Read these words this morning...truer words could never be spoken!

William Arthur Ward said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
After sitting around...most often a table...the last couple days with people, I have been made more aware of the simple needs we have.  It is easy to see the physical needs of people...but they need you to see the emotional and spiritual needs too.  Just a word, a hug, a question, an understanding nod, a prayer, a moment of your time...makes all the difference in falling apart into a puddle or being able to tackle the next step.  In talking with my sis yesterday, we talked about the importance of "...putting yourself in the shoes of another...how would you feel?  How would you want to be treated?"  Most often, we don't give it a second thought...because it takes time and would slow us down...or it would mean opening up and giving something of ourselves.  I then read through Daily In the Word and saw this quote.  2 Timothy 1:16-17 and Ecclesiastes 4:10
People have been encouraging to me, us...our whole family...in many ways.  As we are settling in and getting to know our new area, job, school, and church, I want to take advantage of each opportunity the Lord gives to give encouragement (the courage to go on) to another.  It makes a difference!  I know firsthand!