Category Archives: Quips and Quotes

Brief thoughts. Big ideas.

25 Years Ago This Week

Posted on September 10, 2026 by mitchteemley

The Tribute in Light, New York City 25 Years Ago This Week September, 2001 was a tumultuous month for my family. We’d sold our Orange County condo, the only home our children had ever known, and on Labor Day moved … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Inspiration and Motivation, Memoir, Photography, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

Forgivness and Mercy: Our Greatest Strengths

Posted on September 7, 2026 by mitchteemley

Wounded Lion, Lucerne, Switzerland Thought for the Week: Forgiveness and Mercy Our current culture loves to point out people’s failings. It makes us feel strong and righteous. But how often do we really know why others act–or fail to act–the … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

What Is Prayer?

Posted on September 6, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo © by Mitch Teemley What Is Prayer? It’s a deceptively simple question. Consider pondering each of the following perspectives thoughtfully and, of course, prayerfully.  “Prayer is a refusal to settle for what is.” ~Walter Brueggemann “To clasp the hands … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

The Most Ridiculous Knock-Off Products Ever!

Posted on September 4, 2026 by mitchteemley

Harry Obama Potter the Hedgehog, Fastest Presidential Boy Wizard Ever! Source: acidcow.com The Most Ridiculous Knock-Off Products Ever! “Knock-Off” (noun): A cheap imitation of a popular product. Internationally-marketed brands are easily the most plagiarized things on the planet. Ever since … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

I’m Learning to Love My Broken Self

Posted on September 3, 2026 by mitchteemley

Image source: Kim Brown Today I’m Learning to Love My Broken Self Yes, I know the idea that we’re all broken isn’t a popular one. It seems many dislike the term because they assume it means either unfixable or unlovable. But … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Commitment Takes Courage!

Posted on August 31, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo by Andre Gaulin Thought for the Week: Commitment Takes Courage “Have you ever committed yourself to something without realizing it would permanently alter the course of your life?” ~The Wishing Map Planning is making a list of ‘Things to … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes, Self-Improvement, Writing and Blogging | Tagged , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Why Do We Need to Believe in Him?

Posted on August 30, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo by Mitch Teemley Why do we need to believe in him? One night many years ago, I ran into a young woman “witnessing” on a street corner. She told me Jesus loved me, but that I needed “to believe … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Inspiration and Motivation, Quips and Quotes, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Animals: What’s Not to Love?

Posted on August 28, 2026 by mitchteemley

“Lean on me, kid” – photo by Andy Parkinson I’m on record as a card-carrying animal-lover. Because, I mean, animals, what’s not love? Enjoy your weekend — and start here! Click on any image to enlarge it, read caption, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, Photography, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

The Least Romantic Pick-Up Lines Ever

Posted on August 27, 2026 by mitchteemley

Why didn’t I think of this one? I went to a singles bar exactly once when I was in my late 20s, instantly realized I didn’t know how to play the game, and left. But it could have been worse. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Entertainment and Popular Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Comparing Ourselves to Others

Posted on August 24, 2026 by mitchteemley

Photo courtesy of pixaby.com Thought for the Week: Comparing Ourselves to Others “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” ~Steven Furtick Plenty of Articles Warn Us… …not to compare ourselves to … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments