Physical Touch (Part Two) By Dr. Michael Brooks

In different cultures, hugging is very important it shows friendship and caring, kind of like men shaking hands in the US. I’ll bet if you were to have an American male greeted by a male from the Middle East, where hugging and kissing is howmen greet each other that would make many of us feel very uncomfortable. Touching is a very important way of communicating many different feelings.

When you buy a car, a salesman will shake your hand when the deal is completed. When a kid hits a home run, he will get a bunch of teammates slapping him on the back in celebrating his home run. A woman gets engaged, and her girlfriends are all jumping up and down when she shows them her engagement ring, then they all begin hugging each other in excitement, laughing and carrying on. Watch when someone begins to cry, how people will go over to that person and put an arm around them to comfort them. It’s an instinct we all share; we touch to comfort the hurting among us.

There are touches during times of crisis, I’m sure we can remember how those felt and were needed. When I got the call about my dad’s passing, I wept hard, and was in a lot of pain. My daughter was 5 years old at the time, walked over to where I was sitting, crawled up into my lap and began to cry with me, telling me everything was going to be alright. That made a big impact on my life; I will never forget that touch and her encouraging words. We all have tragedies throughout our lives, the death of loved ones through accidents, cancer, heart attacks, old age. The breakup of marriages, the ending of friendships, can be a strain on us.

How important is a hug from your spouse at that time of a personal crisis? It’s very important. Words don’t have to be spoken, but holding your spouse and just listening to what they have to say or not say, will mean so much to them. Your physical touch will show that you care, mush beyond what you have to say. Touching during a crisis will leave a lasting impression that will show how much you cared enough just to hold them. I remember watching kids at a funeral who had a friend that was killed in a car accident. The kids hung on to each other, they wept together, and they held hands as they mourned their loss of a dear friend. Touch is what helped them through a crisis. When words can’t be spoken, a hug, an arm around a shoulder, can go a long way in supporting someone who needs a physical touch. Keep that in mind.

When you’re married, a rub on the arm, a love pat on the backside or a caress on the face, may last only a moment, but says plenty throughout the day. Your partner will know that you are reaching out to them in a non-sexual way. Ask your spouse in what ways they liked to be touched in a non-sexual way. Here are some ways to show your spouse you love them through physical touch.

• While your out to dinner, rub your spouses hand, gently touch them on their knee or thigh.
• Hold their hand as you walk into the store or go to dinner.
  When you drive, take their hand and hold it.
• When watching TV interlock your legs and enjoy touching while watching your TV program.

If you have some of your ideas try them. Physical touch shouldn’t be that hard, it’s a matter of making it happen. In closing, remember that physical touch can go a long way (if that’s one of your spouses love languages) in healing a relationship.

Are you having a difficult time figuring out what non-sexual touch is with your spouse and need help? Is it difficult for you to figure out what physical touches your spouse needs during the day without them thinking you have other ideas? Do you need help in discovering your love language of physical touch? If you answered yes to any of these questions, call Dr. Mike and set up an appointment to speak with him.

If you want to read past articles you can go to Mike’s blog at https://applicablecoaching.com/blog/ feel free to post your comments and or questions.

In addition, online/phone Master Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by appointment, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured. I have many out-of-state clients; this is the most effective means for Life Coaching for those of you who are out of the state of Colorado.

Divorce Coach specialist:
Are you in the process of Divorce? Do you have a relationship that isn’t working, or that you want to improve and work on? Is your marriage in trouble, and is there still hope of reconciliation? Or do you need to end an unhealthy relationship? If you answered yes to any of these, I can help you as a Divorce Coach.

What is a Divorce Coach?
Most attorneys are not trained to act as Counselors or Divorce Coaches and cannot provide the proper emotional support to their clients. As a result, the attorney and client spend hours discussing the emotional aspects of divorce and the client ends up paying a large bill and receives little more than a shoulder to cry on.

Many of my clients come to me with little or no energy left to accomplish what they want out of life (life’s battles). They say that there always seems to be a mountain to climb (major problem), and for others, a wall (major disaster) to run into. Does this sound familiar?

Divorce Coaching offers structure and holds clients responsible for assuming a pro-active role. A Coach may recommend material for clients to read, work on, or refer to for future use. Clients can benefit by working with a Coach in setting realistic expectations for the process and receiving education about the options available for divorce. Being informed and prepared helps clients make important decisions with confidence. Guiding clients in clarifying their thoughts, needs, and concerns, in order to communicate more effectively, is another important function of the Coach. Clear, purposeful and rational communication helps to ease tension and foster understanding between spouses, as well as parents and children.

Much like any crisis or trauma , the early emotions of a pending divorce include shock, disbelief, denial, anger, and the pain associated with the loss. Once the early emotions have been experienced, there is a need for people going through a divorce to make sure they continue to take the necessary steps in moving toward recovery. As with any significant loss that involves a meaningful relationship, divorce can lead someone to a place of anger, bitterness, and lonely despair. Dr. Mike will walk you through the critical role of forgivness in divorce recovery. Especially when it comes to wrestling with issues, like trying to prove who’s right or wanting to get even.

In addition, many divorcing couples wind up in the traditional litigation route because they are reacting to fear, anger and a desire for getting even and are not thinking about what will happen once the divorce battle has ended.

After the grief process has run its course, divorced men and women must begin to consider their next steps in getting back to a healthy level of functioning. While this may not necessarily mean starting a new romance there is a need to take stock and evaluate relationships with family members and friends.

Part of building a new life is the acceptance of having been divorced. There are key issues in starting over, these include the need to avoid a victim mindset, having a balanced self-esteem and considering the future in terms of jobs, and finances.

After the grief process has run its course, divorced men and women must begin to consider their next steps in getting back to a healthy level of functioning. While this may not necessarily mean starting a new romance there is a need to take stock and evaluate relationships with family members and friends.

Did you know that…
Americans divorce more than any country in the history of the world.
The divorce rate has increased in the U.S. every decade since 1890.

Dynamics of Divorce Coaching:
Delayed and later life marriages are the norm for society today.
Divorce is often a lengthy process that can last for years.
The person who often seeks divorce coaching is the one who did not initiate the divorce proceedings.
Divorce coaches help repair and rebuild life.
How the biological parents dealt with divorce literally determined the future of their sons and daughters.

What Divorce Coaching will do for you:
Help you manage the early emotions.
Move you towards acceptance.
Process the grief and loss.
Understand the grief cycle.
Do’s and dont’s in your divorce.
Forgiveness and letting go.
Building a new life.
The Five Keys to starting over.
Barriers to new relationships.
Finding new relationships.
Now what? Living in a blended family.

Physical Touch (Part One)

I can remember when my daughter Alissa was born. I was 27 years old, was as excited as a dad could be. When I first heard the news that my wife was pregnant, I was thrilled. I remember telling everyone that I was going to be a dad, my friends teased me, and my parents were excited about having another grandchild in the family. During the process of planning and getting the nursery ready, painted, new carpet, a thought occurred to me. I have never changed a diaper, given a bath to any baby that made me very nervous, in fact it scared me to death.

It was November 19th in the afternoon when my wife told me we better head over the hospital, just a few blocks away from our home. I dropped her off at ER, and then parked the car. I quickly went back to ER and met my wife while she was talking to the nurse at the front desk. They wheeled my wife up and I followed along, wondering what was going to happen. I started not to feel so good, I was queasy, achy, and shaky, let’s just say, not in the best of shape. I started to get cold, and told the nurse I wasn’t feeling so hot. They carted my wife to delivery room and took me to the ER. This was a small town hospital in rural central Wisconsin. Everyone knew everyone, and the doc that came to check on me said, “I hear your wife is upstairs in the delivery room.” I said yes, and he said lets check you over and see what’s going on with you.

The year was 1979, if anyone can remember what was going on during the month of November and December; the swine flu should ring a bell. I had it and bad. I asked the doc to get me close as possible to the delivery room, which happened to be the Doc’s lounge next to the delivery room. As sick as I was, I could still hear my daughter being born, her cries, and the nurses laughing. Then one of the nurses came and told me that I had a baby girl. I wept with joy, and wanted so badly to see her, but as sick as I was, they would not allow it.

A few days later my wife and Alissa were released to come home. I was so afraid to hold my little girl she was so small and delicate. Then the defining moment came, when I held her, again the tears flowed, I now felt like her dad. I needed to touch my daughter to feel the connection with her, and she needed to feel the touch from her dad to know she was loved. So, physical touch is important from parents to children, as it is from children to parents. Think how important it is to each other in a marriage? During the courting process, or dating for you younger people, holding hands and touching are very important.

Physical touch is very important in your marriage as you communicate your love for each other. Can you remember holding hands with your spouse before you were married? Your first kiss, remember how exciting that was for you? How about your honeymoon, your first time being together sexually? All these feeling are communicating love towards each other. For some of your physical touch is your primary love language, you need the touch from your spouse to feel loved. Keep in mind that sexual intercourse is only a part of physical touch, not all of it. The lack of physical touch can make or break a relationship, did you know that? I talk to couples all the time about the lack of physical touch in their marriage, from both men and women!

I will get a spouse that loves holding hands and her husband will avoiding holding hands like the plague. She will reach out for her husband’s hand, and he will pull away and put his hands in his pocket. What is he communicating to his wife, and how uncomfortable is that for her to feel rejected by the man she loves. It takes little effort to hold someone’s hand, and he didn’t realize how much this hurt her, until I had both of them in my office. His wife let him know how much she needed his physical touch, not just in the bedroom, but throughout the day. This is important; if you feel that your spouse needs more non-sexual touches from you, then tell them, this is one of your needs, talk about it! Next week we cover the rest of physical touch and how important that is in a good marriage.

Are you having a difficult time figuring out what non-sexual touch is with your spouse and need help? Is it difficult for you to figure out what physical touches your spouse needs during the day without them thinking you have other ideas? Do you need help in discovering your love language of physical touch? If you answered yes to any of these questions, call Dr. Mike and set up an appointment to speak with him.

If you want to read past articles you can go to Mike’s blog at https://applicablecoaching.com/blog/ feel free to post your comments and or questions.

I was watching my dad one day while I was a senior in high school, it was a Sunday morning and he was in the kitchen. He was fixing a breakfast for my mom. He went all out when he made her meals. Here was a retired Col in the army waiting on my mom, and he did this every Sunday. During the week he would help with doing the laundry, and cleaning the house. He did the grocery shopping; my dad really took good care of my mom. Why did he do that? Well, I suppose that being married to her had something to do with it, but it went beyond that. One of my dad’s love languages was acts of service; he loved helping others by doing things for them. When he passed away, many people came up to me and told me how my dad had helped them. He took many to Doctors appointments, drove them to get their groceries, and helped them with errands. He was a great example of acts of service.

I have also acquired that gift, and love helping others. When I meet with friends at Wendy’s 6:30 every Friday morning, I will make sure their coffee cups are filled, take and empty their food trays, it just comes naturally I guess. I love helping others. Acts of service is something we do to please our spouse, it means expressing love by doing things we know our spouse likes. Sometimes it takes some thought, planning and making things happen for our spouse. If you have to be asked by your spouse to do things for her/him, then you know Acts of Service is one of their primary love languages. A person whose love language is Acts of Service, feels loved when their spouse does things for them. I know my mom appreciated what my dad did for her. When someone does things for you, do you tell them how much that means to you? Many times I have done something for someone and have never been thanked, I am not looking for a thank you, but if your spouse is doing something for you and you don’t acknowledge and appreciate what they have done for you, then the person who is serving you doesn’t feel appreciated. When people do things for me, I tell them, thank you so much!

Now, if your spouse is not very good at doing acts of service for you, then it’s ok to sit down and talk about what they can do to help you. Make a list of 10 things they can do over the course of a month for you. Remember, most spouses cannot read minds, so as you share what you would like done, have a list, and start small. I don’t recommend a list with painting the house, or building an addition to your house. Start with small acts of service — things that can help you. Don’t demand that they do these things, if they haven’t been accomplished by the end of the month, it takes time.

I have a friend of mine whose wife bakes for him and their kids, she loves doing this for her family. He gets cakes, sweet breads, pies, cookies, and this happens to be one of the things he likes, and that is acts of service. He also is a man who serves others. He gives countless hours to serving those in his community. A good example of acts of service is a grandmother who loves serving her grandchildren. She makes them a special breakfast, prepares little snacks for them during the morning. She makes them their favorite peanut butter cookies for an afternoon snack. She will sit on the deck and watch them play for hours. This brings her joy as she serves her grandchildren. I like thinking about that example, maybe we should be doing that for our spouses. Just think of the joy that you would bring the person you love and are married to. I want you to make a list of 10 acts of service assignments that you would like to be done for you. Keep them simple, if this brings happiness to your spouse, give it a try. Next week we will be on part two on Acts of Service.

Are you having a difficult time in spending quality time with your spouse and need help? Is it difficult for you to know how to plan a quality time event? Do you want help in discovering your love languages or that of your spouse? If you answered yes to any of these questions, call Dr. Mike and set up an appointment to speak with him.

If you want to read past articles you can go to Mike’s blog at https://applicablecoaching.com/blog/ feel free to post your comments and or questions.

In addition, online/phone Master Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by appointment, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured. I have many out-of-state clients; this is the most effective means for Life Coaching for those of you who are out of the state of Colorado.

Last week we covered Acts of Service, this week we will wrap up Acts of Service. After reading last weeks article, did you try any of the suggestions I asked you to think about? I got a call from a client who wanted some ideas on how to improve her marriage. We spoke for about 20 minutes and shecertainly has several area’s she wants to work on, and acts of service was one of those area’s!

Let’s review some of last week’s article. Do you like doing things for others, helping them out, maybe by doing the laundry, or planning a special dinner for your spouse? Acts of service are doing things for your spouse or loved ones, without being asked. If you enjoy planning surprise events, or just enjoying doing something special for someone, this is one of your love languages. I think that Acts of service is one of the easiest to incorporate in your life. Doing things for your spouse is a no-brainer. If you look and listen to what your spouse is saying, you can fill their needs by helping out.

I had a client who would get up early in the morning, clean the kitchen, and make coffee for his wife. He didn’t know if she appreciated what he was doing until one day, while at a dinner with friends, she shared with the group how her husband would make her coffee in the morning and clean the kitchen. He was so happy; he shared with me that it was worth every morning of making coffee and cleaning the kitchen just to know this made a difference in helping his wife. This is not a major event in their household, but one that made a lasting impression on the husband and wife.

Here is a suggestion for those who have the gift of Acts of Service. Make a list of things you think your spouse would like you to do for them. After this list is completed, then start doing them and see if they notice. Then sit down with them and together make a list that they would like to have you do things for them and watch what happens. Your spouse will be delighted in all the things you are doing for them. Remember Acts of Service are doing things for you spouse without being told, time after time. If that happens that defeats the purpose of Acts of Service.

Remember when you were dating all the things you did before you said I do! You would do anything possible for your love interest, if they liked flowers, and a walk in the park, you made that happen. You were doing things without being asked, remember? So, when we get married what happens, we fall back into old patterns before we were in love and got married. One of the things that couples fall in love over, is the things we did for each other before we said “I do.” Make a list of the things that made you fall in love with your spouse. Talk about these things and go over them, think about the fond memories the Acts of Service from your spouse did for you.

One of the problems encountered in defining what each others love language is, can be how we interpret our expressed needs. Sometimes we may convey our needs as demands and when we don’t get them start to be critical if our needs are not met. We want to make sure those things we need or ask for are requests and not demands. So, you want to learn what your spouse’s love languages are.

I had one client who would use his love language as a way to demand his way and to cause great harm to the marriage. The 5 love languages are supposed to help and improve any marriage, not be a burden to it. I got a call from his wife and she was crying on the other end of the phone. She said that her husband was demanding that she comply with his needs. One of his needs was Acts of service, and that was to run errands for him. He was taking advantage of her and he and she knew it. This is where you have to express to your spouse that you will not be used or manipulated by your spouse. This is not love and a gentle reminder, that you will not be used in any way. The purposes of the 5 love languages are to improve the marriage and getting to know each other in the process.

There must be a willingness to look at the marriage in an honest and open manner. There are incredible benefits to meeting the needs of your spouse. It’s worth going the extra mile and make things happen. This will take time, and as you get to know the needs of your spouse, the marriage will improve. I have to say that I have seen some marriages on the brink of divorce, and when we incorporated the 5 love languages, the marriage turned around. Yes, it takes work, and at times it may seem impossible, but with perseverance, you can save a broken marriage. I get many folks who simply want to make the marriage better, and I suggest the 5 love languages to spice up your marriage. Next week we will be looking at Love Language number 5, Physical Touch. This will help couples in defining what physical touch is in a great marriage.

Are you having a difficult time in doing acts of service for your spouse and need help? Is it difficult for you to know how to plan a quality time event? Do you want help in discovering your love languages or that of your spouse? If you answered yes to any of these questions, call Dr. Mike and set up an appointment to speak with him.

If you want to read past articles you can go to Mike’s blog at https://applicablecoaching.com/blog/ feel free to post your comments and or questions.

In addition, online/phone Master Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by appointment, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured. I have many out-of-state clients; this is the most effective means for Life Coaching for those of you who are out of the state of Colorado.

Last week we covered “Giving Gifts” I want to review what was in last weeks article. For those of you who have this high on one of your love languages, its one that bring a lot of joy to those who receive gifts from you. Do you enjoy receiving gifts? Do you enjoy giving gifts? I think if we wereto say it out loud, we probably like giving and receiving gifts. My story about my surprise visit from my daughter, brought so much joy to me. The lasting impression it left me, and I still treasure those memories as I think about them.

It has been a custom in many countries to give and receive gifts. It opens doors for all kinds of friendship, in gaining and forming new relationships. A gift is something you can look at and think to yourself, they were thinking of me, they cared enough to give me a gift. It doesn’t matter what it cost, its just the thought. Gifts can stir deep emotions. When someone passes away that you cared or loved, and you see a gift they gave you, it moves you.

Remember gifts can be anything your spouse likes. If this is your spouse primary love language, cost will not matter, its just the thought that counts. I found that you can buy, make, find of find a gift.

Today we want to look at giving gifts, but in a different form and that’s giving the gift of time. I remember as a little boy, we lived in Schweinfurt, Germany. My dad was the base commander and both my parents entertained dignitaries, other officers from different bases in the area, and famous musicians, television and radio personalities. They were well known for the parties they had at our home and on the base. It was mid afternoon, I just got home from school, and asked my mom if she would sit down and talk with me. I was 6 years old at the time. She said that she didn’t have time for me, and to go find something to do. I was crushed by that, I needed some time with my mom. Both parents we always doing something, going to parties, bowling, staying at the officers club, but never stayed at home. I needed mom time, and I was rebuffed for my asking. I went upstairs to my room and cried. Why do I remember that day? I have no clue, but my mom did as well. On her death bed, I stood by her bedside, and she asked me, “Mike, do you remember when you asked me to sit down with you and talk to you when we lived in Germany?” I said, why yes mom I do, why? She said, I remember how you walked away, so sad, and hurt, I could see it in your eyes how I disappointed you. Son, would you please forgive me? Wow..she remembered that day! She said it pained her as well. I told her, yes, I forgive you. I had tears in my eyes as she asked for forgiveness, that meant the world to me.

My point in bringing that story up is, I needed the gift of self from my mom. I needed her undivided attention. Not many kids these days get that from their parents, not many spouses get that gift of self from their partner. Why is that? Is it that we are so busy that we just don’t make time for our spouse or children? I think partly that is correct. Maybe we are just not listening to those we love, and feel that they will understand that our work schedule is taking up our time, or our hobbies consume us. If that is the way your thinking, then you better think twice!

Each and every week, I get clients who are starving for the gift of self from their spouses. They want just a little time carved out for them. Some of these people are just so fed up with it, they want out of a marriage because of the lack giving ones self to their partner and marriage. I have one client that is from another state, he called me and wanted to talk. He shared with me that his wife, will give him no time whatsoever. He wants the gift of self from her. He has expressed that so many times with her, he feels like she doesn’t get it. He’s begged for her to give him a half-hour once a day. She cannot commit to that. Her job comes first, her friends second, then her passions third. Where do you think this marriage will end?

The gift of self in never more needed, then in the time of crises. This is where the rubber meets the road. I once had a client back in Wisconsin that never seemed to get it, his wife became ill and he was never around to help her. She needed him to take care of her. She expressed to him, please help take care of me. He was always out doing stuff with the guys, out late and never at home. He showed up one night at his home to be greeted by an ambulance in his driveway, they were taking his wife out on a stretcher. He ran to her side, to be told she tried taking her life with pills. Thank God she didn’t end her life, but it was the wake up call that he needed. He was by her bedside the entire time she was in the hospital. He was a changed man, he give her the gift of self and saved his marriage.

Just having a spouse by your side in the time of crises, means so much. Its speaks volumes on how much you care and want to help. This is a visible symbol of love, but one that leaves a lasting impression for the ages. I think gifts are important in expressing love, its the thought behind what we give to our spouses and children. If your spouse appreciates gifts from you, then by all means, get something they will enjoy, little gifts mean so much. Try the little gifts first and watch the happiness you bring to your spouse, children, even your friends.

Here are some tips for giving gifts: Leave a card for your spouse where they can find it, write a short but sweet note to them telling them how much they mean to you and how much you love them. If they have a favorite flower, put that in a vase and leave it on the kitchen table for them to find. Send them a candy or flower gram at home or the office. You can make a card on your computer and give it to them. These are just a few idea’s that you can use. Next week we will cover Acts of Service!

Are you having a difficult time in spending quality time with your spouse and need help? Is it difficult for you in know how to plan a quality time event? Do you want help in discovering your love languages or that of your spouse? If you answered yes to any of these questions, call Dr. Mike and set up an appointment to speak with him.
If you want to read past articles you can go to Mike’s blog at https://applicablecoaching.com/blog/ feel free to post your comments and or questions.

In addition, online/phone Master Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by appointment, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured. I have many out-of-state clients; this is the most effective means for Life Coaching for those of you who are out of the state of Colorado.

How to have a powerful Thanksgiving!

What does Thanksgiving mean to me? Well, being a Mayflower descendant it is a great honor. Growing up, my family heritage didn’t mean much to me. As I got older and read more about the Mayflower, it had a special meaning to me. My two descendants wereGeorge Soule and Peter Browne. I read about how hard life was back then, survival was all they could do with little food, water and cold weather. As I sit back and reflect on how easy we have it today compared to what the pilgrims went through, well..let’s face it, turkey, mashed tators, and pumpkin pie and football seems less stressful on Thanksgiving Day, then on our forefathers, don’t ya think?

I was reading in one of our family diaries, an entry dated in “1903 Thanksgiving Day” my Grandfather was out deer hunting for meat to provide the Thanksgiving dinner. He was a young man in his late teens, hunting the woods of central Wisconsin for a whitetail deer. He was successful not only in getting a deer, but also he got one big fat goose as my great grandmother wrote in her diary.

My question to you is, what does Thanksgiving mean to you? Is it just another day of the week, or do you actually take time to reflect on how blessed you are with a roof over your head, and to have food on the table? So many of us, just seem to go through the day with not much thought of how we are blessed. There are some great pictures that were done by Norman Rockwell in his day. My favorite is his Thanksgiving Day painting called “Freedom from Want” done in 1943. This painting depicts an American family gathered around the Thanksgiving Day table. It shows a happy family being together while eating a holiday dinner. When I first saw this painting as a kid, I sure wished I had a family like that!

Since that time as a kid, I have created that atmosphere for my family, and for many who only want to be part of a Norman Rockwell painting that shows a loving family gathered around the dinner table. I invite those who don’t have family in Colorado, or may be separated or divorced and some who are alone. I invite singles who have no place to go. When we gather together, I want to share my home, I want those who join us to feel as if they are part of a family that wants them and appreciates them.

How hard can it be to invite someone who wants to be with a family for a thanksgiving dinner? Why do some people put conditions on those who are in need? I am thankful that I can offer a meal to a hurting or lonely person. I feel that giving back to those in need, and I am not talking about those who take advantage of others, but those who really need you to adopt someone who would love a “Freedom from Want” Thanksgiving dinner. I want to challenge each of you to invite someone in your sphere of influence and invite them over Thanksgiving dinner at your home. If you don’t know of anyone contact a church in your community and ask if they know of some folks who could enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner. I know of some people who will order a dinner for a needy family from King Soopers and have it delivered to the home. There are many ways to bless others during Thanksgiving.

You may have some people that have blessed you by things they have done for you, how about a phone call, telling them thank you for however they helped you. I had a friend who did a lot for me when I needed help with a project I was doing at the time. So, I called him on Thanksgiving day, and expressed how much I appreciated his help and his friendship. He really was happy that I called. You may have some people you haven’t talked to in years, pick up the phone and call them! Get back into each others lives, its hard to do that when someone passes. If you need to restore a broken relationship, what a better day to do that then on Thanksgiving.

Make a list of people you are thankful for and tell them, if it’s your wife, parents, children, tell them at the dinner table just before you eat. You will touch many lives in doing so.

In closing, take time and reflect how you have been blessed. This is a great time to reconnect. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving day! Blessings.