Daily Stop & Thinks

Criticism

Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from. (Dushka Zapata, communications coach)

Whether you’re an author, a public figure, or totally unknown, criticism—especially negative or mistaken—can hurt. When that happens, Zapata’s advice is helpful. Be careful to consider the source. Is your critic someone you respect and might even go to for advice? Then you can be confident in listening to their evaluation.

In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery (Proverbs 28:23).

Happy?

Happy people don’t always have the best of everything. But they know  how to make the best of what they have. (Source unknown)

Have you seen the bumper sticker that says, “He who dies with the most toys wins”? That may be a popular sentiment, but in reality, people with a lot of stuff are not always happy. They often just want more. Many people who have  very little of this world’s goods have learned how to be content with what they have, make good use of it, and find pleasure in doing so.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have (Philippians 4:11).

Words and Deeds

Let love through all our actions run; words are leaves; deeds are fruits. (Julia Wood, short story author)

“Actions speak louder than words.” It’s what we do that confirms what we say or reveals our hypocrisy. As Wood implies, even nice words may sound good, but our actions will reveal their true meaning. Life could be different if we all ran our thoughts and words through a filter to be sure everything we do and say reflects an attitude of care and concern for those who hear us.

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).

Another New Start

This morning, the sun endures past dawn. I realise that it is August: the summer’s last stand. (Sara Baume, Irish novelist)

Are daylight hours really beginning to seem shorter? It’s only August; summer is not over, but “back to school” ads are already running! On the other hand, a new month provides a golden opportunity for a fresh start—another 31 days to be changed and to make a change. Perhaps today is the day to start on those projects you were planning to begin in the fall.

So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time (Matthew 6:34).

Struggles

The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. (Robert Tew, author)

When we are facing the struggles of life, we ask “Why”? Why is this happening to me? Why now? In the midst of the struggle and the questions, Tew suggests: “Don’t give up!” Why not?

Because we often cannot see how we can use our current problems to better prepare us for issues we may face in the future. Look back a bit to see if that has not been true in the past.

Is not all human life a struggle? (Job 7:10) . . . we work hard and continue to struggle for our hope is in the living God (1Timothy 4:10).

Honesty

Honor lies in honest toil. (Grover Cleveland, 22^nd U. S. president)

Too many people have been victims of dishonest workers. Signing contracts for house repairs and paying a good bit in advance, they waited patiently for the work to be completed only to have jobs half-finished and their money is “in the wind.” It’s difficult to judge one’s honesty, but good people will live lives of integrity, leaving no doubt that their word is their good bond.

Yes, what joy for those . . . whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (Psalm 32:2) Honesty guides good people (Proverbs 11:3).

Dreams 3

There are some people who live in a dream world. And there are some who face reality. (Desiderius Erasmus, 16^th century Dutch theologian)

Naomi Osaka pursued her realistic dream of being a tennis star, and with hard work achieved it. Others, however, hope to reach an unrealistic dream’s goal. But, as Erasmus suggests, “. . . then there are those who turn one into the other.” Perhaps even the unrealistic dream can be achieved through diligent effort. Think of the many things we use today because of an inventor’s dream.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! (Psalm  90:17)

Dreams 2

Dreams don’t have to just be dreams. You can make [them] a reality. (Naomi Osaka, Japanese tennis player)

As a child, Osaka may have dreamed about becoming a tennis star. Imagining wasn’t enough, of course. The hard work of training, discipline, and practice was required to achieve her status as No.1.  She advises: “. . .  if you just keep pushing and keep trying, then eventually you’ll reach your goal.” Not everyone reaches No. 1 but following her advice will take you a long way.

It is pleasant to see dreams come true . . . hard work brings rewards . . . those who work hard will prosper . . . Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity (Proverbs 13:19; 12:14; 13:3; 21:5).

Dreams 1

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. (Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist)

From childhood we all have had dreams and hopes about the future. Adult “dreams” become even more hopeful when circumstances, events, and resources are in place that might be the means to get what we’re hoping and working toward. By faith hopes become certain as God is both the source and fulfiller of our dreams.

So God has given both his promise and his oath . . . This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:18, 19).

Words

Don’t ever diminish the power of words. Words move hearts and hearts move limbs. (Hamza Yusuf, American Islamic scholar)

Imagine life without words. The deaf and mute have to overcome their losses just to communicate. As Yusuf suggests, what we say and write can have significant effect on those who hear us or read our writings. Because they affect the mind and heart, words can harm or heal, so choose your words carefully.

If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.  . . . blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely . . . this is not right! (James 3:1, 10)

Goals

A good goal is like a strenuous exercise—it makes you stretch. (Kary Oberbrunner, motivational author and speaker)

If a goal is easily reached, it isn’t much of a challenge, nor does it test our skills and vision. It’s one thing to keep our usual routines and assignments, but quite another to create new ones.  And to do so requires using our minds and talents in ways that truly stretch us, but the outcome will be its own reward!

Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God (Psalm 58:11).

Anger

We are never, ever, under any circumstance, to let our anger control what we do and what we say. (Retired pastor)

When it comes to anger, some of us have a very low “boiling point.” Others may simmer for days, months, or even years before exploding. Whether it’s a personal affront or a political issue, adding anger to the mix is never a wise thing to do. Make it your goal to never let anger control what you do or say.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you (Ephesians 4:26)
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19).