The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo courtesy I'm guilty. There are many blogs, FB posts, and Twitter posts that I read and haven't written a comment. I've seen someone at church, work, at the store, etc and didn't make the effort to say something to a person I knew or only was acquainted with.  There isn't always a good reason other than I didn't take/make the time or I was unsure if my comment was good enough. Recently I judged a writing contest. The contestants were asked to send a word of thanks to the judge  when they received their score sheets.   One person wrote a very kind response to me. I recalled her work as one with beginning writing characteristics. Remembering how nice judges were to me when I sat in that position, I chose to comment only on the basics, gave resources, and sprinkled compliments where I could. I did not inflate the grade to make the person feel better, though. The comment I received warmed my heart. The individual said he was older and...

I appreciate when a friend offers advice laced in encouragement. Especially when her/his enthusiasm spills over into my spirit. I feel wound up and ready to face my task. There was a twenty something female who planned to go to an event. The evening would enable her to meet important people and get her name in the big circles. A second female in the same circle offered to do the twenty something's hair, makeup, etc. As a former pageant participant she seemed quite genuine and qualified.  The second female did a great job, and the twenty something female felt good about her appearance at the event. Afterwards, the second female sought out the first, raised a wicked eyebrow and said, "I loved winding you up and watching you go." During the times we feel in need, we often open the doors of our heart extra wide hoping someone will come in and offer help whether with an encouraging word, advice, or physical help like how to dress for an important event. God ...

I hadn't heard until the end of the day about the bombings at the Boston marathon. This will, in no doubt, be added to the growing list of events that should not have happened during my lifetime. It's important to discuss our impressions, fears, concerns, and needs during and after these situations. Real people were involved both physically, socially, psychologically, and spiritually. Yes, I remember where I was when J.F.K was assassinated  the first shuttle exploded and the second burned in the atmosphere, Columbine shootings, Oklahoma bombing, Newport shootings, and the many others in between these and the Boston marathon. What does God have to say about tragedies like these? Let's talk together and share verses and words of encouragement. I'll start. Dear Friend,  God loves you. So very much. And when you walk through terrible times, He understands your sorrow and pain. He will wrap His loving arms around you. He has also put in the heart of o...