Notes on Life

(For Shannon and Matthew. A working document in no particular order of importance)

1. The only way you will ever be happy is when God is at the centre of your life.
2. Learn to be happy even when you don’t get what you want otherwise you will never be happy even when finally do get it. Happiness does not depend on things.
3. The only acceptable attitude for giving is to expect nothing in return
4. God always makes sense. Sometimes he just doesn’t make sense to US.
5. A sense of humour is one of your greatest assets. Get one…and be sure to poke fun at yourself.
6. Hurting people hurt people. Be gentle.
7. God’s character is immutable. He IS faithful, He IS just and He IS loving. That cannot change.
8. “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each person’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility” ( Henry W Longfellow. )
9. Make sure you understand the difference between meekness and weakness. And then be meek.
10. Manners, not wealth, maketh the man. Always say please and thank you.
11. With God on your side you are infinitely stronger than you will ever know
12. You can, by an act of your will, choose to be happy and choose to forgive. Act first. The feelings will follow later.
13. Love is not a feeling nor is it selfish. Infatuation is both.
14. When the going gets tough. Walk the tightrope. Keep your eyes steady and keep moving forward. Eventually you will cross the abyss. And you’ll be stronger for it.
15. What goes around comes around. Always.
16. Life is not always a series of happy endings. Be strong and courageous .Lean on God.
17. God often works his Grace through people.
18. Where the mind goes the man follows. Guard your thoughts carefully because they drive your destiny.
19. “It’s a slow fade... when black and white are turned to grey”. ….be uncompromising in your principles.
20. You will never be liked by everyone. Even if you were perfect. Just ask Jesus.
21. Never ever strip anyone of their dignity. No exceptions.
22. Never become oblivious to the everyday miracles that surround you ..nature is full of complex and awesome creations
23. Nothing is big enough that it can’t be tackled one small chunk at a time.
24. Invest in your spirit and the spirits of others. These are the only eternal investments you will ever make.
25. Never apologise for your beliefs.
26. Life can and does change in an instant. Therefore as far as possible celebrate and enjoy the moment you are in.
27. ….and when things are bad know the tide will turn.
28. Make room in your life for good, clean, healthy fun. Have a hobby. Play a sport.
29. We are all innately creative beings. Finding a creative outlet is important.
30. Always be “present” with the people you are with.
31. Loneliness is not the absence of company. It is the absence of emotional intimacy. Don’t mistake the two.
32. Listen more than you talk.
33. You cannot rely on anyone else for your happiness. MAKE your own life and your own happiness. THEN share it with others.
34. Do not speak negatively over yourself or other people. There is immense power in the spoken word.
35. Never prioritise someone in your life who has not prioritised you in theirs.
36. Being playful and open to new experiences keeps you young.
37. Change is often painful but it is equally unavoidable.
38. FACE your fears. If you don’t they will own you.
39. Aside from your spirit, your health is your most important asset. Don’t ever trade your health and your peace of mind for worldly success and riches.
40. Occasionally both people can be right in an argument.
41. Oftentimes someone is wrong. Don’t discount the possibility that that someone could be you.
42. Try at all times and to the best of your ability to be honest with yourself. The lies we tell ourselves are worse than the lies others tell us.
43. Be gentle with yourself. Making mistakes is part of learning and growing.
44. God always loves the sinner. It is the sin he does not tolerate.
45. The Bible is God’s word. All of it. Always test your Christian beliefs against that yardstick.
46. Laughter is healthy for the body, the mind and the spirit. Actively seek to laugh every day.
47. SMILE. Smiles are contagious .They disarm the most hostile of people and unexpectedly brighten somebody’s day.
48. GIVE. Of yourself. Of your time. Of your money.
49. Don’t try to be someone else. You are uniquely and wonderfully created.
50. It is impossible to live a positive life with a negative attitude.
51. A problem shared is a problem halved. Make sure there is always someone in your life that you trust enough to confide in.
52. No good will ever come from feeling sorry for yourself. Ever.
53. Do the right thing. Even when no-one is watching. That’s integrity.
54. Don’t look for trouble. Be a peacemaker. But don’t allow yourself to be bullied.
55. You can never make someone love you. Don’t waste your time trying.
56. Learn to love yourself or you will be incapable of truly loving anyone else.
57. Sometimes we have to leave situations behind when the pain of staying becomes larger than the pain of leaving. Other times we need to stay by the Grace of God. Wisdom is knowing the difference 58. YOU can never change someone. They can only choose to change themselves.
59. Elderly people are not stupid. Never talk down to them. Rather be sure to talk to them and benefit from a lifetime of wisdom.
60. Be gentle to animals
61. LOVE GOD.
62. Death is not the end of the world. Actually it’s the beginning of a new one.x