your sleeve (it gets a bit messy...). There’s just something about sharing personal stories and lessons I’ve learned etc. with other people. For me, sometimes I save the special ones so I can bring something new up in one-on-one conversations. If everyone knows about everything you’ve done with your life, then nothing will be refreshing; no more inspiring revelations to bring to the table. No light bulbs will be going off in their heads because most of the 
time, let’s face it, as soon as someone realizes they’ve heard a story before, their brain shuts off. And just the fact that they’ve already heard it somehow becomes the grounds for them to puff up with pride—like they’ve taken ownership of your story and no longer need to listen for the punch line or underlying message. Do you know what I mean? Maybe I’m the one with the pride issue, but I like contributing to conversations and taking people off guard when they realize I actually have something legitimate to say. haha! Did I actually just write that? It’s true. People underestimate me, but you know… I find that I kind of like it that way because I’d rather be the underdog than the arrogant know-it-all.All that aside (albeit the reason for my general, not always so up-close-and-personal notes)…Encouragement that I have for you right now: A major change of subject, but this is what I thought of. I’d like you to ponder what you can sacrifice for the sake of others. John 
Richard Wimber put it this way, “Sacrifice releases power. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the power released.” Do you truly know what it means to think of others before yourself? Have you ever really tried to live out this way of thinking? I’m starting to grow more in this area of my life-not just because I’m off in a different country and am learning to live closer to God while I’m at Bible college, but because it’s exactly what He asks me to do. We’re supposed to be like Jesus and serve others with Him in mind. But hey, I’m not forcing you to wash other people’s feet
, although if the opportunity arises-maybe that IS what you should do… I am just suggesting that you should do a heart check—perhaps a “where am I spending my money” check or “how much time do I waste on things that only benefit me” check. Die to yourself, kneel at His feet, and think about the power that He’ll bestow upon you when you willingly decide to give up your current desires. Practical advice: Do the dishes for your mom, open up to your family about your personal life, answer those emails the first time you read them, offer to pay for the coffee of the person standing in front of you at Starbucks, stick around to hear the real answer to the everyday questions you ask people, get a baby-sitter for a night to spend some quality time with your spouse, set up the chairs at church, sit down and make a list of all the people you told you would pray for..and then actually pray for them-daily. Just do something out of the ordinary for another person to make them feel special, stop worrying about what you can get out of life, and start making it better for someone else.
Richard Wimber put it this way, “Sacrifice releases power. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the power released.” Do you truly know what it means to think of others before yourself? Have you ever really tried to live out this way of thinking? I’m starting to grow more in this area of my life-not just because I’m off in a different country and am learning to live closer to God while I’m at Bible college, but because it’s exactly what He asks me to do. We’re supposed to be like Jesus and serve others with Him in mind. But hey, I’m not forcing you to wash other people’s feet
, although if the opportunity arises-maybe that IS what you should do… I am just suggesting that you should do a heart check—perhaps a “where am I spending my money” check or “how much time do I waste on things that only benefit me” check. Die to yourself, kneel at His feet, and think about the power that He’ll bestow upon you when you willingly decide to give up your current desires. Practical advice: Do the dishes for your mom, open up to your family about your personal life, answer those emails the first time you read them, offer to pay for the coffee of the person standing in front of you at Starbucks, stick around to hear the real answer to the everyday questions you ask people, get a baby-sitter for a night to spend some quality time with your spouse, set up the chairs at church, sit down and make a list of all the people you told you would pray for..and then actually pray for them-daily. Just do something out of the ordinary for another person to make them feel special, stop worrying about what you can get out of life, and start making it better for someone else. 
