When Leanne penned a note to her daughter’s coach that day, she had no idea it would make such a huge difference in Jill Beran’s life. She didn’t know Jill was at her lowest point, where doubt and loneliness had lead her into deep depression.
With just the right words, God spoke courage and hope into Jill’s heart, through Leanne.
At just the right time, He reached through the darkness and touched Jill’s life, through Leanne.
The night Jill came home, her depression had turned to despair. And then Leann’s note fell out of Jill’s journal. Simple words of appreciation brought hope into the darkness. Someone saw something in Jill that she couldn’t see in herself. Someone believed her life was worth living.
Leanne’s simple words helped changed the course of Jill’s life. But, as I shared in my devotion today, that’s just the beginning of their story. You can read the rest of it in their book Letters from Leanne. Today, I asked them to share more with us about it:
Tell us a little about the book: Letters from Leanne is the story of our friendship over the last ten years and how God has worked through it . We share the joys and trials we’ve encountered on our walk of faith, but ultimately how we saw God’s hand in every situation.
Jill, why did you write this book? Initially, I wanted to thank Leanne. I’d been blessed by her perspective as a mom, her acceptance as a friend, her guidance as an older woman and especially the love she poured out as a Christian. But it isn’t just a thank you to Leanne; it’s a thank you to God. Our friendship has been and still is a gift. I pray by reading our story, women will be encouraged to build similar relationships in their lives.
What do you hope readers will gain? We pray women will be encouraged in their faith and inspired to find or be a mentor. We share how mentoring is not about having all the answers, but simply sharing your life with someone. We give you a look at a specific spiritual mentoring relationship and take you on the journey of how our’s grew.
We’ve also included questions in each chapter to help women apply what we share to their personal lives. Women are encouraged to slow down and take a look at their own lives and find lessons in the letters.
To find out more about Letters from Leanne, visit Amazon. And if you’d like to connect with Jill you can visit her blog.
Encouraging Words Gift Pack
A copy of Letters from Leanne
A $5 Starbucks gift card
A pack of pretty cards
A notepad to give away
20 verses to personalize and send to a friend*********************************
- Leave your name and email typed out (your name at email provider dot com).
- List one person you’re going to encourage this week and how you’re going to do it.
- List your favorite “encouraging” verse if you have one.
Be sure to come back Wednesday for a video blog chat with my friend, author and speaker, Jennifer Rothschild. She’s shares great insights as we talk about the power of words! Also, I’ll be sharing about new make-up I discovered that I call my “magic eraser.” We used it to cover Jennifer’s black eye. More about that Weds. You might even win some along with two of her amazing books and another gift card!
I love your devotion, Renee'. This very thing happened to me recently. I shared a word with a friend, whose little girl passed away last year (6 years old), because I felt a nudge from the Lord to encourage her. She told me a two weeks later that she had seriously considered suicide even taking measure to carry out the act, but the word I spoke to her came back to her. When she remembered the word, her heart was strengthened and she did not go through with it. I had no idea that she might even think of doing that! Her testimony of the Lord using those few words to stop her brought me to my knees. I am so grateful that He stopped her.
One of my very favorite verses to encourage with is Psalm 5:3 NIV "In the morning, O Lord, you will hear my voice; In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord. There is a ripple down affect and it reaches far.
Blessings!
Cheri
cheribunch at gmail dot com
Thanks for words of encouragement to encourage. 🙂 A couple of girlfriends' names came up, one struggling with cancer, another whose husband is out of work and a child struggling to find purpose, my own sons who need reminding that they are men of God.
jarich at hotmail dot com
I'm claiming Jer 29:11,too.
kthompson dot sdhsband at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging my husband, who struggles with worry. The Lord WILL provide, just what we need.
Matthew 6:34- Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
And of course, my all time favorite that applies to EVERYTHING-
Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I'm sorry that you lost your post, I can't stand when that happens!
I will encourage my husband today as he is the one taking care of the kids all day long and searching for a job.
I don't have a favorite scripture…yet. I am a new believer and am still in the learning process of reading and understanding the bible.
I will say that I like the scripture that Mama posted.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
That speaks to me in so many ways. Thank you!
brandiecolbert at yahoo dot com
My email is katie rose evans at yahoo dot com
I plan to send my friend Angie an encouraging card to tell her how much I appreciate her.
My favorite verse of all time is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you , says the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
lmorr613 at hotmail dot com
I am going to write an encouraging e-mail to a mom at church who has young ones and is down sick. Will also check with her to see that she is not lacking anything. Also, will be working on encouraging my husband with words and notes.
Just one Scripture is hard to do but Ps. 103:12 encourages me b/c it tells me I am forgiven: As far as the east is from the west so far hath he removed our [my] transgressions from me!
Thanks!
Tamara
[email protected]
I quickly used two verses to encourage my friend who recently lost her mother (I Peter 2:9) and has been in a really dark place as well as friend who is going to court today to fight for custody of her children (Rom 8:37). Thank you so much for this devotion. It touched my heart and I am hoping that I am able to touch theirs.
Email: sara020608 at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my best friend who's struggling with finding God's will in her life.
katie rose evans at yahoo dot com
Going to send my friend Angie a card to encourage her and tell her I love her.
My favorite encouraging verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, Plans to prosper and not to harm you, to give you hope future and a future."
That verse has helped encourage me and keep me going through the hardes times in my life!!
God Bless you Renee!
What a blessing your post on encouragement was! It came at just the right time for me.
amybhamner at gmail dot com
I am praying for and encouraging my husband. He is having to deal with a stressful situation at work with someone who is his coworker and friend. We are praying for his friend to turn around and make wise decisions.
The verse that speaks to me most is:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine….you are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you." Isaiah 43:1, 4 (NIV)
Thank you so much for the encouragement!
nikiih at nc dot rr dot com
I am sorry to hear that you lost your post. It's so tough when our schedules are tight and we put in so much hard work only to lose it!!!
I will be encouraging my 88 year old grandmother this week. We recently lost a beloved cousin and my grandmother is having a very tough time right now.
My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Blessings,
Nikii
I just now encouraged a friend through an email who is struggling as a wife and mother. For some reason, only the Lord knows, I have women reaching out to me to help them and I feel I am totally inadequate but with the Lord's strength and help, I want to be able to encourage them. Thank you for this devotion. I tell all my friends about Prov 31! I love Prov. 16:3 – Commit your works to Him and your plans will be established.
[email protected]
Jennifer F
Diane B. I forgot to leave my email address: [email protected], Thanks
I pray you got some rest.
My favorite encouraging scripture is Phillippians 4:6&7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace that transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
I will be encouraging my Uncle today and always, he just had his third surgery for cancer.
jbaehrel at hvc dot rr dot com
Sorry to hear about your post. I am looking forward to reading it today.
I called two sisters in the Lord yesterday to encourage them and to let them know I was lifting them up in prayer.
Psalm 18:1-2
I will be encouraging my mother-who is fighting breast cancer and the recent lost of her son and my brother.
My favorite scripture: All scripture"s
Blessings
Pam
Monica – [email protected]. I will encourage my daughter this week by listening to her with my undivided attention.
My name is Allison Baker
[email protected]
I will be encouraging to my mom as she is struggling in her faith right now.
My favorite scripture to encourage with is Job 19:25 and John 16:33. That though Job had felt as if everyone had left him, he knew his Redeemer lived, and that one day Job was going to see God for himself. Jesus has overcome all our struggles, so we should take heart. Oh what a Savior!
Lauriebaka @ yahoo.com
I Hope & Wish God Take Extra Special Care of Mary Millard and all The Ladies of The Church At Rock Creek.
I HEART Mary Millard and all The Ladies of The Church At Rock Creek so much.
I don't know any bible verse by heart or can't think of a Favorite.
Laurie [email protected]
T
Kristy Lee Farmer
[email protected]
I am encouraging a friend who is overcoming depression due to multiple deaths in her family. I lost my husband suddenly a year ago March 17th…we lift each other up!
Jer. 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to help you, not harm you…plans to give you a future and hope.
I've lost posts many a time. I started typing them out in Word and saving them there. It also helps with the memory of what I've posted about if I couldn't get on the net right away.lol
sojournerdkj at yahoo dot com
I'll be encouraging my daughter. She's going through alot at school and just in her precious little 11 year old heart.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER, LOVE, and SELF-DISCIPLINE(Sound Mind).{Which really, I could use a sound mind right now my own self!}
I'm so glad you chose sleep!!!
jjoneskw at widomaker dot com
My sister-in-law Denise
Jeremiah 29:11 – I have a plan for you; a plan for good
I so enjoyed your words of encouragement this morning. The sermon on Sunday was about encouraging fellow believers.
I will be encouraging my dear friend Anita. This is a very busy work time for her and she is a blessing to me.
My email is zobolala3 at gmail dot com
zobolala3 at gmail dot com
I was so excited to read your words of encouragement. I will be encouraging my friend Anita. She is an amazing woman.
Hi Renee
I'm sorry about your list evaporating into internet poof space.
I know how that is, as my time evaporates like that. But it is important to feel rested for the kiddos and the events of the next day.
Perfectly fine to rest up a bit before redoing blogs comes into play.
I will be encouraging my children as the day with them starts now as I hear my warning alarm going off. In case I get to interested in my facebook reading or daily friend contacts, emails and devotionals. I set the clock or post myself a reminder to keep things in check.
Yeah I'm just a bit nutty most days. I'm a stay at home mom & trust me God comes first in my mind and heart. Not always in my actions I guess, as I get discouraged or impatient some days or just plain exhausted. But the internet also is my sources of encouragement and help. From cleaning advice, recipes and parenting advice to christian devotionals. It comforts me daily. I get lonely during the daytime as my kiddos both are in school now and hubby works long hours to make up for my being at home.
I don't have as many friends as those I know who work out of the home. I try to read every morning between sending hubby off to work and getting the kiddos up. I also use facebook to encourage other ladies along the way or should I say they end up giving me encouragement, advice and the friend's love & encouragement, I desperately need as well, when I'm having bad days.
There is nothing like being able to say to someone or hearing a dear old friend or new friend say I'm praying for you and understand.
I also use facebook to encourage the kids at school. Which makes my mommy heart happy as well and helps me really get to know my kids friends. I get down quite a bit because I feel disconnected with my family some days. Because time just seems to get away and there is always so much pressure from the daily routines of life. But it makes it a bit easier to hear from other Christians who have been there and have understanding hearts and kind words for one another.
I just want you to know your encoragements (& the other ladies) here @ proverbs 31 do a great job of encouraging me daily. And I want to thank you all, all of you for that.
I like many verses but I find that these help me daily.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
(2nd Corinthians 12:10)
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"
Philippians 4:13
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. Jer 29:11
My email is
[email protected]
I'd love to be entered into the giveaway.
Just pray for me as I struggle daily in the walk of mom and wife.
brittany_towne at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my Grandmother as she is admitted into the hospital for surgery and the therapy that will be following.
Encouraging Scripture:
Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. and the peace of god, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4: 6-7.
It is my daily reminder that I am not in control and I have to hand things over to Christ!
Sometimes losing a post is a blessing in disguise! Sometimes it isn't! I always write and save my post in my Text Edit or i-Pages software and then copy and paste it into my blog because I too have lost important work!
Email: [email protected]
Encouragement: Michelle- hand-written note
“Let us keep on running the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NIrV)
ncbrown33 at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my husband to seek God and to develop a walk with him. I will also encourage a friend and her family to come to church with us this week.
My favorite verse for encouragement is Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Linda
[email protected]
I will encourage my sister who is forty and has had a rough marriage for 20 years and just lost her job.
My favorite scripture
Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths.
Sorry, you lost your post. Looking forward to read it. 3-monkeys at att dot net
I will encourage my son to continue to make wise choices.
Laminations 3:21-23 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Hello,
I will be encouraging a lady at work who says she knows the Lord but seems to worry too much… Philipians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Thanks
Karen
[email protected]
Sorry you lost your post last night.
I will be encouraging a family member who has some difficult decisions to make.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 19:26
frankheidi at bellsouth dot net
mamahicks67 AT yahoo DOT com
I will be encouraging not only myself as I am dealing with a lot but my son as he is 12 and dealing with depression and anxiety.
My favortie verse is Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In our trying time that we as a family are going threw my favorite song is Amazing Grace..I know you didn't ask for that, but that song helps me stay focused and it is HIS encouraging words that help me.
Melanie
Yes, Technology is wonderful when it works. My email is: [email protected]
I am encouraging a woman I work with, she is a wife, mother, employee and studying for her Bachelors Degree
My favorite scripture on encouraging is:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Provrbs 3:5-6
Renee you were an encouragement to me this morning. Thank you! I will be praying for you as you prepare your post again.
I will be encouraging my children this morning as they get ready for school.
My favorite verse Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Mary – [email protected]
Sad at norskhime.com
Just today my husband and I were discussing how we could reach out to my sister-in-law who is struggling with depression. We believe this issue is not meant to walked through alone but with God and family at your side.
Your "Encouragement of the Day" came at just the right time for me to start reaching out to her! God Bless!
I am new to Bible Study and have enjoyed other favorite verse posts.
Sorry about your post!!
I will be encouraging my almost 6 yr old daughter this week. She started kindergarten last week, new country, new school, new friends, new everything. She has lots of catching up to do and with English as her second language it will be challenging!
My fav verses are Jer 29:11 and from Matthew, "do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worries of it's own."
Heidi
heidiforward at hotmail dot com
kristir33 at yahoo.com
I am looking for a way to encourage other stepmoms by starting a support group in my community. God has been so good to me and helped me through so many issues in my own blended family, and I feel called to share the blessings!
Kristi
[email protected]
I plan to encourage my mother who has been struggling over a year with health issues and has become depressed bc of it.It is the Word that brings life and healing so I plan to read Scripture with her.
I love Rom8:28 ALL things work together for good…
annzcull at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging a particular friend this week who seems to have lost her joy.
With God all things are possible (Mt 19:26).
[email protected]
I am going to encourage my Aunt Marlene who is going through a dark times in her life by writing encouraging messages on my blog (www.abusywomanslife.com).
I will never leave you nor forsake you" comes from Hebrews 13:5
Crystalfann at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my two boys this week. Life can throw us lots of unexpected balls, but with faith and trust in God, we can get through anything. I want to encourage them to be strong in the Lord, as my favorite song by Sidewalk Prophets says, never give up hope! God has his hand on you, so don't live life in fear!
“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him.” – Nahum 1:7
Looking forward to hearing reading your post.
danamcgraw at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging my husband as well as my friend who is struggling with several difficulties right now.
Psalm 119:165
Good Morning, I will be encouraging my friend Jenny. She is a new believer and her husband lost his job yesterday.
Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11
cjheinold at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my friend Linda this week. She is going through some difficulties at this time.
One of my favorite verses that encourage me is:
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
floridakrewe at yahoo dot com
This week I will be encouraging my dad. He is going in the hospital tomorrow for a medical procedure, and is quite discouraged right now. I plan to take him to breakfast (his favorite) when he feels better.
My most favorite verse is: Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
Hi Renee friend!
I've lot posts before, and boy did it chap my hide! 😉
leebirdmerrill at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging my mom this week by giving her more Scriptures to read in her morning devotional time. (She's a new Believer!)
My favorite scripture on encouraging is: Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Laura
gazzaways at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my son Parker as he starts a new endeavor.
Jeremiah 29:11
Yes Renee, so sorry you lost your work! Technology is wonderful when it works. 🙂 My email is: beckster1024 at hotmail dot com
I will be encouraging my 10 year old daughter this week. She is struggling with friend issues in 5th grade. It's such a hard age.
My favorite scripture is from Matthew: Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will have enough worries of its own. 🙂
So sorry you list your post, I hate when things like that work against us.
Simplymevh at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my daughter as she is stressing about college.
My favorite scripture on encouraging is:
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. Jer 29:11
My absolute favorite in all things!!!