Warning Mind the gap. (James Emery White, pastor, author) White is referring to the constant refrain at the “Tube” stations (London’s underground transport system). It’s a continual warning to stay clear of the gap between the station platform edge and the trains....
Failure Failure is not fatal. (William Ward, 20th century American writer) In fact, according to author Dale Turner, “Some of the best lessons are learned from past mistakes, the error of the past is the wisdom of the future.” While all of us have failed at one time...
Idolatry Human beings are idol-making factories. (John Calvin, 16th century French theologian) Perhaps you don’t think that’s a fair statement for 21st century people. After all, most of us are not bowing down to idols of wood and stone. In fact, many would claim to...
Examples The one thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history. (Georg Hegel, 18-19th century German philosopher) Have we not learned from that often quoted observation by George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat...
Pride/Humility Pride is a mirror that reflects self; humility is a window that sees others. (Dick Dahlquist, teacher) With the great emphasis today in raising children to have a good self-image, we may sometimes go a little too far. It’s important, of course, to teach...
Words He who wants to persuade should put his trust not in the right argument, but in the right word. (Joseph Conrad, novelist) Even strong arguments may be lost because of ill-chosen words. Language is filled with synonyms, and the choice of a specific expression can...
Difficulties Providence has hidden a charm in difficult undertakings, which is appreciated only by those who dare to grapple with them. (Anne-Sophie Swetchine, 19th century Russian mystic) Many of us go out of our way to avoid difficult situations. We want life to be...
Principles If your cause is just, if your principles are pure, and if your conduct is prudent, you need not fear the multitude of opposing hosts. (John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence) Almost anything you say or try to do today will face...
Look Ahead Don't look back, you'll miss the road ahead. (Chris Suitt, pastor) As a mountain-biker, Suitt learned that “where your eyes go, so goes your front wheel. The bike will go where you're looking . . . So keep your eyes on the trail if you want to enjoy the...
Choices Our parents bring us into the world, but in the end, we are responsible for what we become. (Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese-American writer) We inherit a lot from our parents, of course: physical attributes and personality characteristics, no doubt. But we can’t...
Pettiness Pettiness is the tendency of people without large purposes. (George Will, columnist) Pastor Chuck Swindoll comments, “Petty people are worse than stubborn; they are negative and rigidly inflexible.” We quickly want to avoid people who are small-minded,...
Relationships The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships. (Anthony Robbins, life coach) What brings the most joy and pleasure to your life? Your new car? Your well-decorated home? Your job and career? These are all good, of course, and they are very...