Encourage one Another. Inspiration from Cookie.
In my first Encourage one Another post I shared how I am committed to writing happy mail this year and so far so good! It is just a small thing I could add into my routine and I made it easy for myself by setting up a box of stamps, stickers, pretty stationary etc. All things I have it was just putting all in the same place!
A friend, and Bluebird, Cookie shared with me her little goodness mission which is what I want to tell you about today.
Cookie told me there is a group called Creative Kindness connected to Scrapbook.com who send cards to hospitals, nursing homes, veterans hospitals, people going through hard times... and it is across USA and UK... and others.
Recently Creative Kindness asked for Valentines Day cards which are given to Doctors, Nurses and other staff to give to those in their care. So as usual Cookie got to work!
As long as I've known her Cookie has made gorgeous cards and sent me some too! But I did not know about this charity.
So from her supplies she made up...
They are beautiful Cookie and we just know they will be a blessing!
Now of course we can do our own versions of something like this. There might be people who spring to mind that you already know are lonely. I know that Cath makes many cards which are sold to help raise funds for a nursing home. We all can find out our little niche. There are many talents and many callings! Together that all make up a jigsaw more beautiful than we can imagine.
There is a local man who grows way more veggies than he can ever use. He gives veggies to so many people. My daughter and I both have cooking to do this week thanks to him! That is his ministry!
It is not true that we can't make a difference! That is the biggest lie ever. You can run a mission from your own home in so many ways.
Possibly when we look for goodness we see more of it but I have seen and heard many things that have been very uplifting this last week! I feel encouraged!
Romans 12:6
"We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us. However has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in a way that fits the kind of faith they have. Whoever has the gift of serving should serve. Whoever has the gift of teaching should teach. Whoever has the gift of comforting others should do that. Whoever has the gift of giving to help others should give generously. Whoever has the gift of leading should work hard at it. Whoever has the gift of showing kindness to others should do it gladly."
"Generous persons will prosper, those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Prov11.25. It is a win win. Cookie you inspired me and many beautiful things that happened in recent days encouraged me. I also had some extra sleep and how good is sleep!? I am ready to take on the new week!
Sometimes encouraging someone is as easy as just being cheerful and kind to everyone you meet. We don't necessarily have to plan it! We just get opportunities! They are often the best of all. xxx
Dear Annabel and Cookie, what a beautiful post. Cookie, those cards are magnificent! They truly are beautiful. This is such a wonderful idea. It is so lovely to have someone think of you. What a beautiful thing to do. You are right, there are so many ways to share, and give, to be of service to others. I would love to increase my giving in 2025. Thank you Cookie for your beautiful acts of service. Lots of love, Bridget
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful cards Cookie and for a wonderful cause. Another uplifting post Annabel, I think we all need this type of encouragement to help balance the fear and uncertainty in the world 🙏
ReplyDeleteFrom Cheryl
Dear Annabel, your tray bakes,.pies, cards all so beautiful. I do not know my gifts. I have prayed about it for years. I have lost all will since my friend died a few weeks ago from self harm as you know. I am so depressed. I have to say how it is. My family love me I know but they just don't understand. Surprisingly since my dear aunty had such dreadful schizophrenia I loved her so much and really understood her. I love others but when your "bank" is empty it is very hard to nurture others. I love to cook for others. I just don't know how to use this if I had a larger home I would bake for all ! Love Sonia
ReplyDeleteHugs for you Sonia. I’m sorry you are having a hard time.
DeleteDear Sonia, I am so sorry you feel so low. It is really understandable to feel depressed after losing your friend like this. If you feel your depression is beyond that go see your dr and express how you are. It sounds like you have a tremendous gift to be the one to love and understand your Aunt! Firstly focus on getting yourself well. Later if you are feeling better and dont know what to do I would say bake for anyone who is unwell, lives alone or ask your church if they can suggest a person who is doing it tough that would love the gift of some baking! I really hope you feel better soon... a loss and a trauma do knock you out badly. You also have shock. So please hang in there! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDear Sonia
DeleteThat is extremely tough. Please be very gentle on yourself and feel your feelings. Can you get outside help?
I found getting a bit active outdoors helped me in deep grief.
All the best 💕
Dear Sonia, its hard to be saying goodbye to someone under those circumstances. The symptoms of grief and depression are quite similar… the difference is the time it hangs around. So remember that this too shall pass. You should be looking after yourself. As someone who has walked some tough roads, and walked alongside others on tough roads for many years, i can say with certainty that self care is critical. So…every day needs good food, a bit of exercise, and at least 15 min of an activity just for fun. Reading, craft, baking, sitting in a flower garde. Whatever fills your bucket. The key is something physical, emotional, and spiritual health every day. Even if you dont feel like it. Making the effort to have a coffee with a friend or family member. Even if you dont feel like it! And if needed, your gp may be able to give you a mental health care plan for counselling or other treatment. Hang in there. It came to pass.
DeleteDear, Sonia
DeleteI'm praying for you. That the Lord Jesus ministers to your heart over this great loss. You have come to the right place for encouragement. The Bluebirds will give you practical help, lots of love, and prayer.
Blessings, Leslie
Great job Cookie and others who send cards!.........Nancy
ReplyDeleteDear Annabel, Bridget, Cheryl, and Nancy,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. I hope that mentioning the very worthwhile organization of Creative Kindness that maybe some others will be able to send cards off to them.
Sonia, I am in agreement with Annabel. I hope you will feel better soon. You have a lot to offer in this world with your love and kindness to others. Cookie
Dear Annabel, Bridget, Cheryl, and Nancy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. I hope that by mentioning the worthwhile organization of Creative Kindness that others will take the opportunity to send cards to them.
Sonia, I am in agreement with Annabel. You have a lot to offer the world with your kindness and love. I hope you are feeling better soon. Cookie
Thank you Cookie and Annabel!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely cards! And such inspiration. I will have a card making day with my kids. I now work for a Senior Living center. The residents will love these!
Thanks again,
Leslie