Encouragement

I love some of the letters in the new testement, not always for what they teach, but for the example those writing it set to fellow christians to care for each other. I love keeping in touch with fellow christian friends. Hearing about the joys in their life and praying for them when things are more difficult. Here are some verses from 2 Timothy chapter 1 i really like:

Encouragement to Be Faithful

3I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

I do thank God for my friends and unfortunatly most of them live far away. However the internet has made life a little easier to keep in touch. I love the few opportunities I get to spend time with them, and pray for them everyday thanking God for them.

It is also important to be there for friends. Not only to love them, but to be a real friend. Listen to them, help them with your experience, pray with them, and most of all affirm and encourage them! They are a beautiful child of God and do wonderful things. We each have talents and it is so important to be able to encourage each other and know we are doing well. Especially with their faith.

always praying for you!
God Bless!
your sister in Christ~Erin

Commitment

So i've taken a break. Quite a long break, but hey i'm in college and things get busy! Anyhow, I'm back! And like at the beginning of any semester I am ready to renew some commitments. Most of us have goals that we strive for to help us make our lives more meaningful, or just to get done all the things we "want" or feel we somehow must do. I have a few goals of my own as well.

* Do a personal devotion every day
* Read for fun everyday
* Write more (blogs or journal)
* Keep in touch with people
* Pray

These are specific things I want to commit to (perhaps again) that i've fallen short on. Even if no one cares, I know it helps me to write them down and I encourage you to do the same. Although I may only be 20, I do have some experience which I always try to share, mostly however I simply share my questions, thoughts, and doubts about anything that comes into my head.

Yesterday at our lunch we discussed Spiritual Growth. It is important for all of us to grow, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But how? Well exercise and a healthy diet, studying and going to school, and spending time with God. For all of us these are different, but it is important that we find our own ways that we grow spiritually. There will be periods of no growth, and short times of extreme growth, but not without the effort. I encourage you to find what helps you grow, commit to it, and find a partner or friend to keep you accountable.

Always there for you is God. I only try my best.
your sister in Christ~Erin