THE IMPORTANCE OF A SMILE

By:  Z. Ziglar

The dictionary says that to smile is to “look joyous,” or “to have an appearance to excite joy; to contract the features of the face in such a manner as to express pleasure, moderate joy, or love and kindness.” 

Generally speaking, the first thing we notice when we meet a person is the smile—or absence of same—on their face.  A favorite compliment is, “You certainly have a beautiful smile.”  Factually, there are very few things that influence for the good and give more encouragement than a sincere smile.  Henry Miller said, “There is power in a smile.  It is one of the best relaxation exercises I know of.”  Joseph Addison said, “What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.  They are but trifles, to be sure, but, scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”

Several years ago a study revealed something that most people have known for a long time.  After weeks of testing the appearance, personality and attitudes of subjects and their influence on others, the professors at Yale University discovered that a smile is the single most powerful force of influence that people have.  That’s good news, because all of us can generate enough energy for a smile.

A smile has been identified as the “little curve that sets a lot of things straight,” and we’re often told that if we see someone who does not have a smile, we should give them one of ours.  However, we must do more than smile if we’re going to be successful in having a long-term impact on other people. 

If we’re really going to influence people after we’ve gotten favorable attention with a pleasant smile, we must communicate with sincerity and honesty.  Now, obviously, a university study should not be required to know that, because the saying is still true that you communicate what you are.  In summation, a warm, friendly smile is a very fine thing.  Think about it.  Better yet, try it.

A LESSON FROM GEESE

I found this great little article at (author unknown unfortunately) which talks about how we can relate Team Building to how a 'Gaggle' or a flock of geese operate. Five facts in total - and all as fascinating as each other - so here goes.

Fact Number 1:

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird following. By flying in a 'V' formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if one bird flew alone.

Lesson we can learn:  People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are travelling on the strength of one another.


Fact Number 2:

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson we can learn:  If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those who are ahead of where we want to go and be willing to accept help as well as give ours to others.
 
Fact Number 3:

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

Lesson we can learn:  It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.

Fact Number 4:

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson we can learn:  We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else.


Fact Number 5:

When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again, or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or they catch up with their flock.

Lesson we can learn:  If we have as much sense as geese do, we too, will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong!

COME TO THE BANQUET

By:  J. Osteen

Too many of us go through life with a weak worm-of-the-dust mentality. Every time we shrink back and say, “Well, I can’t do it; I don’t have what it takes,” we’re conforming to it. When we allow ourselves to be full of fear, worry, or anxiety, or when we are uptight about something, we’re surrendering to a worm mentality.

It’s time to step up to God’s dining table and dig in to the fabulous banquet He has prepared for you, complete with every good thing imaginable. God has everything you need - joy, forgiveness, restoration, peace, healing - anything you live at your full potential. It’s all waiting for you at God’s banquet table, if you’ll pull up your chair and take the place He has prepared for you. Best of all, the price has already been paid.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” - Psalm 34:8

THE STRENGTH YOU NEED

By:  Blackaby

What does God look for in His servant? Cleverness? Ability? Strength? Talent? Above all, He looks for faithfulness. If you are willing to obey Him in whatever He ask of you, He will see to it that you have all the ability and strength you need to succeed in what He ask.

Serving God is a privilege, not a burden. If God gives you an assignment, count yourself blessed that He considers you faithful enough to trust you with it! Don’t concern yourself about whether you have the ability needed to get the job done. That’s in God’s hands. He has more than enough strength to carry out His plans. What’s important is that He chooses to include you in His activity.

If you have failed to do what God has asked you to do, don’t be surprised if He doesn’t give you a new assignment. If He let you to serve in some capacity in your church and you refused because you felt inadequate, you were really saying God is unable to carry out His plans. Do you wonder why no new word is coming from God for your life? If you will go back and do the last thing He told you, trusting Him to give you strength, you will then be ready for what He has in store for you next. You will know that God considers you faithful when He trust you a new opportunity to serve Him.

“I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service.” - 1 Tim. 1:12