encouragement - Jeannie Waters, Writer & Speaker

Finding and Sharing Fall Cheer

October 25, 2022Jeannie Waters34 Comments

Do you sometimes abandon efficiency and choose the scenic route? I do. While running errands, I drive out of my way to visit my favorite fall site—a street in our town lined with gingko trees.

When the temperature cools, the green fan-shaped gingko leaves transform into bright splashes of yellow. When the leaves fall, the sidewalk looks like sunshine pooled on the earth, and it makes me happy.

Think about the color palette God chooses for fall decorating. Red maple leaves, orange pumpkins, golden chrysanthemums, brown chestnuts, and more. They’re all pretty, but gingko tree yellow is my favorite.

Some homeowners add yellow accessories to brighten living spaces throughout the year. Touches of this pretty color add a feeling of warmth and welcome. Wouldn’t you agree yellow is cheery? And who doesn’t need a bit of cheer in their lives?

Rather than simply a merry feeling when life is smooth, we need a well of cheer deep within our hearts. We could substitute gladness, joy, delight, comfort, or encouragement. ¹ The colors of autumn leaves offer a measure of happiness, but, as the Bible teaches, our hearts need the deep cheer, joy, and peace a relationship with Jesus offers.

The colors of autumn leaves offer a measure of happiness, but, as the Bible teaches, our hearts need the deep cheer, joy, and peace a relationship with Jesus offers. Share on X

Even while imprisoned, the Apostle Paul demonstrated the importance of cheering the hearts of other people. With concern for worried friends, he sent Tychicus to encourage them (Ephesians 6:21-22, Colossians 4:7-8).

So too, Jesus wanted His disciples, and us, to have courage, comfort, and cheer in difficult situations. Three of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, and John—record how Jesus calmed the fears of His disciples during a storm at sea. When water began to fill the boat, they cried out to Him for help. He calmed the storm and comforted the frightened men.

Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:27 NKJV

The same words He spoke on the Sea of Galilee comfort and encourage us today. When we’re fearful, lonely, confused, or discouraged, His presence and His words offer us deep-seated joy and peace. In whatever situation we find ourselves, He says, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Some Bible translations use the phrase “take courage” rather than “be of good cheer,” but we know that Jesus provides peace and encouragement to troubled souls.

When preparing followers for His death and resurrection, Jesus said,

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NKJV

What a promise! A well of cheer deep within our hearts.

As gingko trees bring a touch of sunshine to the surrounding area, we can share cheer with others from the well of joy and comfort we find in our relationship with Jesus. When He fills our heart, we have plenty to share. Here are some suggestions for spreading cheer this fall.

Sharing Fall Cheer

Encouraging Words

Write short Bible verses on a small pumpkin and give it to a friend.
Choose bookmarks with Bible verses to share with freshly baked oatmeal cookies (homemade or bakery version). Tie the bag with a fall-colored ribbon.
Offer to pray with someone who shares a concern.
Make a greeting card with a pretty fall picture and add encouraging words.
Take time to visit someone who needs a listening ear or fellowship. (Weather changes make good conversation starters.)

Acts of Kindness

Take an elderly person who can’t drive for a ride to view autumn’s beauty. Stop for a cup of hot apple cider.
Purchase a Thanksgiving meal for someone by contacting a local ministry.
Rake a neighbor’s yard as a surprise blessing.
Offer to help a widow winter proof her home.
Invite neighbors to watch a Saturday football game and attend church with you on Sunday if they don’t have a church of their own. Fire up the grill or serve chili dogs.

Meaningful Gifts

Donate warm socks to a homeless shelter.
Purchase a gift card for a pumpkin latte or cup of cocoa as a “thinking of you” gift.
Bake small loaves of apple or pumpkin bread to share.
Take a pot of mums to someone recovering from surgery.
Share a basket of delicious fall apples or place an apple on each co-worker’s desk. Add a card with the following verse:

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 17:8 NKJV

Let’s brighten someone’s fall day by sharing a little cheer, shall we?

I hope you’ll contribute an idea to the comment section below to add to our “share a little fall cheer” lists. OR perhaps you’ll share a verse that cheers your heart.

¹https://www.thesaurus.com/

Please feel free to share this post.

Help a Sister Out

July 7, 2020Jeannie Waters36 Comments

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image.png — Dawn Bata, Author

What joy to welcome my guest blogger today. Wife, mom, and writer extraordinaire, Dawn Bata is a new friend. When you read her short post, you’ll want to click on the book photo link at the bottom to check out her ebook. Her bio is there as well.

You may want to purchase the ebook or recommend it to a friend, relative, or neighbor who needs encouragement. I’m loving these short but powerful devotions with endearing stories. Here’s Dawn’s post:

Help a Sister Out

When our middle daughter, Sophia, was eight years old, she ran her first season of track…and her last. The track meet was underway, but unbeknown to Jeremy and me, Sophia was assigned the mile event. What was her coach thinking? Sophia had never run the mile event before! Eager to see the outcome, we waited.

The event started and off she went. Our family began shouting, “Go, Sophia!” She was making great strides, but our excitement soon turned to concern. Her pace slowed and the look of defeat was written all over her sweaty face. Sophia was out of steam. What happened next melted my heart. Big sister Meredith dashed onto the track to finish the mile with her.

Victory! Not in the means of winning the race, but in winning at life. Although Meredith was ten years old, in the eyes of her little sister, she was a hero. They finished the race together. Way to help a sister out!

Isn’t that what we are called to do? To run the race of life together, alongside our sisters in Christ? First Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.”

Go ahead, and cheer on your sisters in Christ! We don’t have to run this race alone! Motherhood is a marathon, entailing long distances, deep breaths, and determination. Some days we need a friend to run alongside us to encourage us. Together we are stronger and more impactful.

If you see a sister facing hurdle after hurdle, overwhelmed, and discouraged, offer her a hand and finish the race together in His love and strength. Help a sister out!

Please share your thoughts with Dawn in the comment section below. Has someone helped you out?

Dawn would love to connect with you at dawn.bata@gmail.com

Dawn is a mom on a mission to share her passion for family, friends, faith, and home. She is a wife and mother of three who encourages and inspires moms to live and love life to the fullest! She is the author of In the Midst of a Masterpiece: Moments Celebrating the Joys and Struggles of Motherhood and Co-Founder of Moms’ Musings Writers Group. Dawn enjoys using her love for writing to encourage moms on this amazing yet bumpy journey of motherhood. Join her and navigate the joys and struggles of motherhood together.

Stir Encouragement into Fellowship

March 3, 2020Jeannie Waters25 Comments

Butterflies danced the rumba in my stomach.

What will they think?

This may be embarrassing.

Do I even belong here?

Have thoughts like mine ever pestered you?

Two years ago, my friend, Robin Dance and I started a local chapter of Word Weavers International, a Christ-centered writing critique group. At the first meeting, I was excited until it was my turn.

As per Word Weavers guidelines, after someone read my words aloud, the group critiqued my writing. Old patterns of people-pleasing surfaced as I wondered what the responses would be. Although I sat among kind women, I felt vulnerable instead of thankful for help.

I breathed a sigh of relief when my turn ended. The group pointed out strengths in my writing I hadn’t noticed.

Great! I’ll keep using that technique.

They also made suggestions to correct or clarify my words.

Oh, I didn’t notice that. How much better the piece will be with their input. Thank you, Lord.

Now I see that as fellow group members highlight strengths and offer help for weak areas, we grow stronger as writers in a nurturing environment.

Isn’t the purpose of Christian fellowship similar—to encourage fellow believers, thus strengthening our walk with Christ?

Not only does spending time with other Christ-followers kindle friendships and help protect us from Satan’s attacks (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), but it also provides a forum for giving and receiving encouragement and sharpening biblical insight.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…
Hebrews 10:24-25

Why is “stir up” paired with encouragement in this verse? In food preparation, utensils like spoons, whisks, and mixers incorporate air (think meringue peaks) and combine ingredients for palate-pleasing tastes and textures.

If a teaspoon of cinnamon remains at the bottom of a bowl filled with banana nut bread ingredients, the flavor will go undetected and the baked product won’t be as tasty. Stirring lifts that flavor and aroma to the top and gently blends it with others.

Christian friends can “lift” the gifts of others to the surface by pointing out strengths. They may even highlight opportunities for service while being cautious to suggest and not coerce.

Group members can also whisk in biblical wisdom and hope when challenges arise. A hand on the shoulder and the promise of prayer add sweetness to fellowship.

Consider the results of mixing encouragement into companionship. Individuals gain strength as they share Truth. Also, as each person sprinkles in unique ingredients of God-assigned gifts, the taste and fragrance of His love permeates the church and wafts outward to others.

Has the spoon of Christian fellowship stirred you to love and good works? I had a lesson to learn before that could happen to me.

As a young adult, after years of wanting to be more like my friends Susan, Cynthia, and Connie, I learned that God wants me to identify and imitate the characteristics of Christ I see, not other people who display them.

Association with these ladies did, however, show me the error of some of my ways as well as provide pictures of gentleness, patience, and love. Spending time with dear friends led me to ask God to add those aspects of His character into my life.

How kind of God to institute the precious gift of Christian fellowship as a stirring tool for our good and His glory.

Would you join me as I evaluate my participation?

Do I engage in fellowship that prompts me to love and serve more faithfully?
Am I promoting love and good works in my circles of influence? Am I listening well to others as I seek to encourage them?
Which characteristics of Christ does my life reflect?

I do hope you’ll share today in the comment section.

How does spending time with other believers strengthen you?
How do you or how could you stir encouragement into Christian fellowship?

To read more about my friendship with Robin, click here Robin Dance. Please share the link with writers you know who may be interested in the information about Word Weavers International that Robin includes.

Bible verses are taken from the ESV.

Fresh New Mornings

May 2, 2019Jeannie Waters6 Comments

Ah! The freshness of a brand new day. The smells of spring and the sound of bird choruses are as bright and new as the dew glistening on the grass. Patterns of sunlight stream through the trees creating patterns on the ground. Yesterday is a memory; tomorrow is yet to come. But today is just beginning.

God creates a new day each time the sun brightens the eastern skies. Would you agree that our focus when we awaken can influence the way we walk through the day? Would our morning sighs turn into deep breaths of gratitude if we viewed each new day as a cup filled with God’s mercies? The following passage provides a source of hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

–Lamentations 3:22-23

I think I’ll write the verses above on a card and attach the card to my mirror for a daily, fresh-as-dew perspective. Perhaps you’d like to do the same. Maybe you could write them on a card to share with a friend who needs encouragement.

Our loving Father creates fresh new mornings and fills them with His mercies.

How do you begin your day with a heavenly perspective? I hope you’ll share in the comments.

God Is Speaking Encouragement. Are You Listening?

February 25, 2019Jeannie Waters15 Comments

When our daughter was three years old, she would take my chin in her little dimpled hand and turn my face toward hers before she made a request. She wanted to ensure she had my undivided attention when she asked for cookies or described something she saw outside.

Do you have that same desire in conversation? How do you feel when you’re talking, and the other person is obviously distracted? I’m sure you’ll agree that focusing on the speaker enhances comprehension.

What about listening to God? We don’t have to get His attention, but does He have ours—our undivided attention? He doesn’t force us to focus on Him, but He longs to teach us and encourage us.

Here are some thoughts about preparing to listen to God as we read the Bible, pray, and walk daily with Him.

Preparing to Listen to God

Position yourself to listen.

Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, isn’t it exciting to set aside a quiet time in a comfortable place to read Bible passages and pray? When Spring arrives, I’ll move from the bedroom chair to the deck for my daily appointment with God. What’s your favorite place to sit with Him?

Once we’re physically positioned, tuning in to His voice prepares us to listen attentively. Checking our level of obedience and exchanging our will for God’s, paves the way for hearing from Him. My quiet times are more productive when I remember to set my heart to listen.

After a quiet time with the Lord—as we take care of daily responsibilities—we can keep our eyes and ears tuned to His messages.

Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!

Luke 11:28

Avoid distractions.

Silence your phone and grab a cup of coffee or a glass of water as you head to your selected spot. Keep a notepad handy to jot down distracting thoughts. I call my notepad the “Rabbit Trail Pad” because my mind often hops to other thoughts or responsibilities when I sit still to hear from God. Anybody else? Just as I silence my phone to avoid distractions, I need to silence the voice of “me” and train my ears to listen.

Focus on God as you seek Him.

When we are in the presence of an expert on area where we have interest, we rivet our attention on the speaker, straining to catch each detail. I recently learned in a deeper way a truth about listening closely to God.

I desperately needed the Lord’s wisdom about a decision. Multiple times each day, I wondered what His direction would be as I prayed. The potential answer was uppermost in my mind. One morning, I read a statement written by Priscilla Shirer that changed my perspective.

Stop frantically searching for God’s will; start frantically searching for God Himself. ¹

I needed my Father more than I needed an answer, but I had slipped into a bad habit of concentrating more on the response, on what I needed to learn, than on Him. I continued to ask for wisdom, but I fixed my attention on the Shepherd who would guide me.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

James 4:8a

Respond to what you hear.

As a teacher, I know that applying what we learn helps us remember. How can we apply the truths God shows us? Here are some ideas:

When you are amazed by God’s goodness or love, sing a hymn or praise song to Him.
When you marvel at His involvement with people in the Bible or answered prayer, tell Him.
Record truths you learn in a journal to log your spiritual growth and to remind you of His messages.
Write a verse you want to memorize on a card and post it on a mirror or at your desk.

Preparing to listen to God sharpens our spiritual sense of hearing. We can converse with Him at any moment, but taking time to listen attentively equips us to learn more about Him and His Word.

Sometimes I imagine God cupping my chin in His hand, tilting my face up to His, and saying,

Listen to Me, my daughter. I have important truths to tell you and I want to teach you more about Me. In our conversations, I long to give you peace and comfort, and because I am a good Father, I will also correct you when you disobey. Stop what you’re doing for a while and turn the eyes of your heart to Me. Come talk to me and listen to what I say.

Not only will listening for God’s voice bless our lives, but we can offer the encouragement of Christ to others as we learn more about Him. Please share the ways you prepare to listen to God.

What a good listener! 😉

¹Shirer, Priscilla, Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks (Nashville: Lifeway Press, 2017), 62.

Bible verses are from the English Standard Version.