Dante Rossetti and an Old Man



Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man. The old fellow had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they at least showed potential talent.

Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Rossetti was a kind man, and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man. The visitor was disappointed, but seemed to expect Rossetti’s judgment.

He then apologized for taking up Rossetti’s time, but would he just look at a few more drawings – these done by a young art student? Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed.

“These,” he said, “oh, these are good. This young student has great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement in his career as an artist. He has a great future if he will work hard and stick to it.”

Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved. “Who is this fine young artist?” he asked. “Your son?”

 “No,” said the old man sadly. “It is me – 40 years ago. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up – too soon.”

(Author Unknown)

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4 ESV

Attitude Determines Attitude

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. -John Wooden   I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have. Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free. Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste. Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive. Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born. Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships. Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do. Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge. Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul. Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have! - Author Unknown Philippians 1:27 (ESV)  Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Attitude Determines Attitude

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

- Author Unknown

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men."
Philippians 2:5-7

The Little Things

It really is the little things
That mean the most of all...
The "let me help you with that" things
That may seem very small
The "I'll be glad to do it" things
That make your cares much lighter,
The "laugh with me, it's funny" things
That make your outlook brighter...

The "never mind the trouble" things,
The "yes, I understand,"
The interest and encouragement
In everything you've planned
It really is the little things,
The friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life
And make it more worth while.

Mary Dawson Hughes

 His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

Matt. 25:21 (NKJV)

Start With Yourself



When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But, it too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
Author Unknown


The above words are said to be written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypts of Westminster Abbey in London, England.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Our Days Are Identical Suitcases--All the Same Size--But Some People Can Pack More Into Them Than Others

Mary Smith went to church one Sunday morning and winced when she heard the organist miss a note during the processional.  She noted a teenager talking while everybody was supposed to be in prayer.  She also couldn't help but notice that several blooms in the altar bouquets were wilted.  She felt the usher was scrutinizing what every person was putting into the offering plate, which made her angry.  She counted at least five grammatical errors made by the preacher in his sermon.  As she left the church through the side door after the closing hymn, she thought, What a careless group of people.

Amy Jones went to church one Sunday morning and was thrilled at the arrangement she heard of "A Mighty Fortress."  Her heart was touched at hearing a teenager read the morning Scripture lesson.  She was encouraged to see the church take up an offering to help hungry children in Nigeria.  The preacher's sermon answered a question that had bothered her for some time.  She felt radiant joy from the choir members during the recessional.  She left the church thinking, What a wonderful place to worship God!

Mary and Amy went to the same church, on the same Sunday morning.

Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5:15,16

We Should Seize Every Opportunity to give Encouragement.

Encouragement is Oxygen to the Soul.

In Especially for a Woman, Ann Kiemel Anderson writes her sister:  "Jan taught 3rd grade once, a long time ago.  One bright-eyed boy would stand at her desk, watch her, talk to her, and all the while wrapping his finger around a piece of her hair into a little curl.  He thought Jan was the shining star in the night.  Over and over, however, he did poorly in his work assignments and daily quizzes.

"One day Jan stopped, looked at him, and said, 'Rodney, you are very smart.  You could be doing so well in school.  In fact, you are one of my finest students...'  Before she could continue to tell him that he should be doing much better in school...he looked up at her with sober, large eyes:  "I did not know that!"

"From that moment on, Rodney began to change.  His papers were neater, cleaner and his spelling improved.  He was one of her top students--all because she affirmed him.  She told him something no one ever had before, and it changed his life."

Nobody every became ill or died from receiving too much genuine praise and encouragement.  But who can count the wounded hearts, weary souls, and troubled minds that have resulted from their lack!

As we prepare for the beginning of our new school year, especially now, let's all remember that it only takes a little effort, a few words from us to make a difference in another person's life. 

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Proverbs 15:23