Monthly Archives: November 2017

Images

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

Most of us are pretty careful about displaying photographs of ourselves, and the last thing we want people to see is our passport photo. Yet we also carry another picture within ourselves – one far more important than any photograph. … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundant life, New Life, New start, Self Image, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Prosperity through Bankruptcy

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

  The British historian Niall Ferguson, in his book The Ascent of Money, says that one of the reasons for America’s prosperity is bankruptcy. He points out that while debtors in England used to languish in gaol for years, there … Continue reading →

Posted in Forgiveness, New start, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Political saviours

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

We often complain about our politicians while forgetting the old adage that we get the politicians we deserve. But within my lifetime there was one politician who inherited seventy percent unemployment and reduced it almost to zero; a bankrupt government, … Continue reading →

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It takes more energy to lie

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

The Temple University School of Medicine has found that lying takes more brain energy than telling the truth. It conducted an experiment where participants were divided into two groups. The first group had to shoot a toy gun and then … Continue reading →

Posted in Lies, Truth, Truthfulness, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Do it yourself beliefs

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

Doctor Rosemary Aird of the University of Queensland, a few years ago, conducted a survey of numerous young adults, and found that “Young people with do it yourself new-age beliefs were twice as likely to be more anxious and depressed … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundant life, Self Deception, Self giving, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Judging Mona Lisa

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

These days the church doesn’t command the same respect as in previous generations. This is not surprising, given the stories of abuse by some of its representatives. Sadly, there have always been people whose actions have betrayed Jesus, rather than … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Judgement, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Strange ways to die

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

Among history’s strangest deaths was Hans Steininger, who was famous for having the world’s longest beard. He trod on it, fell, and broke his neck! Then there was King Frederick of Sweden who died after eating fourteen servings of his … Continue reading →

Posted in Death, Life, Life's journey, Life's lessons, Living Life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Chasing after the wind

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

  For most people happiness is about money and status. Even though life teaches us otherwise, most of us never stop chasing them. There’s nothing new about this. One of the most poignant expressions of it was penned three thousand … Continue reading →

Posted in Futility, Joy, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Strong on pleasure but weak on joy

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

We live in a society that is strong on pleasure but weak on joy. We are blessed with so many opportunities for entertainment and personal fulfilment. No previous generation was so protected from want and disease. We are more highly … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, God, Joy, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Last Goodbye

Posted on November 24, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

Do you remember the days of the great ocean liners when a voyage to the other side of the world meant months of separation, and the hundreds of coloured streamers that formed the last physical link between those departing and … Continue reading →

Posted in Death, Eternal life, Faith, Uncategorized | Leave a comment