Encourage

Today, I wanted to reserve a spot here on "A Great New Life" for a wonderful guest blog that really gets down to the heart and soul of encouragement, and what it truly means to encourage. It's something that I believe needs to have a more profound effect upon today's population all over the world. I believe that if we could do just a little bit more of this that it would make our world such a more beautiful and happy place. I'd also like to thank Ashley Revely for writing this piece. Great job!

Encourage

By: Ashley Revely

The etymology of words has always intrigued me far beyond the point of reason. I fall in love with words after I discover their history. I have lists upon lists of words that I absolutely adore. I am particularly fanatical about the study of words found in the Scripture. I think it is fascinating that ancient languages, and many still today, have different words for varying degrees of love. It just stretches my mind to consider how incredibly different every day conversations would be if I didn’t say that “I love Taco Bell” in the same sentence that I told the three year old that I nanny that “I love her”. 

One word that has always struck a particular chord in my chest is the word, encourage. It seems like a lovely word all on its own. The ideology of sharing with someone the right words or physical contact in order to keep them on the course--that is just fascinating alone. However, when you explore the roots of the word? It is mind-blowing. 

It is an early 15th century French word meaning to “make strong, place courage in”. Yes, when you encourage someone, you are giving them courage. Why does this matter so much to me? It is one thing to deliver someone the equivalent of an icecream cone with your words. The idea that you say something sweet that satiates their ego or pride, but only lasts for the length of time it would take to consume an icecream cone--that is nice and all, but it isn’t lasting.

If my friend is in need and I supply words that I have prayed about, considered, and carefully chosen, I can instill her with courage. She may not remember what I said three months from now, but she will remember that she had someone to support her even in the moment that she didn’t feel like she could continue. I still find myself fascinated, motivated, and challenged by the charge to encourage and build up the people around me.

I hope that this has given you a brief pause, just a momentary consideration about the importance of being there for someone else. I pray that it encourages you to greatly consider encouraging those around you. 

Ashley Revely is a 25 year old nanny who lives in Southern Indiana. She loves God, laughter, and three ½ (one on the way!) little darlings who teach her more about spirituality and life than she could have ever imagined. She blogs frequently with a passion for words at http://copiousmusings.wordpress.com

Find Your Happiness

While your laying in bed tonight I want you to think about everything in your life that makes you happy. Not happiness that is only going to last 5 minutes, 5 hours, or 5 days, but a happiness that will endure through the good times and the tough times. This isn't found in a box at Wal-Mart or on any shopping network on cable. This kind of happiness is one that transcends everything else in your life. When you find out this one thing or many. These are the things you need to be dedicating the most time to. If your like a lot of us here most of the things that make you happy may be your Parents, Spouse, or Children. Some others may say a certain hobby, or activity. While a few more may say just living life to the fullest! Do yourself the biggest favor you could possibly do. Spend time being happy with the person, place, or for that matter thing that makes you the happiest. It's not a matter of willpower more of it is a mater of getting your priorities in order. Don't cheat yourself by not doing what is best for you. If it isn't better for someone else realize that you aren't living for that other person. You are living for you! If your not happy you'll be incapable over time of making the other party or parties happy. 

I hope this talks to you in a way that is going to make you realize that it isn't always the ones around us we need to worry about. It's us! When you wake up tomorrow morning make sure that it is in a way that is doing you good. In all your endeavors and all that you aspire to do I'm not going to wish you luck, but rather I'll be praying for you to find all of your happiness.

Your Crop

In talking to my brother tonight I felt very compelled to write on a subject that is very dear, and close to my heart. We were talking about the story of Cain & Abel we were talking about the reasons why God was displeased with him when he prepared some of his crop as an offering. We talked on how Abel had brought the best of his flock to present. It brings me to this point. When we are thinking of how we are working our tail off for our "Boss" we should be talking about how we are working and preparing our best for God. I believe this to be very true, and this is a philosophy that I've incorporated into my life. Not saying that our boss at work is God, but rather we are doing our work in a way that is something that if prepared for God would be favorable in his sight. The pride that you would feel would be doubled in any job that your currently working. It's not a change of work. It'd be a change in mindset! 

It sounds so simple in its nature, but just like Jim Rohn says, "Whatever is simple to do, is simple not to do". If you made this small change in mindset into your daily routine you would see extraordinary results in your life, and the life's of the people around you. So go ahead give it a try, and let me know how it works out for you below in the comments.