Thursday, June 14, 2007

Relationships

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

The air was cooler this morning as I stepped out, probably from the cool wind that blew the rain cloud over last evening, We thought we were in for a storm, but it blew over and left cooler air behind, Yea!

We got to see Mike at the park yesterday. He is the naturalist I have known for about twenty years, but he was transfered to Ft. DeSoto, and I had not seen him for a long time. He is helping Steve teach the summer camp kids, so I was really happy to see him.

On our way out, a hawk flew alongside us for awhile, swooping and soaring crossing a lake into the clump of oak trees. God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

Brewing Good Relationships

When one wants the best pot of tea, there are several rules for brewing that will assure the tea is a treat for the palate.

Always choose teas whose basic flavors are pleasing to you or your guests. If they are loose teas, don't be afraid to do a little blending, measuring one teaspoon per cup plus one teaspoon per pot. Let the tea steep for several minutes, but don't boil tea leaves. If you do, bitter tannins will emerge.

Like brewing tea, forming good relationships takes time and attention to be satisfying. Here are ten ways to show the love of Jesus to others-guaranteed to bring out the best "flavor" of each person:

1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, 14 to smile.

3. Call people by name. The sweetest music is the sound of one's own name.

4. Be friendly and helpful.

5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure.

6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.

7. Be generous with praise-cautious with criticism.

8. Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.

9. Be thoughtful of the opinions of others.

10. Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.

These things take time, but like the time spent perfecting that pot of tea, it is well worth the extra effort.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Hold a true friend with both your hands.
African Proverb

I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (8 and counting)