People St. Augustine's Quotes 3:01 PM I’m a true-blue Augustinian, having attended Augustinian schools from kindergarten to college. Since August is the feast month of St. Augustine, I thought of compiling some quotes from this saint I grew up knowing. Fun Facts About St. AugustineHere are some interesting facts about St. Augustine of Hippo, a significant figure in Christian theology and one of the most influential figures in Christianity.Wild Youth: Augustine lived a hedonistic lifestyle before becoming a saint, indulging in worldly pleasures. He even described himself as a “slave to lust.”“Make Me Chaste, But Not Yet”: This famous line from his “Confessions” highlights Augustine’s inner conflict. He desired virtue but wasn’t quite ready to give up his pleasures just yet.Philosopher Saint Augustine was a theologian and a brilliant philosopher. His writings, especially “City of God” and “Confessions,” have had a lasting influence on Western thought.Manichaeism: Before converting to Christianity, Augustine followed Manichaeism, a dualistic religion that viewed the world as a struggle between good and evil forces.Mother’s Influence: His mother, St. Monica, was a devout Christian who prayed for his conversion for many years. Her persistence is considered pivotal in his spiritual journey.Late Bloomer: Augustine didn’t convert to Christianity until he was 31. His baptism by St. Ambrose took place on Easter Vigil in 387 AD.Bishop of Hippo: After his conversion, Augustine became the Bishop of Hippo (in modern-day Algeria) and served for over 30 years, profoundly shaping the early Christian Church.“Confessions”—The First Autobiography? Many consider Augustine’s Confessions to be the first Western autobiography in which he reflects on his life, sins, and conversion.Patron Saint of Brewers: Interestingly, Augustine is the patron saint of brewers due to his transformation from a wayward youth to a faithful Christian, symbolizing moral regeneration.Hippo Siege: Augustine died in 430 AD during the Vandals’ siege of Hippo. His death came shortly before the city fell, but his legacy lived on. St. Augustine’s Quotes “The World is a book; those who do not travel only read a page.”“There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart.” “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” “The punishment of every disordered mind is its own disorder.”“The Bible was composed in such a way that as beginners mature, its meaning grows with them.” “Life is a misery, death an uncertainty.”“And men go abroad to admire the heights of mountains, the mighty waves of the sea, the broad tides of rivers, the compass of the ocean, and the circuits of the stars, yet pass over the mystery of themselves without a thought.” “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.” “Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.” “He that is jealous is not in love.”“If two friends ask you to judge a dispute, don’t accept, because you will lose one friend; on the other hand, if two strangers come with the same request, accept because you will gain one friend.”“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” “If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” “This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.”“Beauty is indeed a good gift of God; but that the good may not think it a great good, God dispenses it even to the wicked.” “The greatest evil is physical pain.” “God is best known in not knowing Him.”“Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.” “Love, and do what you like.”“The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.”“He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.” “He that is kind is free, though he is a slave; he that is evil is a slave, though he be a king.” “Repentant tears wash out the stain of guilt.” “The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences.”Which of these quotes from St. Augustin resonated with you? Do you have a favorite saint?
Life Lessons Unsolicited Advice To The Struggling 20-Something 8:03 AM Shared on Thought Catalog: Unsolicited Advice To The Struggling 20-Something. My title makes me feel like a know-it-all pompous ass. Who am I to give advice anyway? It's not like I've got everything figured out by now. I may not be as wise as Master Oogway or Old Rafiki (See what I mean? Cartoon characters), but let's just say that I have survived the 20's life, and I've learned more than you have so far. So, listen up. Unsolicited Advice To The Struggling 20-Something: Fail fast, and fail often. Some Most lessons should be learned the hard way. Failure makes you hungry and desperate, so you strive for more. Failure makes you wiser, so you make better decisions in the future. Failure brings you to rock bottom and when you're down, there really is no other way but up. Be deliberate Be deliberate in choosing who you spend most of your time with. Don't discriminate. Everyone has goodness in them. But, choose who you hang out with more often. Like it or not, your friends' qualities rub off on you. Jim Rohn said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with". That includes their income and their personalities. Choosing who you spend time with is the same as choosing the person you want to become. Be kind and considerate But don't forget to stand your ground. Try to be patient and considerate. Problem is, most people are abusive. If you let them, they will take advantage of your kindness and cross the line because they assume you will be considerate with them anyway. Sad, but most people are like parasites who feed on your goodness. Have the balls to face the consequences of your actions. Own up to your mistakes. Don’t go around blaming others for the decisions you make. There’s nothing more impressive than someone who is mature enough to admit they’re wrong. There’s nothing more appalling than someone who keeps on making up excuses for their mistakes, and has the gall to put the blame on other people and circumstances for their mess. Read the complete list here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Music Music: This I Believe (The Creed) 12:07 PM This I Believe (The Creed) Hillsong Worship I believe in God our Father I believe in Christ the Son I believe in the Holy Spirit Our God is three in one I believe in the resurrection That we will rise again For I believe in the Name of Jesus I believe in life eternal I believe in the virgin birth I believe in the saints' communion And in Your Holy Church I believe in the resurrection When Jesus comes again For I believe in the Name of Jesus. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Bo Sanchez's The Abundance Formula 3:15 PM You must get good at one of two things: Planting in the spring or begging in the fall. -Jim Rohn You'd think there's a magic formula behind abundance. Or a complex scheme. Turns out, it's really simple. I learned this from the book The Abundance Formula by Bo Sanchez. Just remember these 4 numbers: 100, 10, 20, 70. Earn 100% Give back 10% Invest 20% Spend 70% Understanding Your Spending HabitMoney is also about psychology and emotions. It’s hard to restrain from buying when you keep on justifying it, right? "It’s on sale.""I deserve this."You will never run out of excuses when you purchase something. And that's what usually stops you from living an abundant life.How Can I Be Abundant in Life? Financial abundance, as suggested in the book The Abundance Formula, is simple. 1. Earn 100%. Give your all in what you do because the universe will always pay you back for what you give. 2. Tithe 10%. Ask any successful businessmen - who are not religious, and they will tell you that giving back to the universe is a huge part of success. It’s the law of attraction, the law of reciprocity, the law of the harvest. When you give, you create a vacuum that the universe will fill up again. That’s just the way the universe works. Giphy 3. Invest 20%. There are many kinds of investments: paper assets, properties, and businesses. If you're no expert like me (math and I have a complicated relationship), do your research and see which investment suits your lifestyle best. Or join the Truly Rich Club. They give you financial - and spiritual advice. They tell you what companies to invest in, when to buy, or what to sell. (This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!)VSGIF 4. Spend 70%. Spend what’s left after tithing and investing. Live only within or below your means, and you’ll never run out of cash again. Giphy What does it mean to live life abundantly? The meaning of abundant life is not confined to having more material things. Abundant life isn't about living in excess, it's about: Fulfilling your potential. Growing, learning, and using your gifts. Meaningful connections. Building deep, loving relationships. Gratitude and joy. Savoring the good, big and small. Purpose and contribution. Giving back, making a difference.The Secret to Living AbundantlyAbundance is a feeling, not a material possession. It's about richness of spirit, depth of connection, and the joy of living a life true to yourself. So, tune into your own symphony, play your unique notes, and create a life overflowing with abundance.What are the characteristics of abundant life?An abundant life isn't easily defined, as it has different meanings for different people. However, there are some common characteristics that tend to paint a picture of richness and fullness:Inner QualitiesPurpose and Meaning: A sense of direction and a guiding force that fuels passion and motivation. Joy and Gratitude: An appreciation for the good, big and small, leading to a deep sense of happiness and contentment. Resilience and Growth: The ability to bounce back from challenges and continuously learn and evolve. Peace and Calmness: An inner serenity allowing clear thinking and emotional stability. Love and Connection: Deep and meaningful relationships that provide support, belonging, and shared joy.External ManifestationsContribution and Impact: Making a positive difference in the world, however big or small. Health and Well-being: Physically and mentally thriving, feeling energized and able to pursue your passions. Creativity and Expression: Utilizing your talents and abilities to bring something unique to the world. Financial Security: Having enough resources to meet your needs and pursue your goals without undue stress. Adventure and Exploration: Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new experiences to broaden your horizons. What constitutes an abundant life will vary greatly from person to person, so focus on identifying what truly matters to you and cultivating those qualities and experiences that bring you meaning and joy.Remember, the characteristics of an abundant life are a guide, not a rulebook. Embrace the journey and create your own definition of a life lived to the fullest.Bo Sanchez's The Abundance Formula TakeawayAfter reading books on money management, attending seminars, and applying what I learned, I realized that the road to abundance may be long, meandering, and even lonely (not everyone is determined to get out of the rat race), but seeing your money grow is fulfilling.Because it's not about accumulating material things. It's being able to do what you like, give to those in need, and have a sense of freedom.Can you say you're living abundantly at the moment? What's your secret?
Faith Why People Turn Their Backs From Faith 11:59 AM Don't try to change people; Love them so that they will learn to love themselves---and desire to change. -Bo Sanchez I thought about why people turn their backs not only from religion but from faith altogether. I don’t have to look far. I too went hiatus from the church for a while. After going to Catholic schools from kindergarten to college, I started questioning my faith. Why pray the rosary? Why ask for the saints’ intercessions? Why adore Mary? Why confess my sins to a priest? A lot of things happened, and fast forward to today, I have recovered my faith. I can understand the doubters. Why People Turn Their Backs From Faith 1. They’ve tried and tried searching for answers but, they didn’t get any. 2. They’ve tried and tried searching for answers, and they met people who have already given up, making it easier for them to relate with. 3. They’ve tried and tried searching for answers but, the answers they found confused them all the more. 4. They are the “to see is to believe” kind of people. Often, they want scientific proof, solid evidence and facts. 5. They grew up in an environment where faith is not that important. 6. They admire people, who are incidentally non-believers. 7. They’ve been through enough pain and suffering that made it hard for them to believe the existence of a merciful God. 8. They only see suffering and chaos. They can’t see the blessing anymore. 9. They don’t know enough good people that will restore their faith in humanity. 10. The world has been cruel to them (like it’s not cruel to all of us). 11. They think it’s pointless to put your faith on something that’s not proven. 12. They hear stories, experience and meet religious folks who show them the exact opposite of what’s being taught/preached. 13. They’re too proud to admit that someone is bigger than them. 14. They know too much they rely on themselves alone. We can’t change them. We can only show them the light or confuse them even more by the way we live. As one priest often say after celebrating the mass, “You may be the only Gospel that someone will read today. Be Good News.” Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
