Illustrations

Prentice Henderson lived to be 100. He lived through the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and buried his wife.

He did not retire until he was in his 70s, and he taught Sunday School to 7th-grade boys for over 30 years at First Baptist Church. He had a simple little philosophy: “I chose to be happy.”  His daughter testified that, “He was always positive regardless of the situation.”

This man influenced generations because he “chose to be happy.”

Source: Houston Chronicle, August, 21, 2009

On November 4, 2010, Eunice Sandborn became the world’s oldest living person. She celebrated her 114th birthday in July, 20, 2010, at her church, First Baptist, in Jacksonville, Texas. Eunice says that she not only loves everything about her life, but she also has “no complaints.” If she had wanted to complain, she would have had many things accumulate throughout her 114 years to complain of. Yet, this lady has demonstrated that complaining is a choice.

Source: Houston Chronicle, November 5, 2010

Psychologists at the University of Cardiff in Wales found that people whose frown muscles were deadened with Botox were happier and less anxious than those whose muscles were not treated. The Journal of Pain May 2008 issue reported on a study which showed that people who grimace during uncomfortable procedures actually feel more pain than those who don’t.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, December, 2010

21% of those who define themselves as atheists say they believe in God.

13% of Christians who attend evangelical churches say God is more of an impersonal force than a Person with Whom people can have a relationship.

Source: Christianity Today, August 2008

In a Peanuts cartoon, Linus is curled up in a chair, reading a book, while Lucy stands behind him with a funny look on her face. Lucy then says, “It’s very strange. It happens just by looking at you.”

“What happens?” Linus asks.

Lucy calmly answers, “I can feel a criticism coming on.”

Source: Unknown

Submitted by Dr. Jeff Redlin

During the Battle of Spotsylvania in the Civil War, Union general John Sedgwick was inspecting his troops. At one point he came to a parapet, over which he gazed out in the direction of the enemy. His officers suggested that this was unwise and perhaps he ought to duck while passing the parapet. “Nonsense,” snapped the general. “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.” As the words left his mouth, Sedgwick fell to the ground, mortally wounded.

An American Indian was asked to explain the grace of Jesus. He took a pile of leaves and an earth worm. He laid the worm in the leaves and set the leaves on fire—at the last minute he lifted it out and said, “That is the way Jesus saved me!”

Source: Junior Missionary Stories, Margaret Tyson Applegarth

On one occasion J. C. Penney was asked the reason for His success. He said, “Adversity, and Jesus Christ.”

Source: McHenry's Quips, Quotes & Other Notes, Raymond McHenry

Don’t let your mom brush your hair when she is mad at your dad.

If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.

Don’t pick on your sister when she’s holding a baseball bat.

You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.

Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac.

Never hold a dust-buster and a cat at the same time.

You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

Sometimes the best one in the play has the fewest lines.

Twelve is a lot older than eight.

A preacher was in Atlanta, several years ago, and noticed in the restaurants section of the Yellow Pages, an entry for a place called Church of God Grill. The peculiar name aroused his curiosity and he dialed the number. A man answered with a cheery, “Hello! Church of God Grill!”