By: Lynda Shadel Wally is short in stature. I call him a low-rider because his legs are short, and his belly doesn’t clear the ground by much. I would have to lie on the ground to get a perspective of how differently Wally sees the world. He misses a lot because he...
STOP AND THINK - It is art that makes life…makes interest…makes importance, and I know of no substitute for the force and beauty of its process. (Henry James, American born 19th century writer in Britain) In modern times as a result of amazing, almost unbelievable,...
By: Lynda Shadel When I come home from work, I take the dogs for a walk before it gets dark. But sometimes when I look to the west I can see an approaching storm. Not using the best judgment, I sometimes try to beat the storm. But Charlie, who has shepherding...
STOP AND THINK - Every time we encourage someone, we give them a transfusion of courage. (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author) Sometimes it doesn’t take much to encourage another person—just a simple word of thanks, a short note, or even a smile. It does more than...
Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. (Joshua J. Marine) Many people see the difficulties of life as problems to be avoided at all cost; others regard them as challenges, opportunities to learn and grow. Rather...
STOP AND THINK - The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth and to have it discovered by accident. (Charles Lamb, 18th & 19th century English writer and essayist) Most people want to do good things to help others, and that’s praiseworthy. Some,...
By: Julia Somerset The title of this post is from a poem by Charles Williams, who was a member of the Inklings, the famous literary group of friends that included C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and other exceptional intellectuals. In this poem, Williams makes the point...
STOP AND THINK - The world may not be falling apart because of war, but it is being consumed and covered in garbage by seven billion inhabitants. (A letter to the editors of Reader’s Digest) War is devastating, and current affairs around the world give evidence to its...
STOP AND THINK - Before speaking, you should think about what you’re going to say for at least ten seconds. Then, hopefully, you’ll say nothing. (A dad to his son) That kind of advice would go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings and hurt feelings, no doubt. Many...
Feeling ready is overrated. (Kelvin Cooke, American pastor) Cooke goes on to say, “If we are truly honest, none of us ever feels completely ready for what’s ahead.” Don’t you find that true? Uncertainty makes you feel you may not be as prepared for the future...
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. (Marcus Aurelius, 2nd century Roman emperor) Your happiness can’t depend upon outside influences or circumstances; they are transient and impersonal. The idea that “You are what you think” is...
STOP AND THINK - Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. (Carl Bard, Scottish theologian) We sometimes wish that we could just start again. “If I could just do it all over,” we might say,” thinking...