but i have a hard time expressing positive feelings...

you’re making your family more and more valuable every day by appreciating them.  you’re making your people at work more and more valuable every day by appreciating them.  i’m trying to make my friends and people i come into contact with more valuable everyday by appreciating them, raising their value.

 

paul was a pro at this.  in practically every book of the new testament that paul wrote, in the beginning he has some good word to say.  “you guys are doing a good job.... i thank GOD every time i remember you.... i appreciate you.... i affirm you.... i believe in you....” 

think of creative ways to appreciate the people in your life – the people you work with, your parents, your children, your husband, your wife.  raise their value. 

how often should you do it?  hebrews 3:13 (niv), encourage one another daily. 

every 24-hours we need a compliment.  at least one, to keep us going.

how affirming were you last week with that person that you’re trying to bring out the best in?  no encouragement? at least a daily compliment?   

how affirming are you to your wife, your children?  some of you say, “i know that i ought to affirm my wife, my kids, but i have a hard time expressing positive feelings.”  then you need to work on it!  first, admit that it’s hard for you to do it.  then practice.  start with something easy like “thank you” for breakfast.  or, “nice dress.”  “nice shirt.”  then you can work up to something like, “i think you're terrific!”  affirm people.

just a thought from the front porch…