Spotlight Saturday

Below is a reprint from one of our other blogs, Break Time Bible Study.

James is full of help for believers, so I can't begin to summarize it all in one blog post. But here is one key thought from each chapter:

James 1: Ask for wisdom

James 2: Good works are born out of your faith in God, not to earn His love.

James 3: Keep your mouth under control.

James 4: Selfishness leads to conflict.

James 5: Be patient with circumstances and people.

In this life, we need lots of wisdom, patience, and selflessness. That is not what characterizes our world. But it does characterize someone who has put their faith in Christ and is grateful for what He did for them.

It's not about measuring up in these areas in order to please God. It is about pleasing God out of love and reverence...something that grows from inside our souls.

Are you grateful for that today?

Funny Friday - Caption This!

Put your funny caption in the comments and you might win a prize! Funniest caption will be voted on by HOPE's prayer/advisory team. Deadline Monday, August 29 at 5:00pm.

Words Reflect Professionalism

Words reflect professionalism. Reception area sounds more appealing than waiting room, a change of schedule is less offensive than a postponement, it is better to confirm than remind, say longtime member rather than old member, welcome guests instead of visitors.  (GH)

Make Your Workplace More Welcoming

You can improve the "welcome" feel of your workplace with simple efforts. For example:

Brew coffee regularly (and have alternatives available) to serve to guests. Plus it smells good!

Place attractive accent lamps and furniture at entrances and other locations. Be sure to turn them on for the business day.

Use lightly scented room sprays or plug-ins in restrooms or common areas. (Avoid lit candles.)

Stock restrooms (especially ladies rooms) with mints, lotion, and discreetly stored personal items.

Have some toys available for young ones that may come in with parents and have to wait (Legos, coloring books, etc.)

Keep common areas and restrooms spotless. Pick up trash in the entrance areas, too.

Plant lovely annuals in strategic places outside, and consider having some fresh flowers on hand in the reception area, too.

Question: What other touches help your workplace feel welcoming?

You Too? by Brenda Covert

In a previous column I mentioned that there are 44 punctuation rules for the comma alone. However, some “comma-n” problems didn’t make the list! One of those problems is the use of a comma with the word too.

My best friend from childhood grew up to become an English teacher. I grew up to become first a secretary, then a writer. When we were in school together, we were taught to put a comma before too without exception. I followed this “rule” faithfully. Then I accepted a writing assignment and was told NOT to put a comma before too! Sure that the editors were wrong, I scoured both the Internet and my grammar books. Nowhere could I find a rule for using a comma with too. It confounded me. I called my friend. She said, “Yes, we were taught to use a comma before too. We were taught wrong!”

Therefore, Comma Rule #45 is as follows: Do not, except under extenuating circumstances, place a comma before the word too. It would be too bad if this mistake confounded you too!

Question: So, is this clip art accurate or not?

Set a Deadline

Want to get a difficult task accomplished? Set a tight, firm deadline. This forces you to focus on the goal and achieve the "impossible." Consider rewarding yourself if you make the deadline. (GH)

Question: What deadline have you recently met?

Sunday Sabbath

I lift my eyes to the mountains--where does my help come from? 

Psalm 121:1