Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

hope reflected Archive

Tuesday

17

May 2016

3 Ways to Conquer Bad Habits

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conquer your bad habits

Galatians 5:9 says, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,” and I was reminded over the weekend just how true this is. Last Fall, Wes and I did a lot of winter prep work in our garden and around the yard; we weeded, seeded, raked, and trimmed. Preparation is supposed to benefit the lawn, trees, and any perennials in the garden during the next season.

This past weekend, it seems as though every neighbour was out in his or her yard, just soaking up the warm weather. Wes and I were no exception. We took the opportunity Saturday to churn up the gardens, do some edging, and lay mulch for this year. While we were churning the earth around our trees, both of us noticed how this one weed spread and laid roots during the winter! We’re pretty sure it’s some sort of common knotweed, and it sure grows aggressively. Even after all our work to pull up the roots last Fall, it somehow managed to breed and grow throughout the Winter.

I say all this because, as we were pulling up any leftover (or new) weeds over the weekend, I thought to my self how important it is when you’re pulling weeds to make sure you pull the whole root – you can’t leave any of the root behind, or it will just start growing again. How similar that is to our own behaviours and habits – when we’re trying to make positive life changes, we have to get rid of all the negative, and make sure any bad habits are completely uprooted.

Bad habits pull you down. Sure, those vices may not seem all that destructive at first, but like sin, vices are progressive. They start out small, and you think they’re no big deal, and sometimes we can’t even see bad habits until we’re so far involved in practicing them, and by that time, they can seem almost impossible to break. So how can we pull away from destructive behaviours and bad habits?

Three areas I can think of that can help us conquer bad habits:

  1. Be accountable. Perhaps you have a spouse, a best friend, a parent, or even someone within your church family who can encourage you by helping you stay accountable. In the first part of the verse, James 5:16 instructs us to “Confess your faults one to another”.
  2. Pray specifically. The second part of James 5:16 instructs us to “pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” When you have a specific habit you need help overcoming, or a behavior that needs correction, ask for prayer specifically for that concern.
  3. Believe you can overcome bad habits and behaviours. The last part of James 5:16 tells us that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Effectual is another word for successful, and fervent is another word for believing something so truly that you are actual passionate about the topic.

Bad habits and behaviours can be overcome. One of the keys is to nip it in the bud. Like the annoying (and fast-growing) knotweed, bad habits and behaviours have a way of spreading. As Dr. Bob Gilbert said, “First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits, or they’ll eventually conquer you.”

 

Originally published as “3 Ways to Conquer Bad Habits.” Minto Express. April 20, 2016: 5. Print.

Wednesday

20

April 2016

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Faithfulness, Even in the Little Things

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Lamentations 3:23 the importance of faithfulness

One of my favourite passages in the Bible is Lamentations 3:22-23, in which the author says, “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

God’s faithfulness is great.

Whenever I read this passage or hear the classic Thomas Chisholm hymn, “Great is Thy faithfulness”, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness. And I’m also reminded that we sometimes read those words or sing that hymn without truly taking in the meaning, and the value, of faithfulness.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, being “faithful” means to remain loyal and steadfast. To be loyal is to have “a strong feeling of support or allegiance”, and to be steadfast is to be “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering”. Those are words with impact, and faithfulness is an impacting virtue.

While faithfulness is important in every aspect of our lives, I can think of three areas where the virtue of faithfulness is especially significant: Relationally, professionally, and financially.

  1. Faithfulness is a fundamental foundation in relationships. Hebrews 13:4 says that “Marriage is to be held in honor among all…” When we think about being faithful in a relationship, quite often the first thought is sexually. That’s certainly an important key, however I think too often we don’t place enough value on emotional faithfulness. Especially in today’s society, it seems to be more commonplace for women and men to go outside the marriage to confide in female or male friends, or even co-workers. Adultery doesn’t just refer to sexuality. Proverbs 6:32 says, “A man who commits adultery with a woman lacks wisdom, whoever does it destroys his own life.” Men and women alike should protect the sanctity of their marriage covenant. Proverbs 31:11-12 says of the virtuous woman, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil.”
  2. Faithfulness is a fundamental foundation in your career. There’s the old adage that says “find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Maybe you don’t have the benefit of being in a job that you “love”, so perhaps you think your position doesn’t matter. It does. Regardless of whether you’re working in a job to make ends meet, or if you love your career choice, Colossians 3:23 instructs us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…”. Whether you love where you’re at professionally or not, we should all be working for God’s glory. You might say, “But what about my boss?!” Well, the Bible tell us in Romans 13:1, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Whether politically or professionally, no authority is in place without God’s plan being part of it. Rest in that, and do your best.
  3. Faithfulness is a fundamental foundation in your finances. Finances are always a touchy subject. Everybody has his or her own opinion about how to deal with their finances. But what does the Bible say? The Bible has a lot to say about our finances. Psalm 37:21 tells us, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives…”. As Christians, we are to be good stewards of all that God has blessed us with, and that means paying off debts as well as giving. Even as early as the book of Genesis (14:19-20), we are told that Abram tithed and gave the Lord a tenth of everything. In Proverbs 3:9-10 we are advised to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” My Grama always reminded me that when she was young and newly married, she and my Grampa never bought what they couldn’t pay for upfront. It’s a good reminder that if there is something you want, don’t always be so quick to rely on your credit card. There’s reward in purchasing items outright and not owing anything. We should be faithful in our finances.

Faithfulness is a virtue that can be developed prayerfully and with good habits. Proverbs 28:20 says “A faithful man shall abound with blessings…”.

 

Originally published as “The Importance of Faithfulness, Even In the Little Things”. Minto Express. April 6, 2016: 5. Print.

Wednesday

13

April 2016

A Guide to Encouraging Bible Verses, Part 2: Verses About Love, Forgiveness, Patience

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Luke 6:35 encouraging Bible verses

By this time, you’ve read Part 1 of my guide to encouraging Bible verses, and in this column, I share some encouraging Bible verses that have impacted my life greatly, on the topics of love, forgiveness, and patience.

In this second part of the Guide to Encouraging Verses in the Bible, I’ve selected several verses each on the topics of forgiveness, love, and patience. At times, all three can be difficult virtues to practice, however God assures us in His Word of the benefits of living a life and exercising forgiveness, love, and patience. I hope you find these verses to be an encouragement, wherever you’re at in your walk today.

[If you’re feeling apathetic or indifferent] Verses about LOVE:

  • Luke 6:35 “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;”
  • John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
  • Romans 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”
  • Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
  • 1 Peter 4: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
  • 1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

[If you’re feeling bitter and need relief] Verses about FORGIVENESS:

  • Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
  • Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
  • Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
  • Matthew 6:14 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
  • Mark 11:25 “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
  • Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
  • 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

[If you’re feeling impatient] Verses about PATIENCE:

  • Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
  • Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
  • Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
  • Romans 12: 12 “Be…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer;”
  • Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
  • Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

 

Originally published as “A Guide to Encouraging Verses in the Bible Part 2 – Verses About Love, Forgiveness, and Patience.” Minto Express. March 23, 2016: 12. Print.

Monday

4

April 2016

A Guide to Encouraging Bible Verses Part 1 – Verses About Peace, Courage, Comfort, Happiness, and Joy

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apr4_hopereflected_psalm4211

As I’ve written in past columns, there are so many ways to be encouraged. Smiling more often, writing a handwritten note, going for a walk – these are all great ways to boost not only our own morale, but also the spirit of others who are touched by our gratitude.

Another great way to be encouraged is to dig into God’s Word and find some verses of encouragement. Feeling anxious? There are verses for that. Feeling afraid? There are verses for that. Feeling sad? There are verses for that. This selection is certainly not exhaustive, however I’ve curated some of my favourite Bible verses about a few different topics that I hope will be an encouragement to you, wherever you’re at in your walk today.

[If you’re feeling afraid or anxious] Verses about PEACE:

  • Psalm 4:8 “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
  • Psalm 29:11 “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.”
  • Psalm 34:14b “Seek peace, and pursue it.”
  • Psalm 85:8a “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people…”
  • Isaiah 26: 3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.”
  • Isaiah 26:12 “LORD, You will establish peace for us, for You have also done all our works in us.”
  • Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”

[If you’re feeling afraid] Verses about COURAGE:

  • Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave your nor forsake you.”
  • Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
  • Ezra 10:4 “Be of good courage, and do it.”
  • Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
  • Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
  • Psalm 31:24 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
  • Psalm 118:6 “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

[If you’re feeling sad] Verses about COMFORT, HAPPINESS, and JOY:

  • Nehemiah 8:10b “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”
  • Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
  • Psalm 32:11 “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”
  • Psalm 42:11 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
  • Psalm 119:111 “Thy testimonies have I taken has an heritage forever; for they are the rejoicing of my heart.”
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

 

Originally published as “A Guide to Encouraging Verses in the Bible Part 1 – Verses About Peace, Courage, Comfort, Happiness, and Joy”. Minto Express. March 9, 2016: 5: Print.

Thursday

31

March 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Ways to Be Encouraged

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mar31_hopereflected_psalm1032

This column was originally published in early February 2016, in the midst of winter.

So far this winter, – knock on wood, – has been relatively mild, bright, and manageable. We’re just over halfway through the season, and there haven’t been too many days filled with dark skies and endless grey clouds. And for that, I’m thankful (seasonal affective disorder sufferers, rejoice!). That being said, it’s most common that when we reach just beyond the halfway point – whether in seasons, personal or professional goals, or schoolwork, – that we can begin to feel restless or ready to give up. If you’ve ever fought feelings of discouragement, you know what I mean. For those times when you’re feeling down, fatigued, or even restless, a little encouragement can go a long way.

I’m thankful to be surrounded by several people who inspire courage, and I’m also aware that sometimes the people who freely give support or encourage others are the very people who need encouragement the most!

If you’re reading this today and you find yourself fatigued, or restless, or in need of a little pick-me-up, here are three ways to find encouragement today:

  1. Write a gratitude list. David said in Psalm 103:2 (KJV), “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits”. If you need some encouragement, count your blessings and create a gratitude list. It’s easier said than done, but often I take for granted the very things that people in other parts of the world long for – a peaceful neighbourhood, a pillow for my head, and a place to call home. That doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of God’s blessings.
  2. Go for a walk or pick up some flowers. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV), Solomon wrote that, “He [God] hath made every thing beautiful in his time”. Even though I don’t have a green thumb, I always find it encouraging to be surrounded by flowers and other examples of God’s creativity and handiwork. It’s amazing how a walk outdoors and some fresh air can help you feel encouraged.
  3. Get into God’s Word. Not familiar with the Bible? The Psalms are a great place to start, and within those pages you’ll find some of the most encouraging truths. These timeless poems and songs contain some of the most poignant phrases, which are uplifting to read and to recall to mind.

There are more than three ways you can encourage yourself, but these three provide an effective starting point. It is true what they say, that a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. It’s an incredible gift to serve others, but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. It’s easier to encourage another when you’re at a place of positivity!

 

Originally published as “3 Ways to Be Encouraged.” Minto Express. February 10, 2016: 5. Print.

Tuesday

29

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Strategy (On the Road to Success)

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Proverbs 21:5

Last weekend, Wes and I were playing a game of Battleship. As it usually happens when we play board games, things got pretty heated, and before long, we were engaged in a best of three tournament (and I’ll admit, Wes won two of the three rounds). This brought up the discussion of strategy during the first and second World Wars, and further than that, got me thinking about the relevance of strategy in every day life.

The word strategy is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as, “A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.” The thing is though, you might have what you believe to be the best laid plans to achieve your goals, but there are always some circumstances that are out of your control. What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? Here are three important factors to consider in your strategy on the road to success:

  1. If you move too quickly, you’re more likely to go the wrong way. The line between patience and pursuit is a fine one, but as King Solomon – one of the greatest strategists of Biblical times – said in Proverbs 21:5 (KJV), “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” Don’t be so eager to achieve your goals that you make decisions before first praying, and thinking. See also King Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs 13:16 (NKJV), “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly.”
  2. Be willing to re-evaluate your plan and change your mind. Continually. Sure you’ve set goals, as well as the road map to achieve them, but let’s face it: Life is constantly changing. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV), “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” We have to be ready and wiling to adapt to – and to anticipate – change. Part of that is having a willingness to hear constructive criticism and listen to the advice of those around you.
  3. Fight your battles on your knees. I’ve long been a huge fan of Dr. Charles Stanley and his “Life Principles” series, and his “Life Principle 8” states, “Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.” The most important thing to realize about any pursuit in life is that you’re not in it alone. And when I write that, I don’t refer to family or friends. I’m referring to the importance of your relationship with God. While we are all born with a free will, God’s got every circumstance in His control. It’s an amazing truth to realize that when our life strategies don’t go according to plan, we don’t have to panic. Claim Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) which promises, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Ask any successful person, and they’ll tell you the road to accomplishment is not without its sharp curves, potholes, and detours. Don’t give up just because things may not be going the way you want right now. Part of a winning strategy involves learning to be patient, being open to change, and being prayerful in your direction and decisions.

 

Originally published as “Strategy on the Road to Success.” Minto Express. January 27, 2016: 5. Print.

Wednesday

9

March 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Life Lessons I Learned from my Grama

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mar9_3thingslearned_grama

Whether we are willing to admit it or not, we’re all influenced by those around us, and some souls have a more lasting impact on our lives than others. With the celebration of American Thanksgiving, and the start of Christmas festivities, many of my recent thoughts have been surrounding my Grama (she would have been 85 in November).

During her tenure her on Earth, my Grama imparted a lot of wisdom to her children and grandchildren. Both directly and indirectly, she taught us many lessons through the way she lived.

  1. Treat others the way you wish to be treated. Even if you don’t like them. My Grama always treated others with respect, even if she was encountering someone she didn’t really care for. She was an example, living out the Scripture of Luke 6:31 (KJV), “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
  1. Cherish your loved ones. For my Grama, the best time spent was time surrounded with family and friends. Especially in her later years, the value she placed on this time was obvious. One of my favourite family memories is from the year before she passed, when Grama suggested we all go up to the cottage for a family weekend getaway. Everyone had to bring something – whether it was food or a favourite board game – and we spent much of that weekend eating, laughing, and creating some of the best family memories. We don’t know how long we’re given here, and it’s important to cherish those who are important to us, and to remind them of how they’re loved. Like it says in Galatians 5:13b (KJV), “…through love serve one another.”
  1. Always have faith. There were several people and things in my Grama’s life for whom she was praying. And while several of her wishes for those around her hadn’t come to pass when she passed away, she didn’t lose hope and she always had faith. Though I can’t tell her, seeing her live out her faith has influenced me in an incredible way. We may not instantaneously get answers to prayers or see success, however living with faith and purpose (and patience!) is so important as we journey through life. Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, tells of several individuals who never saw their vision fulfilled in this lifetime, but serves as a great reminder of how important strong faith is. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (v.1, KJV)

These are only three important life lessons that I learned from my Grama, and there are many more. We can learn much from our elders, so the next time you’re privileged enough to spend time with someone older than you, pay attention. Sometimes it’s not what they say, but how they live, that will stick with you.

 

Originally published as “3 Life Lessons I Learned from my Grama”. Minto Express. December 2, 2015: 5. Print.

 

Tuesday

8

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Leaving a Legacy

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Colossians 3:23

“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.” Dr. Seuss

Last week during the Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day memorials, we were all reminded of the incredible sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country in years past, and who continue to serve and protect today. Additionally, this past week brought the tragic news that one of my former schoolmates – 12 weeks pregnant with her second child – was murdered during a random home invasion. You might wonder how any of this relates, however for me, these two events have served as great reminders of the importance of living a life of purpose and being mindful of our influence. There is a legacy of bravery that follows our servicemen and women. Similarly, there is a legacy of joy and purpose that follows my former schoolmate, Amanda.

At least in our twenties and thirties, we don’t often give a whole lot of thought to the legacy that we will one day leave when we depart from Earth. But this past week has  got me thinking about how quickly our lives pass, and the importance of what we leave behind. Quite often, our initial thoughts may be what we will leave behind for family and loved ones from a financial or material perspective, however there are several other – and I’d argue more important – ways that we should concentrate on leaving a lasting legacy.

  1. The legacy of love. They say there is nothing like a mother’s love, and this is true. Nothing compares to the love we receive from our mother, and this is something I know I’ll try to carry on someday when Wes and I have children. John 13:34-35 (KJV) says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” People notice when you act out of love and demonstrate a genuine care for others. True love can’t be faked, and it shows through our actions.
  2. The legacy of commitment. Ever worked with someone who’s incredibly motivated, and who has an unmatched work ethic? I have. Equal parts challenging and inspiring, someone who works with commitment has a unique influence on his or her peers. Colossians 3:23 (KJV) says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…”.
  3. The legacy of joy. You know those people who exude something more than happiness? When you make the choice every day to have joy, that has lasting impact. Psalm 16:11 (KJV) says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy…”. Craig Lounsbrough once said that inheritance is what we leave with people, and legacy is what you leave in people – that’s how it is with joy. It spreads in the soul, especially when we’re taking time each day to deepen our relationship with the Lord and His word.

With everything going on in the world today, sometimes it’s difficult to remember the importance of building our legacy. It’s s easy to get caught up in circumstances or what’s happening around us, however it’s so important to remember our influence and the importance of living a life of purpose. As entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuck says, “Please think about your legacy, because you’re writing it every day.”

 

Originally published as “Leaving a Legacy”. Minto Express. November 18, 2015: 5. Print.

Monday

7

March 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Benefits of Being Prepared

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By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.

The start of a new week or a new month brings with it a certain freshness, or a renewed hope that even if the last week or month was a complete fail, you’ve got a new chance to redeem yourself and make things better. Part of this is being prepared. Ever notice how when Sunday rolls around and you take the time to get things ready for the week ahead – whether that’s meal planning and prep, laundry, cleaning the house, reviewing your schedule – when Monday morning appears, things run so much more smooth.

While there are several benefits to being prepared, these are a few of the benefits that have impacted my life in the most positive way:

  1. Being prepared instills confidence. Legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe once said, “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” You wouldn’t go in to write a major test without first studying, would you? (OK it’s possible that in high school the answer to that question would have been yes….) Being prepared helps build confidence because preparedness grows our knowledge, helps us use our time more efficiently, and infuses a sense of satisfaction – all key elements of self-confidence.
  2. Being prepared saves time. We don’t even have children, and already my husband Wes and I find our weekly schedules can be incredibly demanding. It’s beneficial for both of us to be prepared. You know the adage “you’ve got to spend time to save time”? To adequately prepare for the week ahead – whether that means making lunches and dinners in advance, or organizing work tools, or even getting to bed at a good (read: Early) hour – you’ve got to spend time doing these things in order to save time in the long-term. When you start preparing in advance, you’ll be surprised at how much more efficient a person you become.
  3. Being prepared builds wisdom. Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV) says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Being prepared helps us build wisdom. We learn when we prepare, and we become more aware of our surroundings. When we’re prepared, we’re more apt to listen to others, to be more alert, and to be more focused.

It’s not always easy – especially to those who are prone to procrastination – however being prepared has a myriad of benefits. And preparedness is so much better than the alternative! I’ll close with this quote from Benjamin Franklin, renowned inventor and one of America’s Founding Fathers: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Take note, get inspired, and remember the benefits of being prepared!

 

Originally published as “3 Benefits of Being Prepared”. Minto Express. November 4, 2015: 5. Print.

Thursday

3

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Standing Up For What You Believe In

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Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein once said, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” There is a lot happening in our world today, and everyone seems to have an opinion.

Especially with recent world events, it’s more important now than ever before to be secure in your personal beliefs. With today’s society, it would seem that everyone has an opinion, and the more abstract and obscure, the more popular you become. We live in a world that tends to place more value on the love of money than on human life; where having a whole family is considered ‘weird’; and where being unconventional has become commonplace. These things, among others, have really got me thinking about the importance of standing up for what I believe in.

Here are three facts about the importance of standing up for what you believe in:

Standing up for what you believe in takes courage.

Joshua 1:9 (KJV) says, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua was the successor to Moses who lead Israel into Canaan (no pressure, right?). In just the first chapter of the book, Joshua was commanded three times to be strong and of a good courage. Standing up for what you believe in takes courage. It’s not always going to be the easiest thing, and it’s not always going to be popular, but standing up for what you believe in shows that you have courage, and courage inspires respect from those who surround you (even if their opinion differs from yours).

 

Standing up for what you believe in builds confidence.

Psalm 3:6 (KJV) says, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” David was fleeing from his son when he wrote this, but he knew that ultimately standing up for what he believed in was more important than finding favour in the eyes of others (even his own son). When you stand up for what you believe in, you build confidence in your character.

 

Standing up for what you believe in breeds contentment.

It’s not always easy to stand up for what you believe in, however when you do, standing up for your beliefs breeds contentment. When we know what we believe in, and we have the evidence to back it up, we can rest content. Timothy says in his letter, 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (KJV) , “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we bought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can nothing out.” When you have a firm foundation, and the evidence to back up your beliefs, you can rest content.

There’s an old saying, “He who stands for nothing will fall for anything.” Be sure you have a firm foundation for your beliefs, and that you have evidence to back up what you stand for. The worst thing is to fall for popular opinion, or to agree with the latest headline just because it’s published by your favourite news source. Truly research the answers for yourself. Be your own filter.

 

Originally published as “Standing Up For What You Believe In”. Minto Express. October 7, 2015: 5. Print.

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