First, a big WELCOME to our new subscribers and a big THANK YOU to our faithful readers – because of you, our January ‘Do It’ List downloads broke all previous records. We celebrate your choice to take back your home this year!
We pray that each month you’ll see more check-marks in those boxes, as you find your rhythm and begin to enjoy the peace and joy that come with having a cleaner, tidier home. Please remember – a neat, well-organized home is not the final goal. It is a means to an end. Our ultimate goal is practicing biblical hospitality … to love on those who live with us and who visit us. Not being weighed down and distracted by clutter allows us time to write, think, serve, read, create and everything else God has uniquely called each of us to do.
As is our custom each month, today we’ll drill down on one ‘Do It’ point to provide a little insight and inspiration. (Check out our ‘Do It’ archives for previous blogs that provide added insight on doing a full closet purge, organizing your home library, and tackling the pantry shelves.)
February seems the perfect month to showcase “Encourage Someone.” Since it’s the month of Valentine’s Day, we’re already focused on how we can love on others. (And – spoiler alert – our Write the Word this month will be highlighting the “one anothers” in Scripture. Look for that in your in box next Tuesday, January 29!)
“Encourage Someone” is one of the entries on our weekly ‘Do It’ List. The challenge is to write a note, send an email or Facebook message, make a phone call, or do whatever the Lord moves you to do to bless someone in your life. Here are several ideas to consider:
- Who shall I encourage?
Good question—but I’m not the one to ask. Please pray about this: God, who shall I encourage today? Then prepare to be surprised by who pops into your mind. Just send the note and release the blessing.
- Send a Handwritten Note
Because so many don’t do this anymore, your effort will be even noteworthy (pun intended) and appreciated. When you open your mail and thumb through the stack the typical results are: bill, junk, ad, bill, solicitation, coupon, personal note … do I even need to ask what you open first? An email may be lost in the inbox, but a handwritten note will stand out.
- Say something meaningful.
Technology has made it very easy for us to communicate, but that ease often makes us more careless with our words. If you are taking time to write a note, put some thought into what you say. It need not be pages long; even 2-3 sentences can communicate substance.
- Buy supplies.
Don’t let yourself off the hook because, “We don’t have stamps.” Purchase stationery and stamps in advance so you are ready for your opportunity to love on others!
- Include a verse.
What better way to encourage someone than with Scripture? Here are some suggestions:
— “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
— “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
— “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 - Recruit the children.
Asking the kids to also get on board with sending weekly notes will lay the foundation for a lifetime of encouraging others. The little ones can send a coloring sheet or dictate their words to mom or dad, then sign their name.Our sponsor, A Reason For, incorporates Bible verses into their handwriting program. The last day of each week includes a page with an interesting border for students to color after writing the featured verse. This month, A Reason For is offering a free love-themed Border Sheet download to get you started.
- Pray it away.
Lay your hands on the card and pray for the recipient after sealing the envelope. Ask God to bring blessing upon their life – to give them success in their work or schooling, peace in their home and relationships, continued good health, and to draw them closer to Himself. Ask the Holy Spirit to allow your words to bring encouragement to their spirit.
Scripture tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive. As you mail that note week after week, receive the blessed joy of giving encouragement to others. In fact, you may begin to have so much fun you choose to do more than one note per week!
Also, don’t be surprised if you get a phone call or email in response to your note that says, How did you know?! Your note came at the perfect time…
Don’t you just love it when God shows off?
Download your copy of this month’s ‘Do It’ List today:
February 2019 BLANK 'Do It' List
And don’t forget to visit the A Reason For website
for FREE printable Border Sheets during February!
You must live in a warmer climate than Maine. Too cold and too much snow to get out to vacuum the car. 🙂
Yes, we are at least SLIGHTLY warmer than Maine this time of year. It might be a job to save for later in the month!
Laura, thank you so much for these wonderful printouts! You enable us to put “shoe leather” alongside our INTENTIONS so they become real accomplishments. I always have these great ideas that somehow get lost in the BUSY-ness of life, and these lists will help keep me focused.