If a climb discouraged the butterfly, she would never be high enough to catch the breeze. Complaining In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:18 I always thought it would be strange to give thanks in all circumstances. If I'm having a bad day, … Continue reading Complaining
Gratitude
Gracefulness
"Hail, full of grace!" Luke 1:28 ____________ Gracefulness Grace and gratitude It is interesting that the words "grace" and "gratitude" have similar etymologies. They derive from the Latin word gratus, which means both pleasing and thankful (pleased). This reveals a practical way of understanding John Paul II's description of mercy as "bilateral", or two-sided: An act of … Continue reading Gracefulness
The Joy of Humility
We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 ____________ … Continue reading The Joy of Humility
The Ben Franklin Effect
“This is another instance of the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says, He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged.” Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography ____________ The Ben Franklin Effect Humility Benjamin Franklin’s maxim above speaks of the … Continue reading The Ben Franklin Effect
Stoicism
Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are… whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control… whatever are not our own actions. ~The Enchiridion, by Epictetus ____________ Stoicism Stoicism was a popular philosophy in ancient Greece and, later, in Rome. The Stoic Epictetus taught the above dichotomy … Continue reading Stoicism
Gratitude
Before you set out to own what your heart aches for, before you capture your new desire, before you click the "add to cart” button on Amazon, be sure you are grateful for what you have. Gratitude is having the proper appreciation for each thing. It is a virtue that applies to everything. You ought to be … Continue reading Gratitude
A Grain of Salt 