Encouraging Through Words... Pass it on (a Giveaway!)

If you remember my very first post of the year, I wrote about two of my "resolutions" for 2012.  

One of them was to "Be more thankful". 

I gotta tell you, letting others know about your resolution really keeps you accountable.  

But I am SO glad I did.

One of the most special ways I've decided to put this ATTITUDE of THANKSGIVING and encouragement into practice was through writing and sending cards.  I am a big fan of snail mail (for those of you born after 1999, you're probably wondering... "what's that"???  I love writing letters, and sending cards and postcards.  There's something special and personal about it (remember this post?).  

It can bring a smile to someone's face, or a tear of joy in the midst of hopelessness.  It can tear hard bonds and break hearts of stone.  It can make the distance a bit smaller, despite miles in between.  And it can express thanksgiving and encouragement when spoken words aren't fully there.  

A good example is Ruth Ann.  She's a sweet and faithful servant of God at our church.  She's been taking care of the babies in the nursery for many years.  Despite her humble and quiet demeanor, Ruth Ann possesses the biggest heart I've grown to know.  Both of my children are under her care at different times during the week.  If it's not on a weekly basis on Sunday mornings, she has now begun to watch both of them once a month on Wednesday evenings while I go to the prayer meeting or help out with the youth group.  And what a prayer warrior she is, too!  I know she was praying for me as I carried Elsie in my womb, and now that she's over 6 months old, Ruth Ann cares for my daughter as if she was her own.  

SOOO...

How could I find the words to truly express my gratitude for her service and care for my children?

I couldn't... 

So I sent her one of these...

If I were to develop and nurture an ATTITUDE of thanksgiving and encouragement, and commit to let people around me know how I feel about them, I believe I would be more patient, less angry, less anxious and stressed.  Because if I truly believe that being more other-centered is a calling for every Christ follower, then my life would reflect the character of Christ...

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

...

Right???

So, who do YOU need to encourage and thank today?

Have you taken the time to THANK or ENCOURAGE someone lately?

I had the privilege to get the Hope and Encouragement card set from the Holley Gerth's line, from DaySpring.  It had the most beautiful cards, with the most beautiful messages and Scripture verses.  

Holley Gerth's Hope & Encouragement Card Set from DaySpring - 10 cards

 These cards are perfect reminders of God's hope, grace, provision, and comfort.  

If you want to join me and start sending cards to those in your life who need an extra touch of love, visit the (in)spire DaySpring site to get your own set of cards.  They carry several different ones, from greeting cards to thank you cards.  

And THANKS to DaySpring

I have a $20 giftcard

to give away to one of my blog followers.

(Please note that shipping charges will apply.  Minimum purchase of $20 necessary in order for $20 code to work) 

Here's how to enter:

- Leave a comment about to who you will be sending a card, and how that person has impacted you. (1 entry)

- Blog, Facebook, Twitter about this giveaway (1 entry each)

Giveaway will run until Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 11:59pm.

I will pick a winner through random.org

Disclaimer:  The cards were sent to me for review by DaySpring.  All opinions stated are my own.