"Listening with your eyes" is a simple and effective communication tool.

How to do it: Over time, a phrase like "great job" becomes patronizing and meaningless unless it is followed by specific feedback. Rather than saying "Great job!" to someone, try observing, describing, and commenting on behaviors or actions. It's hard to break old habits, but with practice it will come naturally.

Example: When a child picks up his or her toys, instead of "Great job," say, "I see (not "I like") that you picked up all your blocks and put them away. That is very helpful. Thank you!"

Why is this better? There's a big difference between praise and encouragement. To praise is to glorify or to cast a value or judgment upon someone. And who likes to be judged? Encouragement, on the other hand, literally means to give courage─to foster and to give hope. Which would you prefer: to be encouraged or to be praised? As you communicate, keep this difference in mind. You'll find that others─especially children─will benefit from the courage and hope you offer.

To read research on the effects of praise and encouragement, email your request to inspire@maureenmould.org.

On January 28th, seven clowns, two tour guides and a support person will leave to minister to those severely affected by recent flooding. For two weeks, the clowns will share hope, love, and laughter in churches, schools, barrios, and hospitals.     

Confidence is building as donations come in to help cover our costs. There are many ways to contribute:

• Make a donation to help cover expenses. 
• Attend our Filipino dinner event on Saturday, January 9th at Wesley United Methodist Church. (See sidebar for more information.)
• Purchase delicious, homemade Filipino lumpia. For details, call (509) 452-2296 or email inspire@maureenmould.org.
  

$10 will purchase one roll of clown stickers or one bag of balloons.
$35 will purchase 100 red clown noses.
$50 will rent a vehicle for a day's transportation.
$75 will provide accommodations for one night.
$100 or more will go toward food, flights, and additional travel expenses.