I've been really overwhelmed lately with how much the Lord has blessed me with great friends through blogging. Leaving my college town with friends near by was tough. Coming home to good friends moving away was tough. Making new friends is tough! I've been so thankful for the friendships that are forming through our small group at church and sweet couples are quickly becoming some of our closest friends. But, there have been moments where I have truly felt that all my friends live in different states! Ha! But, I am incredibly humbled and thankful that the Lord has placed women from across the US to love on me, encourage me, and just be intentional with me from thousands of miles away.
One of those sweet friends is Michaela. I've read her blog for quite some time, but it wasn't until I contacted her about helping me put together all the details of our new home that we truly began a friendship. Slowly our emails turned to more about life happenings than decorating a house and she became a huge encouragement to me spiritually. At the beginning of the year we decided to go through a book of the bible together and I have loved doing bible study with a friend who lives across the country.
Michaela came to me with an idea recently and asked me if I wanted to team up with her. I quickly said, "DUH! Absolutely!" and I'm so excited to share this with you today! Almost a year ago Michaela was on the receiving end of a very gracious and anonymous gift (read more about it on her blog today) and it really blessed her and stirred something up inside of her. She knew that she wanted to pay it forward on that same day this year and she wanted to include all of us, too! This next week we want to encourage you to be observant during your daily routine. Do you see a Mom struggling with her kids at the store? Offer to let her in front of you in line. Does the person behind you in Starbucks look like she needs an extra shot of espresso? Buy her a gift card. Have you neglected to be intentional with a friend? Send her a card or shoot her a thoughtful email to let her know you are thinking of her. There are so many ways that we can bless others joyfully and without the attitude of wanting something in return. Pray this week that the Lord would open your eyes to the way you can love on others!
Next Monday Michaela will host a link-up where you can share your stories. This isn't a place to brag, but a place for you to share how selflessly blessing others impacted YOUR heart. This is a time to encourage others to be a little more kind and love just a little bit more. In light of all that has happened in our country and our world recently, I'd say that we could use a little more love.
Are you in? Share below if you are!