Let's Encourage One Another, Shall We?

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.

Last week I was in the kitchen cooking with Alivia,

my used-to-be-favorite-8-year-old-in the world.

The TV in the living room was on and there was a commercial from some weight loss place with a woman giving her testimony of how she has changed her life. With much enthusiasm as she dropped her big pants she used to wear to reveal her new small body she said, "I lost a hundred pounds!".

With those dark beautiful eyes in her head, Alivia looked at me and said,

"Mom, you can do that too."

OKAY.

Little.

Girl.

Yes, your Momma needs to lose weight, but not 100 pounds!!!

Ewww, if I dropped a hundred Gene would be married to the Lea Jane...the girl I was in high school.

And people would think I was his daughter because I'd buy all my clothes from the junior section.

And then I would be judged for trying to be a teenager by all the grown up acting Mom's at Alivia's school.

So.

To save myself from any ribs showing and causing other Mom's to stumble from being jealous, I refuse to drop 3 digits.

Double digits, definitely, but trying to fit into my acid washed jeans from '88...neva.

Bless her confused little heart. Took me back to when I read her journal entry titled "My Mom" where she so lovingly described me in two words: white and thick.

Oh my.

Anyway, if she hadn't been so sweet and sincere, I would've crossed her name off all my gift lists for 2010 because of her twisted encouragement. Instead, I'm going to be more holy and mature than that and she is not coming out of her room until she has the verse above out of Thessalonians memorized.

Okay...I need your help, but only if God prompts you to do so.

Awhile back, I received this email:

Hello, My name is Nancy. I live in NC and just recently retired at the age of 62. I have arthritis in my hands and had to retire early. I have been peeking at your blog for some time now and you really inspire me. I was wondering if you had any Bible studies or books you would like to get rid of. I am starting a "closer walk with Thee" and I need all the help I can get. Please let me hear from you.

Nancy in NC

I have been in contact with Nancy and I have some books set aside to send her, but I wanted to include you in on this. If you feel led to send Nancy some books, a book, a devotional, whatever God puts on your heart if anything, can you please email me at chealey5@yahoo.com

I know how it is to want more of God, but unsure of what to read or do. So, I want to help this Sister of Christ of ours out. If you are unable to send anything, please keep Nancy in North Carolina in your prayers OR leave her a word of encouragement in the comments below and I'll forward them to her.

You all are such wonderful women of the Lord and I thank God we have crossed paths in such an usual way, via blogging.

Have a blessed Monday!