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Thursday, June 11, 2009

Lists to live by...

I love quotes, witty sayings, inspirational thoughts--collect them wherever I can. I have them jotted down in journals, in files on my computer, on scrap pieces of paper...I've been known to jot down--on the back of a bank deposit slip--a thought-provoking comment I've heard on a radio show...while driving! What can I say?...I am addicted to quotes! (My future d-i-l even realizes it--she bought me a book for Christmas, 1001 Smartest Things Ever Said--I couldn't wait to work my way through it! Almost didn't want to open the rest of my gifts!)

I guess I may have inherited this particular collecting trait from my mother--she loved poetry and collected poems and other readings. She was always sharing a poem in church, when she wasn't sharing a special song, that is. I have the three-ring binder with her collection she gathered over the years. None of my siblings was interested in it when she passed away, but how could I let that be thrown out? There are newspaper-clipped poems taped to pages (remember Grit--she loved it) and others she had re-written on notebook paper. I guess I view her collection as a look inside her heart and soul. Each poem had some meaning to her--spoke to her in some way. And when I read one of them, our hearts still connect, even though she's been gone almost 18 years (wow, doesn't seem like I've been without her that long!).

So I said all that to share this with you. I have a collection of books entitled Lists to Live By. I pulled one of the volumes out today while working at the church--I needed some filler for our bulletin. (I also do our church sign, so my quote collection comes in handy!) The following is the list I chose to use and thought I would share it with you all. Hope it gets you thinking!

Actions That Take Courage

  • Admitting you are wrong.
  • Doing what is right when everyone else isn't.
  • Speaking to someone you don't know.
  • Saying "no" when people are trying to get you to do something you know you shouldn't.
  • Telling the truth and accepting the consequences.
  • Standing up for something you believe in even though it might mean rejection or ridicule or even physical harm.
  • Defending someone who is considered unpopular or unacceptable.
  • Facing a limitation and giving it your very best regardless of pain or discomforts.
  • Confronting a fear without running away.
  • Giving sacrificially to protect or promote either someone you love, someone who has been wronged, or someone who is in need.
  • Being the only one.
  • Taking a risk.
  • Sharing your heart honestly (including your feelings and fears and failures).
  • Living your faith with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength regardless of the cost.

Dr. Steve Stephens, Psychologist and Seminar Speaker
Lists to Live By, The First Collection

4 comments:

  1. Bev,
    Thanks for sharing....it made me stop and think for a few minutes and even smile. When I was six or seven, I remember my Grandmother used to get GRIT magazine. Wonder if it is still around??


    Hugs and Blessings,
    Shari

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  2. I saw a cute saying on a church sign here: "Sign broken. Come in Sunday to hear message."

    LOL...

    I like poems, too. My dad could say off a lot of ballads by heart!

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  3. Yes, I've used the saying, "Sign broken--come inside for message." Just about gave the Board of Trustees a heart attack--they were all panicky thinking we were going to have to buy a new sign...til I told them, "Now fellas, think about it a little..." :-)

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  4. Words to live by, I love inspirational sayings. I've been known to cut them out and hang them on the fridge:) Thanks for the link on the wild roses, it sure sounds like them:)Hope your having a lovely weekend:)

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