Tag Archives: happiness

In a False World Be Real

Posted on March 1, 2026 by mitchteemley

Image source: barrietoday.com In a False World, Be Real “From your precepts, I gain true understanding. Therefore, I hate every false way. Your word alone is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” ~Psalm 119:104-105 In … Continue reading →

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Being Content With What Is Ours

Posted on February 23, 2026 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week: Being Content With What Is Ours During a Sunday drive, my wife and I stumbled across this wonderful old covered bridge above. It was an ordinary day made special by warm conversation and a light fall … Continue reading →

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Expectations: The Mortal Enemy of Happiness

Posted on December 11, 2025 by mitchteemley

Expectations are the mortal enemy of happiness. The simplest solution, of course, is to lower our expectations of “how things will go.” But the far better solution is to banish them altogether. Banishing our presumptions is necessary for complete happiness. … Continue reading →

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Ask and You Shall Receive!

Posted on July 16, 2025 by mitchteemley

Two Hilarious Sermon Illustrations Pastors, teachers, and drama groups: These two family-friendly comedy scenes are based on actual incidents involving my wife Trudy and me. In them, the fictional versions of us, Rick and Toodie, grumble, love, and laugh their … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Posted on May 21, 2025 by mitchteemley

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” ~Matthew 5:9 ≅

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Wishing You a Tasty Cinco de Mayo!

Posted on May 5, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week I confess, I’m a gringo. But I grew up in Southern California, near enough to take daytrips into México. Plus, I always had enough friends with big Mexican families to get a taste of—and for—south-of-the-border culture. … Continue reading →

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“Thank You” – They Really are Magic Words

Posted on May 4, 2025 by mitchteemley

“Please” and “thank you.” Those were “the magic words,” Mom and Dad taught me. Corny? You betcha. But you know what? When I taught my kids to say them, they really did turn out to be kind of magical. Why? … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

How I Discovered the Real Me

Posted on February 9, 2025 by mitchteemley

I prayed before sunrise this morning, confessing my failings, admitting my fears, seeking to better know my God. Later on, at the bathroom mirror, I was startled to see the face of an adult staring back at me. Why? Because … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Ten Thoughts on Living With Honor

Posted on January 27, 2025 by mitchteemley

“The greatest way to live with honor,” said Socrates, “is to be what we pretend to be.” When I am not, his words disturb me. When I am, they strengthen me. Lois McMaster Bujold put it another way: “Reputation is … Continue reading →

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42 Years Ago My Life Changed Forever

Posted on January 23, 2025 by mitchteemley

Marriage halves our griefs, doubles our joys, and quadruples our expenses. ~G. K. Chesterton Forty-two years ago this week, I met a woman who would change my life forever. Two years later, I asked her to marry me, and she said … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 96 Comments