Seize The Day
Encouragement is such an important thing to do. The Bible tells us in I Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage One another and Build each other up! Encouragement can make such a difference in the lives of others.
As we journey through life we encounter different seasons. Sometimes we feel like we are on a mountain top, other times we feel like we are in a valley! When you look at the people around you it is often unclear where they are on their journey! They may be celebrating a victory or facing a great challenge. Either way, offering words of encouragement and hope will brighten their day.
Seize The Day Card
Today as I sat with one of my team members, she shared her story. I was so incredibly blessed to see how the gift of encouragement brought her hope and changed her life. Here is what she shared:
“Stampin’ Up! saved my life. After my husband died, I was in a deep depression and I was becoming a hermit. I didn’t want to leave my house! My friend Roxanne, who is a demonstrator on your team, reached out to me and invited me to attend you Stampin’ Bunco night. Roxanne knew I needed to get out of the house! When I came, I was welcomed with so much love and I felt happy to be there. When I saw the swap cards you were trading, I was inspired and wanted to try stamping. You encouraged me to start a Paper Pumpkin subscription, so I did. As I began to stamp, I remembered how much I enjoyed crafting! I grew more excited about the Stampin’ Up! products so I decided to join! I called Roxanne and she helped me become a demonstrator! When I attended your inspiration night team gathering, I felt so much love and encouragement. I discovered that I have hope! And now, I’m getting out, I’m being creative, I enjoy sharing with others and one day soon I hope to teach a class of my own.”
Wow! It made me so thankful to see and hear that Roxanne’s encouragement led to this demonstrators transformation!
This week I had an opportunity to send a card to another demonstrator friend named Rick. Yes, Rick is one of our awesome male demonstrators! I had recently witnessed Rick sharing with a group of demonstrators about a goal that he wanted to reach but didn’t know how. Immediately, all of the demonstrators around him starting sharing ideas to inspire and encourage Rick and guess what happened, a few weeks later, he reached his goal!
When Rick shared that he had reached his goal, he took a photo of his goal setting sheet. I was so touched when I saw my name listed as a part of his support team! I was even more blessed to see how encouraging words led to Rick accomplishing something he had previously thought might be impossible to do. Rick worked hard and reached the peak of that mountain. I’m so happy for him.
Here is the card I made for Rick to celebrate his accomplishment.
Seize The Day Card
This card was made with the stamp set called Seize the Day! What an appropriate name.
To create the sun, I took a scrap piece of Thick White Card Stock and punched a 1 3/4 circle out of it. I then used that piece as a template and laid it over a piece of Whisper White Card Stock and sponged in the punched out area with Daffodil Delight ink.
I don’t know who God has placed in your life at the moment. But one thing I do know is that you can make a difference by speaking words of encouragement to those you encounter. Guess what, when you offer encouragement to others and see the difference it makes, you will also be encouraged.
So, go out, speak life, give hope, inspire others and be happy knowing you ARE making a difference.
