Encouragement

I ran across the new website (in)courage and it asked us this morning what encourages us. Encouragement comes in many different avenues.. ..here's a few for me.

• Music - Music can stir up a boatload of emotions and there are many songs out there that are such an encouragement to me. "It Is Well With My Soul", "Heart of Worship", "Everlasting God" to name a few. These songs immediately bring me encouragement when I hear them - even if I'm not realizing that I need encouraging yet. But my Heavenly Father knows that I need encouraging and He always provides a song at the right time - in the right place and my focus shifts to the place I should be - focusing on God and who He is and what HE will do for me.
• Scripture - In the same way that music encourages me, so does the scripture and many times the songs I am given include scripture. The verse that gives me encouragement no matter my mood is Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you future and a hope..." What better encouragement is there than that I ask you?
• Nature - Rain specifically. I love the sound of falling rain and thunderstorms. I love to sit on my porch and watch the rain fall and relax and reflect on God's promises during this time. Also as part of nature is seeing the gorgeous scenery that God has put here for us to enjoy. lately I have seen many "picture perfect" spots and that in itself is encouragement that God would love me enough to give me that scenery to enjoy and reflect upon His goodness and greatness through the "shot".
• Family - this includes my children, grandchildren, mom, sister, brother, husband, cousins, aunts - anyone who is part of my family at some time or another has encouraged me sometimes even without even knowing it.
• Friends - same as family - they are there when I need something or call at just the time I need to hear their voice - encouraging me through the situation.
• This kind of goes with the scripture but just being still. Sometimes I get so busy in my own little world that I am afraid I will miss something that God is giving me. I need to "Be still and know that I am God" and allow myself that time to reflect, be encouraged and rejuvenated in able to serve in the best way I can.