I bought a plate awhile back that says "You are special today" around the rim.  We actually use it quite a lot.  You are supposed to pull it out on birthdays and special days, but I find that folks need to know they are special more often than that.  If someone has had a rough day, they are likely to find it at their place setting.  Guests are pretty special as well.  And, of course, that is the "just because" reason.

I highly recommend the "special" plate, but you could get creative and make your own or just buy an outrageously pretty plate and make that your family's special plate.

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Margaret Cousins

(A special thank you to all who add comments on the blog.  Your ideas and thoughtful words add so much to the tips.  Bless you.)

Be generous!  Lori <><

Sometimes when I listen to the news I am discouraged by all the bad news. I wonder, however, if I am not guilty of being a "bad news bearer" when my husband walks in the door. Do I barrage him with all the bad news of my day or do I make his homecoming a welcoming, peaceful experience?

So as a tip for today, when your husband arrives home, listen to yourself and begin to replace bad news with pleasant words and good news. Unless it is an absolute emergency, wait for a good time to address any challenging issues.

Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 NAS

Be generous! Lori <><

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995
by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

In the normal course of conversation, our husbands share all kinds of information about events in their lives, their thoughts and feelings, etc.

Do pay attention to your husband's words so that at a later date you can ask how situations turned out, where he is in his thought process or how he is dealing with his feelings. It shows consideration that you are aware of his world and is just generally thoughtful and kind.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop

Be generous!  Lori <><