Live well, laugh often, love much . . . three short phrases from the poem Success, by Bessie Anderson Stanley written in 1904.
Live . . . well!
Do something you love. Do what you love with someone you enjoy. Do everything to the best of your ability.
Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. Light produces everything that is good, that has God’s approval, and that is true. Ephesians 5:8-9
“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” ~ John Wesley
“God created me—and you—to live with a single, all-embracing, all-transforming passion—namely, a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all the spheres of life.” ~ John Piper
Laugh . . . often!
Laugh loud and intentionally. It’s good for you. It relieves stress, boosts your immune system, decreases pain, and prevents heart disease.
Then our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with joyful songs. Then the nations said, “The Lord has done spectacular things for them.” The Lord has done spectacular things for us. We are overjoyed. Psalm 126:2-3
“Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity.” ~ Chuck Swindoll
A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around. ~ Carolyn Birmingham
Love . . . much!
Love completely. Love with the power of the Holy Spirit. Love even when you want to grumble, scream, or walk away! Just love.
Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults. 1 Peter 4:8
People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason the world is in chaos, is because things are being loved, and people are being used. ~ Author Unknown
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller
Timeless counsel to live, laugh, and love . . . everyday.
Deb – this is such cheerful and positive advice to remember. Thank you for reminding us to be the Light in our communities with our passionate pursuits and joy!
Thanks Missy – I can too easily focus on things that aren’t going well. I remind myself often everyday to choose JOY. It amazes me how that simple choice can turn around a less that wonderful day! Blessings!!