The title of this post could be Arla’s mission statement.  She has spent her entire life being a builder and encourager of people.  She has an unselfish nature.  And that unselfishness has become embedded in the fabric of her family.  We have all become encouragers and builders of those around us.  We love everyone and feel most fulfilled when we are helping others.

Today, the following post came from “Daily Hope” by Rick Warren.  It just seemed to be something important that needs to be shared.

“In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being
helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.” Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)

Being a people-builder requires unselfishness. 

I want to give you an objective: be a people-builder for the rest of your
life. Begin by writing down the name of one person you want to help build up,
then stop and pray. 

Ask God to show you that person’s strengths. We always build on our
strengths, not on our weaknesses. Write down whatever strengths you’ve seen in
him or her in the past. 

Then tell that person, “I’ve been thinking about you because I really care
about you. I wanted to share with you the strengths I see in your life because
those strengths help determine what God wants us to do in our lives.”

Imagine the impact you could have if you would commit yourself to being a
people-builder. Imagine what would happen if you determined to bring out the
best in everyone you know.

Make a commitment today to help others grow and to encourage them to become
what God made them to be.

Arla is still a people builder.  She is touching the lives of people she has never met and building them today with her smile and her strength.  Arla cannot speak; she is unable to move her right side; she cannot care for herself.  However, she is still encouraging people everyday.  What are we not doing in our lives that we could be doing?  What is holding us back from doing the full work of our lives?  What opportunities are we missing to be a help to others?  Who needs you today?  Ask God to remind you to encourage and build up others today and this week.  Write down the name of someone to encourage and make it your goal this week.  It will make all the difference.  If Arla can do it, so can you. 

Tomorrow is Arla’s birthday.  We are so blessed to be able to celebrate another year of her life.  And that fact will be enough of a blessing to carry us for awhile.