How do you Encourage Your Family?

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Last year, as I cleaned off book shelves and set the living room up like an episode from Clean House. I had my "to keep", "throw away", "donate", and the "???" pile to sort again once the initial purge was done. One of the items were small white boards. We bought these when Mags was in elementary school to use when doing homework and to practice reading skills and math. 

The sentimental side wanted to keep them but the practical side thought someone else could use them with their little ones. The initial decision, put them in the ??? pile. Mags said, "You know you're going to keep them, just put them in the "to keep" pile." We both laughed but I was in a purge and cleaning type of mood.

Mary was right, I did keep the white boards BUT only because I came up with an idea of how to use them daily. This is how the "Daily White Board Message" started. Initially, only Ed and Mags saw them. Each morning I change the verse or quote, based of my devotional or Bible reading that day. One day I snapped a quick picture and put it online. I felt as if the message wasn't for me or anyone in my house, but for someone else. I didn't know who that was so I shared it on Facebook. 

The response to the white board message amazed me and brought a smile to my face. Who knew an old white board could bring such joy, revelation, and conversation. I picked up the easel holder at a lawn sale for a quarter. For less than a dollar and a couple minutes of time, my family, and those on Facebook receive a message of encouragement, inspiration, or humor throughout the week. 

In case you're not on Facebook, let me share a few from the past year with you. My hope is to start "Tweeting" them. If you'd like a little boost of encouragement, please follow me at @LisaBuske - I'm going to try to post on the Where's Heidi? Facebook page too. 

Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference, this white board message is evidence of this. I'm thankful God used this to encourage others to start doing the same thing in their homes. Do you have an old white board or chalk board lying around? It's good for the environment (no wasted paper) and good for the heart.

How do you share or find encouragement?