Appreciate the Encourager

"Fact: Every week, the average person receives: 682 e-mails, 12 text messages, 10.8 pieces of junk mail, 1.5 personal letters. Feeling appreciated is one of the strongest human desires. A handwritten note costs less than a dollar to write and mail, and the relational value is priceless." ~Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza

Recently I've been fine tuning my attitude to be more grateful. Seems I spend a lot of time griping and complaining about the weather, my job, finances, people who annoy me, etc., etc., etc....then the quote written above jumped off the page as I read it - "feeling appreciated is one of the strongest human desires!" Wow! Not rocket science, not something unattainable, but something tangible and easy to

express.

Last night six wonderful friends of gave of their time, their gifts and their wallets to made eight of their friends feel extra special, and there were no strings attached! Seriously, no strings attached! Boy, did we feel appreciated! Thanks so much Lisa, Srini, Brad, Julie, Pepper & Jason. We'll never forget how special you made us feel.

Hebrews 13:7,8 says, "appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness."(The Message)

October is Pastor appreciation month. There are many great men and women that I'd like to personally thank - Louis D., Jack F., Doran C., Dru B., Jim G., Ellis W., Patrick M., Eddie L., Darin K., Brian C., Ryan H., Mike W., Mike G., Chuck L., Lisa D. and all of their spouses who've served and still serve so faithfully along side of them.

If you have the time, take a few minutes to write a note of thanks to those who have ministered to you, in your own handwriting. According to Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza, it costs less than a dollar, but the relational value is priceless!