Daily Stop & Thinks

Beauty

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in . . . (John Muir, 19^th-20^th century Scottish-American naturalist)

Muir continues: “. . . [a place] where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” Some folks are workaholics; they just can’t seem to stop working long enough to enjoy the pleasures of life. Others are so involved in politics or social activity that they forget there are other things in life to enjoy. Don’t forget to “Take time to smell the roses.”

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship . . .  Their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world (Psalm 19:1, 4).

Thinking

We’ve got to stop this business of talking without thinking. (Linus, cartoon character in Peanuts)

Does it take a character in the funny papers to teach us something we should have learned long ago? When you hear interviews on TV or the radio, you’d often like to refer the “talking heads” to Linus. Whatever happened to common sense? We are receiving a lot of data, but, apparently, we haven’t learned how to evaluate or assimilate it into practical living. Listen, think, and learn.

There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking (Proverbs 19:20).

Self-worth

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. (Eleanor Roosevelt, late First Lady)

All of us have probably been intimidated by someone we consider to be a VIP or a person in authority. Whether they feel more important or not, we somehow see ourselves as a bit lower in position or value. Roosevelt challenges us to realize that our identity is not determined by what others think. It is based on who we really are, someone created in the very image of God.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).

Meaning

It’s your heart, not the dictionary that gives meaning to your words. (The Bible)

Do you ever say something to cover up what you really mean? How do you respond when someone expresses an opinion that’s quite different from yours? You might say, “Oh, that’s interesting?” But in your heart you’re thinking, “Oh, I don’t agree with that at all!” You may avoid unwanted conflict, but stifle any opportunity for discussion and learning.

The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly (Ecclesiastes 12:10)

Patience

It’s better to wait for [the right] timing and have things fall into place rather than rush ahead and have them fall apart. (Paraphrase of Adam Cappa, contemporary singer-songwriter)

In our rush to get things done, we sometimes are inclined to jump ahead, skipping some important steps, and hurrying to complete the project. There often is a better time, a “right time,” to move ahead, and waiting for that time will likely bring a better result. Impatience may cost more time if you have to redo the work. Patience is difficult but essential for the best outcome.

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

Love #2

Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own. (H. Jackson Brown, American inspirational author)

Human love is so often self-centered. We want to be “in love” because of how good it feels or for all the joy we experience when we are loved. But serving another in his or her best interest is really the demonstration of genuine, biblical love. When lovers discover and practice this truth, their relationship will bring great joy to both and to those who observe them, as well.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them . . . Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other (Romans 12:9-10).

Love

The heart that has truly loved never forgets. (Thomas Moore, 19th-century Irish writer)

It’s safe to say that the word love is often misused today. When viewing a newly remodeled home (see the TV renovation shows), you’ll regularly hear someone say, “Oh, I just love that.” But, in just a few years, the viewer will likely want to change the décor that she “loved” so much. It’s people (not things) that we are to love and be loved, and that should be long-lasting.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Face It

If you don’t conquer it today, it will control you tomorrow. (Chris Suitt, pastor)

We sometimes can’t seem to move on because of some obstacle that has overtaken us as we plan for the future. Putting off dealing with the problem almost guarantees that you will face it again soon. As writer Dale Carnegie put it, “Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” Better to face the difficulty now to avoid facing it repeatedly in the future.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done (Philippians 4:6).

Friendship

Friends have all things in common. (Plato)

Close friends share everything—the trials, the sad times, and the times of joy. We most often think of those good times, but author Lysa TerKeurst emphasizes another essential element of true friendship: “Tears are the truest connection we have with others.” We can be grateful for those who sorrow with us and share our deep burdens. They are among God’s great blessings.

 [God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Humor

If one has no sense of humor, one is in trouble. (Betty White, late TV actress)

White’s observation might seem a little trite, but perhaps it’s more significant than we think. People who can laugh easily—and make others laugh—do seem to have a happier life. And it’s a lot more pleasant to be around people whose appearance and demeanor aren’t sad or grouchy. You never know how much your happy attitude and smile can mean to someone else.

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life . . . along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun (Ecclesiastes 8:15).

Age

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. (Mark Twain)

We do put a lot of emphasis on age, don’t we? We even classify people by their age groups—boomers, millennials, gen X, and so on. There are obvious differences, of course, but there are many similarities, also. Because we are created in the image of God, as the Bible says, we all are of inestimable value. So, whatever our age, it’s most important to live as God intended.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say [and] in the way you live (1 Timothy 4:12).

Romance

Whatever commands the love of your heart also shapes the direction of your life. (Paul David Tripp, author and conference speaker)

Popular ballads of an earlier generation spoke of “love till the end of time” and similar sentiments that are romantic but a bit unrealistic. As Tripp writes, however, such starry-eyed feelings often take over reason and control one’s life and actions. There’s nothing wrong with romance, of course, but one must never separate heart and feelings from mind and reason.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:2)