Heart for Others

Heart for Others

Spreading Joy Corporation was founded on the fact that everyone has a desire to give more, do more and make an impact with their lives.  We all have a Heart for Others.

We all want to make a difference, but many feel that they can’t due to lack of resources.

We go to groups of all kinds to help remind them that YES – yes you can impact this world for good, starting with your own corner of the world.

Heart for Others Day is a fundraiser to help enable us to do more of this during 2013.  We want to be able to meet with any group that asks without having them worry about financing.  We want those that are the most discouraged and often forgotten about to realize that yes, they are cared about and someone will come and help them see the resources that they have to make their life count.  We want to show our heart for others, so that those can confidently go and show their heart for others.

We also know that finances are tight for so many right now and that giving all over this world is down.  We aren’t asking for much…..a simple $5 from anyone who sees this will be HUGE.

This fundraiser will easily be seen by over 4000 people over the next few weeks and if each of those that see this will simply give $5 our goal will be met.

Trouble is, not everyone will due to guilt, difficulties and a host of other reasons.  On the other hand, there are those that can give more than $5 and we truly hope you will do so.

Will you JOYn us on Heart for Others day on February 14^th by making a donation of any size?  Will you set a reminder in your calendar? Mail your gift in? PLAN on being part of our Heart for Others Day?

Let me remind you of a few things about your gift:

• There are ZERO paid employees in our Non Profit – Z E R O. So your funds will be use for others
• My family makes monthly donations as well, to help cover the day to day expenses – again, so that YOUR gifts can be used for OTHERS
• We aren’t here to get rich or get noticed, but we are here to help others feel rich enough to impact their corner of the world and your gift goes toward giving away our book, going into schools and other places to help encourage people face to face.
• We are very public about what we do, so any events will always be followed up by photos, updates and links as often as we can.  We want you to know beyond doubt how you are making a difference for others.

Please use all of your networking sites to re post this article – be a voice for us and share your heart for others by doing so

Please plan on making a donation of any size on Feb 14 and SHOW your heart for others (mail in or use the handy PayPal button over on the right sidebar)

Please email a link to this page to everyone in your address book, asking them to show their heart for others

Please, if you are a person of prayer, pray over our organization for direction, wisdom and more opportunities to encourage others in their journey. 

Thank you for how you are spreading joy with us!

Any gift of $25 or more will automatically receive our book Spreading Joy Daily.  If you already have it or know it would encourage someone and would like it sent somewhere else, please let me know by placing their name and address in the NOTE section of your donation when you give via paypal. 

You can mail your gift to:

Spreading Joy Corporation

PO Box 1771

Denver NC 28037

Thank you for having a heart for others!

Let’s harness the power of our voices!

Let’s harness the power of technology!

Let’s harness the power of teamwork!

Let’s all come together to see something remarkable happen, right before our very eyes.

Will you JOYn us?

Will you be a giant and use your voice?

Will you spread the word and try and round up others to do the same?

Facing the Impossible

Immediately upon hearing her words, tears welled up in my eyes and frustration and anger burned within my heart.

I miss the next part of the conversation because I’m looking up to the sky asking God…”really??? you WERE supposed to reveal to the doctors what is going on and you don’t? really??”

She stops speaking.  She said, Ms. Wikle did you hear me? Megan’s CT Scan was normal except for a small twist in her intestines.

I told her I understood her, but didn’t understand what could be causing all of this.

It’s a process she said.

I shake my head and by now, tears are streaming down my cheeks.  

My heart hurts for my daughter.  She has endured so much and is just now 18.  This last year alone has been filled with test after test only to hear "everything is normal." First her stomach was paralyzed and then 3 years later, something DIFFERENT is causing her food not to stay down but NO one knows what it is…. 

Really??

Frustrated I ask what next.  2 more test are ordered.  One of which was done almost exactly a year ago.

We are journaling what will stay down.  2 teaspoons of grits, 4 spoons of mashed potatoes.  4 oz of applesauce or yogurt, 1 spoon of scrambled eggs with the hopes that it can help them to see or think of what could be going on.

Really – is this the life she is destined to live?  

I don’t understand, I don’t know what God wants us to see.  My heart is filled with what Lord, what do you want?

After much prayer and saturating my heart with verse after verse, I realize I may never know, I realize thing may or may not change and she may never eat more than that. 

I know God is faithful and only God’s grace will get us through.

We are facing the impossible. 

For comfort, I search the scriptures for those who faced the impossible.

• Children of Israel – faced death by Pharaoh’s army or death in the Red Sea – impossible….but God stepped in and brought them safely to the other side of the sea.
• Esther and her entire race of people faced death and their fate was sealed by the King – impossible….but God stepped in and prepared the way for them to defend themselves.
• Elijah stood alone and faced hundreds of false prophets – impossible….but God was on his side and that was all he needed.
• Daniel faced hungry lions because of his faithfulness to pray – impossible….but God shut the lion’s mouths and gave Daniel the peace that only God can pour out.
• The 3 Hebrew Children were tossed into the fiery furnace that was so hot, the guy that opened the door was burned to death – impossible….but God walked in the fire WITH them.
• Sarah longed for a son and God had promised her and Abraham that their seed would exceed the grains of sand and stars in the sky and now she was past child bearing years – impossible….but God gave her a son and kept His promise
• Abraham was asked to make a sacrifice – of his one and only son – impossible….but God supplied a lamb upon seeing that Abraham was willing to offer up his son as the Lord had asked.

Impossible……

With God all things are possible:

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me

Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD?

How long will this continue? I don’t know.  

Will more tears fall? Yes – until she is healed, fixed or whatever needs to be done for her to consume a normal meal.

Do I trust God with her? yes…completely.  It’s all I got and thankfully it’s all I need.

Will I cry out in frustration, anger and ask why? Probably.  I’m a mom and we hate to see our children suffer.

I will continue to pray, to saturate our family in prayer and trust the Lord as HE can bring us through the impossible.

Will you pray with us? 

Will you trust God through the impossible with us?

I can only imagine the ministry that He has prepared for Megan as a young lady.  I pray daily that God will give her the strength to continue on this journey so that God can get all the glory.

I know God will use this and HER in a mighty way.

We will face the impossible….but we are not facing it alone.

Thank you Lord for the mercy and grace you pour out. I trust you with my family.  Strengthen our faith and love as we walk this journey together. in Jesus name I ask...amen.

Because of You

What I've learned from you cannot be expressed in mear words and my heart can't adequately describe for you the gift you've been.

.

I've grown, changed and will never be the same because of you.

You've changed the way I think, the way I see things, and the way I love.

You've changed how I pray, how I teach and how I learn.

You've changed how I trust, how I commit and how I act.

You've changed the way I approach each and every day.

Thank you.

You've shared tears of joy, agony of pain and laughter of love.

You've shared new adventures, new problems and new solutions.

You've shared milestones, memories and a peek into the heart of tomorrow.

Thank you.

You've brought new treasures, secured old treasures and allowed painful memories to turn into smiles.

You've brought great questions as well as answers that I would have never even imagined.

You've brought great joy and hope as well as the reminder of a brighter tomorrow.

Thank you.

You've made me adaptable, determined and curious for what awaits me.

You've made me enthusiastic, optimistic and anxiously anticipating more!

You've made me resourceful, realistic and practical!

Thank you.

You've showed me just how great life can be and at the same time, made me realize just how quickly pain, sorrow and tears can flood my heart.

I'll forever treasure you 2012 as you have been the most wonderful gift ever.

And somehow I know the same awaits me next year!

How has 2012 forever changed you?  

Please feel free to share your comments and/or a link about a similar article in the comment section below.

Have fun Spreading JOY!

One Thing

 

As another year comes to a close and talks of resolutions swirl around, my mind and heart considers what this upcoming year will hold.

I don’t typically make resolutions but do set some goals to work towards or try to spend time really enjoying the beauty that the ordinary day brings.

This year is no different.  Instead of setting myself up for failure with a list of resolutions that would likely be long forgotten about mid February, I've decided that one thing is needed.

Just one.

Becoming a woman of prayer.

While I pray daily and often, I want to be closer to the Lord more than ever.  I want to boldly speak for Him and of Him.  I want to know that everything I do, any direction I take and each path I explore is exactly where HE wants me to be.

E.M. Bounds said “Prayer that costs nothing gets nothing.” And that is not the kind of Christian I want to be.  I want to schooch in close to the Lord so that before one tear lands on my cheek, my heart is already whispering in prayer; before one thank you can be uttered, my heart is already praising HIM for His mercy and grace.

Speaking of Paul and Silas E.M. Bounds said “Their joy in Jesus was so profound that it expressed itself happily and sweetly in praise and prayer under extremely painful and depressing conditions.”

We’ve faced some hard times and will continue to do so I’m sure but in the end, I want MY JOY in Jesus to be expressed sweetly in praise and prayer.  I want my faith to be built on the foundation of prayer, I want my praise to be continual, no matter what.

One thing is all that I’m focusing on this year.  Just one. 

What are your goals for the New Year?  Do you have a list or will you focus on one or two things?

If you’ve written an article on your goals for the New Year, please feel free to share it below.  If you haven’t but would like to list out some of your goals, please do so and encourage all those who stop by and read this.

E.M. Bounds has several books about prayer; I encourage you to get them.  Here are a few of my favorite quotes from him:

Our ability to stay with God in our closet measures our ability to stay with God out of the closet. 

Hurried devotions make weak faith, feeble convictions and questionable piety.  To be little with God is to be little for God.  To cut short our praying makes our whole Christian character short, small, improvised and careless.

Persevering prayer always wins.

Prayer can do anything that God can do. Pity is that we do not believe this as we ought, and we do not put it to the test.

Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.

 

Love Continues

Let Brotherly Love Continue – Hebrews 13:1

I love sisters and how God has blessed me with a real one that I adore and love to torment….I mean treasure.  I am also blessed with brothers that I adore and I know that I can call and ask anything of them and they will come to my rescue.  

I’m also blessed with many, MANY brothers and sisters in Christ that simply amaze me as well!  Letting brotherly love continue is a way of life for them and I’m thankful to be surrounded by some of the greatest family around.

I was given the honor of doing a devotional for our Secret Sisters group at Christmas time.  Our theme was centered on Candy Canes.  Candy Canes are such sweet treats all by themselves, but maybe the following devotion will help you to remember just how easy it is to….

Let brotherly love continue

• The Candy Cane looks like a staff:  Let it remind you to steady your sister.
  • More often than not, when I’m out with my sister, something happens and I will trip.  It could be the imaginary hump in the floor, a dip in the sidewalk or even a tiny rock.  There have been times that NOTHING was there to steady me and I hit the ground, looking up wondering what just happened.  (yes…we both laughed and I’ll wait till you are done laughing to continue.) There are those times that it happened and something was close by that I could steady myself with and boy was I thankful.  Sometimes, just being right there to provide a little security and steadiness is all it takes to help them through the day or even through the tears.  Love continues.
• The Candy Cane looks like cane – Let your sister lean on you.
  • We are so independent and hate to have to lean on others, but sometimes we simply can’t make it without some extra help.  A cane, while such a simple thing is such a huge tool for strength.  Being able to lean on our sister can take a horrible situation and make it easier.  Through the trials of cancer, time of other horrid illness that seem to have no end and the pain of loss, being able to lean on others without worry is pure love. Love continues.
• The Candy Cane looks like a hook – Hang a reminder of them in front of you.
  • If you know someone is going through a rough trial, hard time physically or even emotionally, set yourself some reminders.  Put sticky notes on your computer, in your Bible or devotional book to remind yourself to pray for them, send them a card or even a text or email.  Love continues.
  • Also – With the hook – don’t get hung up on the past.  Instead of letting your past define you, let it drive you.  You can’t change past decisions, past actions, past mistakes but you can determine that you’ll learn from them, grow from them and use your past to help define a better future for you and those that are close to you.  Love Continues.
• The Candy Cane looks like a “J” – Be Jesus to them.
  • Matthew 5:16 says Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  We need to live a life of love, joy, hope and goodness knowing that all the while we are a light for Him.  Others will see this light in their time of darkness and in the end, God is glorified. Don’t give a second thought to how bright you think your light for the Lord is, because even a teeny tiny flicker in the pitch black dark can been seen from a great distance.  Shine for Him! Show them the JOY of the Lord is your strength!  Love Continues.
• A “pair” of Candy Canes looks like heart – Show great love to your sister.
  • Showing love is easy and the fact is, it will last a life time! Showing love doesn’t have to be done in some huge way, often the tiniest, purest acts of love are the greatest. Here are some easy ways to show some love.   Love Continues.

One last thought - Let Brotherly love continue…. It’s not a suggestion. 

We’d like to hear from you! If you have an article on this verse, please share it below in the comments so that others can easily find it and be encouraged.

Spreading Joy is as simple as sharing your thoughts on this verse, sharing the link to this article on twitter, facebook, linked in and google+. 

You Matter! 

Have fun Spreading JOY!

Tears are Healing

I honestly believe that laughter is the best medicine!

Nothing like friends getting together, laughing and having a blast to lift the mullygrubs, remove the cloud of discouragement or to bring comfort during times of depression.

As the quote in the photo says, I also believe tears ARE healing.

I’ve never in my life understood why people say “stop crying, it doesn’t make you feel better” when sometimes it actually does.

Don’t get me wrong, if it’s a 2 year old pitching a fit, that is completely unreasonable and the parent needs to stop it before they have to endure the “fits” of a bratty teenager.

We, especially men, often feel guilty for crying.  Many think it is a sign of weakness, but I disagree.

I think it shows great strength to expose a heart that is ripped apart so much so that the tears are flowing. 

It takes great courage to show the side of you that is vulnerable while you are enduring great pain. 

It is a courageous thing to allow tears to start the healing process.

There is something cleansing about allowing the flood gates of tears to just go.  I can’t explain it, but I can tell you how I feel after allowing my heart and soul to release those emotions that have been pinned up inside.

Sometimes there are things that we simply can’t control and they often drive us to tears.  Instead of fighting to hold them in, let them go and let the healing process start to take effect.  Once you release those feelings and the pressures of what weighs you down, you will be able to see clearer, feel better and can start taking the necessary steps to move forward.

Besides…your tears are very precious.  Don’t believe me, check this out.  Psalm 56:8 

When we empty our heart of hurt, God can take what is tattered, torn and in a million pieces and make it better than we ever imagined.

What are your personal thoughts about the healing property of tears?

Have you written an article on this topic? If so, please share that link in the comment sections so others can leave here and find you easily.

Spreading Joy is as easy as sharing this on twitter, facebook, linked in, and google+

Have fun Spreading JOY!

While laughter is the best medicine, often times, tears are completely healing. 

20 Inexpensive yet Heartwarming Ideas

Christmas is a time for giving, loving and sharing.  

If you are like me, you have so many people you want to give to but finances just don’t allow you to give at the level your heart desires.  

Instead of cutting people off of your list, adjust it a little bit with some inexpensive gifts that are easy to make and will warm the heart with fond memories.

Practical, easy….memorable…let’s get to it hmm?  

(Read all the way to the bottom to see how easy it is to make gifts dipped in chocolate, I think you’ll be surprised.)

Inexpensive, Easy yet Heartwarming Gifts:

1.  Notes in a Jar – This gift can last an entire year long! A gorgeous jar from the dollar store and 365 notes, quotes, smiles and virtual hugs will warm hearts each day for an entire year!  You can easily doll up the jar with ribbon found in the dollar store as well.  Using notes like “Cause JOY”, “You Matter” to inspire them or use your favorite quotes.  If you know they love the Bible, mix it up with your favorite encouraging Bible Verses.
2. Framed Photo – Give a gorgeous photo of the family that is already framed.  Take a beautiful sunset/sunrise photo and add a quote to it and frame that.  If they love the ocean or mountains, use a picture from there, add in a verse or quote and frame that.  Every time they look at it, joy will fill their heart with thoughts of you!
3. Cup of Joy – Take a gorgeous coffee cup, tea cup and saucer and fill it full of sweet treats, coffee, coffee creamers etc for the coffee enthusiast in your world.  It will serve double duty as it holds some delicious treats as well as provides them a cup of warm thoughts throughout the year.
4. Homemade Treats – Easier to do than you realize! Bake up a batch of brownies, chex mix or even dip some pretzels, marshmallows or Nutter Butter cookies in chocolate and drizzle with favorite sprinkles for a sweet gift.  You can get the little kids involved here and have a day of making memories as well as gifts.  The sky is the limit with these delicious gifts!
5. Heartwarming, hand written letter – Sometimes there is just nothing better than a hand written letter of thanks, love and appreciation.  It can be read and re-read anytime!  You’d be surprised a just how heartwarming this gift truly can be.
6. Photo Collage – We love photos and when you add 3 or 4 in one, the smiles just get bigger.  Make a photo collage of your times together, the parties or celebrations.  Do one with kids through the years, skipping a few years in between so they can see how they’ve grown.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this will surely be priceless!
7. A box of Kisses – With the decorative boxes that are available these days, this will be super easy and bring lots of smiles each time a kiss is unwrapped.  Find a cute box, fill full of kisses and toss in a handwritten card and you are handing over a gift of love!  Mix it up by giving “hugs and kisses” together.
8. Handmade Ornament – For the crafty types, this is quite an easy gift.  Me, not so much, but some of them, I feel like even I could do.  Take a clear round bulb, square or whatever you have, toss in some gifts you’ve cut off a garland, some shiny gift filler, or write on it with paint pens and poof, you’ve got an awesome gift that will be treasured each Christmas.
9. Gifts in a Jar – Brownies, cookies, soups and spices can be amazing gifts when you toss all the dry ingredients in a jar, attach instructions and package in a fun, creative way.  Thousands of recipes will provide HUGE smiles as they are being prepared! If the jars are too expensive, use some Ziploc bags and then place in a Christmas Cello Bag that you get 10 in a pack from the dollar store.
10. Personalized Cookie Plate – Using a Christmas plate from the dollar store and some markers, and a little baking in the oven, you can personalize this gift and then add some cookies you’ve prepared just for them.  The plate can also have a memory such as hand prints, feet prints etc.  When you combine a foot with 2 hands, you have an instant angel for Grandma and Grandpa.  Be sure to jot down what year and the age of the child.
11. The Write Stuff – Give a nice journal and gel pens to someone.  On the first page tell them how thankful you are for them and that you hope they can fill this journal with warm thought s from their grateful heart.
12. Board Games & Snacks – inspire a time of food and fun with friends with this gift. There is nothing like game night! Great laughter, lots of memories and some whining….if you are like me and lose most of the time.  PRICELESS!
13. Note Cards and Stamps – A gift that will keep on giving! The stamps will cost the most, but you can get the cards for a buck at the dollar store.  Package it in a nice cello bag and know that your gift will encourage more than the one you gave it to.
14. Fuzzy Socks & Lotion – What a nice treat for the often forgot about feet.  Use jergens or another non girly smelling lotion just in case someone is particular about smells, toss in some cute fuzzy socks and you’ll be warming hearts as well as feet.
15. Cocoa – A cup, chocolate dipped spoon, chocolate dipped marshmallows, chocolate dipped peppermint stick and you’ve got a sweet treat!
16. Strawberries and Chocolate – After you’ve dipped your strawberries, place them in some mini cupcake liners, put in a cute Christmas box and you’ve got a sweet treat that is sure to impress!
17. Candies in a Jar – You’ve seen it in Cracker Barrel and other country stores, talk about easy to make. Purchase some fireballs, m&m’s, reese’s pieces or other old fashioned candy and toss it in a jar, add ribbon and card and instant goodness! Did I mention fireballs?
18. Fudge a little bit – I’ve never made fudge but hear that it’s really easy.  Pour it into metal cookie cutters or muffin liners, wrap and you’ve got a perfect little gift that is sure to please.
19. Personalized Survival Kit – By personalized I mean things that the recipient will adore, personalized. For instance, one year the kids got their dad a survival kit, it included his favorites & things he uses often: Honey bun, Starbucks cold coffee, BC Powder, cassette tapes from the thrift store, tie (also from the thrift store), note pad, pens, Sponge Bob stuff, gum, mints, and other things that I can no longer remember.  Point is – everyone has little things that they love and adore, why not package it up and make is special just for them.
20. Video – One True Media will take your pictures and make them into an amazing video for FREE.  What a gift!  Have fun gathering up all the memories and preparing them for a video that will easily import over to youtube.

There you have it! 20 easy, peasy ideas that are sure to warm the heart.

The thing you have to keep in mind is that people will love the fact you took the time to put something together like this for them.

Enjoy Christmas and other times of gift giving without the unnecessary guilt, even times of simple laughter together is a priceless gift that will last for a lifetime.

May I add in one more?  A Bonus:

The Spreading Joy Daily book, pair it with a mug, Reese’s Cups or just a note will be a gift that keeps on giving. You will be empowering others to make a difference without breaking the bank.  It’s filled with practical ideas for each day and you’ll find that as you make a difference, your heart will be flooded with great joy!  (PS, all proceeds goes right back into making a difference for others….double the joy.)

Ohh, I almost forgot -  Giving chocolate dipped items is really as easy as melt, dip, decorate and package.

Many of these white chocolate bars or milk chocolate bars have their own microwavable dish so the cleanup is easy.  

For about 10 bucks, you can get 2 blocks of these melting candies, package of marshmallows, pretzel rods, graham crackers or my personal favorite Nutter Butter Cookies, dip, sprinkle with fun and package for gifting.

I’d love for you to post pictures of what you’ve done over at our fan page – http://facebook.com/spreadingjoycorp

Also if you have a link on easy gift ideas, please do feel free to share it below in the comment section so others can be inspired and encouraged!

Spreading Joy is as easy as sharing this article on twitter, facebook, pinterest or emailing to your friends.  Use the handy buttons below to do so.

Thank you for your efforts in Spreading Joy and making a difference!

Grateful Heart

When November rolls around each year, so many people start the 30 days of Thankfulness on their Social Media sites.  I love reading them, I love seeing what people are thankful for and I love how it encourages others to do the same.

The thing that gets me though is why does it have to end?  

You are already updating your status daily; you are already sharing pictures, plans and pray requests.  You are there, so why not continue it?  Why not share something daily that you are thankful for.

Yes, November is the month that we celebrate Thanksgiving, but why not celebrate all year through?

For me, I want to express gratitude daily.

I look for the beauty in the ordinary, the rainbow after the rain and the good in the pain.  I try to express thanks for something each day, just like I do one act of JOY for someone each day.

Diligence is the key.  Instead of keeping it to myself, I will start posting something daily that I’m thankful for.  It may be online or in my journal, but I won’t let my expression of thanks end after the festivities have ended.  I won’t let April roll through without participating in some type of thanksgiving.

Will you?

Will you give daily thanks when this month of Thanksgiving is over?

I know things may get tough, finances may be difficult and the trials may seem to come in waves, but even if these things happen, there is still something to be thankful for, the question is, will you look up from the muck and mire to find it?  Will you notice the light in the dark?  Will you share what you find so that others can see the light in the dark as well?

I hope you will.

If you start something online, I encourage you to leave the link below, so that others can easily find it and be encouraged. 

Will you start by listing 4 or 5 “ordinary” things that you are so thankful for and encourage others to see the beauty in the ordinary?

I hope you will.

Spreading JOY is as easy as sharing this on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Thank you for your efforts in Spreading Joy AND giving THANKS….daily.

PS…I’ll start

My beautifully ordinary things that I’m very thankful for:

• Christmas Music anytime of the year
• Silliness with friends
• Waking up and not realizing I had even fallen asleep
• Hope for tomorrow
• Dishes being done by someone else

I could add sooo much more, but am hoping you will too. 

Discouragement...Why bother

Discouragement….

Its grip is so strong.  Its power to stay wrapped round your heart simply amazes me sometimes.  We get knocked down over and over again and, try as we may, sometimes discouragement simply wins out.

That’s when we grab the remote, a bag of Golden Double Stuff Oreos, cup of milk and just dunk away, ignoring the pain that seems to haunt us.

Trouble is…when the cookies are nothing more than crumbs, the milk all gone and the shows that we normally love don’t even interest us anymore, discouragement is still there.

Never underestimate the power of discouragement.  It happens to all of us.

YES – US!

Even Me….a happy little joy spreader.

How do you fight it? How do you get out of the death grip it has on you?  How do you over come?

You fight it with giving, choosing to see the beauty in the ordinary and pure determination. 

I know, you are already thinking “Marie…I’m not a half glass full kind of person.”

My response to that is you can be. 

You can take action and start focusing on the positive around you, the amazing blessings that fill your world and the great things that bring a smile to your heart each and every day.   

People are typically discouraged when they “feel” like things aren’t going the way they should be or the outcome is not what they desired.  Discouragement comes when feelings creep in and then stand up and shout “look at me, focus on me” even though those feelings are usually not true.

It’s easier to feel the negative things, like:

• We don’t matter
• They don’t care
• It’s not the truth
• They always lie to me
• What does “it” matter anyway
• Who cares
• Why Bother

Etc etc  etc

We should be focusing on the facts, not our emotional feelings that change with the tide.

Fact is YOU DO matter.  You always have and you always will.  YOU are someone’s entire world.

Fact is THEIR opinions are just that…opinions, and you will likely NOT change their mind, so move on.

Fact is the choice is YOURS and you have the choice to ignore the negative things you “think” others think about you.

Fact is Negative is easier to see and feel but being POSITIVE is a much greater force than you realize.

Fact is, we will always face discouragement, but we don’t have to “stay” and dwell with it forever.  

Face it, stand up to it and then move on right past it.

Here are a few things to help move past the discouragement that grips your heart:

• Surround yourself with positive people
• Surround yourself with the things you love. (inspirational quotes, pictures, uplifting music)
• Keep your spiritual life in check by staying schooched up close to the Lord. Daily Walk With Him.
• Give yourself permission to feel discouraged and recharge
• Move past it with confidence by remembering that sometimes failure is just a detour to where you are going
• Remember Failure isn’t final – you have the final say.
• YOU MATTER – remember this!
• Focus on the facts, NOT feelings
• Don’t focus on the fear, focus on The Father

How do you face discouragement?

What are some things you do to help get yourself beyond this?

If you’ve written an article on this, please feel free to share a link as well as some words of encouragement below, so that our readers can easily find you.

Thank you for your efforts in Spreading JOY and making a difference!