What wonderful expressions of what true “positive encouragement” is really about have been expressed in the last two week’s blogs. This week in the midst of life’s challenges, I (Grandma Willina) would like to share from a completely different vantage point. Once we have understood/learned “the basics” (as mentioned in the last two blogs), we can begin to let those truths work themselves out in our lives. How?

We can learn new skills . . .
We can develop new interests . . .
We can learn to pass on His truth . . .

Let’s us look a little deeper into each of these areas.

We Can Learn New Skills

Who hasn’t sometimes said, “I can’t do that . . .”? One of the most rewarding processes is to tackle something new, different, difficult, or challenging and come out on the other side having learned something new. After we had cared for my mother in our home for a number of years and she entered eternity, I needed something to challenge my grieving heart. For me to learn how to “felt” old sweaters and make fun gifts was such a “positive encouragement.” I learned new skills and had the opportunity to make something for someone else. Drawing my attention to others was healing and encouraging.

We Can Develop New Interests

Breaking out of a rut is often hard, but challenging one’s self to develop a new interest is both invigorating and encouraging.
Shaun is a good example of that. Within the last two years, he has begun learning about woods, their grains, characteristics, and carve-ability. He has developed new interests, and that has led to new skills – FGG Designs own woodcarver!
And Michael has developed an interest in metals, their malleability, which ones hold up to everyday wear, how to combine metals, and more. To see his skills, check out our FGG Designs ring artisan!
These both have brought lots of “positive encouragement” to all of us and many others as well.
In fact, I think we could say that every one of the FGG Designs team is in the process of developing new interests and skills. That keeps minds, hands, and hearts in a growing, developing, encouraging mode. Very positive!

We Can Learn to Pass On His Truth

yellow leaf on tree branch — 2017 © LFG Photography

As we experience God’s work in our own lives through learning from His Word (the Bible), we see how His principles direct our thoughts, which in turn give direction to our actions as we consider the handcrafted products we are making and developing. And as we talk about the products, we also want to talk about the One Who gives us the skills, interests, and abilities to do what we do.
Although none of us are in the same category as those chosen to build God’s Tabernacle in the wilderness, we believe that same principle is applicable in His giving us the abilities.

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. 6 And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all who are gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you. – Exodus 6:1-6