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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Blessings and Encouragement Along the Way

 

Last week was a hard week.  My husband has had some recent physical issues that needed addressing (still no diagnosis, we’re waiting to see how the treatment goes).  I had something going on – there was at least one migraine and then another that lasted more than one day, which may have actually been a bug of some sort.  We didn’t get to go to church fellowship at all because of various health hindrances.  I also had some struggles with my old flesh that were discouraging (Rom. 7:18-25).

But, my kind Lord blessed me in a very special way.  I received two letters and a package from ladies I know in Australia!  I met two of them online through my sister-in-law and the other through the blog or web page (though she also knows my s-i-l’s family).  Here are the lovely things I received:

Notice that all five verses on the various things are different.  Such a small thing, and yet it indicated the Lord’s attention to details in guiding their choices.  Also, that phrase from Isaiah 30:15 at the bottom of the card on the lower right is one of my favorite verses! …in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength… The two papers in the background give the definitions of our first and last names.  The letter on the right was printed on the back of such beautiful, cheerful paper!  What a great idea.  The lady who sent the card on the upper right also included some information that she thought might be helpful for one of my physical difficulties, and she wrote her short note on a separate piece of paper so that I can reuse the blank card!  Wasn’t that an nice touch?

One thing that made me feel very humble was to realize that the Lord had planned all this ahead of time for me, knowing that last week would be a hard week.  They all mailed their items before I “needed” them.  This was a real reminder to me of His faithfulness in caring for the smallest details of our lives – even when we aren’t faithful to Him always.  Now, I don’t always get some extra special blessing like this when I’m down or struggling, but our kind Father has a way of reminding us He is there and loves us and that He is FAITHFUL.  Sometimes I’m afraid we miss the reminders, but this was hard to miss. :-)

He's helping me now--this moment,
Though I may not see it or hear,
Perhaps by a friend far distant,
Perhaps by a stranger near,
Perhaps by a spoken message
Perhaps by the printed word;
In ways that I know and know not
I have the help of the Lord.

-- Annie Johnson Flint

Another thing that I can’t help noting is just how pleasant it is to get “real mail.”  It makes me happy that I’ve been encouraging just this type of behavior on the blog this year.  (See the January Challenge and February Challenge)  It makes me feel more motivated to pass on the love to someone else.  Mailing a letter or greeting card really doesn’t cost that much in the big scheme of things, but that kind touch may alter the whole course of someone’s day or week.  Remember the ripple affect.  One stone dropped in a pool can make ripples far from where the stone landed.  One kind deed done in Jesus’ name can spread joy and cheer in places you may never realize you could reach.  Let’s all be more diligent to do these small deeds of kindness – in Jesus’ name and for His glory!

Mark 9:41  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Colossians 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

10 comments:

  1. Oh, I'm so pleased the Lord saw fit to encourage you in this way, Mary. I find it SO super encouraging to receive something in the mail. Chats online are nice, emails are nice... but there is definitely something really special about knowing someone took the time to write a note and/or send something special in the mail. :) :) And I'm so glad you got to enjoy that blessing right when you needed it.

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    1. Amen! I am really thankful for the ability to chat online and send messages via electronic means but, yes, it is such a blessing to find a real letter from a friend or family member in the mailbox, and packages even more, perhaps. hehe :-)

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  2. Oh, Mary, that is very special!♥ It's amazing how those 'little things' can lift us up when we're feeling down. I hope you're doing better now.
    I pray your husband will be feeling better soon.
    So thankful the Lord cares about us and knows just what we need.

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    1. Thank you, Melanie. I am doing better this week! Also, my husband is doing better as well, thank the Lord. We'll see how it goes as he returns to work tomorrow after a mini vacation.
      Amen to the Lord caring and knowing what we need. I stand amazed at His merciful kindness to us in so many ways.

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  3. The paper I used came from Aldi and I bought 3 different types (100 sheets each I think). I really like it - partly because it wasn't expensive, but its thick and great for printing photos on. I use it for my mother when I write her letters (not that I hand write anymore!) but I think they add a cheeriness that she needs. So glad you enjoyed the letter :) and I agree, snail mail always feels so much better than a letter via email.

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    1. The colorful paper was so cheerful to open in a letter! I will have to keep an eye out for something like that myself when I'm need of more stationary. :-)

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  4. I've been hearing from more and more people about how encouraging they find real mail to be - a letter or card sent by someone who cares. Our letterboxes these days are filled with junk mail, bills and political nonsense. It's like an oasis in a desert to receive personal mail!! :) I'm so glad the Lord saw fit to bless you in this way, Mary. :)

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    1. I agree! It is like an oasis to get personal mail - at least when it's friendly mail. :-) (When you have an online ministry you can occasionally receive mail that is not so much of a blessing to receive.) I feel the need myself to be more of a blessing to others in this way. And, in reality, it takes very little time to fill a blank note card, if one finds writing a whole letter challenging. But then, letter writing was really a hobby for me for years, so maybe others find it more difficult. :-) Even though postage has gone up a lot, still in the big picture of things, mailing a letter within one's own country is fairly inexpensive. In the U.S. we pay more for a chocolate bar than to mail a letter. Such a small sacrifice to give someone a bit of joy!

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  5. Another lovely poem from Annie Johnson Flint! Thanks for posting. And, I do agree--a card in the mail really lifts my spirit. I think it shows that people can take the time to make a personal greeting, even though an e-mail or e-card is quicker. They have their place, but a mailed card is special.

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    1. Yes. I agree. :-) It just feels like they went to more trouble and so it is special. Especially in this day and age of super quick everything.

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