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. 

A Wonderful Day

Some of the many things I've learned since being out of the military is how I can never take for granted all of the freedoms I have living in this country. These freedoms I speak of were put into place by men who founded this country on the morals & principles of Biblical truth. Yesterday I was reminded how much I appreciate not only what I have and what I'm capable of doing with my life, but also who I have in my life. God has aligned the right people around me to make me capable of doing whatever it is that I feel like. He has also given you this opportunity. It doesn't matter who you are, or what your current situation is. You determine whether, or not your going to have a positive/negative day. It isn't the mailman, boss, landlord, or any of the above. There isn't a human being on this earth that has the right to make you feel a certain way. What I'm getting at here is that when your always looking at sunshine it's hard to see the clouds. Make sure that you go throughout your day and  take notice of all the positive people, circumstances, and elements God has put into your life. Please spread this word to your neighbors, and let them start feeling the way you do now!

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Merry Christmas

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday night! Christmas is almost here, and the excitement around my house is growing for tomorrow night when everyone gets to come together to celebrate this wonderful holiday. This experience for me is rather new, but nonetheless exciting just to be around everyone I care about. When thinking on Christmas I think on another story in the Bible that is always near to my heart when I hear it, or speak on it. When Christ would come into a village, or would give a sermon I've come to realize he was giving more than just words & cures. He was giving hope, clarity, love, but above all else himself. I wanna believe that Christ knew that just as important as healing that person, or giving direction on what we are to do in this life. He knew that by sitting down, eating, or just exchanging kind words was just as important. I too also believe this when thinking about leadership. This key trait that Christ had undoubtedly made it almost impossible to refuse discipleship. 

Today when I see most leaders in these positions I see almost a complete disconnect with the people that they are ultimately serving. To me it's as if you turned on a switch in these people that puts them a cut above the others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8).When we look at Jesus we see that in every act he performed he did it humbly. Even when he payed the ultimate cost for all of mankind. Why do we feel we should not do the same? In order for good leaders to become lasting, and great leaders this is an art that must be truly mastered.

Give yourself to others as you start your new year. Make it a point to visit that family member you haven't seen in a while, or that friend you feel you should catch up with. Remember that even more than the gifts you give this year there is no substitute for your love, and you.

Merry Christmas!

Speak Up

Today is one that is to me very confusing, but also very painful. When looking at this great nation the United States. I see neighbor against neighbor over rights of which were bestowed upon us by our forefathers. Why is it we feel we must change each other? This is something that from the beginning of time has been a problem, and looking to history has created great turmoil for the parties involved. These issues, and all issues we need wisdom on we must go to prayer, and ask for guidance on all these things. This nation is one that above all else is under God! We are all destined for grand things. We have minds and hearts that cry out to explore and tell our neighbor all of these. Your wonderful in every way, shape, and form. Unique from every other being that has walked this earth. Do something today that helps better your fellow man. It all comes down to the individual not the nation. Everyday you wake up your making a difference in someones life whether that being positive or negative. Above all other things when you close your eyes tonight, and are praying to God let it be something that is grand and satisfying in your heavenly fathers name. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." -Acts 18:9. Speak up today whether it being the school, or the locker room. When you give God the wheel he'll take you to places you never thought possible. Let his grand light shine upon you, and continue blessing you.

He Hears All

Tonight I was reached out to by a dear friend who said, "I'm getting frustrated in God not answering my prayers". This is very common in the society we live in today. It's frustrating not because we don't  hear God when he answers, but that we sometimes aren't willing to stretch out of our comfort zone to do what is needed. There is something also to be said about the era that we live in. One that marks itself upon instant gratification, and ease of access. The path that we are led down is sometimes one that to you may look gloomy at first, but in the end is one that God intends us to go down. He's seen your journey, and has seen that if you took your path it would be one that is worth all the punches at first.

We must remember that God knows your heart. He knows what it is you desire, and what you truly want. When praying we must remain true to ourselves. There is no need in saying things your heart isn't believing. Stay true, and let it be known from your heart and soul what it is you are requesting from God. When praying we must constantly be thinking about this. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

In all that we do, and all that we have we can't forget that this was given to us by the grace of God. For without we would have nothing, but more importantly would be nothing. I ask that you don't just pray for the material things on this earth, but for also the things that you are unable to put a price on. The things that are willing to be done by giving the gift of yourself, and your time. Laugh, Live, and Love.

In conclusion I say that you must stay the course. The roads that are the toughest, and roughest sometimes. Can be the ones that offer us the most fulfillment, and joy in our lives. I will also say that when praying next time speak to God as if he were a friend that is with you till the very end, and someone that loves you unconditionally. Have a wonderful week my friends.

Note: Say a prayer for all those involved in Hurricane Sandy.