Encouraging Words from Charlie Gross

Our encouragement today comes from an image I had on Labor Day Monday as I was pumping up the tires of our recumbent trikes. It might be a strange image, but indeed it is a powerful one, because we are safely held in the palm of God's hands.

Our encouragement today comes from pondering the toughness of life while pedaling along the Northwest Lancaster County Rivertrail. I think that you will find these two thoughts useful in this chaotic, difficult, rough and tumble world.

Our encouragement today comes from my weekly Lunch engagement with my mom. We love spending time together and get into some interesting topics. Today's topic turned theological and is quite helpful for when bad things happen to us and others.

Our encouragement today comes from a lovely, serene, peaceful weekend in Dallas Center Iowa with Dave and Dianne.

Our encouragement today comes from editing some amazing Antarctica photos. I learned this new feature on my iPhone and it has some interesting theological ramifications. Listen and be encouraged. Have a great one!

Our encouragement today comes from reflecting on some jumnbles in my day. Perhaps your day gets jumbled from time to time. Listen to my reflections on my jumbled day. Maybe it will encourage you to do some soul searchng as well! Have a great one!

Our encouragement today comes from some recent observations. I share four little life stories that have given me a boost, made me smile, warmed my heart, and just plain encouraged me along the way. My hope is that you notice those little things in your life!

Our encouragement today comes from an observation while driving to an appointment in 37-degree weather. I remembered how 37 degrees impacted some dear friends of mine. Listen to my story. My hope is that you get encouraged by 37 too!

Our encouragement today comes from an observation along the Northwest Lancaster County River trail. I noticed the trees and poles blanketed with vines and ivy. This set off my imagination about blankets. My hope is that you get encouraged!

Our encouragement today comes from a strange connection I made by hitting my brakes to avoid hitting a dove. I wore away some of my brake life but then connected it to what my Lord Jesus did for me..... and you! Listen and be encouraged.

Our encouragement today comes from seeing God at work. I had written my daily prayer in my journal and almost instantly God started to unfold His glory, majesty, and beauty in an answer to prayer! I'm constantly amazed and in awe! Keep on praying!

Our encouragement today comes from a bit of brainstorming. I pondered some questions, words, affirmations, and images that would serve to bless, boost, and encourage others. You may find some of these useful in your own conversations!

Our encouragement today comes from my ride on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail last Thursday. I smelled something wonderful and it got me thinking about some important life matters. Maybe it will encourage you to think differently!

Our encouragement today comes from an experience at the Philadelphia International Airport, Concourse C, gate 27. Lisa and I were bumped up to First Class on our flight to Miami. Listen to my reflections on this wonderful experience and be encouraged!

Our encouragement today comes from a little boy with large rubber boots, looking eager to help with a messy project. It melted my heart and made me think. I hope it does the same for you. Be encouraged as you build relationships.

Our encouragement today comes from a quote by King David and the writing of Jesus' brother James. I named it a One Two punch because I read the David quote one day and heard the sermon on James the next day! Love the one two punch of positive encouragement.

Our encouragement today comes from some simple tips and tricks to be 'on time' for appointments and events. What is embarassing is that just yesterday I was 5 minutes late to an appointment because I didn't double check the address in my GPS. UGH!

Our encouragement today comes from some observations made at the Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, PA. It's a favorite stop for my grandson, Jacob and me. Two different people went above and beyond for us and it not only encouraged me, but inspired me.

Our encouragement today comes from a very simple, no-brainer concept of compliments! Yea, just saying some positive specific things you notice about someone or something! We can all increase the joy, life and energy in the room by handing out sincere compliments. I know you can do this!

Our encouragement today comes from another routine that my Lynx point Siamese cat Frank and I have. Frank's new routine is rather quirky but it definitely points to the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. I wonder what routines you and your pets have that point to unconditional love?

Our encouragement today comes from the realization that my personal autoresponder often returns an instant negative message that shuts down communication. I'm encouraged to try to turn OFF this autoresponder and take the time to understand. Listen and see if this resonates with you.

Our encouragement today comes from the three little words, It's a choice. When you stop, pause, and consider that we all have a huge variety of choices to make, why not make good, positive, upbeat, encouraging choices. Listen to my rationale.

Our encouragement today comes from my lunch diet. It was inspired years ago by a friendly dietician, but then was recently modified. You won't believe where the conversation about my diet took me! Listen, laugh, and be inspired.

Our encouragement today comes from being watched. I know that sounds strange, but you know that there are eyes and cameras EVERYWHERE! This reminded me that our loving heavenly Father is watching over us ALL THE TIME! Be at peace in God's gaze!

Our encouragement today comes from the reality that personal presence is preferred over social media or other virtual ways of connecting. You'll be amazed at what I discovered. Listen, be encouraged, and then go and be an encourager with your presence!