A New Hampshire man, Geoffrey Holt died last week with a big secret.
The 83 year old caretaker of a mobile home park in Hinsdale, a town of 4,200 people, lived a curious life. Although he once taught Driver’s Ed, he had given up driving his car and rode around town on a lawn mower. He lived in a trailer with very little furniture, no TV or computer and wore threadbare clothes.
His secret? Continue reading
Filed under Giving
While revered and respected in history, Winston Churchill had his share of opposition as indicated by his personal and political enemies. However, he was the master of a witty rejoinder to his critics.
George Bernard Shaw once invited Churchill to the opening night of one of his plays. Shaw sent him two tickets with the note, “One for yourself and one for a friend–if you have one.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
“Something in human nature tempts us to stay where we’re comfortable,” wrote the late Fred Smith, a Dallas businessman and board member of Christianity Today.
In an article in Leadership Magazine Smith wrote about “Training to Reach the Top.” The theme and thesis of his article spoke to the importance of personal growth, getting out of one’s comfort zone and development in the business world, especially for those in leadership positions. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Motivational speaker, trainer, and author Glenn Van Ekeren, illustrates the benefits of giving through the life of John D. Rockefeller.
Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil Company, was considered the wealthiest American of his time. Yet, it is said that by age 58 his life was a wreck. He worried that his success was temporary. Van Ekeren writes “He became sick physically, mentally and emotionally. There was no humor, balance, or joy in his life. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
“It is one’s attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome” wrote William James, often called “the father of modern psychology.”
Today’s Bible reading, Numbers 12-14, is a great illustration of that fact. It describes a familiar Bible narrative when Israel stood on the brink of inheriting the land of Canaan. Moses sent out 12 men to spy out the land and their report resulted in death and disaster for Israel.
By the way, do you know how many men of war died during the wilderness wanderings? (I’ll give you the answer at the end of this post). Continue reading
Filed under Attitude
Years ago Paul Harvey told a story on his radio show about The Butterball Turkey company setting up a hotline to answer consumer questions about preparing holiday turkeys.
One woman called to inquire about cooking a turkey that had been in her freezer for 23 years.
The operator told her it might be safe if the freezer had been kept below 0 degrees the entire time. But the operator warned the woman that, even if it were safe, the flavor had probably deteriorated, and she wouldn’t recommend eating it. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
There’s a story told of a preacher who was preaching a message about the fact that no one is perfect.
To prove his point he asked for anyone who was perfect to stand up. To his surprise, one man stood up in the middle of the congregation.
“Do you really think you’re perfect?” The preacher asked. Continue reading
Filed under Failure
This past Sunday I spoke twice for the brethren at the Northeast Church of Christ in Clearwater, Florida. My topic for the Sunday Worship service was “Make the Most of Your Opportunities.”
The basis for the lesson is found in Ephesians 5:15-16. “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Here’s the “Cliffs Notes” version of that lesson. Continue reading
Filed under Opportunity
Last night Norma Jean and I worshiped with the Temple Terrace Church and heard a fine lesson presented by Nathan Caldwell.
Nathan is from Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada, where we spent the summer and enjoyed our association with his parents, Rob and Sharon Caldwell. He preaches “part-time,” as we often express it, and does a good job.
His sermon was entitled “Our Purpose in Life” and focused on the human need to find fulfillment. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
My Franklin planner has this inspirational quote for today by Albert Einstein. “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”
This thought raises the question, “What really counts in life?”
This question has been answered in different ways by many people. Continue reading
Filed under Life
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