Just stop crying.

It's been a season of loss.  So many little things, piling up.  The end of homeschooling.  My mom visiting and then going home, four states away.  The anniversary of my embolism, which caused a flood of survivor's guilt.  And then my Life Group ended.  There will be no more weekly gatherings with these  wonderful, encouraging, loving, sweet women.  Each one of these beautiful things came to a natural end.  Each leaving a hole in my heart.  And then the tears began.

"Stiff upper lip."  "Tears are a sign of weakness."  "Just stop crying."  The lies began to flood over me.  Some were even well-meaning comments from well-intentioned friends.  But each one was in direct contrast to what the Bible says!

He is aware of our tears.
After the death of Lazarus, Mary goes running to meet Jesus.  She is weeping.  "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping..." John 11:33a God is not blind to our tears.  He knows our heartache.  He knows our pain.  He created us to experience a full-range of emotions.  

He cares about our tears.
There is no shame in tears.  God isn't embarrassed about our hurt.  He allows us to experience emotional hurt.  And then He blesses us.  "Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh." Luke 6:21b  Not only does he allow our tears, but He has a plan to redeem them for His glory.

He has a plan for our tears.
As Jesus is telling his disciples about His looming crucifixion, He tell them how painful it will be for them, but then He shares the hope:  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy."  John 16:20  God doesn't waste anything.  He can use our pain to reveal so much:

-Areas of spiritual weakness:  When we experience emotional pain, our response should be to pray and read our Bible.  It's there that we will find the answers that heal our souls.  There may be areas God is looking for us to grow deeper in. 

-Opportunities to minister:  We can't truly empathize with someone else's pain until we experience it ourselves.  When we emerge from sorrow, we can give a testimony of hope to someone going through similar circumstances.

-Testimony of God's goodness:  When the Lord brings us to something and then through something, we can be a witness of the power He has to heal broken hearts.

Remember, tears, for a season, are fine.  In fact, they can be purposeful.  If your sadness is prolonged, or impedes your ability to carry on with daily tasks, please seek help from a biblical counselor.  

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle:
are they not in thy book?
Psalm 56:8

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She is a freelance air personality in Nevada, Kansas, Arizona and Texas also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Indiana and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).

 

See your trial from a different angle.

Today I got to visit Niagara Falls again.  Being a Western New Yorker, I've been over and over.  A few trips ago, it struck me--Niagara Falls is like trials in life.  Everything changes, depending on which angle you see it from from.

There are boats you can take right to the foot of the falls.  It's quite a journey to get down to the dock.  Then you launch.  At first you see the falls from a distance.  And they are impressive.  They kind of draw you in.  Then, the boat begins fighting the current and you're thrust right into the middle of Horseshoe Falls.   There is water plunging all around you.  You feel the power of it from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head.  If you think about it, your heart begins to race from the force of it all.

Here we are, in the middle of your trial.  It's a struggle so massive you don't see a way out.  It consumes you.  The water's roar is deafening.  The current is swirling around you.  The mist is flying at your face.  The movement is all-consuming.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Psalm 46:1-3

Then the boat begins to back out.  You get some perspective.  You feel that sense of conquest.  Same falls.  Different angle.  As the distance grows you have more of an appreciation for where you've been.  You notice the sky.  The boulders.  The birds.  The people.  Often when you're emerging from a trial, there's a point where you realize life has been going on all around you.

You can also see the falls from high above.  They look majestic.  Not frightening, but still awe-inspiring.  They are created by the hand of God.  His providence made them.  His providence also makes your trials.  Nothing coming your way without God allowing it.  When you get perspective on your struggles, you appreciate them. 

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; Deuteronomy 33:27

This was the first time I've been to the falls in cold weather.  Normally the mist feels cold, but not like today.  It was piercing; stinging my face.  And the sheer volume of it soaked me to the core.  In the same way, similar circumstances can impact us differently, depending on what season of life we are in

Trials aren't going anywhere.  God allows them so we can grow.  We might even have to go through the same thing over and over, until we finally overcome it for good.   From the first glance, to the victory, seek God through your hard time.  He is always with us, looking to show us His purpose and plan.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She is a freelance air personality in Nevada, Kansas, Arizona and Texas also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Indiana and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).

You Must Go Through.

It was back on May 22nd that I had surgery on my Achille's Tendon.  The plan was for me to have a 4-6 week recovery and then slowly start standing and walking.  It's now week 7 and I'm still not on my feet.  Is this God's plan?  

Some things happened along the way.  On June 12th I suffered a massive pulmonary embolism.  After the fact, my cardiologist told me he didn't think I would survive.  Looking back, I see the hand of God every step of the way.  I was out of the hospital in just a few days, with a new way of living.  Is this God's plan?

Then there is my clumsiness.  I've never been the most graceful person in the world.  A couple times now I have lost my balance and stepped down onto my recovering foot.  Each time, I add extra recovery time.  Right now my surgeon is concerned the tendon isn't healing right.  We are taking it week by week.  Is this God's plan?

God has me going through these things because He loves me and He has something to teach me. I wish it were easier. The really good lessons are never easy. I have regretted this surgery time and time again. But I can't go back. I can't live in regret. I have to go through it.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

In the same was Moses went through the desert. In the way Mary went through birth. In the same way Jesus went through the crucifixion. Many times, especially as Americans, we look for ways to get around things. We need to embrace the pain, and the struggle, grab Jesus' hand and move through it. It's not easy. Is this God's plan?  Yes. 

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She is a freelance air personality in Kansas, Arizona and Texas also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).

Making the Most of Online Research

Online research gets a bad rap.  Some of the arguments I have heard against it:  "The sample size is too small."  "It's unreliable."  "Only weirdos take online music surveys."

On the flip side, it's cost effective.  It has a crazy fast turn around, and for many stations, it's the only research tool they have.

So, how can you make the most out of your online research?  Here are some strategies I have used which have resulted in, what I believe, is a pretty reliable tool to help make my station is as effective as possible.

1)  Split your database:  When people sign up for your online research, they answer many questions about their age, where they live and sometimes even their interests.  Nose around in all that data and figure out who you trust the most.  Put them in one database.  Everyone else goes in the other.  I run two surveys simultaneously.  Every single time.  One survey group is my target.  The other is everyone else.  I look at data from both groups, but weigh the opinion of the target group more.

2)  Know who is in  your database:  Theoretically, the people who are signed up to take your music surveys are passionate about your station.  Hopefully they come to your events.  Meet them and get to know their names.  If that doesn't happen naturally, plan an event for your database.  Some sort of "Thank You" gathering with some cost-effective food and goodie bags.  This is where you might actually see some weirdos.  Make sure you have them in the right database.  (See above.)

3)  Massage your database:  I fiddle in my database every couple months.  As new people join, I move some to my target as needed.  As people age, I move them out of the target database.  Recently, I heard some programmers talking about testing W25-49 instead of W25-54.  The change in my results was significant.  The result is a fresher, yet still hit-based, sound. Give it a try.  If that doesn't work for you, move the 49-54 back in next time.

4)  Reward your database:  Start every message with "Thank You."  End every message with "We appreciate you!"  Let your database know they are important.  Then, give them stuff.  Random stuff is great.  Exclusive stuff is better.  Get them concert ticket pre-sale codes.  And on your next email, tell everyone who won the last time.  The goal here is not to bribe people.  The goal is to create buzz.  It gives your air personalities a reason to talk about your survey on the air, and reminds people to take it.  A giveaway can be especially helpful during those times of year when response slows down.  

5)  Remember you database is a tool:  With any home improvement job, you depend on a variety of tools to get the job done.  Programming a radio station is like that.  Online research, combined with all the other information we have at our fingertips, gives us a clear view of trends that are emerging with our audiences.  I don't live and die by my online research, but when it confirms what I already believe, I make a change and don't look back.

6)  Throw out bad surveys:  Once in awhile, you get back a wacky survey.  It happens.  By testing a variety of songs, you can easily tell if your data is good.  If proven hits suddenly take a turn and new music is testing like a rockstar, that would be weird.  In the four years I have been using online testing, I have tossed a few.  Trust your gut.  If the data doesn't quite look right, don't use it. If you have a few bad surveys in a row, massage your database.  (See above.)

7)  Keep adding new members:  People will eventually stop taking your surveys.  They get bored.  Their email address changes.  They get offended with your station.  Keep putting new people into the pipe.  So how many people do you need to have to make your data reliable?  As many as possible.  Once I asked a trusted consultant how many people had to show up at an auditorium test to have it count.  His answer was 35, if they are the right people.  This is where running two databases is helpful.  (See above.)  You will get more reliable results from a small group of the right people than a large group of the wrong people.

How do you get the most out of your online testing?  I'd love to learn ways to improve what I do.  Hopefully I've given you some food for thought.  As always, I appreciate your feedback.

Terese Main is Assistant Program Director/Music Director/Morning Co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She is also a freelance on-air personality in Kansas, Nevada, Arizona and Texas and also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).

Do I Smell?
Have you ever smelled something so nasty that you wanted to throw up right then and there? I was in line at the grocery store yesterday when I got a whiff of this guy behind me and my stomach started to turn. I tried to smell my sleeve just to distract my brain. I got that light headed feeling. Didn't even care if I got change. I inched forward. And so did he. I wished for some essential oil to wipe under my nose. Mercy!
 

How does someone not even smell themselves when they smell THAT bad? 

I wondered if he had showered all week. All month? I finally was done and headed to my car. Head held high. Thankful that I have clean clothes and running water. I wondered "Do I ever smell that bad?"

Then I thought about my sin. Putrid filth. The way God could have looked at me and turned His nose up. He could have been repulsed. He could have fled from me. But instead, He ran towards me and embraced me, in all my nasty, vile stink. Then He washed me clean. Why can't I love people better? Who am I to think I am better? Cleaner? Fresher? I didn't do anything to make me any of those things. I was simply made new by the pure, profound love of a Savior.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She is a freelance air personality in Kansas, Arizona and Texas also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).  

Encouraging Without Words.

It's a very special thing I get to do--being on Christian radio.  Sometimes I forget people are listening.  Hardly ever do I think about the impact I'm having.  Once in awhile when I'm at an event and see our audience face-to-face, the reality comes crashing into me.

My words are important.  

Suddenly I become hyper-aware of every sentence I udder.

Are my words good enough to help someone draw closer to Jesus?

Someone I just met shared with me something that will forever free me from that pressure.  It was the end of her first marriage.  Her husband took her to a busy restaurant and bluntly told her he didn't love her.  That he was divorcing her.  And with that, she stood up and walked out, broken-hearted.

Soon after she prayed for someone to encourage her and she stumbled on a Christian station on her radio.  It wasn't any deep, profound thoughts that pulled her back to grace.  It was laughter.  The female co-host on the morning show had a laugh that oozed joy and love.  And with every giggle, the healing began.

Are words important?  Yes.  But even more so, is the spirit in which we speak them.  If you are uttering profound Bible truth with no love--no grace--no tenderness, you're only telling half of the story.  Let Jesus shine through every noise that comes out of your mouth...even if it's just a laugh.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com). 

Must Be Present to Win.

Those words are pretty universal for things like contests and drawings.  More than once I've been the one drawing a name, only to have the person not be there--and we move on to the next winner.  This past week though, I was on the other side...more than once.

I had the joy of going to the Christian Music Broadcasters "Momentum" conference in Orlando, Florida.  The speakers and music were amazing, but so are the interactions with people.  It's the balancing that I have trouble with.

So, back to the drawings.  One of my dearest friends was having a rough afternoon on the second day of the conference.  I texted if she wanted company, she said yes, so off I went and the two of us had a good heart-to-heart.  The next drawing was for an iPad Mini.  My name was picked.  I wasn't there.  I didn't win.

The next day, I vowed not to be late, but I got to talking with some wise women about health issues.  Then I sped down to the business center to mail a box home.  The hallway is always a temptation with me--a volunteer I love and get to hug--a industry co-hort who I get to share a smile with.  The second I walk into the ballroom, I get the news--my name was just picked again; this time for a $250 restaurant gift card.  Again, I'm empty-handed, and craving Mexican food.

Who gets drawn twice and misses winning both time?  Well, me.
But still, I'm the luckiest girl in the room!

So back to the rules of the contest:  "Must Be Present to Win."  It's true--I wasn't in the room both times my name was called.  However I was present in a few different ways.  I was present for an ill friend who I hope I was able to encourage.  I was present for a volunteer who I hugged.

Where is God asking you to be present?  At home?  At church?  At work?  At His throne?  Am I bummed about not winning and iPad.  Yes.  Do I wish I could treat my family to a dinner out?  Sure.  Am I super embarrassed about being laughed at during a conference?  You betcha.  Am I thankful God used it in a way to show me the areas of my life I'm neglecting?  Definitely.

1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received
to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).  

Waffles.

The First Graders in my Sunday School class teach me so much; I sometimes wonder who the teacher is.  A few weeks back, a wee one was trembling in the hallway.  I hadn't noticed her when another teacher came in, "Is this little one in the hall yours?" 

There she was.  Long blonde curly locks.  Looking down at the ground.  I figured she needed a little courage to come to class.  "Can I take your hand?"  She reluctantly took it, but barely moved.  Thanks to the Holy Spirit, for in that moment, I stopped, kneeled down to her sweet face, "What's wrong, sweetie." 

"I had waffles," she replied. 

It turns out, she had syrup stuck on her face.  I don't know about you, but I HATE dried syrup on my face!  I quickly whisked her to get a wet paper towel, she wiped off her face and practically skipped to class. It was just what she needed.

By taking the time to ascertain her need, I was able to truly minister to her.  It made me wonder...

How many times have I THOUGHT I was ministering to someone when I was completely missing their need?

Take a moment.  And ask.  Get to know people's hearts before you try to do something to help them.  You might be surprised by the simple things God has for you to do for someone else.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com). 

Are you Available?

The forecast said Sunny and 80.  I knew it would be the perfect day for a picnic with my daughters.  I made a plan to be available for them.  We shopped the day before and I started packing the basket mid-morning.  In the midst of that, God brought a friend to my mind.

"Wanna have a picnic today," I texted her.  "Maybe later this week." was her reply.

She was having a bad day.  Flat tire, broken flip-flop, pre-schooler in tow.  It was a classic Monday.

I found out here little one really wanted to go to the park to play and offered to meet her there.  We arrived with plenty of food, and an extra pair of flip-flops.  Just what she needed, just when she needed it.  But only because I had been intentional to be available.

Normally I am too busy for God.  Too much work.  Too much ministry.  Too much house cleaning.  Too much time online.  Oh, and don't forget too much complaining about how much I have to do. This one day my ministry happened through strawberries, chicken salad, veggies and hummus.  Oh, and flip flops.

It was so neat to watch the result of God's plan unfold.  Who knows what He has planned for you today.  Make sure there's a spot on your "to-do" list that says "Be available."  Then, stand back and watch how you are used.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).

The Fear of Flying.

Why don't you stand up for yourself?  I'm afraid.  How far can you push your talent?  I'm afraid.  When are you going to take the next step?  I'm afraid.

Talking with a colleague about a conversation they had with their boss, I realized fear was holding them back.  They had all sorts of great ideas, but were pretty convinced the boss wanted things to stay just as they were.  So the ideas, plans for the future, and potential greatness were all put on hold.  For the sake of status quo.  How very boring.

For you did not receive a spirit 

that makes you a slave again to fear.
Romans 8:15

Let me break it down for you.  Here are things it is NOT acceptable to be afraid of:
Failure.
Being fired.
Ruffling feathers.
Losing your status.

Instead, here are things you should really tremble over:
Just missing greatness.
Ignoring your own voice.
Falling short of God's plan for your life.
Opportunities you can't even begin to imagine.

We've all been gifted in different talents.  I marvel at how God blesses us all in such unique ways.  I grieve at how some talents are buried.  I rejoice in how others are doubled and tripled.

Your gifts.  Take them out for a spin.  Not for your glory, but for God's.  He gave them.  He deserves honor and He so delights when you enjoy what He's given you.  Recognize God's gifts in others.  And when they fly, not fall, let's all rejoice!

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).

Test Penguins.

There's a theory that before entering a body of water to fish, a flock of penguins will push one of their own into the water.  If a predator doesn't attack, the others safely enter. 

Radio stations are a lot like penguins.  We travel in packs, doing the same sort of things, following the same music charts and watching each other intently.  Only, instead of being pushed, some jump into the water on their own, deep into the pool of risk.

Risk can bring great rewards with some things.  If you are truly an innovator, there's great success in developing a great idea.  But truly successful stations don't take careless risks; they formulate their moves based upon past success and a prediction of the future.

If you're an adult-oriented station, chances are, the majority of your audience does not place great value on new music.  Instead, they prefer music they know, and like.  If you're watching the other "penguin" stations, you might be tempted to jump into the water.  Before you do, examine your motives.

 Are you diving in because
it's what's right for your audience,
or because you want to beat
the other penguins into the pool?

If you're not sure on new music, don't dive.  Be confident in your strategy, and observe.  There's nothing wrong with watching the "test penguins" in your market to see what works. And when a competitor gets swallowed up by a leopard seal, you might not even notice.  Because you, wise one, are intently focused on your listener, instead of what everyone else is doing.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).

The Why Behind the Want.

Woman.  Wife.  Stay-at-home-mom.  Working woman.  Homeschooler.

What name tag are you wearing today?  Likely more than one.  Maybe even all of them.  I once rode in an elevator with Gloria Steinhem.  I wish I had the courage to ask her the "why" behind her grand feminist movement.  She helped persuade a generation of women into wanting it all.  I fear we would have ridden that tower a hundred times and still not gotten to the core.

What is the "why" behind the want?

Have you ever had a burning desire?  Something that you knew would complete you.  Where do those desires come from?  For Christians walking in the will of God, they come from the Holy spirit.  We're told:  Delight yourself also in the Lord; and he shall give you the desires of your heart.

But what about when you're not walking in God's will?  Suddenly we're craving more, faster and getting fuller.  But on what?  Where are the desires rooted?  Greed?  Competition?  Jealousy? 

Christian women who desire to work often feel guilty.  It's partly self-imposed.  And partly cultural.  In order to be a help-meet for our husbands, and to train our children, there's a misnomer that we need to stay home.  And for some women, that is the case.  But what if God is put us in the missions field of our workplace?  What if our desire to work comes from what God has planned for us there?

What is the "why" behind the want?

If you're in God's will; if you're in the Word, in prayer and obedient to your husband, there is no guilt or shame in work.  Sometimes it will be hard.  Many times that's the case in obedience.  If you know this is your calling, there is no reason to feel anything but joy.  You might check your motives often.  And that's ok.  May knowing you're walking the path God has chosen for you bring you peace to your home, and your heart.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com). 

Goal:  Perfection.

Have you been watching the Olympics?

I'm always so amazed.  Beyond the performances.  Beyond the amazing moments.  There is a lifetime of hard work.  You are viewing athletes who have given up everything in order to get as close as possible to perfection.

Then, there are the commentators.  As I recall, in my childhood, they were more empathetic.  "That's too bad," they would sigh, when someone stumbled.  Now, it's "They should have worked harder."  Is it my imagination?  Have they become more critical?

Have we all become more critical?

We live in a society where the goal is perfection.  Don't like your nose?  Get it done.  Got a rip in your clothes?  Get new ones.  We are all quick to point out what is wrong with ourselves, and everyone else.

So, why then aren't more people drawn to Jesus?

Talk about perfection.  As God in flesh, He had it all.  No sin.  Charisma that drew flocks.  And a kind answer for every disagreement.  In our perfection-starved society, He is the answer.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2Corinthians 5:21

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com). 

Just Me.

Sunday morning.
Time to put on your best clothes.
Style your hair.  Get all made up.
Let's go to church and get real with God.

Rewind 10 hours.  After a productive Saturday at home, I found myself in track pants and a hoodie.  Hair in a pony tail and {gasp} no makeup on.  We needed a few things from Wegmans, so I headed out.  You know what happened next...I saw everyone I know.

"Boy are they all gonna be surprised when they see me at church tomorrow," I thought.

Sometimes I approach my radio show like a Sunday morning.  I prep my content, I plan my breaks.  And everything is just perfect.  Other days, I can't pull it together and out comes the real me, pony tail and all.  When I get emails or calls from listeners, though, it's always the "track pants and hoodie" shows they comment on.

In those moments of being real, we connect one human soul to another.  We let a struggling mom know she doesn't have to have it all together.  We give a fallen saint encouragement to crawl to the cross...again.  And we say to every listener "I'm here, with you.  Just you.  Just me."

Wonder how many heads would turn if I wore my hoodie to church today.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com). 

In The Middle of the Floor.  

My dog, Lovie likes to be near me.  She's on the floor beneath my feet right now.  This morning I was doing some cooking in the kitchen, turned from the sink to go to the fridge and nearly tripped over her.  She was laying right in the middle of the kitchen floor.

"That's one way to get noticed," I thought.

How many times have you wanted to lay on the kitchen floor.  There have been times when I have felt practically invisible in life.  When I've wondered if anyone sees me or even knows I exist.  In reality, I've wanted to be heard or have my thoughts validated.  But the idea of having someone trip over me and then say "Oh, you see me now?" is tempting!

Who do you see laying on the floor?

People aren't like dogs.  They won't plop down next to you and sprawl out and they (likely) won't put their head on your lap, looking for attention.  They will do things like post cryptic facebook messages, or get unusually quiet in the middle of a meeting.

In those moments, seize the opportunity.

Be the person who reaches out.  Send a message that says "I'm thinking about you," or ask "Is everything ok?"  Any dog lover would stop, stoop down and scratch the dog behind the ears.  Let's make sure we're loving people just as much.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com). 

Can You Spare A Seat? 

Recently we moved my husband's grandmother into a nursing home.  The room she was moving into was very small, so we had to be very selective about which belongings she could keep and which she would have to get rid of.  After everything was sorted and put away, we had time to visit with her.

Only, there was no place to sit.

The room has a bed.  And then her wheelchair.  But not place for a guest to take a seat.  There is a bench in the hallway.  And some tables in communal areas.

Do we make room for guests?

In radio, we have our listener core.  They are familiar with our music, our announcers, our features.  How would a new person feel if they tuned in?  Do we take the time to explain who we are and why we do what we do?  Is there a place on the website that welcomes new listeners and gives them a place to sit for a spell?

In church, are we welcoming to people who have never attended before?  Are our greeters keen to new faces?  Are our regular attenders too busy socializing with each other to notice anyone new?  Do we promote where visitor packs can be quietly picked up, if the thought of raising one's hand during the offering is a little intimidating?  Most importantly, is our church's doctrinal statement readily available so visitors know what we believe?

In life are we open to new people in our life?  I once had someone tell me "I don't have any room in my life for new friends."  If only everyone were so blessed.  New people give us new opportunities for learning and experiences.  Every person has the ability to make an impact in some way.  Keep your eye open for the opportunity new friendships bring.

And be sure you have a seat ready for them.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).