Are you acquainted with anyone who says No Offense, But… and then proceeds to royally offend you? I am. He lives at my house, measures about four feet high and inhales homemade chocolate chip cookies at an alarming rate.
Just last week he says, “Mom, No Offense, But… the footprints in your sandals look more like hoof prints to me…”
Excuse me?
Yep. You read it right. HOOF prints.
And you know what he’s talking about, right? The foot imprints that show up in sandal footbeds over time.
Naturally his statement begs the question: what KIND of hoof prints? (Cloven?) Inquiring minds want to know. Trust me, I didn’t ask. Because I didn’t want to know THAT much.
And then there are other souls.
“There are souls in this world who have the gift of finding joy everywhere, and leaving it behind them when they go.” -Frederick William Faber
Early this past spring I was having a discouraging week with my blog. I wasn’t thinking about quitting or anything. I was just low. Blogs are like anything else in life. A roller coaster. They have ups and downs, peaks and valleys.
Later that week I find a letter in my mailbox, hand-addressed in cursive. My name on the front.
Inside: a newspaper clipping. Five or six people and their job descriptions and salaries listed. Starred in red marker: the bio of a mom blogger in Arizona with this caption: “Janel Case, El Mirage, Arizona. Mom blogger – $150,000 salary. For six years Case and three fellow moms have been sharing recipes and all kinds of parenting tips. ”
And a yellow sticky note attached with just seven words:
“Go girl go. You can do it!!!”
Words have incredible power. And suddenly I’m a different person after reading those seven, one syllable words. Empowered.
Someone believes in me.
Moments ago I was low. But suddenly, I can do this! Words.
I’m reminded of that verse in Proverbs that says, “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Such a vivid picture that paints.
I’m thankful for that dear friend who took a few moments to encourage me just when I needed it most. Because it’s the little things. And she inspires me to be that kind of uplifting friend too.
You may also like: Embrace the Gift
nancy mcmahan says
I got some encouraging words from my grand daughter last night just when really needed. Words can be very powerful.
Allie says
I’m so glad you got some encouraging words rom someone you love too, Nan. They can make all the difference. Have a wonderful week!
Barbara Beaudry says
You are the most encouraging person I know, and with such gusto, brilliant smile, hearty laugh and great hugs, you are the epitome of an encourager even though your world be crashing around you!!! YOU know THE MOST HIGH GOD, the GREAT ENCOURAGER, who is watching over every aspect of you and your beautiful families life with everlasting protection and LOVE and will never “leave you nor forsake you, not ever”. Now that is an everlasting covenant written over your life, so take heart, hold your shield of FAITH high,you are marching to the DIVINE DRUMMER with ALL you need to be VICTORIOUS, thank you for being an encourager to me. God Bless
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!
Allie says
Dear Barbara – You are so sweet. And I am very thankful for your friendship. XO
Molly Ryder says
That is so amazing to see when God sends us encouragement through other people when we most need it!
Allie says
I agree Molly!
Aunt Pinkie says
Am so thankful for your blog, Allie-it’s always a pick-me-up! And glad you received just what you needed – and when!
Allie says
Thank you Aunt Pinkie!
Susie Mandele says
What a treasure that person is! (And I’m going to either refrain from wearing sandals around that certain person or never take them off! :D)
Susie Mandel says
Oops! I think I need another cup of coffee! First I can’t spell my name correctly and then I wrote my comment like the person who sent you the note is the same person who said something about “hoof prints”…maybe I’ll just go back to bed, hahaha.
Allie says
Susie – You are so funny. You made me laugh out loud. One of the things I got for my birthday was tea tree oil and mint foot scrub. I got such a kick out of that. Timing is everything. Foot scrub for my hooves. Bwaaa ha ha. It’s been a long day. Maybe I’ll go back to bed too.
Dianne says
Thanks for being that encouraging person.
That pic always warms my heart.
Allie says
Thanks my friend, it’s one of my favorite all-time pictures. Your embracing the gift helped me embrace the gift too, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
Sallie Eisengrein says
Words of encouragement are so needed in this world! Thank you for sharing with us! Happy Birthday dear friend!
Allie says
Thank you very much Sallie!!! xo
Christy Smith says
Yes…so very true. Words can bring life or death to a spirit. A timely reminder to me who got a little testy last night. ? However, I recently received a gift like you describe when cleaning out my college grad daughter’s closet getting ready for house guests. I stumbled upon an unfinished project my daughter was evidently working on for me but she had finished the A- Z list of words describing her mother. Such a beautiful, refreshing gift to this thirsty soul!! Made me wonder whose thirsty spirit could use a little refreshment from me? Your blog is life giving Allie!!
Allie says
Dear Christy, that was a beautiful gift to happen upon. And timing is everything. So sweet, your little alliegator. xo
Karen Espalin says
Words are very powerful. It is truly best to use the precious gift of speech carefully.
Now, as to the hooves comment …..you’re a sheep following your shepherd. It’s good to leave your mark for Jesus in this world and you do that often.
Hugs,
Karen
Allie says
Hi Karen – that is a very nice way to look at it about the sheep and the shepherd. I wish I’d thought of that. Unfortunately I was thinking other things, not so nice. Hugs back.
Kellie says
when I read this I thought…Allie would do this too! I am so blessed to have met you and to call you a friend!! oh and BTW I have a “no offense, but…” person in my life too!! 😉
Allie says
Hey sweet Kellie – very thankful for your friendship too. And I hope Annika is having a lovely birthday today!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh my gawsh Allie, blogging is like anything else in life – it has highs and it has lows. You have moments you love it and others you want to just crawl back in bed and say forget it. I’m glad your friend sent you that kind note, because I love your blog and I absolutely adore you! Visiting you on this space always makes my week a little brighter!! So YOU GO GIRL! And PLEASE stay with it!! 😉 Okay, now can you please tell me who makes that much money blogging? I mean I know there are a FEW.. but dang! I’m jealous. lol. Oh, and we all have that person in our life who constantly says, “no offense, but…”. You win some, you lose some right? Cheers, lovely! xoxo
P.S. Happy belated birthday!!! <3
Allie says
You so sweet, thanks for the kind words and the birthday wishes Cheyanne. Yep, sometimes we just want to pull the covers over our head and take a snooze. The blogger mentioned who makes the 150K according to the article, blogs at amomstake.com, fyi. Have a great week my friend, many thanks for dropping by.
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kithcen says
That “no offense, but…” person in your life is really funny, Alle! 🙂 And I know what you mean by feeling low. I guess we all have that once in a while. And I am sure you will get back your motivation. Your friend is really very sweet! Have a great work week my dear! 🙂
Allie says
You’re right Anu, he is funny. Hope you’re having a great week! <3
Linda Jenkins says
Hi Allie, I have to say that every time I am in your presence I feel uplifted. You always have an encouraging word, an infectious laugh, and the ability to find the humor in any situation. Today I received Jonathan’s thank you note. My morning had been a blur of things gone wrong. I sat down to read his words. I read the note aloud to Jack. We were very touched. At that moment I felt surrounded by those golden apples you mentioned. Jonathan is blessing to all who know him, and his words reminded me how grateful we are to be a part of his life and how much joy he brings to ours. Love to all the Taylor family.
Allie says
Dear Linda, I’m so thankful for your friendship and also the very special role you and Jack have had in Jonathan’s life. And I believe he learned letter writing from you in sixth grade. Beautiful how the very seeds you planted are coming back as a blessing. XOXO
Carina says
I can relate, Allie, it so true: blogging has its highs, but it also it has its lows. Yup. I am so glad that words of encouragement came to you when you needed them, firstly because you are such a generous and encouraging person yourself, and secondly because I love your beautiful blog. Xoxo
Allie says
Thank you so much Carina, I’m guessing you are having a very busy summer – I hope it’s been a good one. Thanks for taking the time to drop by and for the kindest words. I love your blog too, it always gets me thinking. I love hearing what’s on your mind and what you’re creating with your many artistic talents. Cheers my friend! XO
Carina says
Thanks, Allie. ?
Mandi Korn says
Words of inspiration