To Encourage is to Bless - Encouragement Café - February 12, 2016

To Encourage Is To Bless

Café Menufor Friday, February 12, 2016

Today’s Special is:  Building Up While Walking Alongside

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Dawn Mast

Main Ingredient: 

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 NIV

Entrée: 

We were all in the same leaky boat.  As I faced a room full of homeschool parents I prayed my words would be encouraging, uplifting and that someone would feel less alone because of what we were sharing. 

As our family of 6 introduced ourselves and shared the joys, blessings and struggles of being a homeschool family, I watched the mamas in the room. 

One was on the brink of welcoming her 4th child, so I called her out and I told her how well I remember the days of having 4 babies under the age of 8. 

I remember not sleeping, not shopping alone or using the bathroom without interruption.  But, I also remember the sheer joy of raising those babies, of washing tiny hands and reading countless books and I encouraged her to soak it up. 

Then I gestured to our 2, handsome oldest boys at almost 6' 2" tall, one headed to college soon, and I said, "It goes so fast.  So soak in the crazy moments, because those moments will quickly turn into this."

Then I saw tears in the crowd.  I figured my public speaking needed serious help.

Later, mama after mama came to me and thanked me for the encouragement.  Many just said that knowing it would turn out OK and seeing our sons grown and ready for the world, helped them feel less alone in this homeschool journey.

Encouraging others is not only biblical, it is necessary for helping each other along the way.  Whether it's a schooling decision, housing, finances or something else that effects us personally, our brothers and sisters in the Lord need encouragement and prayer.

What a gift to walk alongside someone as an encourager.  

How can we do that today?

Take Out: 

Being an encourager doesn't mean you are a know-it-all on a subject and you start a lecture circuit on that topic.  You simply listen for people who need to be helped (parenting advice, financial wisdom, cooking basics) and you lovingly guide and give direction.  We don't have to be an expert to be an encourager.  We just need to be obedient. 

Dessert:

Heavenly Father, there are many people around me every day who just need a little encouragement.  Please show me the people who need a word of encouragement spoken, a prayer, a hug and the love of Jesus in a hurting world so that I may be an encourager in Your Mighty Name, Amen.

© 2016 by Dawn Mast.  All rights reserved.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  Pull up a chair… He’sbeen waiting for you.

Need a refill?  Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends. 

The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh.  We invite you to listen inas we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.

Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug.  We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.

Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.

Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!