Giving Out of Your Need

I feel that one way to overcome disappointment and discouragement is to help someone in a way that you enjoy.

When we give encouragement and hope to people in a way that is enjoyable, we always receive more than we give.

Why not take action and do something opposite of the way you feel?

If you are emotionally down, lift someone up who needs to be encouraged. If you are struggling physically or relationally, give some words of encouragement to someone who is hurting in the same way!

I am a candidate in our local police department Volunteer Academy. Our first class was last night. I was very encouraged! I want to help solve problems in our community. I am meeting some wonderful people who want to help solve problems!

Why not try something that you enjoy to encourage someone? You may be surprised at the result! I am!

New Ideas

I have taken action on some creative risk-taking ideas during the last week. They have really improved my emotional health. Let me me share them with you.

I visited a spring open house for our homeowners association last Sunday afternoon. I met three people who inspired me. One of them asked me to run for the board of directors. I did it and got elected.

Then I applied for the volunteer academy at our local police station from a flyer I found at our association open house. The volunteer coordinator was very kind and encouraging.

I asked if the police department had a chaplain and the volunteer coordinator told me no, but they would be interested in a proposal from me.

Three ideas and three steps of faith. I had never thought about or done any of those three things. I had been in an irritable mood right be before I acted on those ideas. My wife noticed my improved mood since I took action on those three new ideas.

None of these new adventures pay me any money. I am not really overflowing with money right now, but I know that opportunities will come as I serve and give my time, energy and ideas and learn new things on my new teams.

Why not try something new? What do you enjoy? What comes naturally to you? Think of some ideas and take some daring action. Keep trying different things until the doors start opening and you find yourself with safe people at the right time.

Sometimes the the way we receive the hope and encouragement we need is to give ourselves to a cause that is larger than we are. I have discovered that our Creator has a perfect plan for you and me. All we have to do is start knocking on doors that interest us.

We will always find fulfillment, hope and encouragement as we give ourselves away to bring hope and encouragement to others! Dare to step out of your boat and walk on the water. It's fun and exciting!