The Lost Art of Listening

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

When it comes to communication, there are two kinds of people – one who loves to talk, and one who loves to listen. And we know which one is more fun to be with.

While effective communication skills begin with listening, it seems that people has lost this fine art of giving attention to someone else.

Not only do you learn (tremendously) through listening, more importantly you encourage others and boost their self-esteem when you give them your full attention, complete with the head nods and eye contact.

The Gift of Comfort

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Comfort is another rare and wonderful gift. Do you remember a time in your childhood when you had a wound and your mother would kiss it, bandage it, and then tell you everything’s going to be alright?

Or maybe when you got older, someone you cared about so deeply left you or was gone with whatever reason it was, and your friends were there telling you it’s going to be okay and that you’ll get over it, giving you words of encouragement?

The Gift of Encouragement

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We seldom think of encouragement as a gift, maybe because it can’t be bought as it is not a material thing. Others don’t see it as something to treasure because they thought it doesn’t cost a thing. In reality, it’s quite the opposite.

Encouragement is actually very rare because it is seldom given, and it is valuable because it is so meaningful to the recipient. Encouragement makes the perfect gift for a loved one. Here are reasons why:

Focus on the Creator

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

COSMOS. Source: http://kosmosaicbooks.com/tag/religion/

The world in which we live in is one of the greatest proofs for the existence of God. The very fact that the universe exists at all point to a Creator.

Even the most cynical scientist does not believe that everything around us came from nothing.

There had to be a beginning. And if there was a beginning, there had to be Someone to begin everything.

Don’t Forget to Sing

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

We can very easily be burdened with the tasks at hand.

Endless housework, financial insufficiencies, stressful jobs, demanding people, and a difficult ministry.

Complexities are often made more complex by relationship problems and that unwritten rule saying “the world is for the strong” and “only the fittest survive.”

4 Articles about Fatherhood that have Won My Heart

Posted by Raymund Tamayo

It’s unfortunate that there is no college course on being a father. I learn more as I pass through it every day.

It’s hard enough to be a father, and is doubly harder without the things one can learn from the stories and advice of others.

For those who are young fathers like me, here are some must-read articles on fatherhood:

How to Create Silence and Benefit from It

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: http://cfot.ca/archives/6610

Being silent sounds easy. You’re probably thinking “All I need to do is sit still and do nothing. I don’t need to read anything on being silent.”

Very well, try it now for a moment. Set a timer for 2 minutes.

Just sit still. Don’t move.

Choose to be Happy

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Monday mornings are usually the hardest mornings to wake up to.

The thought of having to go to work tends to bring me down.

I wanted to spend time with my family than go to work – but you work to provide for your family – my mind argues with itself. 

Mondays are most difficult because I’ve been very comfortable and joyful in the presence of my wife and children during the weekend, it seems like I can’t stand being away from them again.

Our One Thing

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

 

Source: http://kentcrockett.blogspot.com/2012/09/worried-and-bothered.html

It’s amazing how we love to complicate life.

We easily take on more commitments than we can handle and fill our calendars with more activities than we can fit in.

Yet all the busyness leaves us empty.

Forgiveness is Lightness

Post written by Raymund Tamayo

Source: http://www.zehabesha.com/forgiveness-and-mental-health-by-eyob-b-kassa/

One of the easiest ways to lighten your emotional and spiritual loads is to forgive those who have hurt you and done you wrong.