What principles do you live by?

[Jenster]

In the interests of sharing our collective wisdom with each other, I'd like to ask you what principles do you live by? What lessons have you learned about life or living that you can impart to the rest of us?

They can be big lessons that guide your decisions, actions and attitudes. Ones that motivate you, or keep you from jumping off of a cliff. Or they can be practical, daily-life sorts of lessons.

Here are a few of mine:

Lesson:
When I start slipping into thoughts of regret about my past, I try to remember: The Best Is Yet To Come. That belief gives me confidence and re-orients me to act with optimism instead of pessimism.

Lesson:
When storing chocolate cake in the fridge, put a cover over it, or else it'll get dry and icky.

I've got more, but what are some of yours?

 

[mwb]

Persistance pays off.

People remember when you achieve your goals, not all the times you failed before you finally got there.

People always overestimate how many calories they burn & underestimate how many calories they consume.

If you attend enough baseball games, you will see something historic (I saw a no-hitter).

When I was young, my mom told me not to get a big head if I did something great.

 

[maxmerc]

No matter how bad it gets, you're still breathing.

Take one step. Now take another. One at a time. Now keep moving.

Trust that God puts me where He wants me when He wants me to be there.

Trust God and keep fighting. PERIOD.

You WILL screw up. God already knows that, and has planned accordingly. Don't worry.

 

[Irascible]

Honesty is the best policy. But it's not the only policy.

Honesty for honesty's sake is not a virtue. It must serve a good and noble purpose or it's better left unsaid. Those who constantly bellow that they "tell it how it is" often use their claim on honesty as a shield for what is in reality a wickedly destructive tongue. There is time for honesty. And there is a time for tact. Only the Holy Spirit knows best how to balance the two.

 

[Ivy]

.

You WILL screw up. God already knows that, and has planned accordingly. Don't worry.

I like that.

And here's one I had to learn to live by, since I used to live the opposite way & got some sorrow for it: Don't Lie to Yourself

Another one, God really will supply all my needs

 

[Jenster]

Great principles, everyone! God sure has taught us a lot, eh? Keep 'em coming.

If you attend enough baseball games, you will see something historic (I saw a no-hitter).

That's cool, mwb! I'm not a huge sports fan, but even I can appreciate how unusual that one is.

Here's another: Worry less about what people think of you and more about what God thinks of you.

And its corollary: Most people care less about what they think of you. They're more worried about what you think of them. So just be who you are!

 

[Jenster]

Honesty is the best policy. But it's not the only policy.

Honesty for honesty's sake is not a virtue. It must serve a good and noble purpose or it's better left unsaid. Those who constantly bellow that they "tell it how it is" often use their claim on honesty as a shield for what is in reality a wickedly destructive tongue. There is time for honesty. And there is a time for tact. Only the Holy Spirit knows best how to balance the two.

Amen, brother Irascible!

 

[Ivy]

And its corollary: Most people care less about what they think of you. They're more worried about what you think of them. So just be who you are!

That's a good one Remember that musical "Carousel"? I like what the old man at the end says--"Never mind 'bout people likin' you. You try likin' them."

Here's another: Tithing is Perfectly Safe!

 

[Irascible]

Most people care less about what they think of you. They're more worried about what you think of them.

Darn tootin'. Everyone is worried about how they themselves look. The proof: What's the first thing everyone looks at in a group picture? Themselves.

Amen, brother Irascible!

Brother?! And to think you forgot my birthday... again. ;^)

 

[kelco]

I try to live up to these principles.......

Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
Mat 25:36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
Mat 25:37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
Mat 25:38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
Mat 25:39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?
Mat 25:40 And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

 

[Ivy]

The proof: What's the first thing everyone looks at in a group picture? Themselves.

Guilty.

 

[Jenster]

^^ Me too!

Brother?! And to think you forgot my birthday... again. ;^)

LOL. Oopsie. I never was good with remembering dates. ;O)


Road rage: It ain't worth it. If some reckless driver cuts me off, I try to think about it before I react. He (or she) is likely to end up in an accident anyway. Do I really want to be the one in the accident with him?

 

[woman.at.the.well]

I try to live by biblical principals (New and Old Testament findings). Things that range in the kind of characteristics I'd like to possess as a person -- like having the characteristics of Christ such as Fruit of the Spirit found in Gal 5:22&23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control). Because against such things there is no law according to brother Paul.

I've learned (mostly over the last 4 yrs) that just about the time I think I got a "grip" on something (whatever that may be - an idea, a concept, seeing a situation one way or another, or feeling confident in why I believe something, etc) God shows me another side to it.

Excellent question/thread!

 

[covenantwmn]

Biggest thing I learned through my divorce is that you cannot determine that someone is aloof or uninterested because they are quiet or seem somewhat rude, they could be going through something hellish that you know nothing of and are feeling overwhelmed and alone. I've learned to try to get to know them a little, it's paid off. Blessings all.

 

[eatenbylocusts]

I've learned again that broken hearts really do heal over time. I don't know if there is still some unknown purpose for our meeting, but I am happy to have another prayer partner.

 

[Ivy]

IThings that range in the kind of characteristics I'd like to possess as a person -- like having the characteristics of Christ such as Fruit of the Spirit found in Gal 5:22&23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control). Because against such things there is no law according to brother Paul.

Yes, they might outlaw prayer in schools etc. but no one's ever going to make a law against peace, kindness etc.

 

[Ivy]

I've learned again that broken hearts really do heal over time.

Amen, I've found that too.

 

[Jenster]

I am trying to live by the principle that God loves everyone. That is a real test for me, because I sure can get annoyed by some folks. But we are all equal in His sight.

 

[Ivy]

I am trying to live by the principle that God loves everyone. That is a real test for me, because I sure can get annoyed by some folks. But we are all equal in His sight.

Yup, God has, like.....supernatural loving abilities Give me more of those abilities, too, Lord.

 

[Jenster]

"In your anger, do not sin."

I'm trying to live by this one too. It's a toughie. But God hit me with a realization this morning about it. When He tells us not to sin in anger, it's not just because it's wrong/unrighteous. It's also harmful to us.

How many times do you get angry, then also start thinking bad things about the other person? Judgments, vengeful thoughts. I do the judging thing almost without knowing it! But then it occurred to me this morning that when I do that, and dwell on the injustice of what the other person did, I'm only serving to keep myself in this angry state.

How much better to simply admit, "I'm angry," and then just ride out the feeling until I'm peaceful again.

Just my two cents.