Encourage Me, a book by Chuck Swindoll

Today, I'd like to spotlight Chuck Swindoll's book, Encourage Me, Caring Words for Heavy Hearts. This book was my inspiration for beginning an encouragement ministry over fifteen years ago. It's a great book to have on your bookshelf, because no matter when you pick it up, it's as fresh as the day you bought it. I believe that's because Chuck uses God's word and His concepts to refresh us. I've included excerpts from an internet promotional of Chuck's book. I could not have summarized his book any better. Feeling discouraged? Know someone who's discouraged? Here's a great book - I guarantee its words will begin the healing process you and others so desperately seek.

"Are you discouraged? Do your shoulders ache with the weight of carrying your problems alone? Do you wish you could find someone who understands, someone who won't condemn you for your failures or ridicule you for your mistakes? Let Chuck Swindoll put a friendly arm around your shoulders and show you how the burdens can be lifted from your heart. Encourage Me offers tender insight into the needs of the human heart and how God wants to meet those needs through the gift of encouragement. Swindoll says, "Encouragement is awesome. Think about it: It has the capacity to lift a man's or a woman's shoulders. To breathe fresh air into the fading embers of a smoldering dream. To actually change the course of another human being's day . . . or week . . . or life." This classic devotional is a treasury of thoughts on finding the encouragement you need -- and learning to share that encouragement with others."

- author, Cindy Daniels

What do you read when you're feeling discouraged?

God's Personal Picture of Encouragement

Is there anything more encouraging than seeing God's hand-painted landscape? There's just something about the springtime with its lush green trees and their smatterings of colorful blossoms. Spring in the Midwest this year has been especially chilly and colorful. The cool temperatures have allowed the trees, bushes and plant blooms to linger in beauty and fragrance (sorry for those of you suffering with pesky spring allergies.)

God in all of his wisdom knew to place refreshing creations all around us. He knew that the daily grind would at times discourage us. Being the loving Father that He is, He lavishes us with beautiful things. And, these marvelous creations don't cost us a dime!

Take a moment today to breathe in what God has placed in your pathway. Take five minutes from your labor to walk around your yard, your neighborhood or a park observing His personal touch, yes, even if it's raining! Take time to thank Him for this quiet moment of recreation. If you had been the only person he ever created, he still would have painted His masterpieces.

Luke 12:27 - Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Here is a picture of some beautiful flowers God has placed in our garden. I'm especially thankful for my husband who lovingly oversees the watering and weeding of the flower gardens!

- author, Cindy Daniels

What have you recently witnessed in God's creation that encouraged you personally?