- I try never to say anything behind a man’s back that would give embarrassment to say to his face (Psalm 5:6–9; Proverbs 11:3; 17:9; James 3:13; 1 Peter 1:15).
- I try never to speak to personal critics; they would not believe the truth and my friends do not have to hear the defense (Psalm 31:13–18; Luke 6:27–28).
- Every day, I greet every person with a smile and make a special effort to do so if the person is poor or in unfortunate circumstances (Proverbs 15:15; Luke 14:13–14).
- The first thing in the morning, I plan my duty for the day and try to go beyond it (Ecclesiastes 9:10; 12:13).
- Every day, I read from the Bible and other good books; feeding the mind and soul is more important than feeding the body (Proverbs 15:28; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15).
- I try to pay every debt I owe on time and always save something from every paycheck, however small (Romans 13:8; Ephesians 4:28).
- I like people and never harbor malice toward any person. I like various places and have yet to be anywhere that I do not like. I go there with the intention of liking the place (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31; Hebrews 13:5).
- I am a confirmed optimist, believing that even in this life, evil men will be punished by their own unhappiness, and good men will be rewarded. “It’s better farther on” (Luke 6:22–23; Galatians 6:9–10).
- I try to close each day as if it were the last day I’d be on earth, closing the books on all regrets, worries, and annoyances (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 6:25–31; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7).
- The last thing I do at night is count the day’s blessings. This makes me so thankful that I soon drift into pleasant sleep. In this spirit, I hope to close life’s journey and drift into eternity (Ecclesiastes 5:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1; 4:4–5; Revelation 2:10). —George DeHoff, deceased
- (housetohouse.com/glad-tidings-good-things-may-11-2017/)
