Daily Stop & Thinks

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)

STOP AND THINK – Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible. (Virginia Satir, 20th century American author and psychotherapist)

Satir is right! But she left out one very important thing. We have self-worth because mankind is created in the image of God. When you realize that truth, then “feelings of worth can flourish.” Realizing your own value (to God) makes it much easier to take into account the worth of everyone else, and to treat them with respect.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment. (Romans 12:3)

STOP AND THINK – If you have one true friend, you have more than your share. (Thomas Fuller, 17th century English churchman and historian)

What is Fuller suggesting? That there aren’t enough friends to go around? That if you have one friend, you shouldn’t try to find others? Maybe his emphasis is on the word “true.” Not every nodding acquaintance can really be called a friend. A true friend is one you can rely on, someone who will tell you the truth even when it hurts. Someone who has your back.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

STOP AND THINK – Walking your talk is a great way to motivate yourself. Be honest with yourself, and you will find the motivation to do what you advise others to do. (Vince Poscente, motivational speaker)

We hear a lot today about “walking your talk.” Often, it’s a challenge to live in a manner consistent with your spoken claims because of the effect your conduct and talk have on others. Poscente, however, is challenging the talker to be consistent for his own benefit, to make his own life more fulfilling and complete.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example … in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)