Yesterday a friend posted a memory on Facebook that included me.  It was from a couple years ago when I spoke at a ladies’ retreat. I had a band of women from my church who attended with me. They knew I felt inadequate to do this task.  So they sat in the front.  They smiled, nodded and prayed.  They were such a blessing to me all weekend. Some of them wrote me cards.  Some brought me thoughtful gifts, some stopped and prayed with me.  But no matter, each one touched my heart so deeply and encouraged me at a time when I really needed it!

Who – We all need encouragement from time to time.  It could be a difficult trial, a sad situation, a sickness, a loss, an overwhelming family matter or just gloomy weather that puts us each in need of the sunshine that others can bring!  Who have you noticed lately that is going through something difficult?  They could be your target for encouragement.

What – It’s easy to feel at a loss as to what to say or do when we desire to be a blessing to someone in need, but it isn’t necessary to do something huge; it’s often the little things that matter the most!  Think small.  Think practical.

• Share God’s Word.  Read them Scripture that is encouraging.  This is so profitable!
• Give a small gift –
  • Candy bar
  • chewing gum
  • bookmark
  • small wooden sign
  • a picture of a memory
  • a CD
  • a $10 gift card for ice cream
  • a small bouquet of flowers
• Make a phone call or visit
• Send a snail mail card and note
• Write a text with a fun emoji
• Give a loving touch – a hand on the shoulder or arm.
• Prepare a meal or even part of a meal –
  • Breakfast foods – Yogurt and fruit and muffins, Coffee
  • Fresh fruits
  • Homemade cookies or breads
• Extend an invitation to come to your home or to go out and do something together

When – Obey as soon as the Lord nudges you.  Don’t make excuses or put it off.  Be prompt in your encouragement.  Tomorrow’s opportunity may never come; do it today.

I’m so thankful for dear friends who saw my need and responded.  It gave me strength to do what God had called me to do, just as Aaron and Hur helped Moses. (Exodus 17:12)

Whose arms do you need to lift up? God will show you what to do.  Then do it right away.

It’s not right to find great products or ideas and not share, so today I’m going to show you a few things that I’m loving!

Southerners like their sweet tea!  I don’t drink it at every meal, or even every day, but when I enjoy a glass, I LOVE this Lipton Southern Sweet Tea.

It’s sweetened in the the tea bag with Sucralose, an artificial sweetener.  It is absolutely delicious and it takes the guess work out of how much sweetener or sugar to add to the tea.  There’s no aftertaste with this sweetener and I love that I’m not adding additional calories.  This is a great southern tea!!

Working at the bar counter in the kitchen can make the floors messy AND make my back ache.  I recently found this long padded rug.

Any crumbs that fall on it don’t show up like they do on the hardwood.  Cleaning this rug is so easy – a Swiffer and a mop over top and it’s done!  The padding is perfect and has really helped my back.  I paid $30 for it at TJ Maxx.  I went back looking for another one and they were snatched up.  I’d love to have another one like this in front of the sink.  I love the pattern, too; it’s  a pretty addition to the kitchen!

I love making seasonal drawings on my kitchen chalkboard.  Being a hot and cold tea lover, I thought this one was perfect:

Here’s one in the living room:

You can see a couple other new favorites here on my recently uploaded video.  There’s also an update on my Craft/Guest Room!

Is there something new you’ve recently found that you’re loving?