Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (2/1/2016)...

WHY NOT YOU?

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you? 

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you? 

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you? 

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you? 

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you? 

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you? 

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you? 

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you? 

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you? 

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you? 

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you? 

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, and so much more. Why not you? 

Today is a new day!

Many will seize this day.

Many will live it to the fullest. 

Why not you?

by Steve Maraboli (stevemaraboli.com)

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT) Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (1/28/2016)...

The Optimist vs Pessimist... 

The optimist turns the impossible into the possible;
the pessimist turns the possible into the impossible.
The optimist pleasantly ponders how high the kite will fly;
the pessimist woefully wonders how soon the kite will fall.
The optimist sees a green near every sand trap;
the pessimist sees a sand trap near every green.
The optimist looks at the horizon and sees an opportunity;
the pessimist peers into the distance and fears a problem.


To the optimist all doors have handles and hinges;
to the pessimist all doors have locks and latches.
The optimist promotes progress, prosperity and plenty;
the pessimist preaches limitations, liabilities and losses.
The optimist accentuates assets, abundance, and advantages;
the pessimist majors in mistakes, misfortunes and misery.
The optimist goes out and finds the bell;
the pessimist gives up and wrings his or her hands.

by William Arthur Ward

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (1/26/2016)...

PEOPLE QUIZ

Can you name the following...

Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.


How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

See how you do on this quiz...

List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.


The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that simply care the most.

- Unknown

Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY'S READING (1/25/2016)...

I accept my own personal responsibility...
To replace darkness with light,
To replace hatred with love,
To replace suspicion with trust,
To replace lies and hypocrisy with honesty,
To replace abuse with kindness,
To replace frustration with patience,
To replace fear with understanding,
To replace bias, prejudice and discrimination with tolerance,
To replace ignorance with knowledge,
To replace indifference with concern,
And to replace apathy with action.
by Lou Torok (excerpt)

Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT) Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/22/2016)...

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A LONG AND PEACEFUL LIFE

1. Thou shalt not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.

2. Thou shalt not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.

3. Thou shalt face each problem as it comes. You can handle only one at a time.

4. Thou shalt not cross bridges before you get to them, for no one yet has succeeded in accomplishing this.

5. Thou shalt not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.

6. Thou shalt not borrow other people's problems. They can take better care of them than you can.

7. Thou shalt be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It's very hard to learn something new when you're talking.

8. Thou shalt not try to re-live yesterday for good or ill—it is gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life today.

9. Thou shalt not become bogged down by frustration, for 50 percent of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive actions.

10. Thou shalt count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones—for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.

- Dear Abby

Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/21/2016)...

It's Up To You…

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,

One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey,

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference,

…You see, It's Up to You!

- Unknown

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Matthew 7:12 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/20/2016)...

Golden Rules For Living...

If you open it, close it.

If you turn it on, turn it off.

If you unlock it, lock it up.

If you break it, admit it.

If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.

If you borrow it, return it.

If you value it, take care of it.

If you make a mess, clean it up.

If you move it, put it back.

If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.

If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.

If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.

- Author Unknown


Matthew 7:12 (NLT) Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/19/2016)...

Time heals almost everything, give time, time. Pain will be less hurting. Scars make us who we are; they explain our life and why we are the way we are. They challenge us and force us to be stronger.

- Lifehack

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT) Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Proverbs 18:8 (NLT)

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/14/2016)...

Absolute knowledge have I none.

But my aunt's washerwoman's sister's son

Heard a policeman on his beat

Say to a labourer on the street

That he had a letter just last week

- A letter that he did not seek -

From a Chinese merchant in Timbuctoo,

Who said that his brother in Cuba knew

Of an Indian chief in a Texan town,

Who got the dope from a circus clown,

That a man in Klondike had it straight

From a guy in a South American state,

That a wild man over in Borneo

Was told by a woman who claimed to know

... etc. etc.

- Unknown

Proverbs 18:8 (NLT) Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

Proverbs 10:19-21 (NLT) Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

Proverbs 17:28 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/13/2016)...

The empty cask makes the most sound.

- Jacob Cats

Proverbs 17:28 (NLT) Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 18:2 (NLT) Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/12/2016)...

Discouragement and obstacles can be used to strengthen character as dams make it possible for rivers to generate electricity: They impede the flow but they increase the power. Defeats are inescapable; failures are as certain as the sparks fly upward. By the side of every mountain is a valley, and by the side of every oasis is a desert.

- unknown

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/11/2016)...

When asked to define " conscience," one six-year-old boy wasn't quite sure what it was but thought it had something to do with feeling bad when you kick girls.

- Focus on the Family

1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT) The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

 1 Peter 3:15-17 (NLT) Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 

But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Colossians 1:11-12 (NLT)..,

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/7/2016)...

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” 

- Winston Churchill

Colossians 1:11-12 (NLT) We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/6/2016)...

"Care enough to be an encourager. One person can't care for everybody, but one person can care for somebody."

- Tony Evans

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NLT) For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Romans 5:8 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/5/2016)...

"Jesus has a soft spot for sinners."

- From the movie "Do You Believe"

Romans 5:8 (NLT) But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

John 3:16-17 (NLT) For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

1 John 4:9-10 (NLT) God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT)...

FROM TODAY’S READING (1/4/2016)...

"When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there."

- Zig Ziglar

Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT) Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.