Skip to content

Home Life & Encouragement

I am a Christian wife of 29 years, a mom of 25 years, and a daughter. It is my desire to encourage and inspire you as I share my life journey, struggles, hardships, pain, and joys. I want you to know you are not alone in life and if I am able to share some encouragement with you then my heart will be at peace.

  • Menu Being Updated
  • Home
    • Recipes
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
        • Pumpkin Spice French Toast
      • Breads
        • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread
        • Cinnamon Raisin Bread
        • French Bread Pizza
        • Garlic Bread Balls
        • Liza’s Banana Bread
        • Pizza Pull Apart Bread
        • Pumpkin Whole Wheat Bread
      • Cakes
        • Frosting To Create Your Masterpiece
        • Fun -n- Easy Chocolate Cake
      • Cookies
        • Cake Box Cookies
      • Desserts
        • Brownies
        • Chocolate Trifle
      • Fudge & Candy
        • Chocolate Fudge
        • Peanut Butter Candy
      • Healthy Recipes
        • Avocado Egg Salad Spinach Wrap with a Caesar Salad
        • Chicken and Mixed Vegetables Stir Fry
        • Healthy Chicken Cauliflower
        • Healthy Chicken Avocado Spinach Wrap
        • Healthy Chicken, Quinoa, and Zucchini Recipe
        • Oven Baked Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Quinoa and Broccoli
      • Holiday Recipes
        • Gingerbread House
        • Apple Cinnamon Rolls
        • Christmas Monkey Bread
        • Ginger Snap Dip
        • Simple Pumpkin Pie Bars
      • Lunch
        • Tuna and Crackers
      • Meals
        • Homemade Chili
        • Mushroom Alfredo with Broccoli
        • Homemade Macaroni and Cheese 
        • Shepard’s Pie
      • Soups
        • Potato Soup For The Soul
        • Beef Stew
      • Seafood Recipes
      • 25 Days To Christmas Desserts
        • Christmas Mints
        • Chocolate Covered Ritz Crackers
        • Chocolate Coconut Balls
        • Chocolate Covered pretzels
        • Hay Stacks
        • Homemade Hot Cocoa
        • Mini Apple Pie Bites
        • Gingerbread Men
        • Peanut Butter Thumb Prints
        • Snowy Coconut Balls
        • Soft Sugar Cookies
        • Soft Gingersnaps
  • Encouragement
    • Recents Posts
    • Encouragement Today
    • Faith
    • Gratitude
    • Grief
    • Anxiety
    • Comfort
    • Courage
    • Journaling Thoughts
      • Journey
      • Love
      • Mother’s Heart
      • Kindness
        • Sharing the Sweetness of a Smile
      • Peace
        • Peace Beyond Our Understanding
      • Rest
        • Rest, Breathe, Repeat
        • Refresh, Recharge, & Rest
        • Rest, Rejuvenate, Refresh
        • Rest, Relax and Answers Will Come
        • Rest and Breathe Today
        • Rest and Recover
        • Rest and Rejuvenate Weekend
        • Relax and Rest in The Peace of Choosing Kindness
        • Rest Your Mind and Body
        • Rest Is Necessary
        • Slow Down, Breathe, and Find Rest
        • Stop…Rest…Breathe…and Repeat
        • Take The Time To… Rest
        • Take Time To Rest Your Mind And Your Body
        • True Silence Is Rest To The Mind
        • Walking Toward Peace and Rest
    • Random Thoughts
      • Raw Emotions
    • Strength
      • Be Strong and Courageous
      • It is Never To Late To reset
      • Be Strong and Courageous
      • Be Strong and Courageous
      • Courage Conquers Fear
      • Breathe Through The Uncertainty
      • Courage Conquers Fear
      • Christmas, A Time of Reflection and Many Emotions
      • Darkness Turns to Sunshine
      • Courage Conquers Fear
      • Doors Open To A New Journey
      • Courage Is A Prevention To Fear
      • Courage Pushes Through Defeat
      • Faith Believes in The Impossible
      • Friday Night Comfort Food
      • Difficult Weeks Mean Extra Special Encouragement
      • God Always Comforts Those Who Isolate and To Those Who Help
      • Discouraged Today, Find Your Peace
      • Encouragement For The Frazzled Mom
      • Inspiring Your Heart to Shine Brightly
      • Let’s Get Moving
      • The Battle of Courage
      • Opinion Vs. Reality
      • Your Battle Will Be Won With Strength and Courage
      • Pain: WHERE DO I BEGIN?
      • Procrastination Leads to Difficult Days
      • Sharing Fall Vibes
      • The Battle of Courage
      • You Are Never In Total Darkness
      • Wishing You A Merry Christmas Eve
      • Challenge
      • Sharing the Sweetness of a Smile
      • It is Never To Late To reset
      • Beauty Surrounds Us
      • Doors Open To A New Journey
      • Unexpected Moments
      • Facing Fears Allows You to Conquer Your Strength and Self-Confidence
      • God Gave You Strength For Today
      • Grasping The Strength of A New Day
      • Hope Gives You Strength When You Can Not See It
      • Hope Provides Strength
      • Love, Strength, and Sunsets
      • New Days Brings New Strength
      • Rejuvenate Your Strength in Hope
      • Strength Overtakes Failure
      • Strength Has Power Over Shaken
      • Strength Through Tears
      • Your Battle Will Be Won With Strength and Courage
      • Your Strength Is Your Beauty
      • Welcoming Tuesday With Strength
      • Whether You Are Weak or Strong Strength Comes From Above
  • Life
    • Decorating Tips
      • Fall and Christmas Tiers
      • Decorating A Winter Three Tier Platter
      • Small Kitchen Decorating Ideas
    • Organization Tips
    • Life Hacks
    • Organizing Christmas Chaos
    • Life Management

Tag: Strength

#Findingcourage, #keepingitreal, #stepsforward, Believe in Yourself, Challenge, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life

Do Not Focus On The Steps Behind You

Life Changes, The New Journey Ahead This week has been an emotional week as we said a temporary good bye of 2 (possibly 3) years to our sweet friend, who is like family to us. I decided to use her time away to set some long overdue goals for myself to not necessarily rediscover myself … Continue reading Do Not Focus On The Steps Behind You

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
June 6, 2019June 6, 2019Bravery, Challenge, Courage, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Strength
Anxiety, Bible, Broken, Burn out, Depression, Grief, Journey, Life, pain, Rawness, Trials, Weariness

Our Broken Spirits Are Healed

BrokToday’s reminder is a simple one! Are you feeling alone? Are you feeling overwhelmed? “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalms‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This reminder is to encourage you to know, despite how you may feel, God is with you. He is saving you from all you are feeling. … Continue reading Our Broken Spirits Are Healed

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
May 19, 2019Courage, encouragement, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Strength
Believe in Yourself, encouragement, Inspiration, Journey

Doing Your Best Is The Best

So many times we find ourselves pushing beyond what we are capable of doing. Kiddo spoke these words to me yesterday when she was cramming to finish her class before the semester finished. They spoke to my heart so I had to make this decal to remind myself of this on a regular basis. If … Continue reading Doing Your Best Is The Best

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
May 14, 2019May 14, 2019encouragement, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Strength
Believe in Yourself, Courage, encouragement, Inspiration, Journey, Strength

Unclear Roads

To those who are working hard to achieve a goal, but your road seems unclear in how to get there, know despite how unclear it is, when you get there, the reward will be sweet and amazing. God will bless you for all the twists and turns it took to get there because no matter … Continue reading Unclear Roads

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
May 7, 2019May 8, 2019encouragement, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Strength
#keepingitreal, Challenge, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real

Making Life Changes

Credits: Home. Life. Encouragement One Step At A Time All too often we find ourselves in the midst of difficult situations. It may even feel like life is falling apart at every seam. How many of you find it easier to fall into unhealthy behavior patterns where you make excuses and play the blame game … Continue reading Making Life Changes

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
May 7, 2019May 7, 2019Courage, Problem Solving, Skills, Strength
Anxiety, Believe in Yourself, Bible, Broken, Courage, Discouraged, Encouragement Today, Inspiration, Journey, Strength, Weariness

Do Not Harbor Your Fear

Simple Thoughts Are struggling today with fear or discouragement? “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. … Continue reading Do Not Harbor Your Fear

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
May 5, 2019Anxiety, Bible Verse, Courage, Discouraged, encouragement, Encouragement Today, Hardships, Inspiration, Journey, Strength, Weakness, Weariness
Believe in Yourself, Book Promotion, Brave Art of Motherhood, Character, encouragement, Journey

Finding Your Brave

I am shamelessly promoting this book, The Brave Art of Motherhood, Fight Fear. Gain Confidence. Find Yourself Again, by Rachel Marie Martin This book is truly an amazing book to read if you have become stuck in a life that does not look familiar any longer and if you want to break free from the … Continue reading Finding Your Brave

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
May 1, 2019May 1, 2019Book Promotion, Bravery, Courage, encouragement, Inspiration, Keeping It Real, Strength
Anxiety, Bible, encouragement, Faith, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Strength, Trust

Faith and Trust Conquer Fear

What Happens When Stress Becomes Unbearable? Is your life difficult at the moment because worries seem to be piling upon each other and you find the stress unbearable? Are you in a season of transition, whether you are seeking a new job opportunity or moving to another state or country and you find the stress … Continue reading Faith and Trust Conquer Fear

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
April 24, 2019April 24, 2019Bible Verses, Faith, Fear, Life, Strength, Trust
Anxiety, Bible, Bondage, Broken, Burn out, Comfort, Depression, Discouraged, encouragement, Exhausted, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Peace, Strength, Weariness

Love, Strength, and Sunsets

The Same Love That Created The Sunset, Loves You as Well I hope my daughter doesn’t mind my sharing an absolutely beautiful sunset she sent me last night as she was crossing over the water on her way home. This sunset can only be made by God, it’s Creator. Today’s message is short, but my … Continue reading Love, Strength, and Sunsets

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
April 17, 2019April 17, 2019Bible Verse, Comfort, Discouraged, encouragement, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Strength, Weakness, Weariness
#keepingitreal, Believe in Yourself, Comfort, Discouraged, encouragement, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Joy, Keeping It Real, Real, Strength, Weariness

Purposely Seeking Joy and Renewal

Seeking My Joy Today My joy today has been seeing the beauty of the new spring growth popping up every where. Every day there are more leaves on the trees, more blossoms on the bushes and beautiful flowers showing up in the flower beds. This new growth reminds me that no matter how dead life … Continue reading Purposely Seeking Joy and Renewal

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
April 13, 2019Bible Verse, encouragement, Hardships, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Strength, Weariness

Posts navigation

Older posts
Newer posts

About Me

Heidi Benson

Heidi Benson

I am a wife, mom, and daughter. I served in the United States Army, went to college, received a Batchelor's Degree in Criminology, homeschooled my daughter every year from start to finish, started working at a Christian school after being out of work for 20 plus years while I raised my daughter and now I am currently a volunteer assistant to the director at our local hospital. I married my husband when he was in the United States Army so I have the unique knowledge of what it is like to be on both sides of a Military uniform. While we were stationed in Germany, my daughter, who is 27 years old now, was born and I made the difficult decision to put my career on hold to be her mom. The past 25 years have been wrought with many struggles, but as a result of those struggles, this blog was created. As the years passed and the struggle kept coming, I would say, "I'm not sure why we have to go through all of this, but if we have to then it is my desire to allow my story to serve as a means of encouragement to others so all this pain isn't for nothing." The years passed and the struggles did not. However, I feel now is the time God wants me to share these stories of hardships with the hopes they provide encouragement to you if you are struggling in the same way. It is my prayer they will serve as a healing opportunity for you. I want you to know you are not alone. There are others who know where you are and what you are feeling. Cling to the hope this won't last forever and that God is standing beside you while He holds you up and dries your tears. He is showing you the way, you just need to follow Him. Big Hugs, Heidi

View Full Profile →

Search My Blog

Click to Translate

Follow Home Life & Encouragement on WordPress.com

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 238 other subscribers

Most Popular Posts and Pages

  • What Do Your Footprints Look Like
  • Small Victories are Still Blessings
  • The Tree in My Flower Bed:
  • When Healing Takes Over: A Personal Update from the Heart
  • Inspirational Wednesday: The Gift in the Challenge

Top 5 Recently Read Posts

  • What Do Your Footprints Look Like
  • Small Victories are Still Blessings
  • The Tree in My Flower Bed:
  • When Healing Takes Over: A Personal Update from the Heart
  • Inspirational Wednesday: The Gift in the Challenge
  • Thankful Thursday
  • Transparency Tuesday: The Heart of a Helper
  • Motivational Monday: Your Piece Makes the Puzzle Complete

You are…”enough.” Ps 139:14 NKJV

Encouraging and Inspirational Online Church

Are you looking for and encouraging and inspirational online church service?

Check out our church online as well as our 5 locations in Virginia.

LibertyLive.Church

Cornerstone Church of Skippack, PA.

Inspiring Blog Posts

Dear Daughter, I Promise To Try, Author Renae Fieck

Trophy of Grace – Be The Best You

The Female Project – We Must Keep Getting Up

Perfectly Imperfect – 7 Verses to Help Control Your Crazy Life

Categories

Archives

I appreciate you, my reader and follower

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Feel free to share it with your family and friends who may be encouraged by it as well.

Heidi :) @homelifeandencouragement.com

  • Menu Being Updated
  • Home
  • Encouragement
  • Life
Website Powered by WordPress.com.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Home Life & Encouragement
    • Join 238 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Home Life & Encouragement
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d