Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Christmas is not just a day … It is a spirit that should permeate every part of our lives (William Parks, 18th century publisher and journalist).

It’s the day after. Has the Christmas spirit evaporated? The excitement and anticipation all gone? How sad! If giving, gratitude, and love are elements of the Christmas spirit, shouldn’t they continue through the whole year? In gratitude for the greatest gift at Christmas and the hope it provides, let’s maintain a spirit of love and joy all year.

Jesus: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

STOP AND THINK – Remembrance, like a candle, burns brightest at Christmas (Charles Dickens, noted British author)

Christmas brings many memories of past holidays when family gathered and gifts were exchanged in love. But, it would be a travesty to forget the origin of the holiday. We must remember that it was God’s intervention in history by the sending of Jesus that occasions our celebrating today.

That gift provides for life eternal through faith in Him.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. (John 3:16)

STOP AND THINK – Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas. (Dale Evans)

Since last Christmas, the kids have been looking forward to the Big Day tomorrow. Their parents are trying to teach them about having a loving, giving spirit on more than just one day a year. The kids are excited about the gifts they hope to receive in the morning, but let all of us help them, not only to enjoy the day, but to learn that we give because we love.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

STOP AND THINK – It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty founder was a child himself (Charles Dickens, noted British author).

As you talk with your children about Christmas—just two days away—it would be good to remind them of what the original Christmas was all about: the giving of God’s son, coming into human existence as everyone does, born as a baby. A unique child, but one who grew up like all of the rest of us. Yet, his purpose was planned by God for our benefit.

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son … to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)

STOP AND THINK – Getting what you want is not nearly as important as giving what you have (Tom Krause, motivational speaker).

During this Christmas week, when most people focus on what they’ll get, take a minute to think about giving. Instead of thinking about our gift lists this year, let’s think more about what we can give of ourselves in time spent with others and helping the poor, rather than spending money we don’t have, even incurring debts for a momentary satisfaction.

Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35)

STOP AND THINK – Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize. (Elizabeth Harrison, 19th-20th century American educator)

Some people find it easy to criticize others. In fact, some act as if it is their duty to do so. When you’re on the receiving end of criticism, you are likely to become discouraged and frustrated by the assault. On the other hand, when you are encouraged in spite of your mistakes, it becomes an incentive to do better, to improve, and to move forward eagerly.

Encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 3:11)

STOP AND THINK – Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. (Albert Camus, French Nobel Prize-winning author)

We all need a leader, someone we can follow with confidence. Some of us will be leaders, too, having followers who trust us. But, whether leader or follower, we all need friends, companions who will walk with us through the good times and the bad. Friends who will encourage us when we’re down and speak directly to us when we need to be challenged.

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice (Proverbs 27:9).

STOP AND THINK – The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart. (Inspiration Line)

Who can deny the beauty of the changing color of leaves in the fall? Or snow-capped mountains in the crisp air of winter? But sometimes things are not so beautiful: the sludge and mud of the spring melt, the urban devastation after a tsunami. When you experience the beauty of love and the intimacy of friendship, however, you realize the value of the unseen.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

STOP AND THINK – It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. (W. T. Ellis, early 20th century member of U.S. congress and author).

Only seven days till Christmas, and certainly Christmas is “In the air.” Lights, bells, music, Santas, gifts under the tree—all create a familiar sense of lightness and joy. But, if it’s only a seasonal attitude, it might be followed by depression when the lights are turned off. Better to consider the spiritual significance of the season and keep it in one’s heart and spirit.

For God … made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

STOP AND THINK – When we are truly ready to learn, all people and all experiences become our teachers. (Anonymous)

In addition to emphasizing the value of good teaching, perhaps we should turn our attention to the other side: learning. More than just teaching for its cognitive value (the mere transfer of knowledge), maybe we should give more attention to teaching how to learn, especially learning that changes behavior. That way, everything and everyone can be our teachers.

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Proverbs 9:9)

STOP AND THINK – Change is inevitable; growth is intentional. (Attributed to Glenda Cloud)

Everyone knows that the only constant in life is change. And it is a good thing, no doubt. The more important issue is how do you respond to change? Is it an irritant, something to be avoided? Or do you see it as an opportunity to learn, to adapt, to grow? With a more positive view of change, you can certainly become a happier and more productive person.

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. (Ecclesiastes 3:12)

STOP AND THINK – Life is all about plan B. (Author unknown). Life Is All about How You Handle Plan B. (Suzy Toronto, creative author)

Everyone prefers plan A, of course, but we often can’t pursue that plan for a variety of reasons. So, when our preferred plan doesn’t or can’t work, how do we react? With anger? Depression? Give up? Or, push on ahead? Sometimes plan B turns out to be much better

May [God] give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. (Psalm 20:4)