Halbert

“They must glaze, adorn, and dress the objects of the flesh, and bring them home to give satisfaction; and this they are able to do, in the service of a defiled imagination, beyond all expression.”
― John Owen, The Mortification Of Sin

“Even for those at the academic bottom of the class, the questions are still valid. All of us can do something. a. At what have I done well so far in life? b. In what school subjects have I done well? c. Why did I choose those subjects? d. What do I like to do that has caused others to compliment me? e. What do I do well and think of as fun although my friends see it as work — or as a boring activity? 3. Analyze yourself and your situation. As much as you can, analyze matters for yourself instead of depending upon tests and outside advice. However, I know that some people are not very good at self-reflection and do better by interacting with others. (By the way, part of the talent of people-centered individuals is to interact well with others!) 4. Whether you can figure out the answers to these questions, or you talk them over with someone else, find someone whose judgment is respected. Your parents, perhaps. A teacher. Your pastor. An older family friend. Your closest friend. 5. Write down what is said by those in whom you confide. 6. Compare those ideas to what you have written about yourself. Are the answers the same? What do you now see about yourself that you didn’t think of before? For four or five days, spend some time each day by yourself in thinking about these answers.”
― Ben Carson, Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence

“But now let the heart be cleansed by mortification, the weeds of lust constantly and daily rooted up (as they spring daily, nature being their proper soil), let room be made for grace to thrive and flourish, -- how will every grace act its part, and be ready for every use and purpose!”
― John Owen, The Mortification Of Sin

“Greetings, of course, take time. This means our greeting list might be short, because we have a finite amount of time when the church is gathered—or when a friend is walking by on the street. We cannot greet everyone. So here is how we prioritize: The visitor (what Scripture calls the “foreigner” or “alien”) comes first. The visitor who returns comes next. The less popular, the introverts, the marginalized, or those sitting alone come next. Then come the children. Jesus singles them out as examples of the marginalized. “Hi, _______” is offered to as many people as possible, which doesn’t have to be accompanied by a hug or a handshake.”
― Edward T. Welch, Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love