The extravagant no-cost gift he might just love…

He doesn’t need socks (though you might think he does).

He doesn’t need Call of Duty Black Ops 2 (though he might think he does).

He doesn’t need more power tools, gadgets, or even a new iphone case.

He needs praise.

Gary Chapman, author of the legendary Five Love Languages,says that the single best way to directly influence your husband and help him grow, flourish, and succeed, is to praise him.  Chapman says,

Men respond positively to praise. One of the most common complaints men make in my office is: “Dr. Chapman, in my work I am respected.  People come to me for advice.  But at home, all I get is criticism.”  What she considers suggestions, he reads as criticism.  Her efforts to stimulate growth have backfired.

Give him praise.  The fastest way to influence a husband is to give him praise.  Praise him for effort, not perfection.  You may be asking, But if I praise him for mediocrity, will it not stifle growth?  The answer is a resounding “No”.  Your praise urges him on to greater accomplishments.

My challenge is to look for things your husband is doing right and praise him.  Praise him in private, praise him in front of the children, praise him in front of your parents and his parents, praise him in front of his peers.  Then stand back and watch him go for the gold.

So no matter what your holiday budget is, consider one extravagant gift you can give your husband (or anyone you love), but you need to start today:

A Thousand Things I Love About You

We all know how to do it right? The 1,000 gifts. We jot down our lists each day, every day, knowing it’s the key to health, happiness, and a renewed heart for God.

Can you imagine what it would mean to your man if, on Christmas morning, you presented him with a THOUSAND things you love about him? Sound impossible?

Just 25 per day from now through Christmas Eve. 

I just started a few days ago. Each morning, during your quiet time, jot down 25 things you love about your man. Character things, one-time actions, silly things, anything.  Do it everyday for the next 40 days and on Christmas Eve you will have your list.

And he will have his dream-come-true. (Especially if you read it to him out loud, wearing *ahem* something special.)

Now, not only will you have the joy of giving this gift, I guarantee you will receive the gift of receiving a new set of eyes for your husband. A renewed appreciation, respect, love.

As you write your list, your heart will change.

As he reads it, his will too.

{Do you have ideas for extravagant no-cost gifts for special loved ones? I’d love to hear your ideas so we can all get started soon! Thanks for reading… and DON’T let Jeff see this post!!!}