At first you have to provide so much for a helpless little one, but even then – let Dad do what he can do. As your son or daughter grows, lead and guide and finally, assume the role of coach – not actually in the game, but cheering and supporting and helping with the game plan at times. You can take on that coach role someday only if you’ve stepped back little by little along the way.

Loosen your grip. Let him try. He may fail, but he’ll learn. You’ll be there, cheering him on. Someone else may lend the first hand to help him up at times, but that’s okay. And sometimes, he’ll get up on his own. But he’ll turn and look for your affirming smile.

Remember this week – you are oh-so-valuable. But the good news is, it doesn’t all hinge on you.

So little by little, loosen your grip.

Do you struggle with being everything for your child? How do you find the strength to let go?

This Week's Blessings: Friday's Fave Five

Friday February 26, 2010

Can you name five blessings from your week? Susanne from Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five each week. Jump over and see her if you’d like to join in!

Here are my faves from this week.

1. A mother’s tale – I started writing a novel this past November, and it has pretty much sat dormant since then. It’s a mother’s tale, so it’s dear to my heart. Next week I’ll be attending a writers conference and I’m taking the manuscript with me for critique. So I dug it out this week and revisited it, and it still brings a lump to my throat. Who knows if it will affect anyone else that way or not, but I do love telling it.

2. An author visit – One of my favorite Christian authors, Davis Bunn, visited our school this week. He taught several writing seminars and had lunch with us, and it was a great day. He’s such a great writer with a humble heart, and is so willing to lend his expertise to help others!

3. A college visit – One of my sons is visiting a university this weekend as part of a scholarship competition. I’m praying for him and excited for him!

4. A gathering of friends – At the writers conference this week, I get to connect with a bunch of writer friends who share my love for words and the Word. I’ve been thinking about it all week, and I can’t wait!

5. A bouquet of encouragement – Comments are so encouraging! I love reading my readers’ comments and hearing from friends I work with who visit my blog as well. One of my school friends who has signed up for my Monday newsletter said the other day, “I just love what you send on Mondays. It’s so encouraging and just what I need to hear.” Who cares about numbers when you hear that something you wrote encouraged someone? What a blessing! Thanks for encouraging words, friends.

Now it’s your turn – share your blessings with us.

Have a great weekend!