"Yet you still value the things you’ve lost the most. Because the things you’ve lost are still perfect in your head. They never rusted. They never broke. They are made of the memories you once had, which only grow rosier and brighter, day by day. They are made of the dreams of how wonderful things could have been and must never suffer the indignity of actually still existing. Of being real. Of having flaws. Of breaking and deteriorating. Only the things you no longer have will always be perfect."
- Iain Thomas, I Wrote This for You (via durianquotes)
"Can I say something to young ladies here? I’m trying to pick my words carefully here. Your husband, whoever he is, single ladies, will have an unbelievable amount of influence over your sons and daughters in regards to spiritual things. If you want your children to love Jesus deeply, hold out for a man that is Godly. And let me tell you this: I am well aware that Godly men are rare. Lots of neat Christian boys, not a lot of Godly men. And we’re working our tails off for you to try to develop some into that. But don’t settle, because it’s better that you be lonely now than you be married and lonely later. Are you tracking with me? It is better that you be lonely now than for you to get married to a man that will teach your kids everything but the way of Jesus."
- Matt Chandler (via wordsofaffection)
(via itsallaboutchrist)
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
- Martin Luther King, Jr. (via htubtch)
(via gimmemotalk)
Being “Normal.”
I remember being told by my English professor in high school that “normal is probably one of the most dangerous words in the English vocabulary.” And as I listened to him elaborate on the topic I couldn’t help but agree.
If someone were to ask you, “how would you define normal?” how would you respond? Typical? Average? Usual…?
When you think of it, “normal” is basically synonymous with “societal standards,” but why does that have to be a valid definition of what “normal” is? Why should society set all the expectations for others to live up to? What gives them the right to criticize people who do anything out of the ordinary? Why is it up to society to be the ultimate judge?
That alone should inspire us to think outside the box, create our own standards and not look to everyone else for approval, because if we do so, it eventually leads to them molding us into someone we are not. And besides, it’s better to be “weird,” or “unusual,” instead of just “normal.” Like everyone else.
This is why I admire confident individuals who can express themselves and be different without constantly trying to please others.. This is why I look up to famous individuals who can maintain their uniqueness and integrity without conforming to social norms. It sets a great example and makes a huge difference.
Let’s compare arrogance with confidence.
The two terms don’t have that much in common. Both are like a state of mind that contributes greatly to one’s attitude, personality, and how they treat others. However, they stem from different places, and I believe that people often confuse the two because “arrogance” can also be defined as “too much confidence.”
This is true, but understand that “confidence” and “overconfidence” are still different words. Confidence simply means that one has faith in his or herself while understanding all strengths and shortcomings, whereas the latter implies that too much emphasis is placed on strength.
Truly confident people are secure. They don’t feel the need to hold themselves on a pedestal and brag about every accomplishment. They don’t have to be the center of attention when good things happen for them. They dont necessarily need to ignore their weaknesses while boasting about their strengths. They don’t depend on others’ actions or opinions of them to help define their personality or make them superior.
Arrogant people tend to be more dependent on others to help validate their abilities while confident people are more dependent on themselves, and I think that this is the main difference here. A truly competent person continues to succeed on their own without much help, because they are certain of their capabilities. An arrogant person feels the need to be overconfident and boast about everything because deep down they are insecure. It’s why they tend to hide all their mistakes and shortcomings. And regardless of whether or not they truly surpass the abilities of those around them, it is their insecurity that pushes them to point out their achievements or seek extra attention.
FrEnemies.
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” It’s actually pretty good advice. But most are taking it a bit too literally without being aware of it.
For instance, take a closer look at the people that you love to surround yourself with. If you achieve something great, observe how they react to the good news. When something bad happens to you, take note of how they show their sympathy and support. When you’re seeking advice, consider their experiences and think about their attitude. Listen to how they communicate with others about you. This is not meant to be a specific formula to figure out exactly who all of your real friends are, but it does give you some insight on the people that you interact with on a daily basis.
I feel like the solid line between friends and enemies has been narrowed into the thinnest line imaginable. It’s becoming so much harder to tell friends and enemies apart.
But fake friends can only paste a smile on their faces and pretend to like you for so long. And, assuming that they are experts at it, it will take a really observant person to notice minor signs in the beginning.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that people should spy on every single action and pinpoint every little mistake that friends make. They shouldn’t be so quick to judge. But instead, they should focus on being a great friend themselves while staying observant. It’ll give them a chance to keep a closer guard on their surroundings.. to make wiser decisions about who they label a “friend.”
Cool Beans...: What a Christian Guy Is (and Isn't) Looking For In a Girl
It would be foolish of me to speak for the entire male gender, so I’m not gonna try. I AM gonna go ahead and speak for myself and other good, stand-up, Christian fellas out there though… Because I’m fairly certain they’ll agree with or at least relate to the following thoughts. I’m also going to…
SO ready for the premiere of Baby Daddy on June 20th! Tune in at 8:30/7:30c!!!
