It’s YOUR Move Monday!

What a difference a weekend makes!

Here in the Ozarks we had spring like temperatures. Knowing it wouldn’t last, I savored the bright sunshine and warmth. Ahhh.

I hope you’re refreshed and raring to go. If you’re not quite there yet, here—> {{{HUG}}}

Feel the love?

I really, truly hope so!

I’m thrilled you’re here!

I have a delightful week lined up for you beginning with today’s post—It’s YOUR Move Monday—some power-packed encouragement designed to motivate and inspire. (Sound like an infomercial yet?)

Well, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and cozy up to the screen.

Unlike an infomercial, I’m not here to sell you anything.

This blog post is all about YOU.

AND it’s F-R-E-E!

I think most folks are tired of the buy me, like me, or kiss my grandma mindset.

We want to feel needed.

Valued.

Remembered.

I’ll start with a story.

Years ago, my family gifted me with a beautiful Mother’s Day ring. In the center was a marquise-cut diamond, surrounded by five smaller diamonds on each side.

It rated on all four Cs, of course. The carat weight, cut, color, and clarity were exquisite.

I loved it!

More to the point—it was a gift. From those I treasure the most—my family. And I love them.

I’d worn the ring a little over a year when horror of horrors—it happened.

“Wasn’t that a great message Pastor Randy preached today?” My husband maneuvered into the turn lane and we talked about Sunday’s service.

“I like how he tied all the points together toward the end.” I finished applying hand lotion and slipped my Mother’s Day ring back on my finger. “I especially liked the way—a diamond’s missing!”

“What?”

The car screeched to a halt.

“A diamond’s missing! One of the little ones. By the bigger stone. See.” I poked my hand out for inspection.

My heart fell.

Hubby’s heart fell.

Our church is huge. Massive. (We have a 700+ membership and a lovely, big building to accommodate folks.)

There was no way we’d ever find that little, ol’ diamond. Not in a million earthly years.

“Don’t worry, dear. We’ll visit the store next week and see what they can do. I bet it won’t be a problem to replace it.”

My hero squeezed my hand and I felt better.

But it was a problem.

“Did you purchase the additional warranty care plan?” the very nice lady at the jewelry counter asked.

No. No, we didn’t.

We did have the receipt of the original purchase, though, and the sales clerk called the manager over to discuss our dilemma.

“Best we can do, ma’am, is have our master jeweler take a look and try to repair it. Since you still have your receipt and all.”

The manager gave a perfunctory nod and turned back toward her office.

“You know—technically—if you’d like to belabor the point, if the customer still has the original receipt we’re supposed to make this right. If you know what I mean.” The saleslady winked.

We visited. We talked about our Christian beliefs. How we loved Jesus.

I didn’t want to “belabor the point.”

I wanted to see what the good folks of this store would do.

When the verdict finally came, a month after I’d dropped the ring off to be repaired, I stood in shock.

Then I cried.

Words like difficult to repair. (Huh?)

It’ll take five-hundred dollars. (More? In addition to the original purchase price?)

Would you like to purchase a different ring? (Are. You. Kidding. Me?)

We want our customers to leave happy. (But. I’m not. I’m very, very sad, in fact.)

Well, long story short…

That once-gorgeous ring?

The one to celebrate my Motherdom?

The one that said store was only too happy to sell?

The one my family so proudly gave me as a token of their undying love and the one my husband worked long, hard hours for?

Well—that diamond-less Mother’s Day ring now sits in a prominent location—inside the pretty padded jewelry box it came in. (Oh—and the box is white. For purity. Like the store’s values maybe. Hmm.)

Okay, so let me ask you.

Do you think we felt valued?

Needed?

Remembered?

Of course not!

But…

As Mama and Daddy always said… What goes around, comes around. (And if you’re familiar with Scripture, there’s truth in that. And lots and lots of wisdom.)

So.

As writers, bloggers, and people-lovers, (and in this day and age of doom and gloom and constant negativity), sometimes we’re called to be bigger.

Nobler.

I don’t mean more than or pretentious.

I mean set apart.

Paying it forward for the pure sake of doing so.

Giving back without expectancy.

Making someone’s day because of the sheer pleasure it gives them. And us.

Extending love.

Joy.

Peace.

Patience.

Kindness.

Goodness.

Faithfulness.

Gentleness.

And

Self-control.

You know—fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Easy?

No.

Sometimes I fail.

But I get back up and try again.

The reason?

I know what it’s like to need a cheerleader. (See this post.)

Maybe you need one or maybe you’re called to be one.

That’s why I do this, friend.

You are loved.

And I want you to know it.

Thanks so much for your time!

I treasure you.

Now.

Back to you.

It’s your move.

Go bless someone today!

***

PLEASE PASS IT ON

For writers, bloggers, and people-lovers… A story and a call to action.

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I found this post by Seth Godin thought-provoking. Your thoughts?

 ENCOURAGEMENT for YOU

The Pep Talk You Need Today

Don’t Be Daunted by Dream-Crushers

Have you ever had a Galatians 5:22-23 moment—one (or several) that grew your faith?

How did you respond?

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Please join me again this week for YOU’RE a Winner Wednesday and Feel the Love Friday! 

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I’m tickled you’re here!

Blessings Always,