8 ways to bless others.

"blessed is the home where each puts the other's happiness first."
I recently re-read that quote that we have hanging in our living room.I thought, "Yes, Lord! That's what I need to do!" Too often we look out for 'me' and do what makes 'me' happy, when we really need to get the focus off of ourselves and onto others. That's what God wants us to do. And, with His help, that's what I want to do. 
Here are 8 simple ways to bless others:

• smile - seriously, i think we all need to smile more. i know i do.

• say 'thank you' - sometimes we forget to say this. lets make it a habit to say 'thank you' more often.

• write notes of encouragement - write quotes or verses and sit them around the house or give them away. or maybe a simple note letting a friend know you are praying for her.

• make your sibling's bed - a simple task to help out.

• do a chore wihtout being asked to - to be honest, when i do this, i  sometimes try to sneek around the house and make sure no one sees me!! haha. it can be fun to do tasks/chores without being asked. it blesses others AND God is pleased.

• make a coffee for a friend and surprise her - who doesn't like coffee?? ;) and it may be just what she needs.

• visit your grandparents - i love spending time with my grandparents! they are very special to me. i know your's would be happy with a visit! bring a card or some cookies. play a card game or sing them a new song you've learned.

• offer to make supper for your mom - believe me, this is a huge help. meals can take time and preperation. i don't do the best at this, but I try to help out when i can. maybe offer to take one day a week and make supper for your family.

What are some other ways we can bless others?

- WE ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING -

love one another.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is  l o v e.

1 John 4:7-8

a prayer to pray

 EPHESIANS 6:7

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

I was flipping through “A Young Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus” when I came across something I had underlined:

>> Oh Lord, give me a heart of joy so I can follow in Your steps and gladly serve others. I need your help! When my heart grows cold or gets tired of serving, remind me of Yourself and how Your holy hands washed dirty feet. I want to become like You—I want to serve the needs of others. Please help me! Amen, and thank you. <<

Prayer taken from ‘A Young Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus’ by Elizabeth George

Is this your heart’s desire? It’s mine! I don’t always have a joyful spirit, though. Sometimes I get tired of serving, too. But, should we tier from doing things for God? Certainly not! I have to keep asking Jesus to give me joy and to help me be a willing servant.

I think it’s something we have to keep working on. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, we will slowly be more willing to serve others and overflow with a joyful spirit.

Serving. It’s a simple and noble assignment. And it is perhaps the most obvious sign of Jesus in you. When you serve others, your service will become an awesome reflection of the heart of your Savior, the greatest servant who ever lived.

Taken from ‘A Young Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus’ by Elizabeth George

COLOSSIANS 3:23-24

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

14 ways to show others Christ

• smile – While out shopping is a good time to smile more.

• say “thank you” often – A very good thing to remember. Isn’t it so nice when someone tells you thank you for something?
• really listen – Something I need to keep working on. When we listen, we should give whoever is speaking to us our full attention, that way we can show we truly care about them and what they are saying.
• ask about them and remember it – Yes. We shouldn’t just ask things to make conversation. We need to truly care about them and remember. 
• look them in the eye
• listen

• pray with them and for them – One of the most important things you can do for someone is pray for them AND with them. “Never doubt what one prayer can do”
• give them a deserved compliment – This doesn’t mean you should flatter them. Give them compliments about character qualities you admire in them. Maybe you appreciated how they stopped to help a younger child tie their shoe or how they let others go ahead of them.
• listen
• let them into your world
• tell them what you like about them – Again, this doesn’t mean flatter them. Use the same ideas as I mentioned in ‘give them a deserved compliment.’
• listen
• be authentic
• be honest
• encourage them – Here are a few ideas of ways I like to encourage others: send notes or cards, a sunshine box, visit them, text, email, or write a letter, give Bible verses, tell them that you are praying for them, listen, tell them what character qualities you admire in them.
• listen
• remember their words next time -  Maybe remember something they said and ask them about it next time you see them. That will show that you cared.
• empathize with them
• listen more – So, I think you probably got the point that we really need to listen. ;) It’s very important to show others we love + care about them. Really listen. Stop what you’re doing and look them in the eye.
  
  
  I hope this encourages + challenges you in some way. I know it challenges me!
   Ask Jesus to help you in the areas that you struggle with and He will help you do better.
  Keep trusting Him!
  
  "But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord!"
   ~Psalm 115:18