What do you enjoy most about writing?
I get the chance to begin the narrative. If I am able to keep the interest of those who read it, I might get the chance to control it for a while. It is never my desire to just get readers and followers, rather it is to help someone on the way.
This phenomenon, known as the “definition of insanity,” has been a subject of fascination for philosophers, scientists, and thinkers alike. Doing the same thing and expecting different results can be seen as a testament to human nature. We can’t seem to get over it.
Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal growth, Einstein’s words remind us that change requires action, not just hope.
In the world of business and innovation, Steve Jobs is credited with, “If you do the same things as others, you’ll get the same results as others.” It serves as a reminder that following the crowd will only lead to mediocrity, while true success comes from daring to be different.
The poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” It suggests that by seeking new experiences and challenging our beliefs, we can break free from the cycle of monotony and achieve extraordinary results.
The library of Mistakes was founded in Edinburg Scotland, in 2013. It features a collection of over two thousand books that can educate the next generation of economists. This was to prevent another 1929, and 2008. According to the library’s curators, this serves as a perfect example of how seemingly “smart people keep doing stupid things.
In scripture, Paul reminded the Corinthians that one way to avoid yielding to temptation and to have a strong spiritual life is to learn from the mistakes of God’s people in the past. He used them who engaged in idolatry, chose to commit immorality, grumbled about the plans and purposes of God, and rebelled against His leaders.
Due to their sin, they experienced His discipline (1 Corinthians 10:7-10). At times God seemingly gives up on us and leaves us alone, allowing us to go our own way and not stopping us even when we’re headed toward disaster.
The Bible says, “God gave them up” (Romans 1:26). However, God is always ready to forgive us and save us, no matter how far we have drifted away from Him. We may turn our backs on someone who has offended us but God never does.
No matter how far we have strayed. Unlike Karma, hope is available at the next bus stop.
Staying focused involves minimizing distractions, prioritizing tasks, and adopting strategies to enhance concentration. According to Healthline, getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, and managing stress also play a crucial role.
Multitasking is the act of performing or attempting to perform multiple tasks at the same time, or switching rapidly between different tasks. Research suggests that human multitasking can lead to decreased productivity, increasing errors, and higher stress levels.
I have always believed that it was impossible to do more than one thing at the very same time but I was unable to label it. I just knew that I was unable to do it. Switching rapidly between different tasks, without thinking makes more sense. My wife says I think too much.
Our brains generally can’t truly perform multiple tasks at once; instead, we switch our attention between tasks very quickly. This rapid switching can increase the cognitive load, making it harder to focus, retain information, and complete tasks effectively.
According to research, chronic multitaskers tend to show more impulsivity than their peers, and they may be more likely to downplay possible risks associated with tackling multiple things at once. They also seem to show less control and are often distracted easily.
You no doubt know someone who seemed to have had it going on, when they were younger. They were cooking, washing clothes, listening to music, and writing papers at the same time. They were, “all over the place.” They have now slowed down.
The Bible does not explicitly address multitasking as a modern concept, but it does offer wisdom on the importance of focus and prioritizing tasks.
While some biblical figures balanced multiple roles, the scriptures also emphasize the need to avoid being “double-minded” or distracted from what is important.
The American businessman and writer, Paul Boese published many of his philosophical thoughts in a weekly quote magazine in 1967, and his words on forgiveness have been an inspiration to countless people in the decades since.
He says when we are hurt, forgiving the people at fault can be incredibly difficult; because we’re wired to keep our defenses up to protect ourselves from more pain. But anger, resentment, and hatred are damaging emotions to hold onto, and a source of pain in themselves.
Forgiveness doesn’t change or condone the wrongs that was done, but it does help us let go of that negativity to make room to heal and move on. It “enlarges the future,” Forgiving someone doesn’t have to mean reconciliation. You do not have to become best of friends afterwards.
Bear with each other and forgive one another “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother and sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Not seven times, but seventy-seven times Matt 18:21-22.
The book entitled, Forgive and Forget Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve by Lewis B Smedes, shows us that it is possible to heal our pain and find room in our hearts to forgive. However, it is near impossible without the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our hearts.
Our Creator has lessons for us that go beyond our earthly authors. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you. If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you.
Some people invade our lives for a tragic hour or a sad lifetime, leave us with hurting memories, and then move away where we cannot see them. Or when they hide their faces behind the masks of corporations.
Jessica Andrews-Hanna, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, in the College of Science, discusses in detail the psychology and neuroscience behind giving and receiving gifts. There is a decent amount of research showing that the act of giving actually makes us feel better.
The phrase “gift of giving” can refer to a spiritual gift or a general expression of generosity and kindness. It can mean the ability to cheerfully and sacrificially give of one’s resources (time, talent, and treasure) without expecting anything in return.
In the context of Christian theology, the “gift of giving” is a spiritual gift bestowed by the Holy Spirit on specific individuals. It empowers them to contribute generously to the work of God and to meet the needs of others, often going beyond the typical tithe, 10%.
Those with this gift often exhibit cheerfulness, liberality, and a desire to share their blessings, sometimes adjusting their lifestyles to give more. Examples of this gift can be seen in the Bible, such as the Macedonian Christians who gave sacrificially to others despite their own poverty.
Thoughtful and meaningful gifts, whether material or experiential, can be a powerful way to show someone you care. Even small acts of kindness and generosity can create a “warm glow of feeling” for both the giver and the recipient, fostering connection and happiness.
Such as the time at my lowest, in grad school, my advisor often said, “Jerry, let me do that for you.” In under graduate school, one of my classmates would bring me an apple and the other invited me to lunch once per week. My “landlady” would pay my tuition until my “GI Bill” check would arrive.
The act of giving can be a way to express love and appreciation, and can be a powerful way to strengthen relationships. When we were down to no car, one of my teacher friends loaned me a car. When I tried to repay her, she would not accept it. Another time, one would pick me up from an eatery and drop me off at home. I don’t have that relationship with men.
Evidence from brain imaging also suggests that both giving gifts and receiving gifts activate core areas of our brain associated with reward and pleasure. These brain regions also stimulate the neurotransmitter dopamine.
All in all, psychology and neuroscience suggest that giving gifts to other people can be a very rewarding phenomenon that can bring happiness to ourselves and others. What all this means is that when we are kind to others, we are, in a way, being kind to ourselves.
Scientists say, “While silence can be a conscious choice, a form of self-preservation, or even a sign of wisdom, it can also be perceived as an endorsement of the status quo, especially when injustice or wrongdoing is involved.”
Still others argue that some people remain silent due to a lack of awareness, or empathy for the situation. Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated that “there comes a time when silence is betrayal. This emphasizes that when silence allows injustice or suffering to continue.
Being silent is wise when we don’t understand what’s happening. Job’s friends misrepresent God and make false assumptions about Job’s character. They believe God is punishing Job for his sin, but they are wrong. Sometimes, the best counselling is listening.
The Bible offers guidance on when to speak and when to be silent, particularly when defending the vulnerable and speaking out against injustice. It emphasizes the importance of speaking truth and righteousness, while also recognizing the value of wisdom in choosing the right time to speak.
The Bible consistently calls on believers to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Proverbs 31:8-9 says to “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy”. To speak truth and righteousness: Speaking up against injustice and falsehood is a core biblical principle.
While it’s important to stand up for what is right, it’s also important to be mindful of the potential consequences of speaking and to choose battles wisely. Talk to God about it and invoke the Holy Spirit to tweak your thoughts.
When speaking to a fool, Proverbs 23:9 says, “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words” according to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Closure is defined as the act of bringing to an end. It can also refer to the feeling or act of bringing an unpleasant situation, time, or experience to an end, so that you are able to start new activities or relationships. The American Psychological Association defines closure as “the act, achievement, or sense of completing or resolving something”.
A sense of closure is not usually possible with an ambiguous loss, such as a missing person. People have not given up on missing persons from the Viet Nam Era. They are still hoping that they will find them alive, or some concrete proof of exactly what happened to them.
In the case of the death penalty, victims seeking “closure” may adopt effective strategies as diverse as retribution, on one hand, and forgiveness on the other. They want to see the person punished for their crime quickly as opposed to the length of time that normally happens.
The Bible doesn’t use the word “closure,” but it offers guidance on dealing with endings, losses, and moving forward. Biblical principles suggest that true peace comes from seeking God’s will, trusting His wisdom, and finding comfort in His promises, rather than solely relying on explanations or resolutions that satisfy our desire for under-standing.
The Bible emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His ability to work all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This means that even in difficult situations where closure seems elusive, God is working behind the scenes and has a purpose.
Instead of dwelling on specific answers or resolutions, believers are encouraged to trust that God’s plans are ultimately for their benefit. Finding Peace in God’s Presence, the Bible speaks of God as a source of peace and comfort, particularly for those who are heartbroken or distressed (Psalm 34:18).
Seeking God’s presence through prayer and scripture can provide a sense of calm and strength to navigate challenging situations. When facing an ending, finding peace in God’s love and promises can be more impactful than seeking external validation or explanations.
The Bible teaches the importance of forgiveness, both forgiving others and forgiving oneself. When dealing with past hurts or mistakes, seeking God’s forgiveness and extending grace to oneself and others can be a powerful step towards healing and moving forward.
That sentiment reflects the idea that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and self-awareness. Many people see asking for help as a courageous act, because it demonstrates that you are willing to admit limitations and seek assistance when needed. While others would rather fail than ask.
Help can lead to learning opportunities and greater success. Asking for help can also help you Improve relationships and free up time. Asking others for help can strengthen your bonds with them. Also, delegating tasks or seeking assistance allows you to focus on your most important priorities.
In essence, asking for help is an important skill that can lead to personal and professional growth. However, you may have experienced people say,” If you need help, just ask” but when you ask, they are never available, or make you wish you had not done so. If you encounter someone like this, just ask someone else.
I will never forget when I entered graduate school, how it made me feel when my advisor would say, “Jerry, let me help you with that.” That was new to me. Many of my previous professors treated me like an adversary.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of asking for help, both from God and others. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; know and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7-11).
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him/her ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him/her.” (James 1:5-6). This is God’s willingness to provide and encourages believers to approach Him with their needs.
“What ever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it,” (John 14:13-14). Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you (Matthew 5:42).
While the Bible emphasizes personal responsibility, it also warns against pride and self-reliance.
On yesterday, 1 June, 2025, I met the biological sister that I never knew I had. Over the years I have claimed many substitutes, only to be abandoned in a short time. This created a feeling of abandonment.
In addition, I have been saddened over the years that I did not have a sister, because I believed that if I had a sister I would have learned how to love sooner. Someone is responsible for my pain.
Perhaps they had a greater reason to do so. However, Jesus did not say that certain offenses are unworthy of our forgiveness. My prayer is to ask God to make me like Christ, so that I can pray, “Father, forgive them.”
The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1), where one of the disciples, after witnessing Jesus praying, asked, “Lord, teach us how to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” Jesus then proceeded to teach them a model prayer, often referred to as the “Lord’s prayer.”
The passage in Luke 11:1-4 provides the context for this request and Jesus’ response. It’s a significant event in the New Testament, as it highlights the importance of prayer in the Christian faith and demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to instruct His disciples.
God’s nature is forgiveness (Exod. 34:6-7). If we are to be His disciples, we must follow His example. Ask God to make you aware of those dark corners in your life where you are harboring resentment. It is better sooner, but never too late to do so.
Few things are more precious to receive than forgiveness. Jesus told His disciples to ask God for forgiveness every time they prayed, Jesus knew that we would incur debts daily, against God, as we inevitably fall short of God’s standard.
In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus instructs His disciples to forgive “70 times 7” (490 times) when someone wrongs them. Not that you are supposed to keep a running score, rather a call to unlimited forgiveness.
Jesus warned that we should expect forgiveness from God as we forgive those who sin against us. In other words, God will forgive us in the same way we forgive others (Matt. 6:15).
If we choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, our worship and prayers are futile (Matt. 5:23-24).
You will never have a problem-free life. Problems happen to rich people, poor people, educated people, uneducated people, sophisticated people, simple minded people. They happen to single people, married people, spiritual people, and unchurched people.
But not all people see problems the same way. Some people are overcome by problems. Others overcome problems. Some people are left bitter, and some are left better. Some people face their challenges with fear. Others with faith.
You don’t have a choice about having problems. But you do have a choice about what you do with them. One day you might seem to be on the top of the world, and the next day might seem like the world is on top of you.
Job 1:21 saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed. Job acknowledges the sovereignty of God, affirming that everything he had was a gift from the Lord, reminding us that our possessions are not eternal.
The world has order and beauty but it is wild and dangerous. Therefore, when we encounter hardships and trials, we should emulate Job, have true faith in God and come before God to pray and seek His will.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Trouble is part of life. The question is not if you will have difficulties. The question is how you will respond to them.
The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the son of God.
Blogging With Jerry M George 