Snow and ice have a way of altering your schedule and keeping you stranded, and last week took every opportunity to prove that. After several days of winter weather, we found ourselves out of school and snowed in for an entire week.

The Internet served its purpose by keeping us attached to the outside world, and as I looked over my friends and their thoughts, I couldn’t help but be encouraged. The majority of the people on my newsfeed offer encouraging words, wisdom, and humorous antidotes.

I didn’t do it intentionally but I have, thankfully, surrounded myself with encouragers. People who tend to do life well, not perfect, of course, but well. Scripture searchers and light speakers meet me every time I log on to social media, and it’s the only reason I have stayed on when I have nearly talked myself into quitting many times.

I need that encouragement. Too often I find myself snowed under by doubt, negativity and stress. Stumbling blocks come in with a chill, but they are always easier to fend off when positivity reigns.

I challenge you to surround yourself with good. Find people who lift you up, and connect yourself with them. And then go the next step, be the encourager. Don’t use your online presence to complain or argue. Be a peacemaker.

It’s OK to be snowed in, but refuse to be snowed under.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

–Paula Harrington @ www.forthright.net