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Do you want to be an encourager? It’s something we all want to do, but knowing how to encourage others can be tough. And if you’re anything like me, sometimes I simply forget. Having a ready-to-go kit like this can help you to brighten someones day, lift their spirits, and remind them of God’s truth in their life.
It would be great if intention was all that mattered. We’d come out smelling like a peach most of the time, wouldn’t we. I mean, we all want to do better…to be better.
Unfortunately, our intentions don’t matter much if actions don’t follow.
Think about it. Does it matter if I…
… intend to clean my house, but never get around to it?
… intend to be on time but never check the clock?
I think we all intend to be encouraging people. But the real question is…do our actions prove that?
How to Encourage Others
There are tons of ways to encourage others. Here are a couple of articles I found that give lots of practical ways to be encouragers:
52 Practical and Thoughtful Ways to Encourage Others
Scripture Printables to Encourage a Struggling Friend
I’ve tried to make it a habit to speak positive things when I see them. (Because, you know, thinking something nice about someone doesn’t brighten their day unless you tell them). Something I’m not as great at is the written encouragement.
I have to say…getting a handwritten note always makes me smile. You too? But I’m pretty awful at follow-through in this area.
Often, some advance planning can help set us up for success. Make one of these kits for yourself, or put one together for a gift!
Put Together an Encouragement Kit
Get a container
Use a pretty basket, a simple plastic tub, or any kind of container you’d like. I like to use something that’s portable, so I can bring it to my dining room table to write out the notecards. But you could definitely keep your kit somewhere that you’ll see it and use it regularly.
I keep mine near where I like to read my Bible. It reminds me to use it when I see it.
Stock up on notecards
Check out some of my favorites:
Alumbra – Cards are hand crafted, with all proceeds going to spread God’s word in Peru
Birds and Berry – Handpainted nature themed notecards
Stock the essentials
For me sometimes the hardest part of getting something out in the mail is finding a stamp. They’re nowhere to be found! Remember, too, that not all cards need to be mailed. A hand delivered note is just as encouraging!
Besides stamps, make sure your container has pens (plural). Pens invariably seem to run out as soon as I sit down to write in a card. So having several handy is a nice thing.
Track your encouragement
Often times God will bring someone to mind to encourage. Unfortunately, if I don’t write it down, I will most definitely forget. Use a pretty notebook, journal, post-it or any other method that works for you
The main thing is, write it down. Not only will this list serve as a reminder, but it will be an encouragement to you that you are making a difference in people’s lives. Remember to pray for those on your list, too. God can encourage them in ways we can’t even imagine.
I’m going to send this encouragement basket to one lucky reader. It’s got 3 beautiful packs of notecards, pens, a small notebook, some stamps, and a basket to keep it all organized. You can enter to win starting next Monday, December 3rd. If you’d like an email reminder to enter, be sure to sign up here if you’re not already on our email list.
Enter below!
Contest is over…our winner is: LORI
Congratulations!!
What a great idea! The Bible talks about how important encouragement is. I can certainly relate to having good intentions but not following through as often as I would like to!
Glad it’s not just me!
What a great idea!! I love this!! I’m always looking for ways to give encouragement to people that I don’t know well enough for a more personal touch so this is great for doing things like for my husband’s staff, etc!!
What a wonderful idea Susan to have all of these things gathered together in a basket—and to track it too! I love to write and receive handwritten notes. 🙂 I just might have to try this one out. Thank you for sharing!
Love this idea. I recently bought an old school address book that I keep with note cards. When God puts someone on my heart, I send them a note. I think snail mail is a great way to encourage others! Blessings. 🙂
Keeping the address book with the cards is a GREAT idea!!
I am all about organizing and planning so this is perfect for me. I also never mail anything out because I never have stamps. That along will bring results. Lol
Yes! Stamps are the worst. Ugh.
This is an awesome idea, Susan! I really needed the reminder that thinking something good about someone does not brighten their day. I am SO BAD at actually saying compliments out loud. I really appreciate being reminded! Thank you!
I love this idea! My mom always had a bunch of cards in a card box so she could send them out to people on special occasions. In recent years she hasn’t been able to get out and get cards to refill the box so sometimes I try to remember to pick up blank cards she can use to send cards out.
Such a simple but effective idea. So many times I meann to send someone a card but I don’t because the materials are not easily accessible!
Thank you for these great ideas. I love the idea of an encouragement kit.
Love this idea. I have smaller classes this year, and this confirms my thoughts. I am going to write each of my students a letter for Christmas of why I am happy to have them in my class. I love everything about it!
I think that will be so meaningful! What a loving gesture.
I love sending people cards in the mail. And it’s always fun to have gifts on hand to be able to bless someone with a little pick me up. Great post. 🙂
Thanks, Nicki. I used to have a gift stash, too. Things like pretty notecards, journals, candles, some books I liked to gift…lady gifts. 🙂 I need to get back to that!!
This article was a breath of fresh air. Children do need some encouragement from time to time. A couple of years back I bought a set of positive notes. And, reading one every morning did help me through a bad phase.
So glad you were blessed by this. And thanks for the reminder of the power of words to encourage ourselves too! <3