And why it’s good to try new things.
I’ve produced nineteen podcast episodes, publishing every Monday for the last few months. While I’m still a newbie, I can already see growth. Some growth in audience numbers, but also in other ways that aren’t easily measured.
Starting a podcast was on my “wish list” for a few years, but I kept putting it off. Maybe you’re thinking of doing a podcast, and maybe you’ve put it off too. Or, maybe there is some other venture calling to you, but you’re hesitant. Or making excuses.
I can’t tell you what to do, but here’s a list of 19 quick thoughts…
Daily Wise: “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.” Proverbs 11:13 NASB
Some secrets are good.
When did we forget this?
People cry out for transparency and openness. These are good too. But not always. Sometimes a matter should be concealed. Sometimes, to reveal a matter makes one untrustworthy.
There is a common word we use that demonstrates the benefits of keeping secrets. Etymonline.com has this to say about the origin and history of the word secretary:
“person entrusted with secrets,” from Medieval Latin secretarius”clerk, notary, confidential officer, confidant,” a…
Daily Wise: The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. –Proverbs 17:14 NASB
Merriam-Webster Definition of ABANDON (1) b: to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in
It’s hard to abandon a quarrel. I want to defend myself or argue until I’m understood. Sometimes I succeed at leaving the quarrel before it “breaks out,” but it still stays with me. …
Daily Wise: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. –Proverbs 15:1 NASB
Merriam-Webster Definition of GENTLE: 2) b: free from harshness, sternness, or violence
This could change the world.
What if we started giving a gentle answer when we disagreed? I’m thinking mostly of online communication at the moment, because that’s where the harshness seems to thrive. Online conversations — if we can call them that — seem to be especially susceptible to harshness.
The Merriam-Webster definition mentions the word violence. When I considered this, it made sense. Isn’t that what’s at the bottom…
Daily Wise: Do not let them (words of wisdom) depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. –Proverbs 4:21 NASB
Merriam-Webster Definition of KEEP: 2) to take notice of by appropriate conduct : FULFILL: such as (a) to be faithful to; (b) to act fittingly in relation to; (c) to conform to in habits or conduct; (d) to stay in accord with (a beat)
A Cherished Thing…
Many years ago, I gave my mother a small sapphire and diamond ring for Christmas. It wasn’t expensive, as genuine jewelry goes, but it was more than I could afford. …
Daily Wise: 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. –Proverbs 4:25–27
Merriam-Webster Definition of FIX: (2a) to hold or direct steadily
Look where you’re going.
Gosh, that seems simple. Almost too simple for an article topic. What else is there to say?
But it isn’t simple, is it?
I Wasn’t Lookin’
I borrowed my mother’s car when I was seventeen. I don’t remember where I was headed, but for some reason I had to turn the car around. Maybe I…
Daily Wise: Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart… — Proverbs 3:3 NASB
Merriam-Webster Definition of KIND: 1 a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature; b : of a forbearing nature : GENTLE
We’ve let kindness leave us.
We value success.
We value independence. (Success wins us this.)
We value achievement.
We value power.
Sure, there is a lot of talk about the abuse of power — but still, we value it. We want power so we can make changes. …
Daily Wise: Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. — Proverbs 2:2 NLT
Merriam-Webster Definition of TUNE:
3: to adjust with respect to resonance at a particular frequency: such as (a) to adjust (a radio or television receiver) to respond to waves of a particular frequency — often used with in (b) to establish radio contact with
We all want to be wise, don’t we?
If you were presented with two BIG gift boxes and the label on one said Wisdom, and the other said Idiocy, which gift would you choose? …
Daily Wise: Such is the fate of all who are greedy for gain. It ends up robbing them of life. — Proverbs 1:19 NLT
Merriam-Webster Definition of Greed: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed.
Who is Greedy?
When I think of greed, I think of corporate embezzler types who steal hard-earned pensions. Or maybe my older brother who used to “take a sip” of my juice when I was a little kid, then hand me the empty glass when he was finished. (We’ll talk about grudges another day…)
Greedy people take things from others…
Heather K. Duff
You make me want to be a better writer.
