JP – from Florida Jacob, Hannah, Brooklyn, and Ellie – from Mississippi
Have you noticed that smiles are contagious? Even if we don’t feel like it, or we’re skeptical, or even suspicious, more often than not, we’ll return a smile. On the other hand, we’ll readily give a wide berth to someone with a scowl on their face.
Everyone crossing our path touches us in some way. A grumpy old soul can turn our sweet afternoon sour. But a bright smile? It can pour sunshine into our dreary day.
Our actions affect others as well. Compliments boost an associate’s confidence. Words of encouragement nudge a friend in the right direction, or lets a sad family member know that it’s going to be okay.
Who inspires and motivates you to get through your day, week, month, life? Be thankful for them.
More important, remember that you are a face of influence. Make it a positive one. Say a kind word to someone – and smile!
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Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT
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My spotlight artist this week is Mary Ward Taylor – from California
“I have always loved to draw but had little confidence in my ability. One semester of art in college, and a correspondence course didn’t change my view. Fortunately, my mother’s encouragement helped me to believe in myself.
For 40 years I taught Special Needs kids in Arkansas, Germany, and California. My creativity was most helpful. At home I painted in oils, sculpted in clay, and drew portraits of my son Timothy.
After retirement, I began blogging as “the schoolmarm”. After 5 1/2 years, I have entered 7,993 posts. During this time, I also watched Korean dramas. The beautiful lines of the actresses fascinated me. I became almost obsessed with drawing ‘faces’. The feedback was positive and a boost to my self confidence.
For months last year, I drew almost every day, especially images of Facebook friends. The response was wonderful, and I loved it; but after my sister died New Years Eve, and four days later my first grandchild was born, something changed in my motivation/inspiration, and I’ve rarely picked up a pencil since. Obviously I am a more disciplined blogger than artist.
Hopefully I will become inspired anew. As a Christ Follower, I depend on Him to lead the way. I’m sure He will.”
Please enjoy Mary’s gallery of sketches. (Notice so many smiles)
Visit Mary as the Schoolmarm here