Daily Stop & Thinks

The beginning is the most important part of the work. (Plato, classical Greek philosopher)

It has been said that you should begin your work with the end in mind. What is the goal or purpose of your work? That’s important, of course, but even more important is how you start the project in order to achieve your ultimate goal. Good endings rarely have bad beginnings. Start right to end right.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Life is either a daring adventure, or it is nothing at all. (Helen Keller, author, speaker)

To many people, life seems to be little more than a humdrum repetition of hours and days without much purpose or goal. Keller, who overcame multiple significant handicaps, found life to be an exciting journey because she refused to focus on possible limitations and concentrated instead on positive involvement in life.

For those who find me (wisdom) find life and receive favor from the Lord (Proverbs 8:35).

We don’t really see ourselves clearly until our behavior is reflected in someone else’s life. (Maggie Rowe, actress and writer)

Rowe also said, “Our faults irritate us most when we see them in others.” Parents might be surprised (shocked?) when they see that their children’s behavior is merely mimicking what they have seen in their mom or dad. We need to be careful how we live; our behavior will likely be imitated by others.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

In the United States today, special tribute is given to the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., perhaps the major influence in the Civil Rights movement of the last century. His life and death certainly illustrate the principle he stated above. It’s easy to stand up for right when there is no conflict; the real test comes when one has to face difficult opposition.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesians 6:13).

Science can tell us how to do many things but it cannot tell us what ought to be done. (Author Unknown).

We are living in the scientific age. The reality of almost everything seems to be in question if it cannot be measured in a test tube or pass laboratory examination. Yet, we all innately recognize that some things are not quantifiable or measurable. Right and wrong, for example. We need a moral compass to enable us to live wholesomely.

The proverbs of Solomon[are] . . . for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair (Proverbs 1:1, 3).

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible. (Anonymous)

The word faith has a variety of meanings, and is often very difficult to define. To have faith is to trust in something or someone. Of course, that faith is only as good as the one you’re trusting. The Bible asserts that faith must be placed in an invisible but ever-present God. Such faith is rewarded with unexplainable peace and hope.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. … Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:1, 6).

Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained. (C. S. Lewis, British professor and apologist)

Just a few weeks ago we were hearing a lot about love during the Christmas season. Family, friends, social gatherings—all seemed so warm and pleasing. It was easy to be affectionate during the holiday season, but how are we acting toward others now? It’s not merely an emotion; rather it’s acting toward another in his or her own best interest.

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).

If necessity is the mother of invention, persistence is certainly the father. (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)

The familiar adage that Swindoll quotes about necessity has been proven true time and time again. When we’re really pressed for the solution to a problem, we are often forced to find the way out. Having done that, however, we may well discover that doggedness will be required to complete the task and achieve the desired final result.

Be prepared in season and out of season; … with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:20).

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French author)

Although many people love winter and activities in the snow and on the ice, the word winter often brings thoughts of overcast skies, dreariness, and cold. In the northern hemisphere, we often long to see the bright, warm sun again. Life sometimes has its dreary times, too, and that’s when a friendly smile and a good laugh make the days brighter.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful. … A cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22).

Sometimes not saying anything is the best answer. You see, silence can never be misquoted. (Source unknown)

Many of us have a rather quick tongue, and we respond quickly at any provocation, sometimes to our shame. Especially when the conversation turns to controversial issues, we would do well to heed the warning from this quote. Keeping our silence may avoid instant embarrassment and will certainly avoid being justly criticized.

Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check (James 3:2).

The secret to happiness, of course, is not getting what you want; it’s wanting what you get. (Rabbi Hyman Schachtel, London-born cleric and author)

This is a very difficult lesson for children to learn—and even adults struggle with it, too. It seems so natural to think that if we can only have what we want, we will be happy. But, of course, there’s always something else, something more we will want. Learning to be content with what we have is an important key in discovering happiness.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . . I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13).

Support is only worth what it costs to give it. (Source unknown)

That sounds like something an Internet service provider might want to consider. Can he afford to hire support staff if their service is ineffective? In another context, when someone says he is supporting you, how much is that support worth? The more it costs the provider, the more likely it will be of significant help to you.

We will support you, so take courage and do it (Ezra 10:4)