"Knowing how to die is the greatest deed."

--Antonio Vieira

In the phrase "Knowing how to die," one might include the right life, as I imagine the author would. In the "how" let's also consider the why. The death of Christ serves as a model study, and a dozen sayings of the New Testament come to mind. But I'll let you pursue the details.

I was tempted to lead with the next quote, but you've already read two recent items about husbands and wives. But this was too good to pass up. It came from today's A Word A Day.

"In a perfect union the man and woman are like a strung bow. Who is to say whether the string bends the bow, or the bow tightens the string?" --Cyril Connolly, critic and editor (1903-1974)

One may claim there is no perfect union, and I suppose one would have quite an argument for it, since no person, aside from Jesus Christ, is perfect. At the same time, we may understand perfect in ways other than without sin. As in the New Testament, perfect often means mature or complete. And if your union is less than perfect, don't let that cause you to miss the point.

My family and I will be traveling Wednesday to the U.S. for six weeks, and while I promise to do my best to keep UPlift sailing strong, I may miss a day or two in there. But stay with me, and we'll pick up a good tailwind after any brief calm.

October 12 is Children's Day in Brazil. May it also be the month we become like little children to receive the Kingdom of God.

"A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones." --Ecclesiasticus 26.13, NAB

The translation of the Brazilian Pastoral Edition really caught my eye. Here are the original and my translation of it into English:

"Mulher graciosa alegra o marido, e com seu saber o fortalece."

"A gracious wife cheers her husband, and with her knowledge she strengthens him."

Both the first quote above, with the idea of thoughtfulness, and the second, with the wife's knowledge contributing to his strength, are true and worthy of recognition by all humble husbands.

by Randal Matheny

The outward temptations would not be so dire
Had they not a friend in the inner desire.

This morning, before coming to the office, I was reading the Portuguese translation of Jerry Bridge's book, The Practice of Godliness. One phrase especially caught my eye. Here's my retranslation from the Portuguese back to English. May the author forgive me.

The outward temptations would not be so dangerous were it not for the fact that they find an ally in the inner desire.

Are you feeling lightheaded? Here's a tip from RealAge.com: cross your legs and squeeze. No joke, they say it works. Check out their explanation.