Have you ever thought to yourself, “I should call that person or send her a card….” and then the thought passes and so do the weeks? Then a few months later you find yourself cringing as you think again, “I should call that person or send her a card….” If you’re like me, you mean well, but life has a way of crowding out those good intentions. I’ve found that having a set time each month to think over the people in my life, with the purpose of following through with practical acts of encouragement, helps me turn those good intentions into action.
I call this the D.E.E.D — Drop Everything and Encourage Day.
I invite you to join me for a monthly encouragement prompt.
Whether it’s an e-mail, a text message, a card, a letter or a phone call – in just a few short moments you can make a long-term impact on someone’s life. Let her know she’s not alone. Remind him that he is still loved. Let someone know how much you care. Like a small seed that grows a plant that bears much fruit, God can use your small seed of encouraging words to grow much fruit in the lives of others.
On the first Monday of each month, I’ll post four new encouragement prompts. You certainly aren’t limited to these, but these prompts can be a springboard to help you think through the people in your life who could use a good word.
April’s Encouragement Prompts:
1. A friend grieving – Think back over the past 6 months. Who has lost a loved one? Cards and encouragement pour in during the first few weeks and often trickle off over the months.
2. An ill friend – Who has had a recent diagnosis or is struggling with a long-term illness – whether it be physical or mental?
3. A friend searching for work – Who has lost a job, whether recently or awhile ago, and is on the hunt for work?
4. A friend recovering – Who has had a recent surgery or injury or accident?
Take a moment and write down 4 names. Next to each name note how how you will encourage each person (card, e-mail, text, phone call, etc.). Then pick one and start today!
Together, let’s invest in the lives of those around us!
Are you with me? Who’s ready to start sowing seeds of encouragement into the lives around you? Who’s ready to not let those thoughts slip your mind and turn them into practical acts of love?
If you’re joining me in the encouragement prompts, leave a comment below, and I will draw one of your names to win this pack of Encouragement – Bold Promises cards from Dayspring. I’ve used these cards and absolutely love the messages on each one.
I’ll draw from the comments next Monday the 8th!
Thank you for this little nudge to follow through with a word of encouragement when God brings someone to mind. I will be joining you for D.E.E.D.
Sandra, Thanks for joining me! This keeps me accountable on my follow through too!
This is such a great plan. I need to be more intentional about how I support and encourage my friends and family. This will help me to be a better person to my fellow man (and woman ;). Thank you!!!
Wendy thanks for joining us! I’m excited to see what God does as we intentionally reach out to those around us!
Amelia…I LOVE this blog. This is at the core of my heart to encourage in all sorts of ways. Thank you for writing and posting this! In fact, for Christmas my family showered me with every kind of card imaginable because of all the cards I send.
Love you girl!
Donna, what a fantastic gift idea!!
Amelia,
I love this challenge – One thing I like about technology is the ability to stop and text, tweet or FB someone a message that I’m thinking about them. I still even get out the cards every once in a while. Thanks for the challenge friend! I see you growing things in your words and encouragement!
Brenda, instant technology definitely makes it easier to reach out to people more quickly. I too am trying to remember to take the personal touch up a notch more often though. I used to write letters nearly every week!! Thank you for the encouragement friend!
Thank you for the reminder Amelia! This year, I’ve made a goal to be much more intentional about sending REAL cards in the snail mail! For birthdays, thinking of you, sympathy, etc. We are in a culture of not doing anything, except maybe a quick “I’m praying for you” on facebook. I know many people will really pray, and it’s better than nothing. But I agree, that (I) need to write it down and really do it!
Myrna
So true Myrna! I love your goal to send out those personal touches and taking the time to do so!
Thank you Amelia for the reminder. After losing my dad, I really haven’t thought abouth others as much as I should and how nice it was to get the cards I did after losing my dad.
Jennifer, there are definitely seasons in life where we need to sit back and allow others to love on us and receive their encouragement. Much love and ((hugs)) to you.
Great idea, Amelia! I’ve been sending cards more lately than I ever have, and God has been showing me how He’s using them!! Ahhh, but consistency isn’t at the top of my list of strengths. Thanks for giving it a boost. 🙂
“O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!” Psalm 34:3
How exciting Charmie! We don’t always get to see how God uses the things He asks us to do. Consistency is a struggle for me too, which is why I thought up the first of the month prompt – for me too!
Saw this on Pinterest this morning, and thought it would be a fun way to encourage someone.
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/03/random_acts_of_kindness_plate/
What a great idea Sandra! I might have to try this!
I really love this idea! I want to print this out and put it into practice. 🙂
Oooh, next month I’ll make a printable sheet with the prompts on it. Great idea Michelle!