Think About It

I’ve got an interesting factoid for you:  on this date in 356 A.D. Constantius II ordered the closure of pagan temples and, thus, prohibited public access to them.  What a change from a Roman world that just a few centuries before this had embraced paganism to the point that it felt justified in persecuting Christians.  When you think about it within a modern context, it seems that distancing itself from paganism sounds pretty good doesn’t it – or does it?  Now, before we move forward, I must admit that I am happy that I live in a pro-Christian society.  Are there times when people treat us less than pleasant because of our beliefs?  Sure; but all-in-all, we are free to worship as we see fit and openly live our lives based on a belief in God.  However, we must be careful not to rely on a government’s backing to practice our faith.  I am sure that the Christians under Constantius II were happy for the change in policy, but righteousness cannot mere...

When people see us walk into a room, what do they do?  Do they come up to us, shake our hand and visit with us or do they head to a back corner of the room and hope we don’t see them?  Now, that might sound a bit harsh, but we know that it is true because we tend to do that when certain people enter our space.  So, are people glad to see us or are they happier to see us leave?  What makes our aura positive or negative?  I think that most of it has to do with the type of vibe we exude.  (I know that sounds kind of cosmic but hear me out.)  If we are the type of people who walk into a room with a smile on our face and words of encouragement on our lips, people are apt to be drawn to us.  If, on the other hand, we are cantankerous and curmudgeonly, people are apt to avoid us.  Even if they do acknowledge us, it may take hours for them to recover from our negativity.  A lot of us see ourselves as chameleons who reflect what is going on in ou...

A friend of mine has a poster on his wall that warns, “Be decisive.   Right or wrong, make a decision.   The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.”   Now, first of all, let me apologize if I offended anyone with that image, but I have to admit it does bring to mind some pretty powerful imagery.   Now, having said that, I think that within that statement is something that has caused some indecisiveness for some of us.   If we categorize decisions as being right or wrong, we may be adding some pressure on us that can lead us to shut down.   Sure, there are times when we are faced with right and wrong choices – especially when it comes to temptation and sin.   There are times when we must choose between good and evil.   However, I believe there are many more times when our choices come down to the difference between good, better and best.   When we have choices, there are often times when the outcome is not as c...

Happy Presidents Day, 2026!  Actually, the official name at the federal level is still Washington’s Birthday, but through the years (and to streamline some holidays) many states now honor Presidents Day.  Now, while you can pick and choose which president you’d like to honor today, I will stick with first president for our quote of the day.  Even though the story of Washington chopping down the cherry tree and responding with, “I cannot tell a lie …” has pretty much been relegated to a fable, George Washington is closely associated with telling the truth.  Interestingly, I came across a quote attributed to him that advocates, “Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.”.  Interestingly, we live in an era where truth is taking a terrible beating, so how can we help truth prevail?  I think there are a few ways: Tell the truth .  Before we cast stones at anyone else’s lack of veracity, we need to make sure that we are being h...

It is time for an annual reminder – tomorrow is Valentines Day!   If you haven’t gotten a special gift for that special someone, there might still be time to order it on Amazon Prime or head over to the local retail store and pick up some flowers and a card – but no matter what you are planning; by now, time of the essence! I have mixed emotions about Valentines Day.   On one hand, it does have a patently commercial ring to it, but the idea of taking time out during the year to remind us to be loving to our loved ones doesn’t sound like a bad idea.   So, in the interest of the day, here are a couple of suggests on ways to be good “valentines”: 1.   Block out some special time to be with your sweetheart .   It doesn’t have to be elegant or expensive, rather it just needs to be exclusive.   Schedule time to be with them and be present while you are with them. 2.   Pick out a present just for them .   It doesn’t have to break the bank to be spe...

Happy birthday to President Abraham Lincoln who was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky on this date in 1809.  Abraham Lincoln is one of the best-known Americans to have ever lived and he is also one of the most quotable.  If you search “quotes by Abraham Lincoln” you are bound to be overwhelmed by a lot of gems, but one I came across the other day struck me for its timelessness.  According to multiple accounts, when the president was approached with the idea of the Lord favoring the Union’s take on the divisive issues in 19 th Century America, Lincoln is quoted as noting, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”.  In a nation known for positioning God on our side (no matter the issue) I think this insight is refreshing.  The belief that God backs us because of who we are is counterintuitive to the way things should be.  God does not serve our nation; it is our responsibility to ser...