Then Say It!

How often are we encouraged or inspired by someone and we never say anything about it?

I'm guilty of this and so are you.

Meanwhile, the person goes about their day not knowing they'd influenced someone's life.  And that's fine since that wasn't the point of whatever they did or said.  BUT!  How often do we put ourselves out there and in return, silence is the only response we receive?  It can be discouraging at times.

Here's an example from my own life.

I had once written a story and sent it to some friends.  The story was particularly special because, as distance had now separated us, it was written to connect us again.  The story was about us.  I was hoping we could somehow share one last moment together through it.  So I sent it out and heard very little in return like, "Good job," and things like that (or nothing at all).  I wasn't offended because I knew how busy life could be.  However, I was sure the story would've evoked more of a response from them.  But it just didn't.

Or so I thought!

As it turned out, for at least one person, it had.  They just never said it.  It was two years later that we talked about my story.  And he told me how it had added value to his life by helping him to get to know himself better (among other things).  And this totally blessed my day, encouraging me to write without worrying about the silence of others or the insecurity it can create.

I became a stronger person that day.

So friends, don't wait until tomorrow to let someone know if they've added value to your life!  Tell them today.  It'll be worth it, I promise.

If you are encouraged or inspired by another person, then say it!

 

And remember!  Just because someone doesn't respond to something you did or said, it doesn't mean that they weren't positively affected by it!

Mystery Post!

Note: A "Mystery Post" is a post selected totally at random.  There's a lot to explore on this blog & this is a fun way to do it!  Enjoy!

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What She Loves

My youngest sister, Chloe, is quite impressive on a horse.

I, myself, am afraid of the animal!  They're huge and they're strong and they never seem to do what I want them to do; I'm always worried I'll get hurt.  But for her?  There's no fear.  And she's even been bucked off before!  It just doesn't matter what happens... she continues to ride!

In fact, Chloe competes regularly and is always surpassing her "personal best" in timed events, winning awards and prize-money.  She even brought home $500.00 from a single event!  She rides the same horse each time but somehow keeps improving.  And that's the mark of a professional, if you ask me.  (New Horse Update: She now rides with Jagger.)

But what's really cool is that she found something she loves doing.  

And isn't that what we're all searching for?  To do what we love & to love what we do?  Well, friend, it is obtainable.  The fact is, we make choices everyday that will affect the outcome of our lives.  And for Chloe, she knows what she wants.  And that's inspiring!  If you're uncertain about what you like to do, click here.  I have some suggestions for you!

And finally, I want to congratulate Chloe on hitting 5,000 followers on Instagram!  And she did it while being in the Emergency Room. (Insta Update: 40,000 followers.)  There was even a fan-page made about her, which is pretty cool.  Keep doing what you love, Chloe!  You're making a difference in this world.

**If you'd like to read more about Chloe's Emergency Room experience, check this out!  It's definitely worth your time and involves a very mysterious event.**

And if you like stories, here's one I wrote just for Chloe!  You can find it here.  There's also an audio version available.  If you'd prefer that, Subscribe to this blog and I will send it to you!

(top, right-hand corner ;)

 

This is us at one of our favorite places!

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Eric Metaxas

On this blog, I often write about life stuff and the people I enjoy.  That said, I'd now like to tell you about a man named Eric Metaxas.

Eric graduated from Yale University, lives in New York City, and is the author of two biographies worth mentioning, Amazing Grace and Bonhoeffer.  Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce who fought to end the British slave trade and Bonhoeffer, the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer who fought to end Hitler's assault on the Jewish people.  The latter is a New York Times #1 bestselling book and he's written many others as well.

His latest book is called Miracles and while I'm only just getting into it, I'm quite happy with where it's headed.
 

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