How encouraging someone encourages you

So I have to share this with you all. Last spring I gave some of my friends something special. You see, these friends had been planning to go abroad, graduate, or change their campus the next year. I gave them notes of encouragement for the coming year. Most of the notes included this verse: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 

I had no idea how these notes would come back to me. Just last week I got an email from my friend who is in another country as a student missionary. In this country she has to be careful of using certain words having to do with Christianity. So in this excerpt of the email you may see some words changed, that is just for her protection. We've had to be creative and think of new ways to get certain ideas across. 

"Sara, I have to tell you. Last week was my first week of teaching here, and it was really stressful figuring out all the ropes. Tuesday morning, I was really discouraged and downright scared to go back to teach, even though that was totally irrational. I talked with my father and asked him, how on earth am I supposed to bond with my students and make them feel at home in my class when I’m so scared? How will it be possible to become friends with them? And then, your note you gave me last year fell out of the book I was reading: “Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed…Thank you for being my friend…you can do it!” It brought tears to my eyes when I read that. I taught class that day and the next, and was still nervous, but I survived. Then, on Thursday, the burden of fear was suddenly lifted. So thank you for that note. It made a big difference."

I thought I would share this with you to show how giving notes of encouragement can make a big difference in someone's life, and in yours too. This email was encouraging to me, that I made a difference. If I hadn't given her the note who knows how she would have dealt with that day? She would have but it would have been different for sure. 

She's not the only one. Other friends told me the note has been encouraging to them, although not a particular instance like the one above, but they have been helped. So I want to encourage you to give friends a note every once in awhile. It will make a big difference. 

Such Wondrous Love- Poem#4

Here is another poem, not sure what my sister would call it, but this is what I would.


In the arms of my Savior
My Father and Friend
Here I rest, in the middle I pray
All of my troubles at His feet I lay down

His love goes all through me 
Like tea on New Years'
Brighter than sunshine
Yet soft like moonlight

It's warm and it's silky
It's happy this way
Not a joy or a sorrow
With Him I don't share

Through Jesus I'll do it 
Through Jesus alone
Dear God please help me
I can't on my own

POEM 3- Sunrise

Delicate little flowers in the morning dew
This bouquet is all for you
full of gold and ocean blue
arranged on a bench just in view

Will you come with me
in the morning dew
then we'll sit on the bench
and enjoy the view

We'll watch the sun rising up
lifting up the veil
opening His bedchamber
from its misty veil

And we will sit there talking
until its time to go
Perhaps we'll have a picnic
or maybe watch a show

But all I know is that today
we'll wish to stay not go

-----written by Miriam Downs 2019

POEM 2 - Stars

So, you have been asking for poems. Here's the thing, I am much more of a story writer. Poems aren't the kind of thing I write very often. BUT-- I discovered that my youngest sister has written some great poems! She even wrote one which was entered into a poetry contest, and, while it is uncertain whether she will win or not, the poem is also being included in the 2020 Rising Stars Collection by Appelley Publishing. SO, if any of you want to check that out, let me know. My sister is beating me to getting published! Since she is such a good poet, I am going to include some of her best poems on this blog occasionally.                                                             
                                        Here is one called Stars.

Little points of light
Twinkle in the sky
Like diamonds in the ocean
Or candles from a hill

Their beauty is amazing
Against the dark night sky
They fill my heart with wonder
With awe at all His order and design

God creativity
I know His love
Is fathomless
As is all of this beauty

Life Update 2020

Guess what! It's a new year and a new month. I know some of you may be wondering what I was up to these last few months. Well, I haven't been attending college because I am saving money to pay off my current loans before I return. College is expensive, if you know what I mean.
Instead of attending college, I have been busy in other ways. Most of my time is filled with working. But in my free time, I have been reading, knitting, and working on Christmas presents. Trying to fill my time so I don't miss my friends too much, many of whom are abroad, but some are still at college. I also try to keep up with everyone who is far away.
On that note, I have a request to make. If you are in the USA, I love getting and writing letters. Handwritten notes would certainly be more desirable than all these loan payment letters I keep getting!
So please, send me a message with your address, if you would like me to send you a letter. If I know you, or if I would like to get to know you better, I will do so. Thank you for your support.
                       Sara