I have a mind to read quotes. Why? Because quotes rattle around in my brain till the thought strikes home. Word nuggets! That’s what they are, digestible chunks of knowledge encrusted in gold and silver for our brains. Only one component needed by us, the WISDOM to use the quote(s) to heighten our joy for life. Herewith are ten mindful quotes for a positive lifestyle.
Read on, enjoy.
The Giver
1. “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
Are you a ‘taker or a giver’? Some people are not satisfied with what they ‘get’ by their hard work, no they want to ‘take’ more. The little or much of life’s treasures you have in your hand, be sure to give some away. Have two people in your life to which you give your time, your listening ear and your financial support. These people lack the resources to give back to you, that’s okay. You will reap a God-given reward of satisfaction which only the givers receive.
Our Oneness
2. “To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Mark Twain
Do not underestimate the value of your oneness. You are the one person your family member or friend needs at this very time. You are born with a purpose! You have great value, share your positive influence with others.
You, yes you are God’s masterpiece created to be a giver.
Eleanor Roosevelt said – “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Leaving the past
3. “The past is not a prophet, at best it is only a teacher.” Richard Armstrong
Yes, this is my quote. I’ve seen too many people tangled up in their past hindering forward progress in life. People held by their past. The question is; “what have I learn from my past that will help me overcome future failures?” View the past as a teacher. Do not let your past life determine the future. You live in the present, now take control, steer your life into a successful future.
Weaving destruction
4. “O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)
Deception brings no honor to the one who deceives. Lies breed deceptive actions. When we tell one lie, it gives birth to many more lies tangling us up in a deceitful web of confusion. Why not live the ‘courtroom’ kind of life, a life of truthfulness?
In the courtroom we raise our right hand and repeat this Oath:
“I swear that the evidence that I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”
You do not have to keep raising your right hand but living a truthful and honest life has many rewards.
White space needed
5. “No book ever begrudges its margins. And no life should either.” Wayne Cordeiro in Leading on Empty.
You are reading this post not only because of the words but the ‘white space’ around the words. The nothingness of the white space makes reading more comfortable.
A book without margins is unreadable, a life without margins is unlivable.
Life with ‘margin’ has time for rest. Interests and hobbies outside of work, financial assets saved and fulfilling friendships.
No comparison
6. “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde
Acceptance of who we are can be a hard choice. Everyone desires to be someone special. Comparing oneself to what others look like. Their wealth. The achievements they conquered only diminishes our value in our own eyes. Improving my health, my wealth, my marriage, my relationships is an inside job. It is the will to be the best me I can be.
Think, say and do.
7. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. ~ Gandhi
This is an integrated life. It is a happy life, one filled with expected results. A life with no twist, sudden turns and a need to hide. Truthfulness and honesty is the mark of this person. The integrity of this person breaths confidence in others. Builds trust and reliability to their family and friends.
Incorrect assumptions
8. “What people believe will determine their behavior whether or not what they believe is true.” Andy Andrews in his book, ‘The Little Things’
It is sad when talking with a person who believes a falsity pushing him/her down the road of defeat. Our thinking originates in our belief system. This why it is important to build our beliefs on a sure foundation.
Praising God
9. “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The Westminister Confession
A God-centered life for a Christian is life eternal. Eternity begins in this life with the acceptance of Jesus as Savior.
Principles for life
10. “Morality, like art, consists in drawing a line somewhere.” G. K. Chesterton
Where do you draw your line on morality? Do you have a clear distinction between right and wrong?
Immorality often walks through an open door.
Keeping doors shut frees us to live a rich life with few regrets. Roaming streets at night. Roaming the internet. Entering places your mother would abhor have you stumbling across morality’s line. The view from there is not good, its Hell.
That is all we have time for today. Ten quotes which have great meaning for the lives we live today.
Tell me what you gleaned from these quotes.
Which one resonated the most?
Thanks for reading.
Richard