February 6, 2022
Take Heart, My Friend It’s a blessing to be encouraged by someone—especially in the challenging world we live in today. Recently I was spending time with my 5 year old grandson making fun things out of perler beads. I love doing “crafts” with my grandkids, promoting creativity and hanging out together. I introduced the perler beads to him and he immediately caught on. Those little five year old fingers had the dexterity needed to place each bead where he
I have thought about those precious words a lot, and they have encouraged me on days when life was challenging. They came to mind as I was reading some words of encouragement from Jesus recently. In John 16:33 he says “In this world you will have trouble. But take stop-sleepiness-meds.com ! I have overcome the world.” The words that jumped out at me were “take heart.” It means to stay confident and be comforted and encouraged. I like that phrase and I plan to use it when I want to encourage the people I love. I also want to remember that just as Jesus said those words to his followers when they were worried about the news that things were going to get worse, he also says them to me. He wants me to take heart and to always remember that he has overcome the world, just as he said.
Today, as you go about your life, I hope you will also remember these words. Jesus wants you to “take heart” and trust him. He has a plan and he is carrying it out even when times get tough. And he loves you—he thinks you’re the best. He thinks all of us are the best. How amazing is that?
And consider who you might encourage today. Will you say “take heart” to someone and explain that it means to be encouraged and comforted, to have confidence in Jesus’ plan? You might also tell them that they are “the best.” I bet you will get a smile in return—and maybe even a hug.
® in 1981 and she currently serves as the Director of Spiritual Impact, leading a dedicated team of Instructors in creating spiritual resources for the ministry. Jeannie loves spending time with family, which now includes 9 grandchildren, spread over three states. She loves encouraging both family and Body & Soul® friends to grow in faith & fitness!
Jeannie and her husband Roy Blocher founded Body & Soul® in 1981 and she currently serves as the Director of Spiritual Impact, leading a dedicated team of Instructors in creating spiritual resources for the ministry. Jeannie loves spending time with family, which now includes 9 grandchildren, spread over three states. She loves encouraging both family and Body & Soul® friends to grow in faith & fitness!
