Encouragement

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Today I am beginning to write again as I once did. Life has been busy since I moved but I have had requests for these articles again. May God be glorified.


Today take a moment to tell yourself you are one of a kind, appreciated, you, you, you!! I don’t think we appreciate others for who they are, but rather seem to stereotype them in one category or another. We put labels on them for the type of music they listen to, the places they go, the things they do, whether or not they smile and on and on and on.


Does God do that to us?? No, in fact, He accepts us for who we are, not who He wants us to become. He is always working in our lives to change us for the glory of Him so we can be examples to everyone and show Christ in us, but He never pronounces condemnation or judgment upon us regarding our appearance, or outward accomplishments. He always loves us no matter what. We are accepted unconditionally!



If you have had a bad experience with someone and their expectations and as a result they or you or both have been hurt or upset, try to do your best to change that situation for the good. I also try to comfort them because only God knows their heart and one person never knows the whole story. It may take an apology on your part, but be strong enough to do that!


I Samuel 16:7 says The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."



Where is it written that you are better than someone else? God expects us all to be equal in His sight and therefore, we are created in His image. I can’t tell you how disturbed I get when I see someone is approached and made fun of, teased, taunted and more. We are all different, yet unique and real!!



Matthew 5:16 says let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.



We want to reflect the Glory of God and shine brightly. Whether or not we smile, we can help someone just by listening. There are times we may cry, try to solve their problems, wish we were millionaires to help them all but the end result is the same---we can’t solve it all----GO TO GOD! Truth be known, if we were millionaires, we would be very selfish!!



The times in which we live cause uncertainty and we never know what lies ahead. God knows our future and provides for us along the way. God’s divine guidance is marvelous! If we exemplify Christ, we will shine brightly and just be the person He created us to be! If you can smile it’s even better!!

Sad sack is a famous nickname for Beetle Bailey from the cartoons and I know many who sometimes look like him! They concentrate totally on their problems and want to make their problems, everyone else’s! We can pray and be kind and listen and then go to God.



Self esteem is a big issue. IF you feel good about YOU then life will look better each day. If not, you have alot of work to do to improve. Don’t be too hard on yourself either, whippings and beatings aren’t the answer! Focus on change and prayer until things change before your eyes. In even the smallest of ways God allows things to change for the better if we have our eyes and thoughts on Him.



You are loved and appreciated even if you don’t think so! Don’t forget it! If you need a cheerleader—call or write to me! Don’t give up easily or be swayed by someone making fun of you or intending to cause you harm. Don’t quit trying to be the best you can be ----EVER!! Let you face shine with peace and love. Encourage anyone who comes across your path. Even if you can’t find the right words, you can do it with a kind word, smile or hug and even a thoughtful deed. Don’t ever say I can’t OR—YOU WON’T!!!! Keep looking up and know God and I love you!


In Him, Cathy

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