Enjoy Today!

As I write this letter from a hotel room in Rochester, New York, beautiful snow is blanketing the trees and ground. Funny, how I love the first snow of the year but am more than ready for Spring by the time March and April roll around. I can’t wait for warmer weather!

Why are we so often anxious to move on to the next season of life? Becky is looking forward to turning seventeen and a half, at which time she will be eligible for an adult drivers license. She can’t wait to go off to college in little more than a year. I wonder just how much she is enjoying today. The same goes for me as I plan the next conference and anticipate activities coming up this Fall. How about you?

As the days warm up and the sun shines longer, I challenge all of us to enjoy today. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Have you looked for God today in the beauty of a backlit tulip, the fuzziness of a kitten or the laughter of a child? Recapture your sense of wonder. Stop and smell the flowers—and rejoice in the Lord!

Overflowing with praise,

Top Ten
Conversation Busters:
What Not To Use in Your Communication

How can you turn off listeners? Try any one of the following tactics. Better yet, apply the corresponding antidotes and become a godly communicator. Instead of WWJD (What Would Jesus DO?), go with WWJS—What Would Jesus Say? The references that follow each thought are wisdom from the Proverbs, taken from The Message (a Bible paraphrase, not a translation).

1. Negative Words – Intentionally encourage others—what can you say to build up others?  “Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.” Proverbs 12:25
2. Criticism – Instead of finding fault, look for strengths and share a compliment.  “Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it; the open-minded find it right on their doorstep!” Proverbs 14:6
3. Uninvited...[read more]

Ask Nancy...

Question:  How do I weed negative communication out of my life —it’s killing my relationships!?

Answer:  First, ask God to help you recognize negative words as soon as you speak them. Immediately ask listeners to forgive you for being unkind (true perhaps, but not gracious). Second, ask God to help you become a person of praise. In Philippians 4:4, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Any student of English can tell you that “rejoice” is a verb, an action word—something you do, not feel. For example, I keep close at hand a “good list” of things I love about my husband. When I feel irritated, discouraged, or something ticks me off, I compliment Rich about something on the list.

Choosing to be positive strengthens relationships, glorifies God, and will help you feel better! 

This month’s “e-talk” delivers a practical tip, courtesy of Patty Hauber who shared this with me years ago when she noticed the sickly condition of my houseplants. Our home is now filled with lush vegetation because of Patty’s secret: milk water. Before you throw away a newly-emptied milk container, fill it once with tap water and use immediately—or later—to water your plants. First, the regularity of a finished milk container helps you remember to water consistently. Second, the water absorbs left over nutrients from the milk, so it feeds your plants and eliminates the need for fertilizer. Voila! Gorgeous house plants.

Giving
God Glory:

Dear Nancy,
I heard your program on Dr. Dobson’s show yesterday. Wow! I made myself late for work because I stayed in my car to finish the program. I‘ve never heard anyone share a story like yours—and like mine. Your encouragement meant the world to me! In Christ, M.S.

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