Monthly Archives: September 2014

Measuring wealth

Posted on September 24, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

When most of us think of misers we think of Ebenezer Scrooge. But whereas Scrooge was a fictitious character, John G. Wendel and his sisters were real, and probably the most miserly people of all time. They inherited a vast … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Life, Making the most of what you've got, Misers, Riches, wealth | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

You can’t turn the clock back

Posted on September 24, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Police in Idaho a few years ago received a number of calls from residents of a certain neighbourhood about a car that was being driven round their streets in reverse. They went to investigate and found the car just as … Continue reading →

Posted in Forgiveness, Futility, Guilt, Judgement | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Second Chance

Posted on September 24, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

We talk rather glibly about forgiving and forgetting, but Thomas Edison, having come up with a plan to create the world’s first light bulb, worked for twenty four hours straight with a team of men to get the first one … Continue reading →

Posted in Forgiveness, Generous spirit, God, Grace, Second chance | Tagged | Leave a comment

Oysters and eagles

Posted on September 24, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Morris Mandel, commenting on our very human desire for security, said: ‘When God made the oyster, he guaranteed his absolute economic and social security. He built the oyster a house, his shell, to shelter and protect him from his enemies. … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspiration, Comfort Zone, Life's journey, Living Life, Love of the easy way, Purpose in life, Self Image, Trials and testings | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Not perfect; just forgiven.

Posted on September 24, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Watchman Nee, one of the best known leaders of the secret underground church in China during the great persecutions of Mao Tse Tung, told about a new convert who came in deep distress to see him. ‘No matter how much … Continue reading →

Posted in Childlike faith, Children of God, Doubt, Forgiveness, Grace, Heirs of God, Kingdom of God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Today, if you hear His voice

Posted on September 17, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

There’s an old legend about a holy man doing his morning meditation under a tree, whose roots stretched out over the riverbank. He noticed that the river was rising and a scorpion caught in the roots was about to drown. … Continue reading →

Posted in God's nature, Hardened heart, Healing, Righteousness, Salvation, Self Destruction | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How do you know it’s a good thing?

Posted on September 17, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

There’s an old Chinese legend of a farmer whose horse escaped. But he just shrugged and said “How do you know this is a bad thing?” Later his horse returned with a herd of wild horses, and the old man … Continue reading →

Posted in Accepting, Attitude, Faith, God, God with us, Life's journey, Luck, Positive Thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Think yourself to happiness

Posted on September 17, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

“Most people,” said Abraham Lincoln, “Are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Well, that may be an oversimplification, but there is still great truth in it. A positive mental attitude does have a powerful effect … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, God, God with us, Happiness, Living Life, Peace, Personal Growth, Positive Thoughts, thankfulness | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The price of a miracle

Posted on September 17, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

A little girl named Tess once took her money box to her local pharmacy, where the pharmacist was busy talking to a well dressed man. She said she wanted to buy a miracle. He asked her why, and she told … Continue reading →

Posted in Childlike faith, Faith, Good deeds, Mercy, Miracles | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Give me back my songs

Posted on September 11, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

The French have a story about a wealthy man who spent his days counting his gold. Next door was a poor cobbler who spent his days singing as he repaired shoes. The joyful singing irritated the rich man, so he … Continue reading →

Posted in Joy, Life, Life's journey, Materialism, Misery, Money, Music of life, Possessions, Sleeplessness, wealth, Worry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment