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!
Sorry about you losing your post. How frustrating! You do good work here!
neuharth dot lisa at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging my sister-in-law and also a friend of mine. Both have some things going on in their lives right now.
I am just starting to relearn Bible verses (have forgotten everything I learned as a child), so at this point I don't have a favorite (yet).
Sorry about you losing your post. How frustrating! You do good work here!
neuharth dot lisa at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging my sister-in-law and also a friend of mine. Both have some things going on in their lives right now.
I am just starting to relearn Bible verses (have forgotten everything I learned as a child), so at this point I don't have a favorite (yet).
[email protected]
I'm currently encouraging a dear friend being forced through an unwanted divorce by being her 2am friend and offering scriptural reminders that neither God nor I have forsaken her.
I'm also encouraging my 6-member sermon transcript team (we provide our pastors' weekly messages in written format for use by the hard-of-hearing, those who get more out of reading than hearing, and for several members who distribute them in prisons). This team frequently experiences computer issues that can cause great frustration. So I encourage the team with a scripture passage the Lord gave me for this very purpose:
Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. (Psalm 144:1, NIV)
Sorry about your post – but glad you went to bed!!!
I will be encouraging my friend who has been out of work for 2+ years and has just about given up her search. My verse is:
Phil 4:12-13 –
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Hello Renee.
Thank you for your time and commitment to P31 ministries. It brings me daily encouragement.
Jill at [email protected]
I will be encouraging my young son who has a hard time making friends. He is a beautiful boy with a special personality.
I say and use IPeter 5:7.
My name is Terri Huestis
My email is thuestis9494 at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging my son this week because he is having a hard time keeping up with his grades
Philippians 4:13 (King James Version)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Good morning!
I was filled with encouragement as I read other posts.
Thank you for uplifting words to start my day!
My email is . . .
kelaineexpress at yahoo dot com
I continue to encourage a friend who is battling breast cancer, depression, loss of her job, and is married to a man she can't depend upon as he hasn't had a steady income in 6 years.
She's only 52.
Please join with me in praying for her.
I have several favorite encouragement Scriptures.
The one I give her today is
Psalms 70.
keeroga at yahoo dot com
I'm encouraging my 13-year-old daughter.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Commit and trust both strong, life-changing words.
Cindy
vwilson at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging my parents and mother in law, both of who take care of our young son happily and lovingly.
My favorite scriptures for encouraging my sisters in the Lord include a variety from Proverbs 31.
Renee, thanks for the devotional. I needed the encouragement to get back to encouraging! I know that it is a gift I have been blessed with, but I have allowed busyness to be my excuse…time to write and mail some cards.
God bless, Victoria
my fav encouraging verse for tjis moment is probably:
Phil 1:19b
…"what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." such an encouragement that our trials/struggles are not just "life", but rather that God intends to use them for greater things.
My other one would be Isaiah 58:9
"then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."
This week I am encouraging my mom. She is in pain and I am standing on the promise that God WILL answer and this will be for her deliverance.
Though weary and tired, I'm grateful to serve a dependable God who always has our best in mind. NO randomness with our God!
Amen!!
Pennycmoore at hotmail dot com
I hate it when i loose something! Sorry that you did. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com
your post on my email spoke to my heart already. i will be encouraging my mom…she is 84 and is struggling with the issues that come with age…lose of independance, mostly.
mitzi_wanham at yahoo dot com
Jennifer at mjej4338 at embarqmail dot com. My favorite encouragement scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "Plans of good and not evil to give you a future and a hope." It's turned into a life verse for me.
I plan on trying to encourage at least one person a day. Today, I texted my husband what I hope are some encouraging words, as he faces a tough day at work. Thanks so much for your words that were "aptly spoken". 🙂
Cherlyn Hager; Cherlyn Hager at hotmail dot com
I will encourage my friend, Myrna.
My favorite encouraging scripture is:
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue. Prov 31:26
Kristen Lila-kristenlila at aol dot com
I am going to encourage my girlfriend Sandra who has been going through a hard time.
My favortie encouraging verse is one of the one's you shared: "For [you] are God's masterpiece. He has created [you] anew in Christ Jesus, so [you] can do the good things he planned for [you] long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)"
tiffanysmirl at hotmail dot com
One of the 5 people I am going to encourage this week is my cousin Karmin who is going through a bad divorce after 17 years of marriage to an alcholic. I am going to send her a card with my favorite scripture which is listed below along with Jeremiah 29:13 that you have listed on the home page.
"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
God Bless.
Kerry Webster
[email protected]
I am going to encourage my mother this week. Her fiance' had hip replacement sugery two weeks ago and it has really been hard on her. I have not spoken to her in a few daysb, tu plan to call her this evening after work. I have done wellin being able to draw her out and get under that tough exterior lately. This way I have been able to get to the meat and potatoes of the issues that are hanging on her and provide her with some encouraging words.
The verse I would share is Phillipians 4:8
Sorry to hear that you lost your post.
I will be engouraging my daughters this week. They are going through some difficulties.
My favority scripture on encouraging is:
Phil. 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Greetings!
[email protected]
I will be praying for my dear friend that just found out yesterday she has cancer of the lymph nodes. One of my favorite scriptures is Micah 6:8 "to walk humbly with our God."
Thank you for a wonderful devotion on P31 this morning! It was so encouraging, and such a great reminder to PASS THAT ON!! God sends His messages from heart to heart, doesn't He?! This week I'll be encouraging my kids, but also my mom who is caregiving a relative with stage IV brain cancer.
colt_pony at hotmail dot com
My favorite scripture this week is Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." This could go on and on, it's a wonderful Psalm!!!
Thanks so much, again!
My name is Suzette, my email is [email protected]
I will be encouraging my best friend this week. He is struggling with his faith and guilt. People in our church are reaching out to him and he is not accepting help.
My favorite scripture on encouraging is:
Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
I loved the devotional on encouragement. It was just what I needed!
elliottsauto at infionline dot net
I plan to encourage my friend Tami. We are planning to go to lunch this week. I am going to tell her what an encouragement she has been to me.
[email protected]
This week I will be sending Valentines to 3 college students and encouraging them to keep up the good work and to remind them of God's love.
Hebrews 13:5
I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
(This scripture is good frontwords and backwords….Thee leave, nor thee forsake, NEVER will I!)
[email protected]
I will be encouraging my daugher. She is 11 weeks pregnant very nauseous and also has a bad respiratory infection. She and her husband have a 3 year old and he is sick also. Will you say a prayer for them please!
I will never leave you nor forsake you" comes from Hebrews 13:5
So sorry that you lost your post but with God you never know what he is up to. Might be He wanted you to utilize plan B which is what you have done. He wanted to see His daughters encouraging a loved one by glorifying His name. I am going to encourage two male friends of mine who are at a rough place in their lives. I will text them. My email is [email protected]. My verse is Psalm 56: 3-4 "Whenever I am afraid,I will trust in You. In God I have put my trust, I will not fear. What can flesh do to me".
I will be encouraging my friend Ann at work. She is continually being passed over for promotion due to 2 women that like to start trouble. I am praying for her and I have told her to read Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. Amen
So sorry that you lost your post but with God you never know what he is up to. Might be He wanted you to utilize plan B which is what you have done. He wanted to see His daughters encouraging a loved one by glorifying His name. I am going to encourage two male friends of mine who are at a rough place in their lives. My verse is "Whenever I am afraid,I will trust in You. In God I have put my trust, I will not fear. What can flesh do to me".
Your encouraging words this morning (Tue) were wonderful! You are right that the right words will come along at the right time.
My email is: l dot preiss at comcast dot net
I'd love to encourage my daughter who is sick right now and also my husband who is away from home for a few weeks.
One of my favorite encouraging verses is Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Blessings to you and everyone at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Linda
Renee,
Your encouragement blog was emailed to me this morning. I will forward it to your email. Hopefully this will save you some stressing 🙂
Amy
Thank you for your post.
[email protected]
I will be encouraging my best friend and sister-n-law as she struggles with the loss of one of her dear patients last week. She is new in the nursing field but has such a heart that each of her patients has touched her in some way even though she didn't want to admit it. Having lost one has been heartbreaking for her. She has definitely been given a gift from God to help others. I having been praying that God will open her eyes to see what a true gift she has and is to everyone.
Sorry for your frustrations! The devil is always trying to interfere with our good work…press on…
OrganicaLandscape at gmail dot com
This week I am encouraging myself! I am feeling a bit low but I know that I am a daughter of the King and I must continue my race!
Leaning on Galatians 6:9 this week: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
🙂
[email protected]
I will be encouraging my daughter-in-laws mother who is also a very good friend. She lost her Dad to cancer in November and is very bitter toward God and going through a very bad time of depression.
Favorite scripture:
I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me. Phil 4:13
I found your blog for the first time today from the Prov 31 devotional email. So glad I clicked on through.
My email is proudbamama at hotmail dot com
I will tangibly encourage my friend, Carol, this week… in fact, TODAY! Thanks for prompting me to do so. 🙂
Blessings…
Encouragement is very important, and I realize that I need to be more encouraging towards my husband, so I'm going to concentrate on that.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
emleepc at yahoo dot com
Hi – I will be encouraging my niece this week as she struggles with being single and raising 2 young boys. My name is Kim Beasley and my email is [email protected]. I also love Jerimiah 29:11…"for I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord". At a time in my life when I was feeling so lost, confused, and pointless, that verse was a new beginning in my walk with Jesus.
Thank you!
Kim
Just came to your blog for the first time today from the Prov 31 daily devotional. So glad I clicked on through this time. 🙂
My email is proudbamama at hotmail dot com
I am going to tangibly encourage my friend Carol this week… actually TODAY! Thanks for prompting me to do so!
Blessings…
yaya_0527 at hotmail.com
I will be emailing some fellow teachers at my school and letting them know how much I appreciate their friendship and also how much I look up to them as women and teachers.
My favorite life verse:
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10
Leigh Anne Hutto
Hi Renee,
My e-mail address is [email protected].
I will be encouraging my 5-year old son this week, who is having a difficult time coping with Daddy being overseas.
My favorite verse 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."
Hi Renee,
I am going to encourage my friend, Kathy, this week. She is in a "blah" moment.
One of my favorite encouraging verses is Ephesians 4:29- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
[email protected]
My favorite verse is Matt. 6:33, Seek ye first the kindgom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. I have already forwarded your devotional to several friends and a sister struggling and written a note to each one. I always like to include in my notes several verses that apply to the specific trial they are going through, not my life verse necessarily. Notes really do matter and lift our friends' hearts and sustain them through their difficult times. They show our love and that we are there for them, walking the hard path with them, not just the joy journey.
Sweet Blessings and a great devo reminding us to take time for what matters to nurture those friendships.
Donna
Sorry to hear about the loss of your post.
we4millers at gmail dot com
I will be encouraging my Aunt who is going through a very tough relationship struggle. Listening to her mostly right now and reassuring her that God is able to keep her through all things.
Jer 29:11 is one of my favorites.
Dawn
name: Heather
email: jchpod at sbcglobal.net
I plan to continue encouraging myself. I also plan to encourage my sister in Christ as she works for the city police. I will also plan to encourage my daughter to make good choices that honor God.
Bummer about your post…
My email is [email protected];
I have three daughters all teenagers, and I will be encouraging them to be strong in their faith when other temptations are facing them, from college exams, to high school drama and jr high drama!
My favorite scripture is from Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Praise the Lord!!
My email is:
eluvjazz2 at yahoo dot com
I will be encouraging all of my co-workers this week!! We are facing major cuts in our program and we are speaking at the school board meeting on Monday night.
My favorite scripture is Gen. 50:19-20
"But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Be blessed!!
Hello Renee!
palulu at verizon dot com
I am going to encourage a co-worker that has been struggling in her faith and her relationship with her husband. She also seems to compare what she lacks, financially, to other people and feels that she does not measure up as a person.
My encouraging scripture 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.
God bless you!
Charissa
I have an employee who is in his 40's having triple bypass surgery today. He is not a Christian and has openly rejected Christianity, but he was receptive when I told him last week I would be praying for him. Fellow employees have all signed a card that says we will all be praying for him and will send it to him today for encouragement. Isaiah 41:10 is encouraging to me as is your devotional today! Our heat has gone out, my daughter is home sick and I am going to a specialist Thurs. for a pinched nerve in my lower back. I know that God will take care of everything, but I hope I will be better next week to attend your conference on the 19th! God Bless you for all that you do to encourage others! mckeels at hughes dot net
Hi, I am new to your blog and wanted to say that you inspire me. I am sorry you lost your post, but I am confident that God is editing your post as you ponder a new one. He has something even better to say and needs to get it out there today. Thank you for being His vessel.
[email protected]
I will be encouraging my mother in a few moments. She often questions God's wisdom and my father is at this moment going in for a biopsy on his prostate. His father died of prostate cancer and they are concerned. I know God is so much bigger than anything we even imagine. He loves us all so much.
Joshua 1:9 … Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
I sent that verse by text to her in the hospital. Thank you for encouraging me to encourage her.
God Bless you.
agggghhhh….computer crashes!!!
my name is Kelley and my email is steelerspensfan at yahoo dot com
Ever since I was young, my favorite verse is Ephesians 4:32
I am going to try to encourage my friend, Cathy. There is "drama" with her 2 girls(one 15, the other 9). I am going to send her a card or ecard at work.
Yanna Westmoreland [email protected]
Bryan, Tx
I just found your post and know I will be blessed and encouraged entering into it. God is so good.
I have been keeping up with Joanne and plan to leave an encouraging comment to Joanne, Toben, Audrey, and Emma each and everyday. My favorite verse is "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge, His faithfullness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4
i love to encourage the ladies in our Wed night Bible Study and Sunday school on Sunday mornings; we are working thru Lysa's study How to become more than a ….., enjoying it.
one of my favorite scriptures is
Phil 4, 6-7. This scripture became so real & alive to me years ago when I lost my job.
[email protected]
I seem like maybe I could use some encouragement today so nice to be reminded that I am not alone.
[email protected]
I too am a constant encouragement to my college aged daughter especially today as she prepares for a job interview.
My favorite scripture:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13