Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Phone Call of Encouragement


During the last few weeks, I read a book called "simple little words", by Michelle Cox and John Perrodin. Underneath the title of this book it said, "what you say can change a life forever". It was a powerful little book, and it spoke loudly to me. In one section of the book, I read a short piece about " the phone call of encouragement"...

..."The phone call is quick and easy and often lots of fun. But because of busy schedules, be prepared to leave your message with the answering machine. The phone call of encouragement is an excellent way to tell someone how much you care--to let them know you're thinking and praying for them. Remember, though, they can hear your voice. When encouraging someone, let them hear the smile in your tone. Keep such calls light and hopeful. And if the situation merits, let them know what you'd like to do to help. Perhaps prepare a meal, pick up some groceries, or watch their children for an afternoon. Or stop by with flowers. Mean what you say and follow through. In that way you can help shoulder a heavy burden for the person on the other end of the line."



The advice on this page stuck with me. I smiled as I remembered back over the last few years, the answering machine messages that I saved for weeks because they meant so much to me. And the many phone calls from friends that encouraged my days, and lightened my load, sometimes just by knowing they cared and were thinking about me. "Simple little words"...are a powerful tool in our world today.

16 comments:

Stacey said...

Judy, something just tells me that you could have written that book. You are always doing things for others! And your words are always encouraging. Is that book available in any bookstore? A Christian bookstore?

Happy@Home said...

I agree with Stacey that you could have written that book. I was thinking the very same thing when I read your post. The first photo of your grandson is so precious. The expression on his little face is adorable.

Blessings each day said...

How adorable is your little guy!

You are so on target with the smile in your voice, as I often call to mind the saying, that "It is not WHAT we say so much as HOW we say it."

blessings,
marcy

Anonymous said...

Excellent post Judy, thank you so much, I too love your photos:) Buddy and I are writing a book about our married life, it is so much fun!
Judy perhaps you too may want to write a book, you can change the world with your life stories:)
Christina

Judy said...

Words of wisdom! Such cute phone pic's.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Encouraging words speak volumes into one's heart...

Stay Cozy, Carrie

Lovella ♥ said...

What a wonderful reminder to make our words encouraging rather than disheartening. . I need to remember this one.

Tracy said...

So very true...we can never underestimate the importance of an encouraging word. Encouraging others is definitely one of your gifts. = ) We as your readers are the blessed recipients each day.

Anonymous said...

Words are such a powerful tool. Just recently my 16 year old grandson went to Summerset Mall with his friends. I used to take him, my granddaughter, and my other grandson Thomas there for outings when they were little. We would do all kinds of fun things. Well, he texed me on a Saturday evening to let me know he was there and was remembering all of the fun we used to have. I still have the tex. It was something I had not expected from a teenage and it melted my heart in a way I can't even begin to describe. Thank you for all of the kind comments you left on my blog ♥

momof3girls said...

love your reminder to us all - encouragement is a gift that is never out of date!

Shelley said...

This is such a great idea! I'm just thinking of how many lives you can touch with this. And your grandson is so cute - he obviously likes to talk on the phone! :-)

SeaWorthy said...

this little punkin pie looks just like his sweetest grama..for sure!!
nice thought! Im going to do it, thanks Judy!!
sorry its been so long since Ive been around!!
Lisa

lindsey said...

How sweet are these photo's? I get lots of heavy breathing down the phone when I speak to my Grandaughters!

LisaShaw said...

Judy I still save some messages on my voice mail for as long as I can. I even save my hubby's messages to me and replay them over and over :)

Beautiful reminder.

Loved the photos of your grandson. He's adorable!

Tea with Tiffany said...

I know John Perrodin. :) Not well but we've met at writers conferences. I love the idea of this book.

My phone rarely rings. I miss the voice to voice contact that e-mail has stolen.

Great words and sweet pics.

Anonymous said...

I do this with my nieces and nephews and with my daughter. I save messages to, because they uplift me so much.

Beautiful blog you have. :)

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