--ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER ~~

--"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
--(1 Thessalonians 5:11/ NIV) --

~~I'd just finished playing my guitar and singing songs to a group of young birthday guests. I took on more of these birthday gigs to make money since my writing career had hit a lull.

"Who's ready for face painting?" I asked, and the children lit up with requests for animals, superheroes, and princess crowns. I tucked my guitar in its flimsy case and placed it behind me on the grass. Children crowded around me as I transformed their faces. I didn't even see the child who stepped on my case and broke the neck of my guitar in half.

When their faces were done, I reached into my case to play more songs. I held back tears as I saw my guitar held together only by its strings. The adults gasped, but the party wasn't over. I had to sing songs acappella with lots of animation and a big smile, even though I wanted to cry. The money I would make from this part would not go toward bills as I'd hoped. It would have to go toward another guitar.

I walked home feeling defeated It seemed as if no matter how hard I tried in life. I would always have to struggle. It wasn't just my guitar that was broken that day.

A few days later, the worship leader led me to the stage of our church. There were four guitars lined up like soldiers on the stands. "Pick the one you want," he said. He went on to tell me how much he believed in me and my talent as a musician. With each encouraging word, I felt new again, just like the beautiful new guitar I chose--its sound so much richer than the one that was broken. ~~

---"Thank You, Lord Jesus, for those who lift me up when I'm discourage. Help me to learn from their example and encourage others as well. In Christ's name.~~amen"

--"My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" --[Philippians 4:19].
--GUIDEPOSTS/KV~
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