Year ‘Round Gifts!

  [159 words] THE GIFT OF PRAISE — Appropriate mention right in front of the other fellow, of superior qualities or of jobs and deeds well done. THE GIFT OF CONSIDERATION — Putting yourself in the other’s shoes, providing genuine understanding of his side of the case. THE GIFT OF CONCESSION — Humbly saying at…

Resolutions for a New Year

  [195 words] I have heard people say that they do not like to call them “New Year Resolutions,” but a “To-Do List” for the new year. I am sure we can all agree that we are great at making resolutions, but we are horrible at following through with them. Decision-making is easy. It is…

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost a Cent

  [181 words] The Gift of Listening. But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. The Gift of Affection. Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. The Gift of Laughter.…

Some Things to Think On

  [146 words] Never neglect daily prayer. When you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears you. Never neglect daily private Bible reading. When you read, remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says.  If you are in doubt whether a…

A Prior Engagement

[181 words] James A. Garfield James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, took office on March 4, 1881. On his first Sunday in Washington following his inauguration, a member of the Cabinet insisted that a meeting must be called to discuss a matter that purportedly threatened a national crisis. The President refused,…

Using All Your Strength

[135 words] A father was watching his young son struggle to lift a heavy rock. The little fellow grunted and strained, but couldn’t move it. The father said, “Son, are you sure you are using all your strength?” The exhausted boy said, “Yes, I am!” The father replied, “No, you are not. You haven’t asked me…

Echoes of Love

[120 words] The other day a boy refused to obey his mother. Angrily he ran to a ravine and cried, “I hate you!” Suddenly the words came echoing back, “I hate you!” Frightened, the boy ran to his mother and said, “There’s a bad man in the woods. I heard him say, “I hate you.”…