Dear Friends in Christ, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton wrote a book a few years ago called The Carrot Principle. They did a ten-year study interviewing thousands of people. They discovered that appreciation tops the list of things employees say they want most from their bosses. The statistics support their claims. Of the people who reported high morale at work, 94% agreed

that their managers show appreciation. 79% of employees who quit their jobs cited a lack of appreciation as the key reason for leaving. It's a fundamental need in all relationships: the need to give and receive affirmation and blessing. Said Gostick & Elton in the conclusion of their study: "The simple act of a leader, a spouse, a parent, a coach, a mentor, or friend expressing constructive praise and affirmation in a meaningful way, can do so much, but is used so sparingly." Aldous Huxley once said, "Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted." It is a mark of grace to be able to express appreciation. It begins I think with our relationship to God. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 136).

Dr.  Davis  Chappell

Finally, it was good to welcome new members Rosa Moore, Bob, Brooke, and Peyton King, Linda Green, John and Cindy Herald, and Blake, Dana, Cole, Reagan and Camden Miller. Welcome to our church community. I look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend. The peace of Christ be with you all! Davis