One of the best ways to build relationship is to be THANKFUL! Others want to lend a helping hand to those who are grateful
and appreciative! Look for ways to thank those that surround and support you. As an author thank your publisher, and all who work for them; thank book store owners, meeting planners, blog site hosts, magazine editors, radio and TV producers, pastors—and even other authors who have said or done kind things for you. This is the time of year to send out thanksgiving cards with a note of appreciation, a Christmas card with a personal note or if you can afford it, a small gift. If another holiday better reflects your message, send out thank you’s then—like we do at Love-Wise by sending Valentine greetings!
Go Back and Give Thanks!
Even Jesus commended the one he healed who took the time to come back and say, “Thanks!”
And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”[ (Luke 17:12-18)
Look Forward and Plan Thanks!
Say thanks with:
- A photo or a photo greeting card (like from Send Out Cards)
- A book and gift that carries the theme but that will bless the receiver (Red Hot Monogamy with Salsa and chips or some red hot candies; Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti with pasta keeper, pasta bowl and server with pasta noodles and spaghetti sauce—and waffle mix and waffle iron)
- A simple tool to lower the receiver ’s stress: a fun pen with stylist, sticky notes, protein bar, cup holder, USB drive, a travel accessory—or even something as simple as mints. Pinterest is a great place to find creative thank you ideas with clever play on words.
And this year, with the release of 7 Simple Skills for Every Woman: Success in Keeping It All Together, I am celebrating the SIMPLE! Often personal call to say thank you, a voicemail message full of gratitude, a handwritten note of appreciation will go a long way to carrying a message of thoughtfulness.
Look in Front of You and Say Thanks!
In my book, Red Hot Romance Tips for Women , I challenge the reader to look at traits A to Z that make them a more loving wife, and in A is for Appreciation, I give a list of ways to say thanks—so for those of us in publishing who are married, saying “Thank you” to our mate for supporting our dream might be a great first step. Here are a few ideas from chapter 1:
♥ Admire in a letter or with your verbal praise a good qualities
♥ Applaud his/her effort or an accomplishment
♥ Approve of his/her choice (of anything) heartily!
♥ Commend of him/her in front of his friends or colleagues
♥ Compliment one physical features
♥ Positively inquire more information about an interest
♥ Laud an accomplishment with a gift or a family party to celebrate.
♥ Warm toward an idea by asking to learn more.
♥ Support one a dreams by placing a photo on your desk or refrigerator.
♥ Sympathize with an emotional hurt with a hug.
♥ Enthusiastically embrace an opinion with an “I so agree!”
♥ Show pleasure of his/her company with a “So nice to have you in my life”.
♥ Be sensitive to stress (give a shoulder rub, run an errand or picking up an item without being asked
♥ Place a thank you note on a balloon and float it into the office or bedroom.
♥ Make your own list, A to Z, why you are thankful for your mate (and plan a red hot way to give it!)
(PS: I’d love for you to join me on the 26 day Red Hot Wife Challenge. I send a daily email of encouragement as THANKS for joining in on the journey of becoming a more loving person!)
Bill and Pam Farrel
Pam and Bill Farrel are the authors of 44 books, international speakers, and Directors of www.Love-Wise.com They are thankful to their publishers: Harvest House, Tyndale, IVP, Cook, Thomas Nelson, Oasis Audio, Focus on the Family—and to ALL the bookstore owners who carry their titles!
