Category Archives: Attitude

The practice of thanksgiving is our most transforming resource.

Posted on February 19, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

In every generation the wisest people have known that the surest way to change one’s quality of life is to change the way we think. Our ability to change our outer environment may be limited, but the way it affects … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Gratitude, thankfulness, Transformation, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Do it anyway

Posted on May 19, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

The famous English preacher John Stott was a great advocate of the importance of practicing virtue even when the consequences work against you. He said: ‘Some People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people … Continue reading →

Posted in Actions, Acts of Kindness, Attitude, Character, Faithfulness, Great Endeavours, Greatness, Life's journey, Overcoming, risk takers, Self Discipline, Servant leadership, Spiritual Leaders, True greatness | Leave a comment

God’s alternative makes sweeter music

Posted on January 4, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

There was once an Italian boy named Antonio. He loved music and wanted above everything else to become a singer, but whenever he tried to sing his friends laughed at him. However, his village was home to Nicolo Amati, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Disappointed, Discerning God's Will, God's faithfulness, inner yearning, Making the most of what you've got, Music of life, satisfaction, Second chance, Seeing the possibilities, Stradivarius | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Attention to detail

Posted on November 13, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

The American rock band Van Halen, before agreeing to perform at a rock concert, always demand that the organisers provide bowls of M&Ms with all the brown ones removed. Now this may seem like petulance, but there’s actually a reason … Continue reading →

Posted in Accomplishments, Attitude, Faithfulness, Spiritual Insight, Trustworthiness | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Envy rots the bones

Posted on October 8, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Researchers at the University of Atlanta recently conducted tests on a group of monkeys whereby each monkey had to pick up a small stone and bring it to the researcher. Each time they did it they’d receive a slice of … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Bitterness, Contentment, Disappointed, Envy, Moods | 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

If you’re happy and you know it…

Posted on August 29, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Dictionaries often define the word ‘happy’ as ‘lucky’ or ‘fortunate’. But there’s another definition that describes it as ‘the capacity for enjoyment.’ I like that because I’ve long believed that it’s not how much we have that makes us happy, … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, enjoyment, Happiness, perception | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

No-one feels a nobody when they are part of a great endeavour

Posted on August 19, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

When Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London was being built, somebody asked one of the stonemasons what he did. He replied blandly that he cut stone. He asked the same question of another mason, who said that he was building a … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Attitude, Encouragement, Great Endeavours, Inspirational, Life, Life's journey, Purpose in life, Self Image, Spiritual Insight | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The ship that shot itself

Posted on July 13, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

During World War Two the American submarine Tang fired her last eight torpedoes against a Japanese convoy off the coast of China. The first seven were on target, but the eighth suddenly deviated and boomeranged back unseen to strike the … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Attitude, Bad Habits, Bitterness, Forgiveness, Hurting ourselves | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

First things first

Posted on June 5, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Years ago, a medical student at Montreal General Hospital, worried about his final examinations and what he should do with his life, picked up a book and read twenty-one words that changed his life, and through him have influenced generations … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Discerning God's Will, Doing what has to be done, Life's journey, Living Life, Making the most of what you've got, Priorities, Putting first things first, Seeing the possibilities, Spiritual Insight, Wisdom | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment