My Mom always said, “Kenny, If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.”
I suppose many growing up in the 1950s and early 60’s heard similar instructions from their mothers as well. That same, solid, sound advice could use a revival in today’s polarized culture with its toxic rhetoric.
Today, June 1st is a good day to begin because it’s “National Say Something Nice Day” according to the holiday calendar of unusual, weird, and wacky holidays. Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Relationships
My normal morning is to wake up early, drink coffee and write a blog post, usually for publication that day. About the time I’m finished Norma Jean will wake up and proof the post.
This morning was different. Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Marriage
Bob and Richard were brothers. Neither had married. Richard lived with their 88-year-old mother. Bob’s whole life was Annabelle his cat. He never went anywhere without her.
One day he was faced with a tough decision. He had to go to London, England, on business for his company and he couldn’t take Annabelle. He didn’t want to leave her at a kennel. Finally he decided to trust his brother with the cat while he was away. He gave Richard detailed instructions, schedules, and food. Everything he needed to care for Annabelle. Bob flew to London and called Richard every day to make sure Annabelle was okay. Continue reading
Filed under Communication
Richard and Robert were brothers and neither had ever married. Richard lived with their 88-year-old mother. Robert’s whole life was Annabelle his cat. He never went anywhere without her.
One day Robert was faced with a tough decision. He had to go to London, England on business for his company and he couldn’t take the cat. He didn’t want to leave her at a kennel. Finally he decided to trust his brother with the cat while he was away. He gave Richard detailed instructions, schedules, food. Everything he needed to care for Annabelle. Robert flew to London and called Richard every day to make sure Annabelle was OK. Continue reading
Filed under Communication
ThePreachersWord recently received an email from a regular reader, a friend and Christian sister.
We always enjoy getting responses from our readers. And it’s a special pleasure to hear from old friends. With a friendly greeting, “Hello Brother” her first line began, “I want to tell you how much I enjoy your thoughts and words of encouragement posted on your blog…”
But I knew there was more. This was going to be a special message. A personal message. Something with substance.
I knew it because of the subject line on the email. Two words: Continue reading
Filed under Attitude, Communication, Relationships
“Communication is to love what blood is to the body. When communication stops, love begins to die,’ wrote Dr. Paul Faulkner in his book “What Every Family Needs.”
Several years ago Redbook magazine surveyed 830 marriage counselors to determine the main problems married couples faced. Not surprisingly, communication was number one. My experience supports their conclusion. Often couples feel they have a problem with money, intimacy, or in-laws, but really it’s communication. Jay E. Adams was right when he wrote, “A sound husband and wife relationship is impossible apart from good communication. A healthy relationship between parents and children depends on such communication. Continue reading
Filed under Communication
Today is Norma Jean’s birthday.
It reminds me of a man who asked his wife, “What would you most like for your birthday?”
She said, “I’d love to be ten again.”
On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and they went to a theme park. He put her on every ride in the park – the Death Slide, The Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear. Continue reading
Filed under Communication
“Listening requires more than opening your ears.” This observation is from Bernard Ferrari’s book, “Power Listening: Mastering the Most Critical Business Skill of All.”
I haven’t read Ferrari’s book but saw this quote in a review while glancing through the Spirit Magazine on a Southwest flight between Tampa and Kansas City. The article appeared on their “Life Apps Conversationator” page.
“Ferrari proffers advice on smart conversation habits. Here are five to try.” Show Respect. Listen to everyone. Be quiet. Understand emotions. Ask questions. This brief overview shares some examples on how to be an effective listener in business settings using those techniques. Continue reading
Filed under Communication
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Really? Says who?
Give me 1,000 words and I will give you: Continue reading
Filed under Communication, Word of the Week, Words
Here’s your bonus blog for Saturday with a little humor.
Have you heard about the two brothers, Bob and Richard? Neither had married. Richard lived with their 88-year-old mother. Bob’s whole life was Annabelle his cat. He never went anywhere without her. Continue reading
Filed under Humor, Uncategorized
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