Tag: encouragement

A Cup of Orange Juice


 
I love orange juice. I have a glass of cold refreshing orange juice every morning. I prefer pure orange juice that is not made with concentrate. There are certain brands that I like most. We all have our personal preferences. In addition, orange juice is sold in a variety of ways – no pulp, some pulp and a lot of pulp. Some manufacturers add calcium or other ingredients. I prefer pure, simple, tasty cold orange juice.
 
Previously I have shared my views on the changing world of orange juice. A decade ago a carton of orange juice contained 64 ounces – a full half-gallon container. Then things began to change. The carton was reduced in size to 59 ounces. Prices stayed the same but the content decreased by about 10%. The cartons looked similar but the contents had been reduced. A few years later producers reduced the size again to 52 ounces – another 10%. Even as prices increase the size of the container has decreased by about 20% over the past ten years.
 
This is happening in many areas of consumer sales. It is called stealth pricing where manufacturers reduce the size or content of a product but do not decrease the price of the item. They assume most shoppers will not notice the difference. This has happened with ice cream, snack crackers and other consumer products. Have you noticed how small a box of Triscuits or Wheat Thins looks today? Take a closer look at the orange juice carton too.
 
When I was the lead pastor at our church in Diamond Bar a friend brought me a glass of orange juice between church services on Sunday morning. It was just what I needed to renew my energy for the next service. I used to look for a donut or snack between services but the orange juice was a much better choice. I don’t think many people even noticed this small gesture but knew I could count on my friend handing me a cup of orange juice every Sunday morning.
 
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Whatever you did for the least of these – you did it for me” (Matthew 25:34-40). Jesus said that when we help others and encourage others – it is like we do it for Him. Let me encourage you to do something thoughtful and helpful to encourage someone around you this week – maybe with a cup of coffee or even a glass of orange juice. They will be glad you did and you will too!

Read 365 more stories (a story for every day of the year) by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The price is only $20 plus $5 for postage. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org.

Seventy Letters

My wife and I were born in the same year but not in the same month. Recently I celebrated my 70th birthday in August and my wife will hit a similar milestone in November. We met during our freshman year at Scottsdale High when we were 14 years old and we got married after I finished college when we were 20! Now we are looking forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary next June. How did we get this far this fast?

A few months ago I got an idea to do something special for her birthday this year. I sent out a number of emails asking friends, former co-workers, church members and others to write Jeanne a letter and share how she has touched their lives.

My goal was to collect at least 70 letters so I could read one-a-day for 70 days leading up to her 70th birthday in November. The response has been wonderful. Over 100 people have sent cards and letters so far. A friend printed out the email letters and I collected the cards and we put them in an attractive box that I presented to my wife in August. She was very surprised!

Now, we read a card or letter each day. I personally read them to her so I can see what people have written. The contents of each letter is so precious. People have shared specific stories of how Jeanne has touched their life. We have smiled and laughed as we read each encouraging card and letter.

Do you know the Bible contains many personal letters that men like Peter, Paul and James wrote to individuals and churches to encourage them? And, Paul expected the recipients to pass his letters on to other churches, too (Colossians 4:16).

Let me encourage you to write a letter or send a card to a friend or family member. Tell them how they have touched your life. Share how they have encouraged you. You don’t have to wait for a birthday or special occasion. Do it this week. They will be glad you did and you will too!

For 365 more encouraging articles and stories by the author (one for each day of the year) you can purchase a copy of his book Let Me Encourage You. The cost is $25 and includes postage. Contact him at markh@efreedb.org.