day 129: Encourager Checklist (VI)

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Always be joyful.

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Today's checklist item on how to be an encourager is short--- but really, REALLY hard.  I think it's something I struggle with a lot (how sad is that???)

Our next item on the Encourager Checklist is: Be Joyful.

I read this and thought, "Oh no!  I'm doomed." because, sometimes, I'm not the most joyful person. Ok, more often than not I'd say (or at least that's now I feel sometimes).  And that leads to feeling ungrateful which leads to feeling bad which leads to feeling down which leads too----

You get the idea.

I read in my Study Bible that, "If we do God's will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful."

I am very thankful--- So thankful for everything God had given me.  Sometimes I think that's why I don't have more joy (ok, therapy session for Kelly today---).  Bare with me... maybe you are the same way.  I feel like God has given me so much (a husband who loves me-- 3 awesome kids), and I'm afraid I'm going to mess things up.  So while I'm thankful-- I'm so caught up in the worry that I lose the joy.

What a silly way to live lol (and yet I do it).

To be an encourager means to be joyful in even the midst of problems.  To know that no matter what, God is in control.  It also means that when we want to encourage someone, it is best not to have your sourpuss face on.  Its kinda hard to encourage someone when you aren't smiling, or at least act like you are in a good mood (maybe that's my problem lol).

How can you be joyful?

*Trust in God

*Know that He is in control

*Don't sweat the small stuff

*Smile

*Laugh

*Be excited about life (even if you have done the same exact thing at the same exact time for the past 6 years.......)

*Focus on the good things

*Help others

**There are lots more.  If you can think of any, I'd love to hear them. 

So, was this post meant for anyone today (*um* raises hand lol.... anyone else?)

God Bless You :)

Kelly