Eternal Moments E-newsletter:::a review

What is encouragement? ... Do you need some?

This month, through Gabby Moms, we are reviewing the e-newsletter from Eternal Encouragment. Due to a glitch, I didn't receive my newsletter the prescribed way, via e-mail on a weekly basis. I have, however, been forwarded two copies of the newsletter. They arrived together in my inbox, I held off opening them and decided to prayerfully reframe my expectations. It feels shallow to admit my initial disappointment, I tend to put too much emphasis on details and a forwarded copy of an e-newsletter is typically something I would put in the trash bin without hesitation. My mind wondered, can this format really bring encouragement? So, I have spent some time this last week reflecting on encouragement.

I ran an informal poll in my home. I asked my husband and two of my three sons (ages 6, 4 and 6 months) what encouraged them, more specifically what can I do to encourage them. I broke the concept down into something that built them up; made them feel excited to continue; happy. My oldest shared that he feels encouraged when I hug him and kiss him and cuddle with him first thing in the morning. He told me that when I tell him that I love him, he feels like his heart gets bigger and he can't wait to love other people. My middle boy said that he feels encouraged to know that I pray for him before he gets up in the morning, this makes him feel safe and happy and close to God. My husband said that when I affirm him and his decisions he feels encouraged. He also said that the more we communicate and are unified in the details of our lives, the more encouraged he feels. I didn't ask the baby, of course, but noticed how desperately he searches my face for eye contact and once he gets it, he squeals and smiles and responds in every way his little body can.

Their answers made me think. Encouragement is of God. He made laughter and beauty and all wordless encouragements. He created breathtaking sunsets and nature scenery that is so spectacular it gives testament to His glory, and when our heart is quiet it can take in His majesty and be affirmed. He also gave us His word which contains written encouragement, practical direction. Real encouragement contains perspective and carries us back to the plumb line of scripture. It reminds us what is true, gives the big picture and reveals grace in the little picture. As I am following the mandates in scripture, specifically in Titus 2:3-5; loving my husband and children, serving them...I am able to be a vehicle of God's encouragement direct to their hearts.

Now, having processed and revamped my expectations, I was excited to dig into the e-newsletters. I was hopeful to find encouragement to my own heart to better equip me to be a wife and mother who is an encouragement to those I have been given to love. I was not disappointed.

The newsletter sparkles with the heart of the founder, Ms. Lorrie Flem. There are all sorts of tidbits, quick takeaways that offer perspective. I especially enjoyed the Chick Flicks for Moms, a video of Lorrie sharing helpful and practical advice from topics ranging from whining to communication with our husbands. I dove for a pen as I heard her say that our husbands have a 'destination mind' and we must fast forward to the bottom line when communicating with them. She said that God made women to love details and storytelling and men to cut to the chase. We are to complement each other and since God made me this way, I can go to Him with all the details and He would love to listen. That visual warmed my heart and simplified something I struggle with; being an effective communicator with my husband. This point seemed all the more personal since my husband had shared that he feels encouraged when we communicate effectively. Spending time and receiving advice from a woman who has cultivated a lifetime of studying and implementing Gods word into family life is a gift. I fully recommend going to http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ and subscribing to the Eternal Moments E-newsletter.

**I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.**