Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book,  Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda (p. 5). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Stop and think about that thought a moment and then think about your good days and then your bad ones.   Then think about your interaction with others. John says, “One of the secrets of maintaining a good attitude is valuing people. You can’t dislike people and have a good attitude at the same time. Think about it: Have you ever met anyone who always treated people badly but had a positive attitude? Likewise, you cannot have a bad attitude and encourage others at the same time. Encouraging others means helping people, looking for the best in them, and trying to bring out their positive qualities. That process drives negative thoughts right out of your head.” He then says, “Your interaction with others sets the tone of your day. It’s like the mu...

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda (p. 1). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I believe in that.   I strive to do that.   John says, “Many people in this world mistakenly believe their attitude is set. It has become such a habit for them that they believe it can’t be changed. They see it as one of the ‘cards’ of life they’ve been dealt, such as height or a history of cancer in the family. But that’s not true.” He goes on, “Your attitude is a choice. If you desire to make your day a masterpiece, then you need to have a great attitude. If it’s not good now, you need to change it. Make the decision. Here’s how: Take Responsibility for Your Attitude. ” He then gives this example.   He says, “After my wife, Margaret, and I had been married for four or five years, we went to a conference for pastors where I had been ask...

A thought by Craig Groeschel from his book, Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are (p. 127). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Ok, then what is the difference between honor and respect?   Good question. Craig says, “Honor lifts up, encourages, and builds. You might think, ‘I’m not going to show this person honor because they don’t deserve it. They’re not honorable.’ But showing honor doesn’t work like that. That’s mistaking honor for respect. Respect is earned. Honor is given. This is a crucial distinction. You should honor someone just because of the position where God has placed them in your life. We must show honor freely.” Earlier he shared, “Years ago, Amy and I were working with this couple. Their marriage was hanging by a thread. When we’d get together with them, over and over again, the wife just continually dishonored her husband. She said mean things about him. She derided him, outlining in minute detail ...