Theologian Victor Shepherd writes: "When we're face-to-face with someone who's been surprised because trespass overtook them, do we deflect their shame back into their face, or do we own it as ours? Do we rub their nose in it, or do we absorb it, put an arm around them and affirm our solidarity-in-sinnership? Do we regard ourselves as superior, or do we say, 'Take my hand...I know the way to the cross?'"

H.G. Wells asked, "What on earth would a man do with himself if something didn't stand in his way?" Why would he make such a comment? Because adversity is our friend, even though it doesn't feel that way. Each obstacle we overcome teaches us about our strengths and weaknesses. It shapes us, makes us wiser and more confident. The greatest people in history were those who faced the most difficult challenges with courage, and rose to the occasion.

Dr. James B. Mooneyham writes, "When we keep score of wrongs committed against us, we reveal a lack of maturity. Theodore Roosevelt once said, 'The most important single ingredient in the formula of success, is knowing how to get along with people.'

Courage

The truth is: It takes courage to face the truth about yourself. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jn 8:32 NKJV). But before the truth sets us free it usually puts us through the wringer, because the truth about ourselves is not something we like hearing.

What's the 212-degree attitude? Motivational speaker Mack Anderson explains: "At 211 degrees water is hot. At 212 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive. One extra degree makes all the difference in business and in life; it separates the good from the great."

Vision

There's a scene in Man of La Mancha where Don Quixote and his servant are standing gazing at a dilapidated inn. When Quixote describes his vision of turrets and magnificent gates, comparing the building to the Alcazar, the royal palace in Seville, the servant tries hard to see his master's vision. However, all he can see are ruins. When he attempts to describes them, Quixote tells him to stop, saying, "I will not allow your facts to interfere with my vision!"

Here's a fun-detailed euro set to transition into fall!

So true.....

There's nothing wrong with looking good, but there's much more to you than your clothes and your hairstyle. Plus, you can go broke fixing up the outside, because "what Mother Nature giveth, Father Time taketh away!" Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "To find beauty we must carry it with us!"