Got this email from David Livingstone:
Only 3 Words!!!
There are many things that you can do to strengthen your
relationships. Often the most effective thing you can do involves
saying just three words. When spoken sincerely, these statements
often have the power to develop new friendships, deepen old ones and
even bring healing to relationships that have sourerd.
The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop
every relationship.
1.Let me help
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they
see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked,
they jump in and help out.
2. I understand you.
People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other
person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in
so many little ways - that you understand them, is one of the most
powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to
any relationship.
3. I respect you
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates
that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children
as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become
closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.
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4. I miss you.
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if
couples simply and sincerely said to e! ach other "I miss you." This
powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired
and loved. Consider how important you would feel, if you received
an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your
workday, just to say "I miss you."
5. Maybe you're right.
This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The
implication when you say "maybe you're right" is the humility of
admitting, "maybe I'm wrong". Let's face it. When you have an
argument with someone, all you normally do is solidify the other
person's point of view. They, or you, will not likely change their
position and you run the risk of seriously damaging the
relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the
door to explore the subject more. You ma! y then have the opportunity
to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other
person.
6. Please forgive me
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if
people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us
are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never
be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying,
in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.
7. I thank you.
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy
the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take
daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends
for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people
whose circle of frie! nds is severely constricted often do not have
the attitude of gratitude.
8. Count on me
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is
an essential ingredient for true friendship. It is the emotional
glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships
tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good
friend is there indicating "you can count on me."
9. I'll be there
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the
night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken
down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear
the phrase "I'll be there." Being there for another person is the
greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other
people, i! mportant things happen to them and us. We are renewed in
love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually.
Being there is at the very core of civility.
10. Go for it
We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends
to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their
interests, no matter how far out they seem to you. God has given
everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support
and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go
for it."
B o n u s : 11. I love you
Perhaps the most important three words that you can say.
Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person's
deepest emotional needs. The need to belong, to feel appreciated and
! ;to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all
need to hear those three little words: "I love you." Love is a
choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone.
12. GOD BLESS YOU!
(These are 3 words too, right?)
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Also sent by David Livingstone:
THE FIVE FINGER PRAYER
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved one is as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain . They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And, lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively. If you decide to send this to a friend, you might brighten someone's day!
Happy new year
