Friday, September 17, 2010

Words of Encouragement

Some days you just need to hear, or in this case, read some words of encouragement. The other day was one of those days for me. On another one of these days in the past, I took it upon myself (I make it sound like a monumental task, huh?) to write out some words of encouragement for myself when I need it. Usually these days are when I’m overwhelmed with housework and I need some motivation. Some days, like a couple of days ago, it’s just “One of dem days that a girl goes through” (shout out to Monica) when I’m just not feeling top notch about anything. Days like this I’m thinking “Why on earth have I ever thought that I can mother and nurture four children?” It’s not even that the kids are the problem, it’s just my frame of mind and my own negative outlook. I admit, my son tried my patience today and I just deleted 16 lines explaining why because that’s not the focus of this blog.

There was a time when I would have those kinds of days nearly constantly, until God freed me from an existence of anxiety and depression. And yet, that too is a topic for another blog. Right now I would like to list those words of encouragement. Mostly it’s just feel-good-about-yourself stuff (psychobabble I call it:) but some are scripture inspired or words of my favorite worship songs or quotes I’ve read. I hope that you too will find encouragement in these words if you ever need it. I’ve put it in table format so if you like, you can print and cut the phrases out, place them in a box or jar and pick one (or ten) at random. That was my original intention for this list, as I’ve done it before with favorite Bible verses and find it comforting. I urge you to add to this list or even create your own words of encouragement, perhaps also adding Bible verses that give you hope.

Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Play the pumpin’ music. Get your body moving.
Holy Spirit - help me, help me, help me. God has created you to do more and be more.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You are worth more. Your children deserve more.
I am who God says I am: Beloved! Your children deserve the best you can give them.
Do one thing that’s more positive than what you’re doing right now. Other people may not struggle like you do - but they fail in other ways.
It just takes one step - do one thing differently.

You’ve been blessed! Count them right now.

I am loved, therefore I am. Live! God spoke it,
now do it!
Sing! Sing! Sing like you used to. You were meant to live for so much more. Don’t lose yourself.
I know I’m better
than this.
I can find the strength to beat this.
Read as long as you have to, to know you deserve better. Stop blaming others - you are responsible for your actions.
Kiss and hug your children – then pray with each of them. Kiss and hug your husband/wife – then pray with them.
You can be that strong mom/dad for your kids. You can be the wife/husband your spouse is proud of.
Do, do, do- just do one more thing. Sing a love song
to Jesus.
You are not your mess. The Father sees His lovely child. Stop, and sing “If you’re happy and you know it” with your kids.
Happiness is being blessed, and you are so blessed. Read one more line; read one more reason why you’re worth it.
He sees how lovely you are – a beautiful mess. Your mess does not define you. Step out of it.
Be your Father’s child. You are safe in His arms.
Gather your children together to pray for you. Benefit from their unwavering faith. You may not always be shown, but your family loves you and cannot live without you.
Create quietness. Calm yourself and your children. Kneel before Him now. Relax and breathe in His presence.
Clear your mind and listen for God’s voice. I am MORE than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who loves me.
Slow to anger. Abounding in love. I am better than this.
I can do it!
Calm mother. Calm baby. Save me Jesus, once more.
I can rise above. God created me to conquer. How blessed I am to have found my Savior.
He is mighty to save! Oh how He loves us so.

You’ll notice above the inspiration for stailing; slow to anger, abounding in love. It’s my mantra some days. Peace!

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