I have had fun diving into all the social media the past few months---it started as a professional pursuit and now I have found so many friends and acquaintances that it has taken a personal turn.
I believe both are valuable---I love to suggest adding value to my client's brand whether it's goods or services by taking advantage of social and viral marketing.
By the way, I have an old "blog" although the posts were far and few between--I have posted a link to it located on my first online scrapbook started years and years ago on "Multiply."
http://deanaday.multiply.com/journal
The posts range from my reactions from when J.B. Hunt slipped on some ice, resulting in his death and my memories of his funny expressions and stories to posts on Christmas traditions and Bill's health issues and sometimes ensuing miracles!
I wanted to just quickly share a thought that has run through my mind several times today----this verse: "That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith" Romans 1:12
This has been one of those mornings that I just don't understand the words or actions of some people. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or if it's because of my station in life, or if its just God teaching me humility--but it seems that weekly and sometimes daily, there are people who say things or do things to tear me down. Maybe not intentionally--I would guess people behave this way because of distrust--but I can't for the life of me figure out why I would be the recipient of that.... Maybe I'm still naive--too transparent--too trusting. I think though, I treat people the way I would want to be treated.
BUT there are a few people that make up for everyone else! I believe God has given these people--one in particular--to give me a role model for being graceful in the direst of circumstances!
This person who I won't name because I don't have her permission to be writing about her in a blog---is FAITHFUL. She is faithful to God--THANKFUL for every small victory--and encourages me to do the same. This isn't a rich woman who spends her days shopping for herself--or decides who to befriend or give to based on what benefit it will mean for her--This is a person who despite tremendous challenges in her life--approaches people with the thought "how can I make this person's life a little easier?" or "What could I do to encourage this person in Christ?" or "Are there some words or actions from me that could resolve some problem today for this person?" WOW!
This is a woman who once had it all. I am sure there were a lot of jealous people out there, and probably those who assume she has life handed to her on a silver platter--are still jealous. You would think if you met her today for the first time that her life is a breeze--she has plenty of reasons to be joyful and thankful. And that's what she would tell you...because she IS joyful and thankful.
But heartbreak has been a major part of her life for many years....I won't go into details--but it involves a lot of loss--husband/father; relationships; and working full time while raising children on her own-------making decisions on her own--dealing with circumstances with your kids you never dreamed you would have to in your life....burying your mother....going through major surgery. She leans not on people for understanding--she leans on God.
I actually know another strong woman who is facing dire challenges with grace. It's just I haven't known her as long as the first one--but I am amazed by both.
I can look at their challenges as I face my own--challenges I never dreamed of. I knew life would not be easy but I wasn't prepared for what God had in store for me.
Because of this person's testimony--I am prepared for today. Her graciousness toward me makes me want to offer her encouragement--to cheer her on! Doesn't Christ command us to do this? Shouldn't we lay down our life for our brother? If we could just encourage one another through our faith, and not seek to discredit and distrust, we have a lot better chance of walking in God's will.
The posts range from my reactions from when J.B. Hunt slipped on some ice, resulting in his death and my memories of his funny expressions and stories to posts on Christmas traditions and Bill's health issues and sometimes ensuing miracles!
I wanted to just quickly share a thought that has run through my mind several times today----this verse: "That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith" Romans 1:12
This has been one of those mornings that I just don't understand the words or actions of some people. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or if it's because of my station in life, or if its just God teaching me humility--but it seems that weekly and sometimes daily, there are people who say things or do things to tear me down. Maybe not intentionally--I would guess people behave this way because of distrust--but I can't for the life of me figure out why I would be the recipient of that.... Maybe I'm still naive--too transparent--too trusting. I think though, I treat people the way I would want to be treated.
BUT there are a few people that make up for everyone else! I believe God has given these people--one in particular--to give me a role model for being graceful in the direst of circumstances!
This person who I won't name because I don't have her permission to be writing about her in a blog---is FAITHFUL. She is faithful to God--THANKFUL for every small victory--and encourages me to do the same. This isn't a rich woman who spends her days shopping for herself--or decides who to befriend or give to based on what benefit it will mean for her--This is a person who despite tremendous challenges in her life--approaches people with the thought "how can I make this person's life a little easier?" or "What could I do to encourage this person in Christ?" or "Are there some words or actions from me that could resolve some problem today for this person?" WOW!
This is a woman who once had it all. I am sure there were a lot of jealous people out there, and probably those who assume she has life handed to her on a silver platter--are still jealous. You would think if you met her today for the first time that her life is a breeze--she has plenty of reasons to be joyful and thankful. And that's what she would tell you...because she IS joyful and thankful.
But heartbreak has been a major part of her life for many years....I won't go into details--but it involves a lot of loss--husband/father; relationships; and working full time while raising children on her own-------making decisions on her own--dealing with circumstances with your kids you never dreamed you would have to in your life....burying your mother....going through major surgery. She leans not on people for understanding--she leans on God.
I actually know another strong woman who is facing dire challenges with grace. It's just I haven't known her as long as the first one--but I am amazed by both.
I can look at their challenges as I face my own--challenges I never dreamed of. I knew life would not be easy but I wasn't prepared for what God had in store for me.
Because of this person's testimony--I am prepared for today. Her graciousness toward me makes me want to offer her encouragement--to cheer her on! Doesn't Christ command us to do this? Shouldn't we lay down our life for our brother? If we could just encourage one another through our faith, and not seek to discredit and distrust, we have a lot better chance of walking in God's will.
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