While our heart for social justice grows out from the gospel, social justice by itself will not communicate the gospel. We need gospel proclamation, for as much as people may see our good deeds, they cannot hear the good news unless we tell them. Social justice, though valuable as an expression of Christian love, should, especially as a churchwide endeavor, serve the goal of gospel proclamation.
Darrin Patrick

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THE POWER OF THREE LITTLE WORDS Tuesday

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#1 · November 15, 2005, 3:29 pm

Posted by: bigguyhereagain <bigguyhereagain@...>

"THE POWER OF THREE LITTLE WORDS"
 
 
Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another
often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those
statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones
and restore relationships that have cooled.

The following three word phrases can enrich every relationship:
 
I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift
we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important
things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and
friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. 'Being
there' is at the very, very core of civility.
 
I MISS YOU - Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and
strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other, "I
miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted,
needed, desired and loved.
 
I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect
conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a
powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship.
 
MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an
argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe
you're right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong."
 
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 to he has been in the wrong, which
is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was
yesterday.
 
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 friends is severely constricted often do not
have the attitude of gratitude.
 
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 who 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."
 
LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When
they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being
asked, they pitch in and help.
 
I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if
they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting
others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is
one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.
 
GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be non-conformists, have unique
projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their
interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage
their uniqueness - everyone has dreams that no one else has.
 
I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to
be reserved for those who are special; that is I LOVE YOU.
 
Author Unknown
 
 
"The Grandmother"
 
 
Age had worn her body down to make it frail.
She had little use of her hands for anything.
She couldn't see the fine print in her bible anymore,
So she sat and thought of old hymns she could sing.
 
Her mind held many memories that made her smile.
Her wisdom always took me by surprise.
She saw through the airs that many people wore,
I could never stand to see a tear fall from her eyes.
 
Her fingers bore scars from using an old washboard.
Her hair was always "twigged" up on her head.
Home canned food lined the pantry in the kitchen,
A feather pillow waited for her to lay down her head.
 
A house some people said should be torn down,
A kitchen table built from hand cut boards years before.
Portraits of a family as they changed through the years,
Things that could never be bought in any store.
 
These are my memories, I hold them close to me,
Special things that keep my feet planted on the ground.
I think of that old house and I feel warmth build in my heart,
I loved it there. I remember each sight and each simple sound.
 
The last time I hugged my grandmother I felt her sway,
I was surprised at how fragile she felt in my arms that day.
I felt panic that I knew I didn't dare let her see on my face,
It was the first time I realized that she would go away.
 
Our lives were overlapping like the seasons we both knew,
She wore an old gold wedding band while mine was new.
She had raised a family and it was her time to sit and rest,
I had no time to pause there were so many things to do.
 
I wanted her to be young again with me that day.
I wanted more than she could give but still she tried,
I wanted her to tell me that I didn't have to grow old myself,
I thought of her tonight as I sang a hymn and cried.
 
Have a Blessed Day
Dave and Barbara
 
 
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