The first post of a new year is a special one for me to publish. Sometimes, I miss my two older blogs, blogs I began back in the years of 2011 and 2013. Looking back on God's goodness in years past has a way of encouraging one's heart.
Nonetheless, I'm happy to have just one blog now where I can share things to hopefully inspire and encourage the hearts of others. Since I’m finished sharing on my health blog, that might mean more posts here. We’ll see.
Besides giving others a peak into my personal life (which is what makes having a blog so much fun), if I could do just one thing with a blog, it would be to encourage the hearts of other Christians.
Sadly, the evil one is on the prowl in a major way. I see it, and I don’t like it - at all. The Word of God says our adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion, “seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Satan is like a thief who comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. (John 10:10) He’s evil, and I don’t like him.
Satan hates God and anything of God. That makes people, made in the very image of God, his targets. Those who love the Lord and walk with Him are Satan’s prime targets. Sad fact.
I don’t like to think about or talk about Satan, but he is real - very real. And he is out to discourage those who live for God. Like a snake, he is sneaky and crafty. His arsenal is full of different methods that work when someone is caught off guard.
Not a pleasant topic, that is for sure. But discouragement is real. And now, perhaps more than ever, God's people need encouragement.
A little over a year ago, I went through some old cards and letters I had saved from friends. Many of mine went as far back as 10 years ago, some even more. Many of them touched my heart deeply as I re-read them. One card was from an older, Christian woman who died many years ago. Her card is one I will always cherish. I've always treasured hand written cards and letters, and going through my old cards and letters made me realize, again, how special handwritten notes are.
I admit, as much as I enjoy receiving a hand written letter or card from someone, I am not a huge letter writer myself. When I was a girl, my mom taught me that it was always nice to send someone a thank you note if they gave you something. So yes, I do tend to do that. And I enjoy sending friends a birthday card in the mail. But to send someone a letter or "thinking of you" card, that doesn't happen quite as often.
My mom is so good at sending people cards. She has a gift that I don't have. In recent years, I've come to see it as a ministry. And it inspires me.
I love the use of modern technology. I can send an email, a text, a voice message, or call someone in another state (or country!), and we are connected instantly. Who would have ever thought? I love it. (I also enjoy blogging, obviously.)
After replying to emails, texts, or voice messages, I don't usually save them unless I need to. I might keep older emails, texts, or messages for a week or two at the longest. It is common for my email inbox, text, and WhatsApp to be completely cleared of all messages.
But old letters and cards? There is no way can I throw those away. (unless it was one that didn't have much significance) I'm beginning to understand, in a greater way, the ministry of a hand written letter or card.
Just a simple, thinking of you, or praying for you card or letter can go a long way in encouraging someone. I received a couple cards or letters like that in the mail this past month, and they encouraged my heart greatly.
I am inspired to do that more myself, especially for dear sisters in Christ.
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