Daily Stop & Thinks

If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission. (Anonymous)

In some organizations you have to ask permission from the “higher powers” if you want to experiment with something new or untried. Often the authorities are reluctant to allow their employees to pursue a new idea. That’s why so many entrepreneurs have to launch out on their own. We should be grateful for those who’ve had the courage to do so.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous (Joshua 10:25).

If you get, give; if you learn, teach. (Maya Angelou, late American poet)

Poets have a way of putting profound truths into simple statements. Angelou’s comments speak volumes of worthy counsel in just eight words. Many people are focused on getting, accumulating possessions for a sense of security. They would benefit greatly—as would others—if they’d learn to give. Learners discover real joy when they share their learning.

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty (Proverbs 11:24).

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be. (Abraham Lincoln)

It’s a simple statement that many might disagree with. When you are sad and unhappy, is it because you want to be? That may be hard to admit, but often it seems to be true. After all, we can “make up our minds” about a lot of things. Although we can’t always change our circumstances, we can choose to adopt a better attitude. Think happy to be happy.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other (Ecclesiastes 7:14).

Family is not an important thing. It’s everything. (Michael J. Fox, Canadian-American actor)

In today’s western society, it is sometimes difficult to find a complete family: mother, father, and child(ren). And many such families are mixed, the result of divorce or death and remarriage. While we might long for and fail to achieve the ideal, the Bible talks about a relationship with God that provides a spiritual family, offering a unique and lasting bond.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

Whatever America hopes to bring to pass in the world must first come to pass in the heart of America. (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th U.S. president)

What Eisenhower said about American would be true of any nation and its people. The bigger question, however, is “What is the source of hope?” For Christians, who celebrate Easter today, the answer is that genuine hope comes from God, and it is guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary. (Jim Rohn, late American motivational speaker)

Many people fear taking risks. They want to be sure that the anticipated venture will be safe, secure, and successful. Rohn argues, however, that if you won’t take a risk, you won’t achieve anything extraordinary. Risk-taking, of course, should be preceded by careful study and preparation. Minimize the risk, but don’t settle for the everyday ordinary achievement.

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. (Margaret Mead, 20th century cultural anthropologist)

Here are two important principles. First, each person is different from every other person. He or she is, indeed, unique. Even twins or triplets have their differences in personality and capabilities. Second, we must recognize that everyone is unique. We are not alone in our uniqueness. So, don’t try to fit everybody into a single mold. Value the unique differences.

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

I never dreamed about success; I worked for it. (Estée Lauder, late cosmetic leader)

Athletes dream of being inducted into their sports hall of fame. Actors covet an Oscar or Emmy. Business people fantasize about earning their first million. Authors are hoping for a Bestseller. No one who aspires to greatness, however, achieves his goals by just day-dreaming. Reaching those goals takes determination and persistent hard work.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23).

[There] is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. (George H. W. Bush, 41st U.S. president)

English writer Lord Acton famously said, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But William Gaddis wrote, “Power doesn’t corrupt people, people corrupt power.” Serving people is the antidote. Bush also said, “For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name.”

Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city (Ecclesiastes 7:19).

You learn something every day you pay attention. (Ray LeBlond, author and communicator)

It is often said that you learn something new every day. But LeBlond is probably more accurate; you learn only if you’re paying attention. Any student recognizes that truth. We have all sat in classes, heard lectures, read assignments, and gone away having learned little or nothing. Why? Because we weren’t really paying attention. We have to be alert to learn.

Be alert and of sober mind. (1 Peter 4:7-8).

What a grand world this would be if we all did as well today as we expect to do tomorrow! (Anon.)

Like the song in the play Annie, tomorrow is always the hope for better things no matter how bad everything might seem today. Some of us put off working at a difficult task, thinking we will be able to do it better tomorrow. But if we would just do the best we can today, the tomorrows would take care of themselves, and today would go much better.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring (Proverbs 27:1).

The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. (George Bernhard Shaw, 19th-20th centuries Irish playwright)

It happens way too often, doesn’t it? We leave someone, thinking we have communicated our expectations clearly, only to find out later that we weren’t understood at all. We must really make sure that what we want someone to remember is actually heard and understood. Repetition and follow-up questions might ensure that we have been heard aright.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up . . . that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).