STOP AND THINK - An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. (Bill Vaughan, 20th century American colonist and author) Vaughan’s observation is worth thinking about on this last day of 2013. How do...
STOP AND THINK - It wouldn't be New Year's if I didn't have regrets. (William Thomas, journalist) As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to look back over 2013 to discover ways we can do better in the New Year. Almost certainly, we’ll have some regrets from the last...
STOP AND THINK - One of the most encouraging things about new years, new weeks, and new days is the word “new.” (Charles Swindoll, American pastor and author) This is the final week of 2013. Soon, we’ll be trying to remember to put “14” instead of “13” on our letters...
STOP AND THINK - There’s absolutely no reason to be rushed along with the rush. (Robert Frost, renowned American poet) Well, the holiday rush is almost over—just one more holiday next week. We talk about “rush hour” to and from work. Life often seems to be one big...
STOP AND THINK - Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. (Author unknown) “Dream the Impossible Dream,” a song from a popular musical, has probably inspired a lot of people to dream big, to think about the difficult in an attempt to gain success. But...
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...
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...
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...
Can you imagine missing Christmas? With a commercial reminder of this most popular holiday every few minutes, how could anyone possibly miss Christmas? Maybe if you were on a desert island without ads or electronic devices, missing the festivities could be possible....
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...
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...
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....