As I look back over the past two weeks, it has been filled with a lot of discouragement. I won't share all of the things that have happened, but in order to write this blog I must share some of them.

As you already know, the beginning of 2010 started with bitter cold weather. Here in Arkansas, we aren't used to having more than a couple of days at one time below freezing. However, this year has been different for us. We experienced a full week of freezing cold days which, of course, caused the pipes to freeze in the house where we live. It started downstairs where Greg V. lives. He had no cold water for a couple of days before the pipes upstairs froze, broke, and started spraying water in two rooms downstairs. Sonny spent the day working on broken pipes and restored the water to the upstairs. That night and the next morning, the water pressure varied from okay to nothing at all. It made it rather difficult to wash dishes and taking a shower was out of the question. (In the middle of all this, Sonny was working outside with Scotty H. on the septic lines for the MAP building.) Later that afternoon, it was discovered that the pipes to Greg's bathroom had broken and water was gushing out under the house. Once again, Sonny worked on the pipes, this time under the house. He wasn't able to restore water to Greg's room, but he did manage to cap it off so there was water to the rest of the house. Discouragement.

In the midst of all this freezing weather, broken pipes, and lack of water, my mom went to the doctor for her long awaited appointment. They called and asked her to come in early. When she got there, the doctor was in surgery. They asked her to come back later that day. When she got there, once again the doctor was in emergency surgery and would be in surgery all the next day. To top it all off, he was not going to be in his office the next week. They had to reschedule for two weeks later. More discouragement.

Next came the news about Norman's health. He suffered a mini stroke and was hospitalized. Several tests were run, he suffered another mini stroke, was sent to a research hospitial in Lexington where he stayed several days, had more tests run, and was put on different medications. Because of this, we had to make a decision on whether to continue our plans to go with Bryson to Winterfest in Arlington, TX, or go to Berea, KY. We cancelled our Winterfest plans, gave away our tickets (or one of them), started packing for Berea, and ran into other complications with more plumbing problems and other things. Discouragement upon discouragement.

So...a day later than we had planned to leave, we finally got on the road for Berea. The plumbing is working, Bryson made it safely to Texas, Norman is home from the hospital, and things are looking better from our point of view. Of course, there are other things that have been on our minds such as the earthquake in Haiti and so many others who are suffering from various diseases or mourning the loss of a loved one. Looking around and seeing so much tragedy and so many lives in danger of losing their souls is discouraging. No - it's more than discouraging. It's devastating!

Are you wondering why the title of this blog is "Encourage One Another"? I mean, nothing about it has been encouraging so far, has it? Well...here's the good part. Through all of the discouraging things that have happened so far in 2010, God has been there. I've have been amazed at how the sermons and Bible classes at our home congregation have carried with them the underlying theme of encouragement. We haven't just openly discussed encouragment, but the thought has been carried throughout the lessons. I'm always amazed at how God puts things together! Our family has been encouraged so many times this year by people volunteering to help with things that we can't accomplish by ourselves - such as the septic line. God knows we can't do it alone and He uses those who are willing to help. We've also had so many people offer prayers on behalf of Norman and my mom, but they haven't just prayed for him, they've included the whole family. Because of that, we are encouraged! Every day, I've gotten on FaceBook and had more than one person ask how Norman's doing and ask us to keep them posted on his progress. For this we are very thankful!

How does a person go through life without God? I just can't imagine (nor do I want to imagine) what life would be like without Him! I know without a doubt that He is in control and He is the one who sends encouragers our way. This year has not been the most pleasant or the easiest so far, but every time something "bad" has happened we were encouraged by someone in some way. What would it have felt like if no one had acknowledged that we were struggling? What if there had been no one there to encourage? I'm pretty sure our family would be down in the pits struggling to get out, but thanks to God and His people who are encouragers we are doing well. However, there are so many who don't have a relationship with God or a spiritual family who cares about them. And so many times, I have failed to take the time to let others know that they are on my mind (Christian or not). It is our responsibility to be encouragers.  (First Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...") Yes, some people have the gift of encouragement, but we all have the ability and responsibility. We can do it!

I am so thankful that I've been encouraged this year and I look forward to the opportunity to encourage others in whatever ways I can. I want to encourage each of you to step up and be encouragers. It takes so little, but it means so much. In fact, it could mean the difference between someone giving up on life or someone giving their life to God. Will you join me this year? Will you help "encourage one another"?

Haiti Earthquake Information:  The mission trip that Bryson took during the summer was conducted by Hope For Haiti's Children.  Here is message from their website:

The people in Haiti are in desperate need of help. The largest earthquake ever recorded in the area shook Haiti on Tuesday, the 12th of January. Our Haiti-based team, including the HFHC Program Director, are on the ground in Port-au-Prince assessing needs and providing relief to those affected by the earthquake.   HFHC is in the process of bringing in medical help and plans to deliver medical supplies, water, food, and eventually help to rebuild homes and schools.  All DONATIONS will be used to help provide assistance and relief to the Haitian People. If you can help in any way, the Haitian people will be blessed by your generosity and by your prayers. 

If you wish to donate to this cause, you can go to www.hopeforhaitischildren.org or, if you have any questions, contact Bryson at cindy@sonnychilds.com.